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Chapter 12: The Breathing Deep

last update 最終更新日: 2026-01-02 20:54:32

The darkness inside the Nautilus-7 was absolute. After the EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse—a sudden burst of energy that knocks out all electronic devices) had neutralized the mine, it had also stripped the sub of its lifeblood. The screens were black, the hum of the engines was gone, and the heaters had died.

"Nobody move," Elara whispered. Her voice sounded thin in the cramped cabin. "We need to conserve oxygen."

In the silence, the sounds of the deep ocean became amplified. They heard the Hull Creak (the groaning sound of the submarine’s metal shell as the immense pressure of the water outside tries to crush it). At this depth, the ocean was pressing against every square inch of the sub with the weight of a skyscraper.

"Kazimir, the lights," Elara commanded.

A sharp snap followed by a hiss signaled the activation of a Chemlight (a plastic tube containing chemicals that, when mixed by cracking the tube, produce a temporary glow without using electricity). A ghostly green light filled
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