Translator: AnubisTL
"Just one night."
"All it takes is one night's work."
Old Pig gazed earnestly at the young man sitting beneath the pavilion. "The moment the market economy is implemented, your fortune will explode. You'll immediately rise to the middle ranks of Stellaris, envied by countless others. You'll have access to Stellaris's rare resources, and countless women will fall for you."
"The hardships you endure now will transform into future blessings."
"Young man," Old Pig continued, "don't complain about being tired. Who hasn't overcome such exhaustion?"
"Trainmaster Zhu, were you this tired when you were young?"
"Well, not quite this tired," Old Pig admitted with a knowing look. "But remember, this is the apocalypse after all. Go now. Among all the crew, I have the highest hopes for you. You'll become Stellaris's best-selling author."
"..."
The young man took a deep breath, then gritted his teeth. "Alright, Trainmaster Zhu, I'll do it!"
In truth, since Trainmaster Zhu had come to him personally, he had no real choice but to accept. His complaints were merely a small vent. After several conversations with Trainmaster Zhu, he'd grown bold enough to voice minor grievances. If Lord Mang had come instead, he wouldn't have dared utter a single word.
"Twenty thousand words? No problem at all," He declared, patting his chest confidently. "I'll aim for at least fifty thousand to start."
"Go ahead," Old Pig said, sounding pleased. "But remember, don't mention this to anyone else. I've only told a few trusted confidants. Secrets leak, plans fail. The fewer people who know, the better."
"Understood, Trainmaster Zhu."
Dawn broke.
Last night had been Christmas Eve.
After washing up, Chen Mang sat down, lit a cigarette, and routinely reviewed the Train Log. He glanced out the window at the residents busily mining, then settled back in his chair to watch the Cyber Miner interface.
The shift was almost over.
Cyber Miners worked at night, from 9 PM to 9 AM—a surprisingly humane schedule.
They were free to do as they pleased during the day.
"No production last night?"
"None."
"Hmm."
Chen Mang nodded without disappointment. After all, they'd only just produced their first ore. With fifty mining machines, each having twelve production opportunities per night, that meant a total of six hundred chances to mine ore every night.
"We've currently set up the system to induce twelve dreams per night, each lasting one hour. This aligns perfectly with the time it takes to mine a unit of iron ore, maximizing our production opportunities."
"Last night, I suddenly had an idea in my dream."
"What if we eliminate the mine altogether?"
"Instead, we could create a vast, empty Dream Realm containing a single 9th-tier unit of iron ore. This would eliminate the need for pickaxes and allow us to compress the dream duration to just one minute."
"Fifty-nine seconds would be spent falling asleep, one second in the Dream Realm, and then immediate awakening."
"If we can achieve sufficiently rapid sleep induction—"
"We could even reduce the dream duration to ten seconds."
"A dream every ten seconds."
"In that case—"
"A single mining machine could generate 4,320 production opportunities per day. With fifty machines, that's 216,000 opportunities daily. We should be able to produce at least several 9th-tier iron ore units per day, right?"
"..."
In the locomotive cabin, Xiao Ai didn't respond immediately. After a long silence, she finally spoke: "That's an absolutely brilliant idea."
"But unfortunately," Xiao Ai said, "I've just conducted an experiment and found I can't create that type of dream realm. I can't directly produce 9th-tier unit iron ore; I can only create mines."
"That's a shame," Chen Mang said, shaking his head slightly. "Oh well. Ask Zhang Yiren if he's finished the script yet. I'm eager to upgrade the train."
"Train Conductor, you only gave him the order yesterday. How could he possibly finish it today? Normally, completing a script takes at least a week, even under..."
Just then, Xiao Ai's voice cut off abruptly. After a pause, he continued in a hushed tone, "Train Conductor, Zhang Yiren is outside the locomotive cabin requesting an audience. He says he's completed both scripts."
"A genius," Chen Mang said, nodding in satisfaction and grinning. "Tell him to come in immediately. See? You need to have faith in the people I value. Since I personally appointed him as our scriptwriter, he's bound to be exceptional. Look at his efficiency!"
"That's hardcore!"
"I like it."
"He's quite tough," Xiao Ai murmured, somewhat stunned. "This efficiency is even more terrifying than an AI. Is he even human?"
Zhang Yiren, his eyes ringed with dark circles, cautiously entered the locomotive cabin and presented two thick scripts. "Lord Mang, here are the two romance scripts you requested yesterday. I wrote them in a script-killing style. Anyone who immerses themselves in these roles will be sobbing uncontrollably by the end, consumed by a love that burns to the point of death."
"Good."
Chen Mang took the scripts, glanced through them briefly, then tossed them back into Zhang Yiren's arms with a smile. "Take these to Xiao Ai in Carriage No. 2. You've done well. You may leave."
Within the virtual space, the Stellaris train remained stationary.
Two thousand mining robots and over six thousand residents were rapidly excavating the surrounding mines. It was estimated that within six days, the entire mine in this space would be completely exhausted, allowing them to depart permanently.
Before that, however, Chen Mang needed to upgrade the train to Tier 15. To reach that level, he would have to use the two Doomsday Marriage Certificates.
"How is it going?"
In Space No. 2, within the Mecha Center, Chen Mang gazed at the four Combat Training Virtual Spaces in the corner. "How's the Dream Creation progressing?"
"It's being created exactly according to the script," Xiao Ai explained, standing beside him. "However, we can't monitor the specific progress within the Dream Realm from outside. The actual effects will only be known after the Dream Realm concludes. These two scripts will run for five days."
"Perfect timing," Chen Mang thought to himself. Five days later would be exactly when the Stellaris left this space and returned to the Stone Man Zone.
Inside the four Combat Training Virtual Spaces lay two young couples from the Stellaris.
However, their love wasn't genuine enough. He would help them deepen their affection.
But...
He was pondering a minor issue.
The train upgrade requirements were nearly met, but what about the Golden Wedding?
Golden Wedding: Requires a wedding ceremony witnessed by 1,000 people, participation from three trains of the same tier in the banquet, provision of food and wine for all attendees, and basic supplies such as a wedding dress, red carpet, simulated flowers, and fireworks.
Successfully hosting a Golden Wedding grants the train an additional 500 Legacy Value and 20 Reputation Value.
A Golden Wedding grants 500 Legacy Value and 20 Reputation Value.
The most basic bronze wedding only yields 100 Legacy Value.
Having already gone to the trouble of using two Doomsday Marriage Certificates, Chen Mang naturally couldn't let the Legacy Value go to waste. He'd grab it along the way—1,000 Legacy Value was nothing to scoff at.
But...
Witnesses, food, and drinks were easy enough to arrange.
Where could he find three trains of the same tier?
He was currently at Tier 14.
He didn't have any close contacts in the Stone Man Zone, and he was reluctant to approach unfamiliar trains—the risk was too high.
Unless...
"I've got it!"
Chen Mang's eyes suddenly lit up, and he grinned. "Xiao Ai, tell Sister Qi and the others to set up a Wedding Hall in Neon City."
Neon City was the perfect location.
Finding three Tier 14 train conductors in Neon City wouldn't be difficult, and the Wedding Hall could later serve as a special facility. Other trains likely faced the same dilemma with their Doomsday Marriage Certificates, so charging a reasonable fee would be perfectly justified.
It was both safe and convenient, requiring no worries whatsoever.
Exactly as expected.
By identifying a pain point and resolving it, one could create market demand.
However, Neon City's next opening was scheduled for six days later, while the two subjects were set to awaken in five days—one day too early.
"Xiao Ai, delay their Dream Realm until the sixth day."
"Uh..."
Xiao Ai lowered his head and flipped through the script. "The script only goes up to the fifth day."
"Summon Zhang Yiren and have him add the sixth day."
Zhang Yiren, dragged from his bed, sprinted to Carriage No. 2's Mecha Research Center. He stared blankly at the script in his hand, then looked up at Lord Mang and President Ai.
For a fleeting moment, he desperately wanted to argue that the script was a work of literature. The ending was already fixed; it wasn't like stacking blocks where you could just add more layers.
How could he possibly add another day?
It would ruin the narrative tension.
These thoughts flashed through his mind and vanished. Zhang Yiren took a deep breath, his expression hardening. "No problem! Leave it to me!"
Chen Mang nodded in satisfaction. "I knew you could handle it."
Time passed quickly.
In the blink of an eye, six days had passed.
All the mines in this space had been fully exploited, and the Stellaris train was preparing to depart.
The residents had gathered in front of the train.
Chen Mang stood alone atop a carriage, surveying the crowd. Over 6,000 people stood below, their faces indistinguishable in the distance, only a sea of heads visible.
On either side of the train, two massive screens displayed Chen Mang's image, allowing those at the back to clearly see Lord Mang's face. His voice boomed through the Audio System, reaching every ear.
The scene was utterly silent, not a single voice breaking the stillness.
All eyes were fixed on Lord Mang, waiting for him to speak.
The setup keeps getting better.
This wasn't his first time addressing the residents, but previous speeches had lacked such grandeur.
Perhaps sensing the intense gazes upon him,
Chen Mang stood ramrod straight atop the carriage, as upright and unwavering as a blunt-edged greatsword. Leaning on his cane, he paused for a moment before his voice, amplified by the audio system, resonated in the ears of every resident.
"Everyone has worked hard this past month."
"The Stellaris has reached its current state of development thanks to the contributions of each and every one of you. Whether you were on the front lines mining or supporting logistics in the rear, your efforts have been invaluable."
"Take the next two days to rest."
"The day after tomorrow, we will enter a wondrous city—a modern metropolis—where you can revel in celebration!"
"Residents with IDs numbered 1 through 1000 will arrive in this modern city tomorrow to attend the wedding of two newcomers aboard the train. Remember to avoid engaging with strangers and strictly refrain from revealing any secrets about the Stellaris."
"Xiao Ai will continuously remind you through your Iris Chips."
"Now..."
"Everyone, board the train and prepare to return home!"
Amidst the cheers of the crowd, Chen Mang stepped down from the carriage and returned to the locomotive cabin. Bringing over 6,000 people into Neon City was no simple task. It required using numerous Neon City Free Entry Tickets, each allowing 10 people to pass, totaling over 600 tickets.
But it didn't matter.
These tickets didn't consume his energy; they drew power from Neon City's 8th-Tier Energy Stone. With an abundance of energy stored in that stone, he could use them freely.
It's worth noting that the Neon City Free Entry Tickets were originally exclusive to the train conductor. By crushing a ticket, the conductor could bring up to 10 people onto the train. However, on the Stellaris, anyone could use them. For example, Uncle Li had been using the entry tickets to travel back and forth alone.
After all, they controlled the production line, so customizing the tickets was perfectly normal.
Once all the residents had returned to the Resident Cars in an orderly fashion, the Stellaris began to slowly move, preparing to head home.
This was the downside of having so many people.
"Getting on and off the train is such a hassle," Chen Mang grumbled. "If we ever get too much iron ore, we should just give everyone a 'train ticket.' They can crush it when they get back on—so convenient! Though it'd feel a bit like taking off your pants to fart, just making things unnecessarily complicated."
The next moment—
A massive portal slowly materialized ahead of the train.
The Stellaris didn't hesitate, charging straight through!
The scene before them suddenly brightened.
The familiar sun.
The familiar wasteland.
The familiar air.
And the familiar zombies.
"It's been a while since I've seen zombies," Chen Mang murmured, glancing at the zombie crushed beneath the train on the control panel screen. "They almost feel... nostalgic."
While the virtual space was monster-free and perfectly safe, it wasn't ideal.
After all, his train armor was now Tier 17!
He'd worked so hard to upgrade it to this level—what was the point if there were no monsters to defend against? What satisfaction was there in raising the Armor Tier if there was nothing to test it against?
They needed some monsters.
Just not anything too strong.
The Stellaris train slowly emerged from the portal, settling back onto the wasteland. Today was a rest day; at midnight, they would hold a wedding ceremony for two newcomers in Neon City. After the ceremony, they could upgrade the train to Tier 15.
Then...
"My little Xiao Lu!"
Chen Mang snatched up Xiao Lu from the nearby chair, cradling him in his arms and playfully poking his rosy mouth. "You'll wake up soon. You've been sleeping for so long—it's time to stretch your legs."
Only then did he glance at the train radio.
He checked if anyone had contacted him during his month-long absence.
No one had.
Erdan hadn't sent any messages either, indicating everything was proceeding smoothly but without any significant discoveries. Erdan only contacted him when facing insurmountable difficulties or making breakthroughs. The fact that Erdan hadn't come to Neon City these past few days suggested there were no major issues.
Chen Mang casually sent Erdan an invitation to join the "Fuck Everything" train crew.
Almost immediately, Erdan replied:
"Lord Mang, who came up with this crew name?"
"I did."
"Great name! So badass! Definitely Lord Mang's style!"
"We'll spray-paint the convoy prefix onto your carriage."
"Huh?"
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, it's just that my Travel Frog only has one locomotive, and it hasn't been upgraded yet. It's just a small locomotive. Won't spraying so many characters make it look too crowded?"
"Crowded or not, we'll spray it."
"Alright, no problem!"
Erdan's excited voice soon crackled over the train radio again: "Oh, Lord Mang, one more thing! Did you set up Neon City? I went in for a look, and wow! I haven't seen a city this modern in ages, especially with those stellar coupons. My thugs are itching to get their hands on them."
"They keep asking when they can get official resident panel IDs and stellar coupons like the rest of the Stellaris residents."
"You should have seen them, Lord Mang! They were strutting around like they owned the place, as if Neon City belonged to them. Honestly, I'm starting to want a resident panel myself. Without it, I feel like I'm wearing a condom—like there's a barrier between me and the Stellaris."
"Don't worry about that for now. We'll figure it out later. I'll see what I can do."
"Oh, by the way, Neon City is opening tonight. Remember to come. I have a pass for the Wedding Hall. Two couples are getting married on my train tonight," Chen Mang added before hanging up.
After a moment's thought, he asked, "The Iris Chip can't be used by other train crew members, right?"
"No," Xiao Ai replied, shaking his head. "The Iris Chip is only for Stellaris residents, and they need to be near me for real-time updates. Erdan and the others are too far away for that."
"Unless..."
"Unless they first become Stellaris residents and then have the Iris Chip implanted. Even if they return to the Travel Frog, as long as they come near Stellaris, I can connect to their Iris Chips and update their data in real time."
"That works too," Chen Mang nodded. "Next time Erdan and the others come, we'll get them all implanted with Iris Chips. Erdan's right—without the resident panel, they still feel a bit disconnected from Stellaris."
"With the Iris Chip, even without remote updates, at least they'll feel more at home when they return to Stellaris. That'll make it easier for me to reward them with stellar coupons too."
"Even at a distance, the resident panel should still pop up, right? It doesn't need real-time updates."
"Correct."
"That's enough. Remember this. Remind me later if I forget."
The mining expedition had come to an end.
The Cyber Mine had been operational for over ten days. After obtaining that 9th-Tier Iron Ore, the remaining six days yielded nothing.
No, that's not entirely true.
They did bring back a Tier 9 Pickaxe.
You might think it's useless, but this Tier 9 Pickaxe is actually quite valuable. Its appearance alone sets it apart—extremely heavy and translucent. Crafting it in the Pickaxe Production Line requires a substantial investment.
But if you consider its practicality...
The highest-tier ore he'd encountered in reality was Tier 4. He'd never even seen Tier 5 Ore. Where would he find 9th-grade ore? This thing would definitely remain unused for the foreseeable future.
Selling it would be impossible too.
Who would buy a Tier 9 Pickaxe?
He really wanted to know which train could find 9th-grade iron ore, and where they found it. Why couldn't he find any?
Still—
He wasn't in a hurry.
After this Neon City trip concludes, he plans to upgrade the Stellaris to Tier 15 and expand the Cyber Mine again. The only reason the odds are so low is because the scale isn't large enough.
As long as the numbers were high enough, he didn't believe in the concept of probability.
There was still some time before nightfall.
The residents disembarked and lay down on the wasteland around the train, their noisy chatter filled with longing for the future. This was the Purple Zone, an area where Tier 15 monsters roamed. Few trains dared to let their residents lounge in the wasteland like this.
One mistake could lead to a major disaster with heavy casualties.
But the Stellaris feared nothing.
A contingent of Black Hole Armed Robots began patrolling the perimeter. Meanwhile, Biaozi and his team were still immersed in the Combat Training Virtual Space. After a full month of rigorous training, their progress had been remarkable.
Inside the locomotive cabin, Chen Mang stood before the control panel, gazing up at the Viper Drone Fighter circling overhead. He murmured, "Looks like no one got trigger-happy."
"No, someone definitely did," Xiao Ai replied somberly. "The Viper Drone Fighter's Tier 4 Energy Stone is only at 72% capacity."
"The fighter jet's operational energy comes from the Solar Energy Panels on its wings, which don't deplete the Energy Stone. This clearly indicates it has fired its weapons. Without a Mechanical Eye, I can't determine the details of the engagement."
"Later, install Mechanical Eyes on all the fighter jets in the Fighter Hangar in Carriage 10."
"Yes."
"Since someone was being trigger-happy, why is my fighter jet still flying around? I thought it only had Tier 0 defense—it should have shattered on impact."
"Its defense is indeed low, but its maximum speed is 5,040 km/h. Even if it shatters on impact, they'd have to hit it first."
"That's impressive."
Chen Mang glanced around and remarked, "I don't see any wreckage from the other train."
"That train likely escaped. After losing contact with the Stellaris, the fighter jet's default command is to hover at high altitude and repel any enemies entering its territory. Once the enemy retreated, the fighter jet wouldn't pursue."
"I wonder which train it was—so weak it couldn't even defeat a fighter jet abandoned by its own train."
"Train Conductor, you need to acknowledge your own strength. That fighter jet has Tier 20 attack power and a speed of 5,040 km/h. In the entire Purple Zone, before its energy stone runs out, there are few trains that could defeat the Stellaris' fighter jet."
"They're so weak."
Chen Mang sighed. The Purple Zone and Red Zone are only one tier apart, yet the combat capabilities of the trains in each zone differ so drastically. The trains in the Red Zone were all heavily armed and incredibly powerful.
He fell silent, glancing out the window at the Black Hole Armed Robots.
These were his earlier creations, all Tier 8.
They were no longer sufficient, but they could be recycled. Once he returned from Neon City, he would dismantle this batch and forge a new generation of higher-tier robots—Tier 20 should suffice.
With these upgrades, he would have both aerial and ground units ready for the Red Zone.
(End of the Chapter)
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