I can upgrade the shelter

Because the entire route of the operation consists of wilderness, the two mobile bases did not need to worry about any supplies, almost traversing Siberia in a straight line, gradually approaching Flame Country.

"Where are we now?" In the command center, Chen Xin glanced out the window before asking the driver.

After a few days of acclimatization and adjustment, the entire crew gradually became familiar with and mastered the operation and driving of the mobile base. The speed of movement has already slightly improved, reaching Chen Xin’s initial design standards.

The driver, who was studying the route, heard Chen Xin’s inquiry, glanced at the map, and replied, "We are currently in Uliyasutai, about over a thousand kilometers from the national border. We should be able to enter Meng Province in two days."

"Uliyasutai, huh? So we’ve actually reached here." Chen Xin listened to the driver’s answer, opened the holographic map on the control center console, projecting the surrounding map of the mobile base, and showed a slightly emotional expression, "If Suyia hadn’t split it away back then, we would technically be home now."

The driver, feeling somewhat empathetic to Chen Xin’s sentiment, added, "The relationship between Flame Country and Suyia really is hard to describe!"

"Who says it’s not? Back in the days of Suyia!" Chen Xin responded to the driver with a complex smile, feeling quite emotional inside.

The relationship between Suyia and Flame Country can be described as very complex, with a deep historical connection.

When Flame Country was initially founded, the first international entity to recognize its existence was Suyia, which also provided considerable assistance to the fledgling Flame Country, to the point where for quite some time, Suyia was referred to as the big brother by Flame Country.

However, later, the relations between the two countries deteriorated, severing interactions for decades and igniting a fierce border conflict. The Suyians used their military to attack Flame Country, leading to a fierce battle lasting over ten days with hundreds of casualties from both nations.

Although the relations between the two countries have gradually normalized since the dissolution of Suyia, those familiar with the history always have mixed feelings when Suyia is mentioned.

Especially since the land they are currently traversing has historically been part of Flame Country’s territory but was split off during modern times under Suyia’s manipulation, becoming a so-called independent nation.

"Speaking of which, how’s the current situation in Uliyasutai? Their survivors should be having an even harder time than those in our country, right?" Chen Xin asked the driver out of curiosity, not really expecting an answer.

"It’s definitely tough. Ever since this country split off, things haven’t been good. Especially after Suyia’s dissolution, external support was cut off, and the people’s livelihood deteriorated!" The driver seemed to know a bit about the situation and spoke with a sigh.

Chen Xin also had some understanding of the situation in this country. When Yanran Mountain’s inscription was discovered in Uliyasutai, a friend of his specifically visited the country to admire the ancient accomplishments of their ancestors.

This trip also gave Chen Xin’s friend the most direct understanding of Uliyasutai.

As the second largest landlocked country in the world, with the 19th largest land area and abundant underground mineral resources, this country is still incredibly poor, with national economic output not even comparable to that of a second or third-tier city in Flame Country, and can be said to be the poorest and most backward nation in all of Asia.

With over half of its population of more than three million squeezed into the capital, almost the entire country consists of uninhabited regions.

To maintain the operation of the capital, almost all of this country’s resources are accumulated in the capital.

Still adhering to last century’s Suyia development model, the city’s pollution is quite severe, being the most polluted city globally, with a significant disparity between rich and poor.

This kind of country makes it hard to believe they have the capability to withstand apocalyptic disasters.

Thinking of this, Chen Xin couldn’t help asking the driver, "Will we pass by their capital?"

"According to our route, we won’t enter their capital, but if you want to take a look, Professor Chen, we can make a detour," the driver didn’t mind. Most of Uliyasutai’s land consists of deserts and plains, so a slight detour wouldn’t affect the journey.

However, Chen Xin shook his head, showing no interest: "Forget it, there’s no need to delay our journey just to satisfy curiosity. Let’s head directly back to our country; they probably don’t have any hope left."

Chen Xin did a quick mental calculation and abandoned the idea of taking a glimpse.

After all, with more than three million people in this entire country, practically zero industrial strength, and half the population concentrated in the capital, although it’s not impossible to build one or two shelters for the upper echelons to use, how many can survive remains a big question.

With more than three million people, Chen Xin thought it would already be quite fortunate if 1% survived.

The driver was also indifferent; since Chen Xin wasn’t interested, he naturally wouldn’t make a fuss.

-------------------------------------------

As Chen Xin and his team were entering Uliyasutai, the Haizhu had already returned to the country, reporting to the higher-ups about the outbreak of an ancient virus infection in Lucia, causing widespread epidemic transmission.

This drew significant attention from the higher-ups.

The Haizhu was completely isolated and thoroughly sanitized. Although no infections showed among the members, no one dared to risk that the entire ark wasn’t tainted with the virus.

Concerning whether to assist Lucia, the higher-ups hadn’t made a decision. This was different from previously providing material aid, which was just a matter of convenience with the chance to exchange for some good things in return.

However, with the epidemic spreading widely in Lucia, offering assistance now held entirely different implications, requiring completely different sacrifices for Flame Country.

In the context of a recent massive earthquake in the Southwest Region, the entire Flame Country was facing a shortage of materials and medical resources, leaving little leeway to support Lucia.

After all, it’s hard enough to save the citizens of one’s own country; how could there be excess capacity to save people from another country?

However, the issue could not be entirely ignored since the two countries had just recently signed a cooperation agreement and Flame Country gained a lot from Lucia, turning a blind eye now would not align with Flame Country’s usual approach.

Moreover, an ark named Xugou was still stranded in Lucia; before giving up on rescuing Lucia, they had to retrieve their people and the ark.

Additionally, the emergence of the ancient virus sounded a warning for Flame Country. Even if the epidemic in Lucia couldn’t spread to Flame Country, it’s still worth staying vigilant and prepared.

The virus in Lucia might have leaked from the Arctic and Siberia, and within Flame Country’s borders lies the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, where ancient viruses have been discovered before, so it’s crucial to remain on guard against such situations.