Chapter Nineteen: What Heroes Cannot Achieve, Science Can

Continuous underwater explosions rang out, shattering the hidden reefs into fragments and dust. The shipping lane was thoroughly cleared.

[Proceed to Danger Node Two and Danger Node Three: Shipping Lane Reef Clearance—Completed]
[Current Completion Status: Excellent]
[Please complete the final danger point: Return Point—The Last Harbor]

At the moment the storm threatened, several human scientists affiliated with the Academy of Sciences witnessed a dawn that pierced through the torrential rain—a beacon of salvation from human civilization. The “Voyager,” the highest-spec research vessel of the Chinese Academy, remained undamaged despite striking the submerged reefs. They pressed onward toward the final return point of this journey, broadcast live to millions.

[Final Objective: Construct a hurricane-resistant shelter near the cliff of Lighthouse No. 43]
[Completion level will affect the future course of civilization along the East Asian coast]
[60% Completion: All crew members of the Voyager survive]
[80% Completion: Less than 10% damage to the Voyager’s hull, no loss of precious relic samples]
[100% Completion: Neutralize the impact of the super typhoon “Aiyunni”]

Su Wen gazed out at the clear, endless sky. A profound weight from civilization settled over him. He smiled softly, feeling no fear. On the contrary, as a scientist, he deeply understood that science respects facts and follows truth but will never yield to fear.

He directed his avatar to begin searching for a suitable port foundation beneath the Cape of Lighthouse No. 43, capable of resisting the hurricane. First, analyzing waterway conditions: dense depth contours—wide river, deep waters, ample space—all crucial for navigation and mooring. Perhaps it was the game’s built-in spacetime analysis system, but the semi-enclosed natural environment beneath Lighthouse No. 43 perfectly met these criteria.

Yet natural rock formations alone could not serve as a breakwater shelter; they could only dissipate some force during storms. Therefore, he had to design a pressure-isolating layered structure capable of withstanding deep-water pressure and reinforce it to house the Voyager safely. The site needed to be sheltered from waves and wind, with a closed structure featuring gates to seal after the ship entered, avoiding high-risk open designs. Considering potential typhoon shifts and residual effects, secondary buffering and waterproof drainage systems were essential.

If it weren’t for the modular building system granting him near-creative mode capabilities, and the absolute reliability of combined structures…

Su Wen was alone. Even if he instantly ascended to a third or fourth-tier extraordinary being, he could not confront this challenge by sheer power.

“Things heroes cannot do, science can.”

Thus began Su Wen’s solitary mission to save the world.

One hour.
Two hours…

He completed two massive alloy gates as the first barrier. To prevent excessive storm pressure, he designed staggered interlocking teeth at the gates’ seams. This allowed the colossal, instantaneous forces of the super typhoon to be dispersed through numerous small, multi-angled units, preventing a direct breach.

To manage pressure thresholds, this first barrier would not fully repel water under extreme force but allow controlled movement within the interlocking teeth, avoiding total destruction. The seawater and storm surges entering the alloy gaps were significantly mitigated.

Next, he began designing the second line of defense.

Three hours.
Four hours passed.

During this time, Jiang Menghan called to check on Su Wen’s health. Watching the energy conduits and architectural assemblies forming on his screen, Su Wen felt a surge of accomplishment. He replied simply, “About ten more hours to go.”

In response, Jiang Menghan sent a cute, speechless cat emoji—reflecting their close bond. Knowing Su Wen was fine, she refrained from further interruptions.

Su Wen resumed his construction efforts. Somehow, the feeling of building an entire fortress by hand was irresistibly satisfying.

There is a classic saying in civilization: “Wonders can mislead a nation.” Yet, the joy of personally crafting a shelter formidable enough to withstand natural disasters was undeniably exhilarating.

As for the mountains of mechanical debris left by Schrott along the coast, they now found a purpose in this project.

With the second and third defensive lines completed, Su Wen lavishly installed two high-performance deep-water impermeable modules as transparent barriers. To prevent energy conduit failures, he employed a triple-core energy system—one primary with two backups—forming an independent, combined circuit. Even if a sudden malfunction occurred, overall operations would remain unaffected.

Finally, inside the harbor, he reserved mooring points for the Voyager and multiple controllable drainage outlets, ensuring water levels stayed within manageable bounds and preventing foolish overflow.

After finishing the three shelter barriers and crew rest quarters, Su Wen opened a secret passage from the Lighthouse No. 43 control room to the mooring point beneath the cliff. Should water levels rise beyond expectations, escape from this high point remained possible. However, under normal circumstances, he did not recommend leaving the old, though reinforced, lighthouse during a typhoon.

Of course, this was not his final arrangement.

To accomplish the impossible task of neutralizing the Pacific-East Asia super typhoon, he prepared a parting gift for the disaster “Aiyunni.”

[Final Danger Point: Return Point—The Last Harbor Completed]
[Completion Status: Excellent]
[After the typhoon crisis ends, the game will rate your final handling and determine its impact on the future timeline]
[Please be patient, player]
[Note: The origin-era civilization’s historical record will honor your contributions]

After a full day and night, Su Wen stared at the game screen, finally too exhausted to keep his eyes open. He collapsed into bed.

At the very moment he completed the game, the “Death Countdown” before his eyes quietly ceased its ticking.