"Retrieve Orion's file." Damian found the man intriguing.
The data showed Orion was an orphan with no family or friends, reckless and bold in his actions.
"A capable individual, but dangerously extreme. Keep an eye on him to see how he evolves."
Besides Orion, Damian closely monitored the top ten union leaders: Lilith, Cedric, Jace, Atticus...
"I knew Lilith was extraordinary. She'll achieve greatness. Let her grow without interference for now."
"Cedric has questionable morals but undeniable talent. Give him chances—see if he changes."
"Jace exceeded expectations. His awakening was rapid and potent. He's likely the strongest combatant among all the gifted, aside from myself. I'm eager to see his future."
"Atticus was a Delta Force instructor, right?"
[Note: Atticus once led the Delta Special Forces but resigned after an accident. His union shelters many former soldiers.]
"If he's ex-military, he's suited for harsh environments. Send more details on him."
The train buzzed with activity, but a new announcement dampened the mood:
[Passengers who exceed their credit limits will be ejected as trash.]
Soon, wealth leaderboards appeared near every carriage, displaying assets—nearly all negative. Scrolling down, Orion's name topped the deficits: star coins.
"Where did he even spend it all?"
"He just bought a combat knife and firearms. Now he's training at the union range."
"He's nuts! If the train stays in transit, he'll kill himself!"
Orion's recklessness inspired others, like Lilith. She rushed to equip herself: a bronze-gold blade and a K3 pistol—fully armed. The training range, tucked beside the union hall, had isolated booths for a dozen users.
"Orion?" Lilith greeted him.
Orion paused mid-shot, offering a curt warning: "One star coin buys two clips—20 bullets each. Spend wisely."
"Thanks... thought you were always cold-blooded."
He ignored her, returning to knife drills. Since awakening, his physical stats soared, granting him martial prowess.
Over the next three days, over 50,000 passengers awakened gifts, but most avoided registering unions. Few dared purchase weapons or train; conservatism reigned.
In the control cabin, Damian fumed at Wilson and his crew:
"Even Lilith, a girl, has more courage than you lot. You hide while she risks everything!"
"Fuyao, how long until we reach the habitable world?"
[Arrival in 30 minutes.]
"Alert the train."
Minutes later, a broadcast echoed:
[The train will dock in 30 minutes. Unions: pre-rent ships for exploration.]
Pandemonium erupted. Gifted passengers scrambled; non-awakened fretted, mortgaging funds to buy crystals for last-ditch awakenings.
In Carriage 10, Lilith urgently gathered her union:
"Move! Unequipped members buy gear! Armed members—come rent ships! There won't be enough!"
At the hangar, Lilith found rows of vessels. A rental bot approached: "Two models available: F399 and A106, in small/medium/large."
She recognized the F399 large transport—their arrival ship—with ten others like it.
"Differences? Costs?"
"The F399 is a multi-purpose warship: accommodates 1,000-10,000 passengers, 50-500 tons cargo. Light armor, space-capable. Rental: 500/1,000/5,000 star coins."
"The A106 is basic: 500-5,000 passengers, 10-100 tons. Has laser cannons but no shields. Not for combat. Cost: 200/500/3,000 star coins."
Lilith nodded, grasping the specs.
"Should we get A106?" a member suggested. "Small size would fit our 300 members."
"But what if we're attacked? We know nothing about the outside! Rent a *small* F399." She hesitated. "Can multiple people split the cost?"
The bot clarified: "Unions have a 5,000-star-coin collective limit. No personal loans needed—just scan your face."
Lilith confirmed her identity, receiving a security card: "I'm... the captain? Wait—how long does the rental last?"
"Minimum one day. Renewals require advance payment."
Lilith gaped. "500 stars for *one day*? If we fail—"
"The train's a ripoff!" she vented. "Whoever's running this—"
Her comrade Elena clapped a hand over her mouth. "Careful! They'll hear you!"
The bot's screen chilled. "Access revoked. You're banned from rentals."
Lilith's blood ran cold. Before she could beg, the bot's display relaxed. "Just kidding. The Conductor says: criticize privately next time."
She paled, stammering: "N-never again! Forgive me!"
Damian smirked, having merely toyed with her.