The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 838

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Chapter 838

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Nicole and Zeph had no idea what happened aboard the Ardelonian vessel. They scrambled to their feet and worked together to get their own submarine back under control.

“They have five submarines…”

Before Nicole could finish, several dark shapes swept past submarine 2688 and moved into formation ahead of

them.

She counted six vessels.

As she got a better look, she realized they weren’t submarines.

They were hexagonal underwater craft, much smaller than submarine 2688 and considerably faster. And they were docking with each other right in front of them.

Two connected to form a single, larger vessel. These craft were individual sections of a mobile underwater fortress, designed to separate and reassemble as needed.

Ardelon’s geography left it with few options. As sea levels rose, the country had little room to expand, so it turned to the open ocean.

Even without full control over its own military, Ardelon developed plans for underwater cities.

Nicole assumed those plans never got beyond the concept stage. Now the proof was right in front of her.

The angular vessels looked more like aircraft built to operate underwater. They could connect end to end or side by side, then detach again, almost like Transformers.

Each one was less than half the size of submarine 2688, but together, they posed a serious threat. With enough sections, they could potentially build an entire underwater base.

Once connected, their combined size and weight would make them more stable in rough seas.

If a major storm approached, they could split apart and use their speed and knowledge of the local waters to get clear. That flexibility could help them escape most disasters.

Ardelon had a long history of gambling on attacks against larger opponents, relying on surprise to launch its invasions.

The crews clearly shared that confidence. It helped explain why they rushed into the attack without considering what they were up against.

But once they realized their mistake, they adapted quickly. The six craft were already moving into a new formation.

They connected end to end and side by side until they formed a single massive vessel, with far more weight and ramming power than any one craft alone.

Nicole and Zeph already knew what it was like to die. They valued their second chance too much to risk a head- on fight with an enemy whose capabilities were still a mystery.

While the craft assembled, they wasted no time getting away. Nicole’s submarine raced ahead at full speed, with

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Chapter 838

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the Ardelonian vessel in pursuit.

The combined vessel did have one weakness: its bulk made it slower and harder to maneuver.

The chase stretched across the ocean depths, continuing from daylight into darkness. The Ardelonians stayed close, showing no sign of giving up.

Earlier generations fought these same invaders for 14 brutal years and won, despite having little more than rifles and barely enough food to survive. Their example gave Nicole every reason to hold her nerve.

She trusted her submarine.

It was only recently launched and escaped the colossal tsunami caused by the tectonic collision. Its nuclear fuel reserves were plentiful, and the rest of its systems remained in excellent condition.

The Ardelonian craft, on the other hand, spent years at sea. Even with luck on their side, they must have weathered countless storms. That much wear would eventually take its toll.

If Nicole couldn’t shake them, she would outlast them.