Though it might sound perplexing, a logistics personnel had acquired the second ch of the Stellar Train.
And it was the "Leech" ch.
But upon closer thought, it made sense—Li Shiji was the only one on the entire Stellar Train whose ntal strength exceeded 14.5.
"Sigh."
Biao Zi remained silent for a long ti before letting out a soft sigh. "I'm not upset, just feeling a bit inferior. Zhang Da i and Li Shiji, they've both been blessed by the heavens with talent. Why don't I have that kind of gift?"
"How the hell can a logistics guy handle a ch?"
Just then—
Li Shiji, who had been standing nearby, walked over.
"Biao Ge."
Li Shiji looked at Biao Zi with a serious expression. "Lord Mang has granted
the use of the second ch on the Stellar Train, the 'Leech.' It's an honor, but as you both know, I'm just a logistics guy. It's hard for
to fully utilize the ch's potential."
"Didn't I just apply for access to the Combat Training Virtual Space?"
"I've created a map inside that can boost ntal strength. Biao Ge, why don't you co take a look with ?"
Biao Zi was slightly taken aback, a hint of embarrassnt flashing in his eyes. "Uh, Li Shiji, I was just..."
"Let's go."
Lao Zhu chuckled, wrapping an arm around Biao Zi's shoulder. "This guy often talks nonsense. Don't mind him. Show us that map you made."
Biao Zi, Lao Zhu, and Li Shiji entered the Combat Training Virtual Space and appeared in a plaza.
In front of them was a white room.
In the center, a light screen floated.
ntal Strength Enhancent Training Map.
Creator: Li Shiji.
"Here's the thing."
Li Shiji stood still and explained to Lao Zhu and Biao Zi. "The Combat Training Virtual Space allows the physical enhancents gained here to manifest in the real world. ntal strength can be trained here and improved externally."
"I've created a simple challenge."
"My initial estimate is that if you can clear it four or five tis, you should be able to increase your ntal strength by 0.8."
"That much?" Lao Zhu's eyes flickered with surprise.
"Yeah. Let's start with the first level."
"ntal strength is reflected in multiple aspects and dinsions. Sensitivity to color, or color perception, can effectively boost ntal strength to a certain extent."
In the next mont—
Four green squares appeared on the light screen, three of which were dark green, and one was erald green.
A 30-second countdown appeared on the screen.
"The rule is simple. You just need to select the square that's a different color before the tir runs out."
"That easy?"
Biao Zi frowned slightly, focused his mind, and quickly selected the erald green square. The first level was cleared, and they moved on to the second level.
"The second level is a bit more challenging."
As soon as Li Shiji finished speaking, eighty-one black squares appeared on the screen, along with a 3-second countdown.
Three seconds later.
Failed.
"..."
Biao Zi turned to Li Shiji with a blank expression. "Are those eighty-one black squares really not identical?"
"Of course not."
Li Shiji brought up the second level again and pointed to the center black square. "This one is slightly lighter. It's quite obvious, right? Like throwing a red date into a glass of water."
"Let
try again!"
Thirty minutes later.
Biao Zi rubbed his reddened eyes and gave Li Shiji a thumbs-up. "Bro, you're amazing!"
"But thanks for making
realize I'm not cut out for this."
"Uh..."
Li Shiji awkwardly chuckled. "There are nine levels in total, and the difficulty increases gradually. Biao Ge, you didn't even pass the second level... If it's useful, I can design more maps to help enhance ntal strength."
"And I've noticed that many of the pre-made maps in this Combat Training Virtual Space have limitations. I've also looked at the history of the maps you've created—they have so limitations too."
"I used to be a ga designer."
"I think I can help design better maps to improve physical fitness and ntal strength. This way, Lord Mang's vision of a ch squad can be realized sooner."
"..."
"..."
Biao Zi and Lao Zhu exchanged glances, both seeing the sa thought in each other's eyes—this kid is a damn genius.
"We need to tell Lord Mang about this."
"Yeah, we should." For the first ti, Biao Zi looked at Li Shiji with admiration. "Even though I can't use your map, I have two guys in my team with decent initial ntal strength, like Shan Mao Zi. I'll have them co train with you."
"In the future, they'll handle long-range fire support, and I'll charge in front."
"I'm still better suited to being a warrior."
"You're impressive!"
At this mont.
He finally felt genuine respect for this young man, Li Shiji. He was no match for him.
"Really? If I rebel, will you join ?"
"Haha." Biao Zi forced a smile.
"Just a bad joke to lighten the mood..." Li Shiji awkwardly chuckled.
"Let's go."
Lao Zhu shook his head, laughing as he left the Combat Training Virtual Space. "The last ti I heard a joke that bad was from Lord Mang."
At dusk.
The Stellar Train rested on the plains. Many Train Residents had stepped out of the train, lying on the nearby grass, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the brief tranquility. The occasional monsters that appeared were swiftly dealt with by Zhang Da i and her second team.
Instead of being frightened, the Train Residents gathered together, laughing and comnting on the monsters in the distance.
"That monster's not impressive."
"Not as good as the nearly 100-ter-tall Zombie from earlier."
"True. When I saw that 100-ter Zombie, I was filled with despair. Who knew a single missile from the train would take it down instantly?"
"I heard it was a Level 7 monster!"
"According to Lao Zhu, Level 7 monsters are incredibly strong. That giant spider we encountered in the Iron Ridge Wasteland was only Level 3. The monsters in this area are Level 6."
Before encountering the Zombie King.
Chen Mang had installed many display screens inside the train carriages and refrigerators, connected to the generators and chanical eyes, allowing the Train Residents to see the outside world through the screens.
The nearly 100-ter-tall Zombie had left a deep impression on everyone.
And Lao Zhu occasionally gave the residents so political lessons.
Mainly about the changes in the post-apocalyptic world, the hierarchy of train monsters, and most importantly, the strength of the Stellar Train and Lord Mang's abilities, as well as the tragic state of other trains.
"This is nice."
The young man who had been following Uncle Li lay on the grass, looking at the twenty or so children following a few won in the distance. He rested his hands behind his head, feeling the gentle breeze as he murmured, "For a mont, it felt like I wasn't in the apocalypse, but camping in a park."
"Sohow."
"I never liked kids before, but seeing these children, I suddenly felt a sense of peace, like seeing hope. It feels like the Stellar Train can continue on forever."
"Of course, it could also be the apocalypse that made these kids so mature."
"Especially the look in those boys' eyes. They don't seem like kids—more like adults tempered by the apocalypse."
"Hey, Uncle Li, why aren't you saying anything?"
"..."
Uncle Li, also lying on the grass, remained silent for a mont before hoarsely replying, "Stop worrying about those kids. Worry about yourself."
"I saw today that the Space Gate has a vast area inside, with a lot of grassland."
"It's clearly more suitable for farming and raising livestock than the Breeding Carriage."
"I'm worried we might be out of a job soon."
"Hmm..."
The young man, who had been enjoying the mont, fell silent. "Uncle Li... that's a real possibility. What should we do?"
"How the hell should I know? I'm trying to figure it out!"
"Alright, I'll think with you, Uncle Li."
"Can you even think of anything?"
"I can't, but I'll at least have the right attitude."
"Say... Train Conductor Zhu is looking for teachers for those kids. Do you think I could be a teacher?"
"That's hard to fake, isn't it?"
"I've actually been a teacher before."
"You graduated with a degree in civil engineering, spent a few years in prison, and then switched to accounting. Where does teaching fit into that?"
"I ran an accounting training class."
"That counts as teaching?"
"Teaching and imparting knowledge—doesn't that count as teaching?"
"Well... Uncle Li, why don't you give it a try?"
"Try? I'll try!"
Uncle Li gritted his teeth, got up from the ground, brushed the dirt off his pants, and headed straight for the train. "I'll go talk to Train Conductor Zhu. I think this position could be a long-term one!"
"And when these kids grow up and beco the backbone of the Stellar Train, my status will rise with them!"
"After all, it's all about raising sothing."
"Raising kids is way more prestigious than raising pigs!"
"You? A teacher?"
Lao Zhu glanced at Uncle Li and imdiately shook his head. "No way. If you beco a teacher, who's going to manage the Breeding Carriage?"
"Focus on raising your pigs."
"Stop thinking about these things."
"Uncle Li, why are you back?"
"Just keep lying down."
Uncle Li lay back on the ground with a blank expression. "Raising pigs is fine. Raising kids is just a headache."
"Rejected?"
"Shut your mouth, thanks."
"Oh."
"Biao Ge... let
try again."
Inside the Combat Training Virtual Space, Shan Mao Zi lowered his head in sha. "I'll try a few more tis. I'm sure I can clear it."
"..."
Biao Zi remained silent. Shan Mao Zi had just cleared the second level in thirteen minutes. Each ti they restarted, the level changed completely, aning Shan Mao Zi had talent—at least more than him.
He couldn't even scan all eighty-one squares in three seconds, let alone find the one that was almost indistinguishable from the others.
He just patted Shan Mao Zi's shoulder and said softly, "Stay here and train."
"When your ntal strength exceeds 14.5, I'll go to Lord Mang and request a 'Leech' ch for you."
Then his figure disappeared, heading to another virtual space.
In the entire train, only Li Shiji's ntal strength exceeded 14.5—his was an astonishing 26.8. The second highest was the third team captain.
His ntal strength was 13.9.
There were three reasons he beca the third team captain.
He's ruthless.
His marksmanship is sharp.
His physical fitness is strong.
Though none of these individually made him the strongest on the train, he was well-rounded, excelling in all three areas.
Appearing in another virtual space, Biao Zi looked at the words Biohazard on the light screen, took a deep breath, and adjusted his body to its peak condition.
This was sothing Lord Mang had brought back.
Normal clear: increases physical fitness by 0.2 each ti, up to three tis.
Extre clear: increases difficulty, increases physical fitness by 0.5 each ti, up to three tis, with actual death.
His goal was simple.
Clear the normal mode three tis, then the extre mode three tis.
In the next mont—
The words Biohazard exploded into countless light particles, and the previously white virtual space rapidly transford. When everything settled, he found himself in an elevator that was steadily ascending.
The elevator's lights were dim and flickering.
The button for the 31st floor was lit, and the elevator had reached the 7th floor.
On the elevator's surface, a line of crimson text slowly appeared.
Biohazard, Normal Mission.
Reach the 31st floor and escape the building via the steel cable on the rooftop.
Just then!
"Thud!"
Sothing heavy seed to have fallen from high up in the elevator shaft, landing on top of the elevator. The elevator imdiately stopped, stuck on the 7th floor.
Before Biao Zi could react.
The steel plate above the elevator was pried open, and a Zombie covered in blood, with exposed muscles, crawled onto the elevator's fra, sticking its head inside and roaring at him.
The intense stench of blood and rot instantly filled the elevator.
Blood and saliva mixed into a thick, sticky liquid, dripping onto the elevator floor.
"..."
Biao Zi's breath almost stopped. It was all too real, and without any warning, he was thrust into the scenario, which was a significant psychological shock. He quickly scanned the elevator.
Picking up a steel pipe from the elevator, he imdiately thrust it at the Zombie above!
But it was useless.
This was clearly a high-level Zombie, completely ignoring his attacks, frantically tearing into the elevator's roof, trying to force its way inside.
"Bang, bang!"
Biao Zi, now anxious, began kicking the elevator door, trying to escape.
But it was too late.
"Thud!"
The Zombie successfully forced its way into the elevator, opening its massive, fang-filled mouth and swallowing Biao Zi's upper body whole.
(End of Chapter)
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