The train re-entered the endless, dark red wasteland.
The scenery outside the window was monotonous and oppressive, but Jiang Chen's mood was exceptionally relaxed.
Although there were some twists and turns during his encounter at the Supply Station, it was ultimately without mishap. Moreover, the abundant harvest filled him with confidence for his upcoming 'slacker' life.
Jiang Chen simply ate some of the previously amplified high-energy nutritional bars and drank some energy spring water to replenish his physical strength.
Then, he leaned back in his seat, closed his eyes, and began to meditate, recovering some of the mental energy consumed by the tension and high concentration he had experienced earlier. He knew that in this perilous world, maintaining optimal mental state was crucial.
He didn't know how much time had passed, but when Jiang Chen slowly opened his eyes again from deep meditation, he felt refreshed. The slight fatigue and tension from the previous encounter and confrontation had vanished, and his mental energy had returned to its peak state.
He glanced out the window; the sky seemed to have not changed much, still that oppressive dark red.
In this world without sun, moon, or stars, the passage of time also seemed to blur.
However, the biological clock function within his Source Energy Smart Brain Bracelet clearly told him that a full day and night had passed since he transmigrated to this world. A new day had begun.
"Zero, report the train's current status, especially the energy consumption," Jiang Chen said to the control panel, leaning against the cold metal seat.
After the installation of the 'Intelligent Control Core' just now, his train had been completely upgraded and now had an exclusive AI assistant. This feeling was like installing smart navigation and autonomous driving in his old car, instantly boosting its cool factor.
"Commander, the train is currently in good condition," Zero's pleasant voice rang out, and a concise data stream simultaneously appeared on the control panel's LCD screen.
"Energy Reserve: high-energy refined magic crystal coal, 38.5 units remaining. Engine durability is slowly recovering."
"Zero, the 'unknown metal box' and 'medical first-aid kit' I scanned earlier, as well as those 'basic building materials' and 'damaged toolboxes' – if I had the 'automated resource collection' module at that time, would I have been able to collect them automatically?" Jiang Chen suddenly thought of a question.
"Commander, if a primary 'Mechanical Arm Assisted Collection Module' or a higher-level collection device had been equipped at that time, and with your authorization, Zero could attempt to automatically mark and tentatively collect ownerless, low-value, non-dangerous materials scanned within a safe range. However, for items like the 'unknown metal box' that require decryption or have potential guardian forces, and items like the 'medical first-aid kit' that need careful discernment, it is still recommended that you handle them personally, or decide whether to proceed with automated operations after Zero provides a detailed risk assessment."
Zero's answer was very detailed.
"So that's how it is. It seems automation isn't omnipotent; at critical moments, I still have to rely on myself," Jiang Chen nodded.
However, being able to automatically collect some basic materials would already greatly reduce his burden.
In the future, he could comfortably lie in the carriage and let the AI do the dirty and tiring work.
It perfectly aligned with his slacker philosophy.
"Oh, right, Zero, I remember you said that the 'perfect grade universal train intelligent control core' has the characteristic of 'modular compatibility (extremely high)'. What does that mean?" Jiang Chen asked again.
"Commander, 'Modular Compatibility (Extremely High)' means that your train will have an extremely high success rate and stability when installing or replacing other functional modules later on, and it will be able to better leverage the synergistic effects between different modules. Simply put, your train has enormous modification potential, is less prone to module conflicts or rejection reactions, and can more conveniently integrate functional modules from various sources and different technological systems."
"Good heavens! Isn't this like a DIY computer motherboard with off-the-charts compatibility!" Jiang Chen's eyes lit up again.
This meant that if he acquired other strange train modules in the future, whether self-made or obtained elsewhere, he could easily install them on his train, continuously strengthening its functions.
Just thinking about it felt exciting!
"Module upgrading and manufacturing are already unlocked. Next is to accumulate materials and properly transform my 'K8888' into a doomsday mobile fortress—no, a doomsday mobile resort!" Jiang Chen thought to himself, pleased.
Just then, the regional chat channel suddenly became lively again.
Previously, due to the chaos at the Supply Station, the channel was filled with various cries for help and wails. Now that the monster crisis was resolved and the train was back on track, the survivors, having somewhat recovered from their fright, began to become active again.
"Damn it! That was too scary just now! Those monsters were a nightmare!"
"I saw several people get bitten to death, it was horrible!"
"Did anyone pick up those small red crystals? What are they?"
"I picked up a few! They feel like they have energy inside! Can they be used for something?"
"I tried using those crystals to charge my train; it seemed to work a little, but the effect wasn't obvious, and the train felt a bit shaky."
"Brother upstairs, be careful! Don't blow up your train!"
Jiang Chen looked at these messages, a slight smile playing on his lips.
He had three amplified "Standard Energy Cores" in his backpack, their effects far superior to those "Inferior Energy Cores."
However, he had no intention of sharing this information with others.
Quietly making a fortune was the way to go.
Just then, a new, rather eye-catching message suddenly appeared in the channel.
Someone with the ID "Steel Fist Invincible Zhao TieZhu" posted: "Brothers and sisters! At the Supply Station just now, did anyone notice that one carriage seemed to make a particularly loud noise? Like something starting up, and it even glowed!"
As soon as this message appeared, it immediately drew many responses.
"Yes, yes, yes! I felt it too! It was too chaotic then to notice, but now that I think about it, that really did happen!"
"I heard it too! It seemed to come from the edge of the Supply Station!"
"Could it be that someone got something good? Or triggered some hidden plot?"
"I'm so envious! I'm still worrying about my next meal!"
Jiang Chen's heart stirred slightly when he saw this message.
This "Steel Fist Invincible Zhao TieZhu" should be the bald strong man who blocked his door earlier.
This guy had a pretty sharp nose.
However, he did not expose him in the channel, but merely observed silently.
Soon, Zhao TieZhu posted again: "I suspect that the person in that carriage definitely got some incredible treasure! Maybe it's something good that can quickly upgrade the train!"
His words were highly inflammatory.
Immediately, some people echoed:
"Exactly! At a time like this, anyone who can cause such a big commotion is definitely not ordinary!"
"Big shot, please take me with you! Do you have any ways to get rich that you can share?"
Jiang Chen sneered inwardly as he watched these posts.
Trying to pry information from me? No way.
I just want to quietly slack off; I don't want to be a trailblazer.
However, Zhao TieZhu's next words made Jiang Chen raise an eyebrow slightly.
"Everyone! Although I, Zhao TieZhu, am not a big shot, I do have some strength. I propose that the stronger brothers in our 666 District can exchange information and resources. For example, I have some spare scrap metal and a small amount of wood that I can trade for food or clean water. Of course, if anyone knows the specific use of those red crystals, or has other good things, they can also put them up for exchange!"
"I also have a spare fire axe here; although it's a bit old, it's definitely good for chopping monsters! I'll trade it for two compressed biscuits!"
Zhao TieZhu sent several messages in a row, clearly setting up a small-scale trading market.
As soon as this message appeared, the channel became even livelier.
"Brother Zhao is mighty! I have two bottles of water here and want to trade for some food!"
"I have extra compressed biscuits and want to trade for some weapons for self-defense!"
"Who has medicine to stop bleeding? I'm injured! Urgent need!"
For a time, various trade messages emerged endlessly.
Jiang Chen's eyes flickered as he looked at these messages.
"A trading market, huh..."
This was an interesting phenomenon.
In a doomsday environment, resources were scarce, and survivors exchanging supplies and helping each other out was indeed an effective way to survive.
However, Jiang Chen had little interest in participating in such low-level material exchanges.
He had the Infinite Amplification talent; any trash in his hands could turn into treasure.
What he needed were items that inherently had some value or special potential, so that amplification would be meaningful.
"Wait..." Jiang Chen suddenly had a flash of inspiration.
"If... I use amplified high-grade materials to exchange for a large amount of low-grade materials from others, and then amplify those low-grade materials... Isn't this... making something out of nothing, or 'cutting leeks'?"
As soon as this thought emerged, Jiang Chen himself was startled.
For example, he could use an amplified "High-Energy Nutritional Bar" (good taste, rich in nutrition) to exchange for several ordinary "Inferior Compressed Biscuits" from others.
Then, he could amplify those "Inferior Compressed Biscuits" into "High-Energy Nutritional Bars."
The price difference in between was simply outrageous!
And this was done without the other party knowing anything!
"Hiss—how could I have such an evil thought?" Jiang Chen rubbed his nose, feeling as if he had opened a door to a new world.
However, on second thought.
This doomsday train survival was inherently a cruel game. The main goal was to survive and thrive.
What's wrong with cutting leeks? I earned it with my own ability!
Moreover, what he provided were genuine good items, fair and honest. It was just that he could turn what others considered "trash" into treasures.
This was called resource optimization!
Thinking of this, Jiang Chen's mind became active.
In his backpack now, besides those top-tier equipment and core components, there were also some "samples" of unamplified "ordinary mineral water" and "inferior compressed biscuits" from the beginner's gift package.
Perhaps, he could test the waters with these items first?
See if he could exchange for some useful basic materials at the lowest cost.
For instance, what he lacked most now were "scrap metal" and "wood" needed for upgrading the train and manufacturing items.
"Zero, help me filter the regional chat channel for trade information regarding 'scrap metal' and 'wood', and what they are willing to trade for them," Jiang Chen said to his AI assistant.
"Understood, Commander. Filtering information for you now..."
Soon, Zero listed a series of qualifying trade messages on the control panel screen.
Most people wanted to trade these basic materials for food and water, and a few wanted to trade for weapons or medicine.
Jiang Chen carefully reviewed them and selected a few sellers who seemed relatively reliable and had a larger demand.
He didn't rush to contact them. Instead, he first took out a bottle of "ordinary mineral water" from his backpack that he hadn't drunk yet and hadn't had time to amplify.
"Name: Ordinary Mineral Water"
"Type: Consumable"
"Effect: Replenishes a small amount of stamina and alleviates thirst after drinking."
"Note: Pure water from an unknown brand; at least it looks drinkable."
Then, he took out a similarly unamplified "Inferior Compressed Biscuit."
"Name: Inferior Compressed Biscuit"
"Type: Consumable"
"Effect: Replenishes a small amount of satiety after consumption."
"Note: Tastes like a brick, but better than starving to death."
Looking at these two unremarkable initial materials, Jiang Chen's lips curved into a meaningful smile.
"Next, it's time to witness a miracle."
He first picked up the bottle of mineral water.
"Infinite Amplification! Designated amplification directions: purity, taste, additional trace beneficial elements!"
This time, he did not choose the default 2x amplification but tried a more refined "designated direction amplification." Although this still fell within the scope of "basic amplification," he wanted to see the effect.
A pale golden light enveloped the mineral water bottle, slightly brighter than the previous 2x amplification, and lasted a bit longer.
The light dissipated.
The appearance of the mineral water bottle in his hand remained the same, but the water inside seemed to become clearer and more translucent, as if containing specks of starlight.
Jiang Chen checked its attributes.
"Name: sweet dew living spring water (Directionally Amplified)"
"Type: Consumable"
"Effect: Replenishes a moderate amount of stamina and mental energy after drinking, deeply alleviates thirst, supplements various beneficial trace elements, and slightly enhances mental concentration."
"Note: Specially purified active spring water, with a sweet and refreshing taste like sweet dew. Long-term consumption is beneficial for body and mind."
"The effect is even better than simple 2x amplification!" Jiang Chen's eyes lit up.
Although it didn't directly boost "physical fitness"—a heaven-defying attribute—the effects of "deeply alleviating thirst," "supplementing various beneficial trace elements," and "slightly enhancing mental concentration" were also very practical!
And this was just one of his "basic amplification" uses that had reset today!
Because it was a new day, his amplification uses had been reset! It was still 10 basic amplifications and 1 special amplification!
He could be extravagant again!