Chapter 273: Seven Deadly Points

The Prime Minister and others watched as Iwata Honji operated the computer, which soon displayed a map of the Japanese archipelago.

It was a three-dimensional simulated map revealing not only the islands’ topography but also the geological layers underneath.

On the screen, from north to south, there were seven red dots marked in different locations.

They were in the northeast of Miyagi Prefecture, northeast of Mito, eastern peninsula of Tokyo, southwest of Shizuoka, southwest of Osaka, southwest of Kochi, and southwest of Miyazaki.

The images below these red dots showed distinct fractures in the geological layer.

Yet, the most alarming aspect was not just this.

Thanks to the three-dimensional view, it was apparent that the entire Japanese archipelago was situated on the crest of a massive mountain range.

From the position of the islands eastward, the terrain steeply descended into the famous Mariana Trench at the valley bottom!

Put simply, the Japanese archipelago was perching on the edge of a great canyon’s cliff—if the rock layers beneath the cliff became unsettled, the islands above could collapse.

The problem was this great canyon was in the Pacific Ocean—so if such an event occurred, the Japanese islands would sink into the sea.

Since entering the modern era, the Japanese have developed a profound sense of crisis concerning the geological foundations of their islands.

Hence, they produced a movie, “The Sinking of Japan,” as an ultimate warning.

After Iwata Honji’s detailed explanation, those present, including the Prime Minister and Mizukawa Kazuhide, were completely stunned.

Mizukawa had only heard a rough introduction from Iwata, just enough to prepare himself, yet he was still shocked.

Anxiously, he asked, “Can we predict when these seven areas will collapse? Will it be a chain reaction, or will they all fall at once?”

Iwata Honji shook his head, “I can’t determine whether the seven locations will collapse simultaneously or sequentially. As for the timing, it is also difficult to estimate precisely.

It depends on how many magnitude 8+ earthquakes occur before the collapse. More frequent earthquakes could accelerate the collapse.”

The Prime Minister took a few deep breaths to compose himself then asked, “Can you give a shortest possible time frame?”

After pondering, Iwata Honji answered, “If there is a major earthquake every day, then the collapse could happen in a maximum of 49 days.”

The Prime Minister gazed at Iwata Honji for a long while, slowly saying, “Why do your conclusions point to seven locations? And the shortest time frame just happens to be the numerologically significant forty-nine?”

Iwata Honji was taken aback, not expecting the Prime Minister to ask such a question.

He had detected seven loci through his sensor network, and as for the timing—it was a rough estimate based on his prediction of a chain reaction.

“Mr. Prime Minister, there is no specific reason. The seven locations were detected through actual surveillance, and the timing is merely my personal conjecture.”

The Prime Minister sighed, “In the study of Chinese destiny analysis, there is a fate called ‘Seven Killings,’ which speaks of a perilous situation. The fact that you detected issues at seven sites might seem coincidental, yet it could also be a portent. It seems our fate lies in toss-up between fortune and doom.”

Iwata Honji didn’t expect the Prime Minister to have researched Chinese destiny analysis, and though it intrigued him, his concern was when the Prime Minister would order the evacuation and how it would be conducted.

“Mr. Prime Minister, we must act immediately. Japan may cease to exist, but our people must preserve their legacy.”

The Prime Minister spoke calmly, “Professor Iwata, the cabinet will hold a special meeting to discuss this matter, at which time we will require your explanation.

You must remember not to disclose this to the public. Once we establish a command center, we need you to provide scientific advice as a consultant.

For now, please continue to monitor the changes in the rock layers at the seven sites and report any issues directly to Mr. Mizukawa.”

Iwata Honji nodded and replied, “Very well, I’ll get to it then.”

Mizukawa summoned a secretary to escort Iwata Honji out and turned to inquire, “Sir, shall I notify the cabinet to convene?”

Now alone, the Prime Minister’s expression softened, revealing a weary smile, “Do you think we have somewhere to relocate our people?”

Mizukawa was taken aback and sighed, “We have too many people; I fear no country is willing to accept our refugees. Perhaps you could negotiate with the Rosha nation since they have more space.”

The Prime Minister shook his head, “The Rosha nation likes to claim territory, but they don’t like letting in too many migrants.”

“And… What about the United States?”

After a moment of silence, the Prime Minister said, “Notify the cabinet to convene immediately. In this crucial moment for our nation’s survival, we must fulfill our duties as leaders and strive for the greatest chance of survival for our people.

I believe that when humanity faces such calamities, our blood remains warm.”

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In the underground base of the Tanga Federation.

At the geological branch of Dream Technology’s science academy.

A holographic projection was casting an image of Earth.

Han Guoqiang, the director, pointed at the location of Japan and said, “A 9.1 magnitude earthquake has struck here. I’ve already coordinated with the security department who dispatched Winged Dragon fighters to scan the underground geological layers.

Rukovsky, based on these conditions, could there be a second fault formation here?”

Rukovsky shook his head, “Not likely a second fault, but a major disaster could occur.”

“And what disaster might that be?” inquired Han Guoqiang.

“The Japanese archipelago could sink!”

Professor Hoffman involuntarily crossed himself, murmur