Translator: AnubisTL
After all, while the trains in the Red Zone lacked sufficient defenses, their firepower was formidable. His Tier 15 armor couldn't withstand such intense attacks. Until his armor reached a higher tier, he wasn't keen on venturing into this dangerous area.
Develop!
Develop!
The Stellaris, retracing its route, located the Tier 4 copper mine he had previously marked. However, another train was already mining it.
Since someone else was already working the deposit, he didn't linger. He simply tossed a few Neon City Free Entry Tickets out the window and moved on. After an hour, he arrived at the border between Crisis Valley and the Stone Man Zone, a place where he had stayed for a while and felt somewhat familiar.
He didn't linger here either.
Chen Mang took a deep breath and crushed the Wise One's Mining Pass in his hand.
In the next instant, a massive portal materialized before the train. It looked eerily familiar, almost identical to the portal in the Goblin's Tomb.
As the portal solidified,
The Stellaris train slowly accelerated and entered the portal. Soon, even the last carriage had vanished into the swirling vortex. The portal gradually closed and disappeared as if it had never existed.
Beep beep beep beep.
Chen Mang sat in the locomotive cabin, gazing around. He couldn't help but grin. This was the first time he'd heard the resource detection radar sound so urgently. The screen was covered in a dense swarm of green dots.
Tier 4 iron mine, Tier 4 copper mine, Tier 4 titanium crystal mine...
So many that his trypophobia was almost triggered.
"Excellent, excellent, excellent!"
The train's mining efficiency was now overflowing. A single mine couldn't possibly accommodate over 6,000 people simultaneously. If they only had one mine, they'd have to mine in shifts.
But here...
Here, the train's mining efficiency would be perfectly utilized!
There was nothing lacking—only an abundance of resources!
The space wasn't large.
In fact, his target acquisition radar could easily cover the entire zone with plenty to spare. The Stellaris train was positioned at the center of the area, surrounded by mines scattered across the yellowish-brown soil. The environment was identical to the Goblin's Tomb:
A completely enclosed space.
No sun, no light source.
The headlight of the train provided the only source of light, but there were no scattered corpses or train wreckage in the dirt.
"Let's get to work!"
As the Train Headlight shone at full power, darkness was instantly dispelled, and a strong beam of light illuminated the entire zone. Over 6,000 residents, carrying pickaxes in an orderly fashion, disembarked from the train with excited expressions and ran towards the Mining Area.
Once the mining here was complete, any mortal with ambition wouldn't remain a Third-Tier Resident. They were guaranteed at least Second-Tier Resident status, and even First-Class Resident status wasn't out of the question.
Not every resident on the train worked diligently, however.
Some, despite enjoying Third-Tier Resident benefits, mined only 10 units of ore each time. Once they reached that quota, they stopped, showing no interest in advancement or earning stellar coupons. They were content as long as they had food.
The Stellaris didn't enforce any mandatory measures regarding this.
As long as residents met the minimum mining requirement, whether they chose to strive for advancement was entirely their own decision.
Chen Mang found this arrangement quite agreeable. After all, happiness is relative. The presence of these residents who were content with mediocrity allowed those enjoying First-Class Resident status to truly appreciate their superior living conditions.
The oxygen generators and stamina fragrance began operating at full capacity.
The Cola Production Line was also rapidly starting up, churning out bottles of Cola one after another.
The scene, which had been somewhat desolate and quiet, instantly transformed into a bustling, lively hub of activity.
It was brimming with vitality.
Vitality is a subtle concept. You can't physically grasp its presence, but places with strong vitality often evoke a profound sense of security, even an excessive one.
For example, imagine the cliffs of Mount Hua. If you had to walk them alone at night, few would dare.
But during the day, as long as there are people ahead and behind you, the fear seems to dissipate.
Though most people who complete the journey do so simply because they have no choice but to press forward.
"Whew."
Chen Mang stepped out of the train and stood beside it, lighting a cigarette before gazing at the distant horizon with a smile. The departure rules in this zone differed from those of the Goblin's Tomb, where you were forcibly ejected after 48 hours.
Here, departure was voluntary.
He could leave right now if he wished, but once he left, he couldn't return. Until he had completely mined out this zone, he had no intention of leaving.
Just then—
Biaozi jogged over, his face grim. "Lord Mang, you summoned me?"
"Yes."
Chen Mang nodded softly. "We'll likely be staying here for about a month. During that time, I want you to focus on improving the guards' physical fitness as much as possible. I expect to see every member in a mech suit within a month."
"The train has plenty of Red Heart Rocks. Building a few hundred light mechs will be a breeze."
"I need to see results. I want to see a formidable guard squad. With all the Virtual Map Chips in the Combat Training Virtual Space, there's no reason their physical fitness shouldn't improve. For the next month, you have no other duties. Your sole mission is this. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir."
Biaozi's face remained serious as he replied word by word, "Lord Mang, rest assured. If we fail to achieve full mech suits within a month, I'll offer my head in recompense!"
Chen Mang fell silent for a moment before murmuring, "You're not planning to execute the guards who don't qualify for mech suits after a month, are you?"
"No." Biaozi's stern expression softened slightly as he scratched his head awkwardly. "I plan to personally lead them through all the normal missions before attempting the Extreme Missions."
"Extreme Missions carry higher risks. Be careful. How's the expansion going?"
"As you instructed, Lord Mang, we've added 20 members to each squad. We've completed the initial screening and plan to conduct the second phase in the Combat Training Virtual Space today. We expect to finish by the end of the day, after which they'll train with us for the rest of the month."
"Mm."
Chen Mang nodded, paused, then patted Biaozi's shoulder gently. "Biaozi, even though you're the First Team Captain, I have high expectations for you. I've always considered you the Great Captain."
"Among all these people, you're the one I have the most faith in."
"Don't focus solely on your own team. Pay attention to the second and third teams as well. The gap between them is already quite noticeable."
"Make some real achievements, and the third-in-command position on the Stellaris train will be yours. I'm just waiting for you to officially take it."
"Yes!"
Biaozi's eyes reddened, and he roared hoarsely.
"Alright, go now."
"Mm."
Chen Mang watched Biaozi's retreating figure, musing inwardly. It seemed that shot of adrenaline had worked wonders, instantly filling him with renewed motivation.
Biaozi had real potential.
Biaozi wasn't particularly gifted, but Chen Mang had watched him attempt the trials countless times. He died again and again, yet always managed to clear them in the end. His tenacity and fighting spirit were second to none.
He also had some management experience, though not as much as Old Pig. But for a guard captain, it was more than enough.
He was the perfect half-all-rounder.
In fact, Biaozi was the only one truly suited for the Great Captain position. Zhang Damei was powerful, but lacked decisiveness, making her better suited for executing orders. As for the Third Squad Captain... well, Chen Mang couldn't even remember him. He was just... there.
Biaozi had indeed earned many merits and commanded considerable respect. Even the thugs under him respected him.
"Train Conductor."
Just then, Xiao Ai stepped off the train and tentatively asked, "You seem to be in a good mood now?"
"Not bad."
"Um... are you still angry at me?"
"I wasn't angry in the first place," Chen Mang shook his head. "It's just a can of Cola. I can sleep tonight, and I can sleep tomorrow. There will always be opportunities. Besides, a single unit of Tier 10 Iron Ore is worth 10 billion units of iron ore, and the chances of obtaining it from the Dream Realm are extremely slim to begin with."
"Getting it is luck; not getting it is fine too."
"But Xiao Ai, why are there still only two Cosmic Receivers in Carriage 12? Is it really that difficult to craft them with so many materials?"
"I have high expectations of you."
"I want you to finish crafting all the Cosmic Receivers within this month. Even though you're just a Train Auxiliary AI, in my heart, you're my friend, my family."
"F-friend?"
Xiao Ai paused, his eyes reddening as he croaked, "Train Conductor, I'll get right back to work!"
"Go on then."
After Xiao Ai left, Old Pig approached, holding a book in his hand as he reported, "Lord Mang, there's something I need to report. This is the History of Train Development I've been writing these past few days. The progress at the school is going smoothly. Many students have expressed a desire to meet you up close. Teacher Qiu has submitted a request, asking if you could meet them."
"No need."
Chen Mang shook his head. "It's not the right time for that yet. Once the theoretical lessons are finished, it'll be time to start practical training, dividing them into combat and management groups."
"Old Pig," Chen Mang continued, "you were the first to join me. On the Stellaris, you're the person I trust most—my most trusted confidant."
"The train now has over 6,000 people. You need to refine the management system again. This month is a perfect window of opportunity. Use this time to completely overhaul the train's internal management."
"..."
The Most Trusted Person
Old Pig's eyes reddened slightly, then his face, which usually held a hint of worldly cynicism, nodded firmly. "Lord Mang, rest assured. With me here, the Stellaris won't fall into chaos!"
Just then, Uncle Li approached.
"Alright, Old Pig, you should get back to work."
"Lord Mang," Uncle Li said, glancing at Old Pig's retreating figure before continuing his report, "I..."
"Uncle Li."
Chen Mang looked at Uncle Li with a calm expression. "Old Pig told me about you. You were among the first to join the Stellaris. I've been watching you since the beginning, and your talent hasn't disappointed me."
"Among everyone on the train, you're the one I have the highest expectations for."
"You must continue managing the accounts for Neon City."
"But I also want you to complete the development of the Zombie Grinding Cage within this month."
"Don't let me down."
"I..."
Uncle Li's eyes immediately welled up, his voice trembling with emotion as he choked out, "Lord Mang, I never imagined you were paying attention to me all this time. I... I... Lord Mang, rest assured. I'll definitely complete the Zombie Grinding Cage within a month!"
"I'll bring you good news, Lord Mang!"
With that, he strode toward Breeding Car 15.
"Uh..."
Chen Mang watched Uncle Li's retreating back, a flicker of hesitation crossing his face. Had he interrupted Uncle Li? What had the old man wanted to say? Never mind, he thought. If it were important, Uncle Li would have come back.
Just then, Zhang Damei approached him with purposeful strides.
Half an hour later, Chen Mang returned to the locomotive cabin, scrolling through the footage recorded by the Mechanical Eye on the control panel screen. A satisfied nod crossed his face. Everyone seems to be working harder, with more enthusiasm!
Encouragement really does make a difference.
"Lord Mang."
Xiao Fang entered the cabin, carefully placing a fruit platter on the table. "I brought you some Red Heart Nuts."
"Mm," Chen Mang replied casually. "Put them there, Xiao Fang. I have high expectations of you on this train. Don't disappoint me."
Xiao Fang stiffened slightly, her eyes reddening as she whispered, "I understand, Lord Mang."
"Uh..."
Chen Mang, only realizing his words' impact now, watched Xiao Fang's retreating figure. His mouth parted slightly as if to say something, but he ultimately remained silent. He picked up a nut and popped it into his mouth.
His legs were propped up on the control panel.
He was about to pick a movie to watch.
He'd gotten into the habit of saying it.
He'd said it to Xiao Fang out of habit, but only after he'd spoken did he realize she was just there to make his bed and bring him food. What could he possibly do to avoid disappointing her?
She couldn't exactly learn to cook, could she?
But never mind.
Who cared anyway?
Cooking might even be a good thing. At least it would force him to wash his hands more often.
His work was done.
Over six thousand people on the train were working tirelessly, not a single person idle. He was the only one not busy.
As long as he remained idle, everyone else could rest easy.
If he started working too, they'd panic, fearing the train was facing a dire crisis and might not survive.
"Uncle Li," the young man who had been following Uncle Li all day hesitated, looking at the man who had just given him two shots of cardiac stimulant. "Are you using this stuff as a wake-up shot? You haven't slept in days. Why don't you go get some rest?"
"Sleep?" Uncle Li's bloodshot eyes turned to the young man, his voice hoarse. "I won't sleep a wink until the Zombie Grinding Machine is fully developed!"
"Bring me another case of Cola!"
"You have no idea how much Lord Mang expects of me. He's seen my efforts these past few days. As the saying goes, a scholar dies for his patron. Since Lord Mang values me so highly, I must produce results. Otherwise, how could I face him again?"
"Go."
"Request an off-road motorcycle from Trainmaster Zhu, then find President Ai and have him dismantle the engine. I have a crazy plan!"
(End of the Chapter)
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