Chapter 130: Chongzhou City

Using the vehicle's onboard AI and radar, Su Wu compiled a detailed 3D map of the base vehicle's current position and the surrounding sandy terrain. Based on this map, he calculated the most efficient way to extricate the vehicle and delegated the execution of the plan to the onboard AI.

This type of repetitive, tedious work was well within the AI's specialized capabilities, freeing Su Wu from the task. 

Seconds later, the mechanical arm mounted on top of the base vehicle's first module began operating its digging bucket to remove sand around the vehicle. Meanwhile, a small excavator from the second module exited through a side door to assist in the rear.

Due to their distinct functions, the three modules of the base vehicle were not directly connected. This design ensured that even if the rear module doors were wide open, the first module's interior environment remained unaffected. This allowed Su Wu to carry out bold operations without compromising safety.

Listening for a moment to the sounds outside and finding nothing unusual, Su Wu turned off the sound-capture system, enveloping the cockpit in silence.

He left the cockpit, lay on the sofa in the lounge, and resumed watching a movie on the large screen. Getting the vehicle out of the sinkhole wasn't a task that could be rushed. Su Wu decided to use the time to finish the film he had started earlier.

An hour later, the AI announced that the vehicle had successfully extracted itself from the pit and was reversing to free its tracks from the sandy confines.

Turning off the movie, Su Wu returned to the cockpit. Through the panoramic windshield, which was still partially covered in sand, he once again saw the wide, expansive riverbed stretching into the distance.

"Let's keep going," Su Wu said calmly. He wasn't particularly bothered by the delay. Driving a massive base vehicle inherently came with its share of challenges.

The precautions he had taken ensured his safety, and the additional time spent navigating obstacles was a minor inconvenience. The vehicle was equipped with everything he needed for a comfortable life, including food, entertainment, and even a small gym.

After using wipers and automated water sprays to clean the panoramic glass, Su Wu replanned the route and resumed crossing the riverbed.

Learning from the earlier mishap, Su Wu was more cautious this time. When encountering areas that seemed less stable, he chose to take longer detours rather than risk crossing directly.

With the radar scanning the ground for weight-bearing capacity and careful progress, Su Wu finally reached the other side of the riverbed after two to three hours.

At this point, he had entered Chongzhou City's jurisdiction.

Chongzhou was one of the supercities of the eastern continent, with a population exceeding 40 million across its central urban area and surrounding satellite towns—roughly eight to nine times the size of Jianghe City. It was essentially a small country in its own right.

Driving the base vehicle another 30 kilometers northwest, Su Wu could see the outlines of Chongzhou's edge. Suddenly, a broadcast came through the radio channel.

"Welcome to Chongzhou City. Mobile and internet networks are fully restored within city limits. Non-local numbers entering the city for the first time will automatically receive 1,000 contribution points as a credit balance. For public services such as security, firefighting, and medical aid, please dial the relevant emergency numbers. Chongzhou Security Bureau reminds you that you are now under the city's surveillance system. Please adhere to all laws and regulations."

Su Wu glanced at the vehicle's external data display. The current external temperature was 82 degrees Celsius, with a radiation level of 3.2.

The radiation levels weren't high, and while the temperature was slightly lower than in Jianghe City, the difference was negligible.

Logically, the situation here should be similar to Jianghe City. Yet, the radio broadcast indicated that Chongzhou had managed to restore a comprehensive communication network on the surface, including basic public services.

This was no small feat. Jianghe City's official shelters had only managed to assemble a 20-vehicle fleet capable of surface operations, struggling even to maintain basic supply chains. They still relied on Su Wu's transportation network for emergency aid.

Here, however, vehicles capable of surface travel were being used for public services.

"Could people still be living on the surface here?" Su Wu wondered.

It wasn't impossible. With this world's architectural technology, constructing above-ground safe zones comparable to underground shelters was feasible—just prohibitively expensive. Such facilities weren't viable in smaller cities like Jianghe, but Chongzhou's vast resources and industrial capacity could likely sustain large-scale development.

Intrigued, Su Wu decided to alter his route slightly to take a closer look at the city.

As he approached, the road became noticeably smoother, free of debris or abandoned vehicles. This indicated recent maintenance and clearing activities.

A heavily loaded truck emerged from the city's direction, its size rivaling that of the base vehicle's modules. While not as long as Su Wu's three-module setup, its bulk was impressive.

Minutes later, the two vehicles passed each other on the road. Su Wu noticed that the truck driver, too, was staring at his base vehicle with curiosity. Clearly, his vehicle was as novel to them as theirs was to him.

After the truck passed, Su Wu found the local internet signal had grown stronger. Handing over driving duties to the AI, he pulled out his phone and connected to the network.

This time, he quickly accessed a website titled "Chongzhou Forum."

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