After all, those trains in the red zone might lack defense, but their firepower was fierce. With his armor only at level 15, he couldn't withstand that level of firepower. Until his armor level was higher, he wasn't keen on stepping into such dangerous territory.
Develop!
Develop!
The Stellar Train retraced its path and found the level 4 copper mine he had previously marked. However, another train was already mining there.
Since someone was already working it,
he didn't linger.
He simply tossed a few "Neon City Free Entry Tickets" out the window before leaving. An hour later, he arrived at the border between "Crisis Valley" and the "Stone Man Zone," a place he had stayed for some time and felt relatively familiar with.
Again, he didn't stay long.
Chen Mang took a deep breath and crushed the "Wise One's Mine Area Entry Ticket" in his hand.
The next moment—
A massive portal appeared in front of the train, strikingly familiar, almost identical to the one at the "Goblin Tomb."
As the portal materialized,
the Stellar Train gradually accelerated and entered it. Soon, even the last carriage disappeared into the portal, which then slowly closed and vanished as if it had never existed.
"Beep beep beep."
Sitting inside the train, Chen Mang looked around, unable to suppress the grin spreading across his face. It was the first time he had heard the "Resource Detection Radar" sound so urgently—the screen was densely packed with green dots.
Level 4 iron ore, level 4 copper ore, level 4 titanium crystal mines...
So many that his trypophobia was almost triggered.
"Good, good, great!"
The train's mining efficiency was currently overflowing. A single mine couldn't accommodate all 6,000+ residents at once, so if there was only one mine, mining would have to be done in shifts.
But here—
his train's mining efficiency would be perfectly utilized!
Nothing was in short supply except mines!
The space wasn't large.
In fact, his Targeting Radar could easily cover the entire area with room to spare. The Stellar Train was positioned at the center of the zone, surrounded by scattered mines on the gray-yellow soil, much like the environment of the Goblin Tomb.
A completely enclosed space.
No sun, no light sources.
The headlights had to provide illumination, though unlike the Goblin Tomb, there were no scattered corpses or train wreckage in the dirt.
"Let's get to work!"
As the train's headlights powered up, darkness was instantly dispelled, and the area was bathed in bright light. Over 6,000 residents, carrying pickaxes in an orderly fashion, stepped off the train and eagerly rushed toward the mines.
Once the mining here was done, anyone with even a hint of ambition wouldn't settle for third-class resident treatment—second-class was guaranteed, and first-class wasn't out of the question.
Not every resident on the train was hardworking, though.
Some, content with third-class treatment, mined only 10 units of ore each time and never lifted a finger more, unconcerned with promotions or earning Stellar Coupons—as long as they were fed.
The Stellar Train didn't enforce stricter measures.
As long as the minimum mining quota was met, whether they wanted to advance was their own business.
Chen Mang was quite pleased with this situation, after all, happiness stems from comparison. With this group of people willing to slack off, those enjoying first-class resident treatment could truly feel a sense of superior happiness.
The "Oxygen Generators" and "Vitality Aromas" began operating at full capacity.
Meanwhile, the "Cola Production Line" was quickly activated, churning out bottle after bottle of cola.
The originally quiet and desolate scene instantly became bustling with noise and excitement.
Filled with human energy.
Human energy is a rather mystical term—you can't precisely capture its existence, but places rich in it often provide a strong sense of security, sometimes even an excessive one.
For example, take the Huashan Cliff. If you were asked to walk its path alone in the dead of night, few would dare.
But during the day, as long as there are people ahead and behind, it doesn't seem so frightening anymore.
Though most who complete the journey do so because retreat isn't an option—only moving forward remains.
"Phew."
Chen Mang stepped out of the Train, lit a cigarette, and stood beside it, smiling as he gazed into the distance. The rules for leaving this area differed from those of the Goblin Tomb. The Goblin Tomb had a time limit—forced departure after 48 hours.
Here, departure was voluntary.
He could leave anytime he wished, but once gone, re-entry would be impossible. Until the mines here were fully excavated, he had no intention of leaving this region.
Just then—
Biao Zi came jogging over, his expression serious. "Lord Mang, you asked for me."
"Yes."
Chen Mang nodded lightly. "We'll likely be staying here for about a month. During this time, the Guardians need to push their physical conditioning as far as possible. I want to see every one of you in Mecha by the end of this month."
"The Train has plenty of Crimson Heart Rock Mines. Producing a few hundred Mecha will be effortless."
"I need results. Show me a formidable Guardian squad. With all those Map Chips in the Combat Training Virtual Space, there's no excuse for stagnant physical progress. For this month, you have no other duties."
"No patrols are needed here. This is your sole task."
"Understood?"
"Understood."
Biao Zi replied solemnly, word by word: "Lord Mang, rest assured. If even a single member isn't in Mecha by month's end, I'll offer my head in apology!"
"..." Chen Mang fell silent for a moment before murmuring, "You're not planning to execute anyone who fails to qualify for Mecha by then, are you?"
"No..."
Biao Zi's stern expression softened slightly as he scratched his head awkwardly. "I plan to lead them through all the standard missions first, then attempt the extreme ones."
"Extreme missions carry higher risks. Be careful. How's the recruitment expansion going?"
"As per your orders, Lord Mang, each squad has expanded by 20 members. We've completed preliminary screenings and will conduct the second phase in the Combat Training Virtual Space today. The new recruits will train alongside us this month."
"Good."
Chen Mang nodded, then paused before placing a hand on Biao Zi's shoulder and speaking softly, "Biao Zi, though you're the leader of Squad One, I've always held higher expectations for you. I've always seen you as the leader of all squads."
"Of everyone here, you're the one I have the most faith in."
"Don't always focus on your own team members. Pay attention to the second and third squads too—the gap is becoming noticeable."
"Prove your worth. The position of third-in-command on the Stellar Train has always been reserved for you, just waiting to be officially granted."
"Yes, sir!"
Biao Zi's eyes reddened as he shouted hoarsely.
"Alright, dismissed."
"Mhm."
Chen Mang watched Biao Zi's retreating figure, silently reflecting. It seemed that dose of motivation had worked wonders—he was suddenly brimming with energy.
Biao Zi had real potential.
Though not particularly talented, Chen Mang had watched him attempt challenges multiple times, failing over and over, yet ultimately succeeding every time. Whether in resilience or grit, he was first-rate.
He also had some management experience. While not as seasoned as Lao Zhu, it was more than sufficient for a Guardian Captain.
He was practically a semi-all-rounder, perfectly suited for the role.
Truth be told, only Biao Zi could fill the position of Squad Leader. Zhang Da Mei, though formidable in strength, lacked decisiveness and was better suited for executing orders. As for the Third Squad Leader... well, unremarkable. Just average.
Biao Zi had indeed earned many merits and commanded respect. Even the thugs deferred to 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."
"So... you're not mad at me anymore?"
"I was never angry with you to begin with." Chen Mang shook his head. "It's just a can of cola. I can sleep tonight, and tomorrow night too. There'll always be another chance. Besides, one unit of Level 10 Iron Ore is equivalent to a billion units of regular iron ore. The odds of extracting it from the dream were always slim."
"Getting it would've been lucky. Not getting it is fine."
"But Xiao Ai, why are there still only two 'Cosmic Receivers' in Carriage 12? Are the materials really that hard to procure?"
"My expectations for you are high."
"I want you to complete all the 'Cosmic Receivers' within this month. Even though you're just a 'Train Auxiliary AI,' to me, you're a friend. Family."
"Fr... friend?"
Xiao Ai froze momentarily before his eyes reddened, his voice turning hoarse. "Train Conductor, I'll get back to work right away!"
"Go on, then."
After Xiao Ai left, Lao Zhu approached, holding a book.
"Lord Mang, there's something I need to report. This is the 'Train Development History' I've been compiling. Progress at the school is smooth—many students have expressed wanting to meet you up close. Teacher Qiu submitted a request, asking if you could visit them."
"No."
Chen Mang shook his head. "It's not time yet. After theoretical instruction is complete, we'll divide them into practical classes—those suited for combat will fight, those for management will manage."
"Lao Zhu."
"You've been with me the longest."
"On the Stellar, you're the one I trust most—my right-hand man."
"The train now has over 6,000 people. The management system needs further refinement. This month is a perfect window for you to fully overhaul the train's internal administration."
"..."
The most trusted person.
Lao Zhu's eyes slightly reddened, then his originally somewhat worldly face nodded heavily in response: "Lord Mang, don't worry. With me here, there won't be any chaos inside the Stellar!"
At that moment.
Uncle Li from nearby also walked over.
"Alright, Lao Zhu, you go attend to your duties first."
"Lord Mang." Uncle Li glanced at Lao Zhu's retreating figure before reporting: "I—"
"Uncle Li."
Chen Mang looked calmly at Uncle Li: "I've heard Lao Zhu mention your story. You were among the first to follow the Stellar. I noticed you from the very beginning, and your talents haven't disappointed me."
"On this train, you're the one I have the highest expectations for."
"You must continue managing the accounts for Neon City."
"But I also hope you can complete the development of the 'Zombie Spawning Cage' within this month."
"Don't let me down."
"I—"
Uncle Li, who had been about to say something, suddenly teared up, his voice trembling with emotion: "L-Lord Mang, I never imagined you've been paying attention to me all this time... I... I... Lord Mang, rest assured, I'll definitely complete the 'Zombie Spawning Cage' within a month!"
"Wait for my good news, Lord Mang!"
With that, he strode off toward Breeding Carriage No. 15.
"Uh..."
Chen Mang watched Uncle Li's retreating figure with some hesitation. Had he interrupted Uncle Li just now? What had the guy originally wanted to say? Well, it couldn't have been important—if it were, Uncle Li would surely come find him again.
Just then.
Zhang Da Mei also came striding toward him.
Half an hour later.
Chen Mang returned to the train's control room, swiping through footage recorded by the Mechanical Eye on the console screen. He nodded in satisfaction—everyone seemed to be working harder and with more enthusiasm now!
Indeed.
A little encouragement went a long way.
"Lord Mang."
At that moment, Xiao Fang entered the control room, carefully placing a fruit platter on the table: "I brought you some Redheart Nuts."
"Mhm."
Chen Mang nodded casually: "Leave it there. Xiao Fang, I have high expectations for you on this train. Don't let me down."
Xiao Fang stiffened slightly, her eyes reddening as she whispered: "I understand, Lord Mang."
"Uh..."
Only then did Chen Mang realize what he'd said. Watching Xiao Fang's retreating figure, his lips parted slightly as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he remained silent. He picked up a nut and popped it into his mouth.
Propping his legs up on the console.
He prepared to select a movie to watch.
The words had just slipped out.
Seeing Xiao Fang, he'd spoken without thinking. But afterward, it occurred to him—Xiao Fang was just there to make beds and deliver meals. There wasn't much else to her duties. How exactly was she supposed to avoid disappointing him?
Was she supposed to learn to cook or something?
But whatever.
Never mind.
Learning to cook would be good—at least she'd wash her hands more often.
His work was already done.
All 6,000 people on the train were working fervently, with not a single idle person. Right now, there was only one idle person on the entire train—him.
His idleness put everyone at ease.
If even he were busy, people would start panicking—that would mean the train was facing extremely serious difficulties, and who knew if they'd pull through.
"Uncle Li..."
The young man who had been following Uncle Li hesitated as he looked at the older man, who had just injected himself with two doses of stimulants. "You're using that stuff as a wake-up shot? You haven't slept in days. Maybe you should get some rest first?"
"Sleep?"
Uncle Li turned his head, his eyes bloodshot, and rasped at the young man, "Until the 'Zombie Spawner' is fully developed, I will never sleep again in this lifetime!"
"Bring me another crate of cola!"
"
You have no idea how much faith Lord Mang has placed in me. He's seen all the effort I've put in these past days. As the saying goes, 'A scholar will die for his patron.' Since Lord Mang values me so highly, I must deliver results—otherwise, how could I ever face him again?"
"Go."
"Ask Train Conductor Zhu for an off-road motorcycle, then get Director Ai to remove the engine. I have a crazy plan!"
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