Chapter 45: A Big Haul

Aboard the train, Lin Xian opened the Mechanical Heart interface, reviewing the data from devouring the massive generator system. [Devour Successful: Mechanical Source Points +200, Mechanical Devour Skill Proficiency +100, Bonus: Strength +15, Speed +10, Defense +10!] [Congratulations! Your Mechanical Heart has leveled up to LV.2 and unlocked a passive skill: Dissolution Space!] [Dissolution Space (Passive): Upon completing mechanical devour, 20% of the device's materials are recovered and stored in a dedicated 100-ton capacity space. These materials can be directly used for blueprint-based manufacturing.] [Congratulations! Strength Attribute has leveled up to Level 2 (Burst Capacity: 200kg).] [Congratulations! Defense Attribute has leveled up to Level 1 (Hard Bones, Tough Skin).] [Strength, Speed, and Defense Attributes are all activated. Detailed parameters are now available.] [Congratulations! Wind Cannon Skill has advanced to Level 2 (6%).] Current Mechanical Heart Level: LV.2 (10/1000) [Hint: Leveling up the Mechanical Heart grants special skill rewards. At LV.3, LV.6, and LV.9, a mysterious awakening will occur.]Strength Level: 2 (17%) (Burst Capacity: 200kg)Speed Level: 1 (62%) (Max Speed: 10m/s)Defense Level: 1 (21%) (Hard Bones, Tough Skin)Mechanical Awakening: Not UnlockedMechanical Devour: 2 (208/500) – Enhances devour efficiencyMechanical Manufacturing: 1 (112/300) – Enhances construction efficiencyMechanical Passives: Scan / Repair / DissolutionSpecial Skills:Wind Cannon (Normal, Level 2, 6%)Ice Shield (Normal, Level 1, 22%) Devouring the 1,900-kilowatt generator system was Lin Xian’s first time taking on such a massive device since obtaining the Mechanical Heart. Though it took seven or eight hours, the rewards were incredibly satisfying. Looking at the glowing interface, Lin Xian noted not only the upgrades to his Strength and Defense but also the leveling up of his Mechanical Heart to Level 2. Most excitingly, the newly activated Dissolution Space skill was incredibly practical. Previously, manufacturing from blueprints was cumbersome, especially when collecting materials. Now, the Dissolution Space allowed devoured machines to yield usable materials directly, which could be stored in this exclusive space. However, it was limited to materials from mechanical devours and couldn’t function as general storage—a slight regret. Still, it was a game-changer. He mused aloud, “So Wind Cannon and Ice Shield are just basic skills? That means there are higher-tier abilities. If I could devour that CIWS or the Iron Guard 3 Military Assault Armor, who knows what surprises might await...” Examining his stats, he chuckled. “Bursting 200 kilograms... I’m stronger than a professional boxer now. Damn.” With two new helpers aboard, the Infinite Train was far less lonely. After eating and drinking a little to recover his energy, Lin Xian joined in the scavenging efforts. Luo Ye was assisting Kiki in hauling computers and servers out of the bunker. She planned to convert Car 2 into an information center, which would double as her private sleeping space. She even dragged out a bunk bed frame from the bunker’s dormitory. Meanwhile, Chen Sixuan and Shasha, equipped with gas masks from the armory, were collecting scattered weapons and supplies in the outpost courtyard. Despite the eerie surroundings—zombies lurking in the darkness and black bugs covering the ground—they worked tirelessly, guns in hand, hauling bloodied supply crates without batting an eye. Lin Xian couldn’t help but admire their fortitude, honed by the harsh environment. Lin Xian pondered how to transport both the Iron Guard 3 Military Assault Armor and the TFV600 Heavy Twin-Barrel Tank back for study. But as he took a few steps forward, a rustling sound from the distant tracks caught his attention. Frowning, he moved to investigate. Not far ahead, he spotted a limping shadow fleeing deeper into the railway. Tang Hai? Lin Xian’s expression darkened. “I thought I killed him... How is he still alive?” Raising a finger, Lin Xian prepared to finish the job, but something peculiar stopped him. Tang Hai sidestepped through a cluster of zombies, weaving past them effortlessly. The zombies didn’t react to him at all. “What the...? Why aren’t they attacking him?” Lin Xian’s eyes narrowed. The zombies shuffled forward sluggishly, eventually catching a whiff of blood. Turning toward Tang Hai, they charged at him. “No, no... You’re not supposed to see me!” Tang Hai shrieked in terror. Lin Xian froze. He thought the zombies couldn’t see him? That made no sense. Moments earlier, Tang Hai had moved among them confidently, not like someone gambling on luck. “What’s going on...” Lin Xian muttered, his face grim. The zombies pounced, tearing Tang Hai apart. His screams of agony were short-lived, and silence soon returned. For safety, Lin Xian unleashed several Wind Cannons to eliminate the zombies, ensuring they posed no further threat. Approaching Tang Hai’s lifeless body to confirm the kill, something even stranger occurred. Tang Hai’s corpse began to convulse violently. The blood mist from the slain zombies transformed into a visible fluid, surging into his body. In moments, Tang Hai’s form turned blood-red. As the blood mist continued to accumulate, it formed into a pulsating blood cocoon. Lin Xian’s pupils narrowed, and an ominous feeling gripped him. Could Tang Hai’s ability to go unnoticed by the zombies have been some kind of special power? The thought flashed through his mind, and his instinct screamed that this was no ordinary occurrence. Without hesitation, Lin Xian unleashed several powerful Wind Cannons at the cocoon. No matter what you are, a dead Tang Hai is the best Tang Hai! Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! The upgraded Wind Cannons, now more powerful than ever, tore through the cocoon with deafening force, leaving gaping holes that oozed grayish-white flesh and blood. “There’s definitely something off here,” Lin Xian muttered, his expression darkening as he prepared to fire another volley. But before he could act, the blood cocoon seemed to react to the threat. With a violent struggle, it suddenly burst open with a loud pop, and a slim, pale-gray figure shot out at lightning speed, disappearing into the dense fog. “Damn it!” Realizing the danger, Lin Xian took a few steps to pursue the fleeing figure, but the shadow had vanished into the foggy darkness. His thoughts turned to Chen Sixuan and Shasha, who were still in the courtyard below, vulnerable without Abilities. He quickly turned back toward the train. In the enveloping night and thick fog, even zombies could easily ambush from the shadows. To stay safe, Lin Xian decided it was time for everyone to regroup on the train. With a rhythmic clatter, the Infinite Train soon returned to the platform at Beiwang Station. Without delay, Lin Xian coordinated with Chen Sixuan to reorganize the carriages. Luo Ye, proving adept with tools, joined the effort. Together, the three efficiently reconfigured the train. The Whale 03E Heavy Gas Turbine Locomotive and the Huanxing 7F Electric Locomotive remained at the front as the lead engines. Cars 1 and 2 stayed unchanged, while Tang Hai’s two passenger carriages, loaded with supplies, were positioned next as Cars 3 and 4. The original Car 3, outfitted with tools and a hydraulic liftgate, was moved to position 5. Behind them were four flatbed trailers, carrying two military jeeps, one heavy off-road vehicle, and Qian Yu’s armored car. The short-haul electric freight locomotive from earlier was left at the tail. Since it wasn’t coupled to any carriages and was cumbersome, Lin Xian planned to devour it after escaping the fog. It might yield significant rewards. To better manage the tool car, Lin Xian assigned Luo Ye to Car 5. Meanwhile, Shasha moved in with Kiki in Car 2, the two sharing a bunk bed setup. With everyone settled, Lin Xian reflected on the strange events. The escape of the pale-gray figure from the blood cocoon weighed heavily on his mind. It wasn’t just about Tang Hai anymore—whatever had just emerged was unnatural, and its implications were deeply troubling.