when a train reached Level 3, it could begin to specialize.
There were two paths available.
The first, "Mechanical Train."
As the name suggested, this was a train composed entirely of mechanical parts, just like their current trains. It possessed high destructive power and required mined resources for upgrades.
The second, "Flesh Train."
This type of train was quite special. All of its accessories were made of flesh and blood. For example, "Flesh Spider Legs" were not mechanical limbs, but limbs made of actual flesh.
All accessories would be transformed into "flesh series" components in a Level 3 Crafting Station.
The unique feature of this train was its extremely strong regenerative ability.
Any damaged accessory didn't need to be repaired; it would quickly heal on its own. Furthermore, upgrading the train and its accessories didn't require mined resources, only the flesh and blood of monsters.You just had to keep killing monsters.
The entire train looked like a Cthulhu-esque long worm, with all its accessories made of flesh, even the carriages themselves.
Including the heavy machine guns, which would be transformed into flesh versions.
A Mechanical Train could not be equipped with flesh accessories, and a Flesh Train could not be equipped with mechanical ones.
After chatting for a while, the Level 3 train captain disappeared, leaving everyone to discuss the future among themselves.
Chen Mang's eyes narrowed as he absorbed the information from the Train Radio. Although the level 3 captain hadn't fully explained the pros and cons of "Flesh Trains" versus "Mechanical Trains," he could vaguely guess.
It wasn't just about self-healing accessories.
For example—
There were surely exclusive accessories for both types of trains.
And for another, a "Flesh Train" would likely level up much faster in the early stages. A single zombie horde could probably upgrade several accessories. But its late-game leveling speed would surely slow down. After all, the number of monsters was limited. Although he didn't know where the monsters came from, they certainly weren't as abundant as the constantly refreshing and randomly spawning resources.
He needed high-level resource mines; a Flesh Train needed high-level monsters for sustenance.
For him, a Flesh Train was not suitable. He needed a massive amount of resources for his infinite upgrades, and there weren't enough high-level monsters for him to kill.
"Whew..."
Chen Mang took a deep breath, closed the Train Radio, and prepared to go to sleep. Although he didn't know what would happen when the first phase began, no matter what, having a sufficiently powerful train was always the right choice in this world.
Right now, the train was doing well in all aspects.
It just lacked sufficient offensive capabilities.
The "Carriage Blades" were good, but they were a melee weapon. For a train, melee was often a last resort. He needed to finish mining this iron ore quickly and then move on to the copper ore.
He needed to produce enough heavy machine gun bullets to feel truly safe.
Once he reached Level 3 and had enough firepower, he could venture into the high-level regions. High-level trains weren't allowed in low-level regions, but low-level trains were allowed in high-level ones.
Of course—
Most low-level trains wouldn't dare. It was no different from suicide. In the Ironridge Wasteland, a Level 3 Cannibalistic Spider was a boss. In a high-level region, a Level 3 Cannibalistic Spider might be a common monster.
Thinking about it carefully, a high-level region full of monsters dozens of meters tall was a terrifying thought. He'd better finish mining all the ore in the Ironridge Wasteland first.
In that sense, he was lucky. He had transmigrated into a low-level region, giving him a chance to get started. If he had ended up in a high-level region, his chances of getting established would have been slim.
...
The next day.
As soon as the sun rose, amid the sound of DJ music, the slaves began to get up and prepare for work.
Chen Mang, meanwhile, sat at the control console and began today's train construction. For the time being, his only mission was to mine resources, build the train, and then venture out.
His goal was clear.
However—
When he habitually glanced at the "Train Radio," he found that it had exploded with activity again. A group of Level 2 elite monsters, "Goblins," had appeared in the Ironridge Wasteland.
They were humanoid creatures, green-skinned, with extremely pointed ears and ferocious faces, all armed with swords and all Level 2 monsters.
These Level 2 Goblins were escorting a Level 1 Goblin carrying a golden cloth bag, traversing the "Ironridge Wasteland" from the edge to the "Mohe Hills." Killing that Level 1 Goblin would drop rare resources and had a chance of dropping a yellow-grade accessory blueprint.
This news had many people excited.
A yellow-grade accessory blueprint could be upgraded to a maximum of Level 5, which meant it could unlock one Advanced Effect.
Advanced Effects were almost never bad.
The only problem was, no one knew the Goblins' exact route. They only knew there was more than one group.
A strange look crossed Chen Mang's face as he looked at the screen next to the control console. At the very top, a line of red text had appeared at some point.
[Today, multiple groups of Goblins will escort Goblin Merchants to the Mohe Hills.]
[Killing a Goblin Merchant will yield rare resources and a small chance of dropping a yellow-grade accessory blueprint. Among these Goblin Merchants is one who is extremely wealthy. Killing this unknown, incognito Goblin Merchant will yield even greater rewards.]
[This incognito Goblin Merchant will choose a more concealed route, almost impossible for anyone to detect.]
"Looks a bit like a quest announcement?"
Chen Mang propped his chin on his hand, thoughtful. This world was really starting to look more and more like a game. They even had random quests like intercepting convoys. Where did these Goblins come from?
What were they doing in the Mohe Hills?
He shook his head, not thinking about it too much. He had no intention of participating. He didn't know the specific coordinates, and the Ironridge Wasteland was huge. Searching for them aimlessly would take forever.
Besides, he wasn't particularly tempted. An Advanced Effect? He already had nine.
So what?
While demonstrably impactful, it didn't consistently provide overwhelming advantages. With so many already in his possession, their novelty had worn off, and he'd grown accustomed to their presence.
Meanwhile—
Deep beneath the wasteland, a short Goblin was piloting a three-carriage train equipped with a drill, speeding forward. The high-speed drill at the front of the train easily carved out a tunnel, allowing the train to pass quickly.
Inside the train, dozens of ferocious-looking Goblins armed with swords sat around a Goblin wearing a golden cloak.
"Hmph."
The Goblin at the control console looked at the flashing scarlet warning on the screen and sneered, his face contorting ferociously. "I'd like to see anyone find me six thousand meters underground."
"Foolish humans."