Deposed Crown Prince: After three years of service on the frontier, the entire court knelt and begge

"But nuclear contamination... what's that...?"

Xiao Ce smiled and said, "This can't be explained in a few words. It's just a very powerful weapon. Of course, it's highly likely that such a weapon doesn't exist; I was just being cautious..."

After listening to Xiao Ce's words, the two nodded.

Morgana remained silent and instead took out a small booklet to take notes.

Seeing this, Xiao Ce continued his explanation: "After discussing survival guarantees, the next step is the establishment of the defense system..."

"First, we need to establish a defense in depth, with layers of barriers. We must not rely solely on the defense line at the entrance of the valley! We need to establish a 'nested doll' style defense."

As Xiao Ce spoke, he began to gesture on the sand table.

Xiao Ce continued, "First, we can use the natural dense forests and rugged terrain to set up a large number of cleverly disguised observation posts and early warning traps on the outermost layer, such as tripwire alarms, hidden sentries, non-lethal delay traps, deep pits, swamps, and giant tree formations. We can send out elite small reconnaissance units, like the eyes and ears of the forest, to push the perimeter line to tens of kilometers away. The goal is to provide early warning and delay, preventing the enemy from approaching the core area silently and slowing down their advance."

"Secondly, in the middle layer, on the surrounding mountains, this is the first line of defense. Reinforce the existing watchtowers and low walls, set up crossfire points, deploy cold weapons such as crossbows and catapults, and reserve platforms for the future installation of firearms, or even energy weapons."

Make full use of cliffs and precipices, constructing sturdy stone and timber fortifications at key passes, and even carving tunnels into the mountains to create impregnable strongholds. Deploy large-scale defensive structures such as rolling logs and boulders, and oil traps. All fortifications must be able to withstand high-intensity impacts. We must be prepared to have something to defend ourselves even in extreme environments without the aid of firearms…

As Xiao Ce spoke, he continued, "Then comes the core layer, which is actually the entrance to our civil defense preparedness zone, and also the main gate. The entrance must be hidden as well as possible, and thoroughly reinforced and camouflaged!"

For example, it could be incorporated into the rock formations, waterfalls, or the root system of giant trees. The entrance passage could be designed as a "death corridor," narrow, winding, with multiple gates and filled with deadly traps such as falling rocks, poison arrows, trapdoors, and high-voltage electric shocks.

Each gate must be heavy-duty and sturdy, capable of withstanding explosions and cutting. Key internal nodes, such as the command center, energy core, grain silos, and weapons depots, must also be equipped with independent heavy-duty blast-proof doors and defensive nodes.

"Of course, camouflage is essential... Multiple decoy targets and feint zones must be carefully set up around the core area to attract enemy fire for reconnaissance and attack. Smoke, fire, and noise should be used to create illusions and confuse the enemy's judgment of the true core location. All external activities must strictly adhere to concealment regulations and leave no trace."

"Finally, there's the preparation for air defense and anti-infiltration, which also means being prepared..."

"Air defense? You mean air defense is about protecting against attacks from the sky? What kind of attacks are there in the sky?" Frank couldn't help but interrupt...

Xiao Ce was not surprised, because although the West was advanced, for some reason, their research on the sky seemed to have been stagnant.

Meanwhile, in East Asia, Xiao Ce heard quite a bit of news. Xiao Yang and the others had mentioned that the Heavenly Mystery Academy had made significant progress in its research on aircraft, though Xiao Yang couldn't quite articulate the extent of that progress...

"Of course, East Asia already has very mature air-sea and ground-air coordinated attack methods... Therefore, considering the possible air threats, it is necessary to set up air observation posts and possible simple air defense weapon platforms at high points or by utilizing the mountains themselves. I will contact East Asia and ask them to provide support for these... At the same time, a strict anti-espionage and counter-infiltration mechanism must be established internally. Identification, passwords, and patrol routes must be carefully arranged to ensure the security inside the fortress."

After listening, Frank didn't quite understand, but he was certain that what Xiao Ce said made sense.

Xiao Ce continued, "The next issue is production and the stockpiling of various weapons and equipment resources..."

"First, we need the capability to manufacture and maintain weapons, and we need to upgrade our workshops. This requires talent. I'll have Sion Capo make those contacts. Then I'll send some personnel over. We need the capability to manufacture both melee and firearms; basically, we need workshops that can be self-sufficient after we're cut off from the outside world..."

"Secondly, carpentry workshops, leather shops, and similar establishments should be able to produce a large number of engineering tools, daily necessities, and protective equipment, such as leather armor and simple gas masks. Equipment maintenance points should be established to ensure the normal operation of ventilation equipment, waterwheels, and simple machinery."

"Another crucial aspect is resource storage, which is absolutely critical! Currently, we rely on manpower, animal power, and waterwheels. We need to find and store stable energy sources. Possible directions include: exploring and utilizing geothermal energy; and developing large-scale animal-powered/water-powered power generation or energy storage devices. Without stable and efficient energy, all advanced defense and livelihood security are just empty talk."

Morgana objected, "With our level of research capabilities, this is probably beyond our capabilities... Mr. Xiao Ce, regarding the technical aspects..."

After listening to Morgana's words, Xiao Ce smiled at her and said, "That's good, don't worry. I naturally want you to do it. I'll arrange for the relevant technical personnel to come over. Of course, it will take time for them to arrive, so you can reserve the time in advance and do everything you can..."

Morgana listened and nodded repeatedly: "And then there's the stockpiling of strategic materials. We need to establish multiple decentralized, highly confidential strategic reserve depots in the deepest and safest locations within the core defense perimeter."

"Specifically, you can stockpile: high-energy foods that are easy to store (compressed biscuits, jerky, oil), medicinal herbs, medical equipment, spare weapon core components, and even some raw minerals hidden in the mountains... I will have Zion Capo prepare these for you... You just need to know this, don't worry about it..."

Morgana and Frank nodded. Frank listened to Xiao Ce recounting all the things Morgana had done.

"What about the soldiers? After all, we need the strength to fight back..."

Seeing Frank's excited expression, Xiao Ce smiled and nodded, "That's right, Frank... I certainly won't forget... Of course, you will still follow the elite route in the future. You can arrange a special forces army of 10,000 men. In the future, it must follow the path of being elite and specialized. Select the most loyal, resilient, and quick-learning soldiers from the existing population to form a small but well-equipped and highly trained special forces unit. They must not only be proficient in cold and hot weapon combat, stealth, and wilderness survival, but also learn and master the advanced weapons technologies we may acquire in the future."

"You can screen these personnel. I'll have Sion Capo, and even Victor King, screen them before providing you with a portion of the special forces training program. I already gave it to you, you should know that..."

Frank listened and nodded.

Xiao Ce continued, "Secondly, we need to establish an intelligence network and a covert intelligence team responsible for maintaining contact with the outside world (Sion, Victor King, and even the Illuminati's fringe) through secret channels to obtain key intelligence. At the same time, they will also be responsible for infiltrating behind enemy lines when necessary to carry out high-risk missions such as reconnaissance, sabotage, and rescue."

Then Xiao Ce turned to Jones Snow, who had been silent until now, and said, “Jones Snow, your organizational and communication skills among the refugees are very suitable for assisting in the formation and management of this covert force.”

Upon hearing Xiao Ce's words, Jones Snow's face lit up with excitement, and he nodded repeatedly...

Xiao Ce continued, "You also need to establish a research and development team. Later, after I bring over technical personnel from East Asia, you need to find some young people who are interested in technology and have potential! Their core task is to learn, maintain, and research and develop, and even innovate and conduct research... the production of various new weapons, and even the development of new technologies..."

"East Asia used to lag far behind the West in this area, but now it has surpassed them. As long as you take action, you'll always reap the rewards..."

Then, Xiao Ce said to Frank, "Another thing is that we need a nationwide military force. Everyone here needs to undergo basic military training and survival skills training (digging tunnels, first aid, making simple weapons, and identifying traps). Once the core area is attacked, they can quickly be transformed into auxiliary combat personnel or undertake tasks such as logistics, medical care, and fortification repair, forming a situation where everyone is a soldier!"

Xiao Ce's description was clear and detailed, like a grand blueprint slowly unfolding before everyone's eyes. This concept of a "wartime human defense zone" completely overturned their previous idea of ​​it merely as a refuge, elevating it to a strategic level concerning the survival of the race. Survival, defense, production, and counterattack were all interconnected, forming a powerful life form capable of tenaciously surviving and seizing opportunities in the apocalyptic storm.

Morgana listened, her heart pounding with excitement and a profound sense of responsibility. She asked, "Mr. Xiao Ce, your plans are grand and far-reaching. The excavation of underground spaces, the exploration of water sources, the experimentation of underground agriculture, the search for energy... each one is a massive undertaking. Our current manpower and resources..."

“No rush.” Xiao Ce interrupted her, his tone calm. “One must take things one step at a time. Building a strategic reserve zone is a long-term, decades-long strategic task. What I’m giving you is the ultimate goal and direction. What you need to do now is to advance it in stages and with a focus, while ensuring the existing order and life.”

"I know these things weren't accomplished overnight..."

"Therefore, we need to divide it into several stages... The first stage, which is the goal for the next two years, can be summarized as consolidating the foundation and making key breakthroughs."

"First, we must prioritize survival and immediately begin searching for and identifying one or two new, more reliable underground water sources. At the same time, we will establish the first underground experimental farm on the existing farmland. We will select fast-growing, shade-tolerant crops for technology accumulation. Simultaneously, we will begin to systematically and secretly stockpile staple grains, wheat, beans, salt, sugar, and oils on a large scale through Sinon's channels."

"On the defensive front, we've also seen malicious intent intensifying, starting with reinforcing the middle layer of defenses. Utilizing existing stone and timber, thoroughly reinforce the pass at the valley entrance, creating at least three independently closable heavy gates. Utilize natural caves or carve out small firing bunkers on the side walls to create crossfire. Expand the outer warning perimeter, establishing at least three ring-shaped warning zones, installing simple yet effective alarm devices, and clearly defining the warning signal transmission process. The camouflage and reinforcement of the core entrance must begin immediately, with at least two heavy doors and trap tunnels!"

Xiao Ce then looked at Frank: "Frank, now we can select from our existing soldiers and have them start choosing people to build up the initial scale. Frank, you will be in charge of conducting the most rigorous loyalty tests and physical training, combat, stealth, and wilderness survival training. Jones Snow will begin looking for reliable candidates to build the prototype of an intelligence organization, initially responsible for the secret material handover and intelligence transmission with Zion."

The two nodded, and Xiao Ce continued, "Of course, the technology research group needs to be established and recruitment should begin. I will provide you with a batch of people, and then you will select another batch yourselves to develop some strictly confidential plans. This will be your responsibility..."

"The effects of these things will be visible within one or two years."

"Then comes the second stage, at which point we can expand and upgrade!"

"Based on the existing foundation, the scale of the underground farm has been expanded, forming a stable production chain. The development of deep groundwater resources and the construction of a purification and storage system have been completed. A large-scale strategic reserve has begun to take shape."

"The outer early warning system has a wider coverage, and rapid response teams have been established. The construction of all key nodes of the middle-layer defense fortifications has been completed. We have begun to systematically excavate deeper and more robust core fortifications into the mountain, including backup command posts, hospitals, and core warehouses. We are also exploring the possibility of utilizing the natural karst cave system inside the mountain."

"There's also the expansion of technological research and the strengthening of the military..."

"At this point, he already possesses all the functions he should have!!"

"The final stage is when there's no time left; it's about long-term operation! Complete all the planning and construction goals for the civil defense zone, making it an ultimate fortress capable of operating independently for decades, possessing strong defensive and counter-attack capabilities. Closely monitor the external situation, especially the movement of storms. Be prepared to activate it at any time, serving as humanity's last line of defense."