8: Chapter 8 Upgrade: Armored Train!

Night had completely shrouded the desolate land.

Compared to the fear of zombies knocking on the door at any moment last night, the atmosphere on Train No. 9527 tonight was significantly more stable.

The train was parked on a high plain surrounded by cliffs on three sides. This was a natural fortress, easily defended and hard to attack, and it was the best overnight spot Luo Yao had selected using the Terrain Radar.

Inside the Conductor's cabin, Lin Xiao was carrying out the most anticipated part of the day—counting the loot.

"Wind Wolf pelts x15, raw Wind Wolf meat x200 kg, Wind Wolf fangs x20, Level 1 Wind Element Magic Cores x3."

Lin Xiao looked at the pile of shimmering materials in his system inventory, his grin stretching from ear to ear.

"Plus the iron ore scavenged from the mine earlier, and... hmm, the hardwood and rubber traded from that unlucky guy."

"This is a straight-up fortune!"

Lin Xiao rubbed his hands together and clicked on the [Train Management] interface.

The gray button that originally represented "Upgrade" finally lit up with an inviting golden glow.

**[Conditions met! Upgrade train to LV.2 (Black Iron Grade Armored Train)?]**

**[Consumption: Iron Ore x500, Hardwood x200, Rubber x50, Level 1 Crystals (or Magic Cores) x10.]**

**[Estimated time: 10 minutes.]**

"Must upgrade!" Lin Xiao clicked confirm without hesitation.

Although this old green-skinned steam train was retro, it was far too fragile. Being bumped a few times by Wind Wolves during the day had nearly shaken it apart; if they encountered higher-level monsters, it would be nothing more than a mobile tin coffin.

"Whirr—"

As the command was issued, a soft yet dazzling azure light began to glow from the locomotive, quickly enveloping the entire train like flowing mercury.

Within the light, the train's form began to undergo visible changes.

The rusted iron plates began to peel off and reorganize, turning into pitch-black steel armor plates.

The originally fragile single-pane glass windows gradually thickened, becoming triple-layered bulletproof glass with an anti-explosion coating. The wheel hubs under the chassis became sturdier and more powerful, emitting a cold metallic gleam.

Even the length of the train was stretching. The originally cramped carriage space seemed to be pushed open by some kind of Space Folding technology, becoming spacious and bright.

As technical support, Luo Yao was currently kneeling on the high stool in the co-pilot's seat, her eyes wide and her small mouth slightly agape, completely stunned.

"Wow... this data stream... it's so massive! So complex! It's practically reshaping the structure of matter!"

She turned her head, looking at Lin Xiao as if he were a deity. "Class Monitor, is this also your talent? That's incredible!"

Lin Xiao touched his nose, feigning depth. "Standard procedure, don't get too worked up. This is just the beginning."

In reality, he was also secretly thrilled: System products are always top-tier!

Ten minutes later.

The light dissipated.

A steel beast full of industrial heavy metal style lay quietly on the tracks.

The old-fashioned green skin had disappeared, replaced by a matte black tactical coating.

The front featured a streamlined ram design, menacing and domineering. The S-grade Mechanical Arms on both sides had been integrated, perfectly embedded into the body armor, ready to pop out at any time.

**[Train Name: Black Iron (Customizable)]**

**[Level: LV.2 (Armored Train)]**

**[Defense: 300 (Original 50)]**

**[Durability: 100%]**

**[New Features:]**

**1. Space Folding: Internal space expanded by 30%, new independent rest area and restroom modules.**

**2. Weapon Mounts: Roof unlocks 2 universal weapon mount points (currently vacant).**

**3. Automatic Defense: When a creature approaches within 5 meters of the train, the Electric Defense Grid activates (consumes energy).**

"Black Iron... the name is a bit plain, but it's tough enough." Lin Xiao patted the console with satisfaction; the feel had changed from cold iron to smooth composite material.

"Come on, let's go to the back and check out our new home."

Lin Xiao pulled up Luo Yao, who was still in a state of excitement.

Luo Yao hugged Lin Xiao's arm, hanging on him like a koala, her face flushed. "Class Monitor, take me to see! I want to pick the biggest room!"

Feeling the soft sensation from his arm, Lin Xiao's heart skipped a beat.

Although this girl was small, she was... actually quite well-developed? As expected, the 2D world didn't lie; 'baby-faced and busty' is truly the way to go.

He feigned a cough to hide his body's instinctive reaction and led Luo Yao toward the rear carriages.

...

The door opened.

The original carriage, which looked like a tin of sardines with communal floor mats, was gone.

In its place was a layout similar to a high-end soft sleeper carriage.

In the middle was a wide corridor with anti-slip floor glue. On both sides were compartments with independent sliding doors.

Although each compartment was still not large, only fitting a bunk bed and a small table, compared to dozens of people squeezed together on the floor before, this was heaven!

"Ahhh! There are beds!"

"Heavens! There's even a mirror!"

"The lighting is so bright! It's not those dim kerosene lamps anymore!"

At this moment, the girls in the carriage had already erupted in excitement.

They touched here and looked there, as excited as young brides who had just moved into a new house.

For this group of cleanliness-conscious art students, having a relatively private space and being able to sleep in a real bed was happier than having a good meal.

"Everyone! Assemble!"

Lin Xiao's loud shout instantly silenced the excited crowd.

After several days of discipline, coupled with the incident of treating Wang Jia just now, Lin Xiao's prestige had reached its peak.

The girls immediately stood in two rows in the corridor, looking eagerly at the Conductor who had brought them these miracles.

Lin Xiao stood with his hands behind his back like a general reviewing his troops, his gaze sweeping across their tired but hopeful faces.

"The environment has improved, but that doesn't mean you can just slack off."

"Rooms are limited now. I have the final say on how they are allocated."

He pointed to the single rooms closest to the locomotive, which were also the most spacious.

"Room 1, my Conductor's suite."

Needless to say, the largest suite with an independent bathroom was for Lin Xiao's exclusive use.

"Room 2, Su Qingqian."

Su Qingqian was slightly taken aback, then nodded. She still had her "keep away" aura, but her gaze toward Lin Xiao had softened considerably. As the primary combatant, she deserved this treatment.

"Room 3, Shen Man."

Shen Man, who had just returned from changing the wounded's bandages, still looked a bit pale. Hearing this, she gave Lin Xiao a grateful look. She knew this wasn't just treatment, but Lin Xiao's care for her.

"Room 4, Luo Yao."

"Yay! Class Monitor is the best!" Luo Yao cheered, even pushing her luck to ask, "Then if I'm afraid of the dark at night, can I go to Room 1 to play with the Class Monitor?"

"Ahem, we'll talk about that later." Lin Xiao's face turned red, feeling dozens of gazes around him instantly turn gossipy.

"Room 5, Zhao Xiaotang."

Zhao Xiaotang puffed out her chest proudly, giving a provocative look to the girls behind her. As the tank, although she was injured, it was a badge of honor.

"The remaining rooms,"

Lin Xiao's tone shifted, becoming strictly business. "Four per room. Shen Man will be in charge of the specific allocation. The principle is: those who work hard and perform well stay in the front; those who are lazy and complain stay in the back."

Saying this, Lin Xiao specifically looked at Zhao Ji, who was shrinking into a corner.

"Especially some people. The very last room is closest to the boiler room, with the most noise, the highest temperature, and no windows. Zhao Ji, that's your exclusive VIP suite."

"Pfft..."

Someone couldn't help but laugh out loud first.

Immediately after, a wave of suppressed laughter rang out in the carriage.

That was right next to the boiler room! Not only would it be too noisy to sleep, but it would also be as hot as a steamer, with no windows for ventilation. In this apocalypse, it was practically solitary confinement.

Zhao Ji's face twisted with anger. She wanted to point at Lin Xiao and curse, but seeing the mocking looks of those around her and Lin Xiao's cold gaze, she knew that if she dared to talk back,

She might not even get to stay in that "steamer" and would have to sleep in the corridor.

"Fine, I'll stay there! Hmph!" She stomped her foot and walked toward the end of the train, clutching her LV bag pitifully.

"Alright, dismissed! Everyone, organize your quarters!"

At Lin Xiao's command, the girls began chattering and scrambling for beds. Although four to a room was a bit cramped, at least they were bunk beds, which was much better than sleeping on the floor.

...

After arranging the accommodations, Lin Xiao didn't stay idle.

He went to the roof of the train.

Although he had the mechanical arms, they were only for close combat. If they encountered enemies with long-range attacks or strange birds in the sky, the mechanical arms would be out of reach.

He opened the system inventory and took out a "big guy" he had traded for sanitary pads earlier.

It was something a fallen mob boss had put up for trade—**[Civilian M249 Light Machine Gun (Modified)]**.

Although it was a civilian version with a restricted rate of fire and power, and ammunition was extremely scarce (only two drum magazines were provided, totaling 200 rounds), it was more than enough to serve as a deterrent weapon.

"Click!"

Lin Xiao fixed the machine gun onto the newly unlocked weapon mount on the roof.

The dark muzzle pointed at the night sky over the wasteland, emitting a lethal aura.

"With this thing, even if a few more Wind Wolves show up, I'll turn you into sieves before you even get close." Lin Xiao stroked the cold barrel, his heart finally at ease.

Just then, faint footsteps came from behind.

Lin Xiao turned around and saw Su Qingqian standing not far away.

The night wind was quite strong, ruffling her long hair. She was wearing the black down jacket Lin Xiao had issued, with a tight-fitting combat vest underneath, and slim-fit cargo pants and military boots on her lower half. This cool and beautiful aura was simply stunning under the moonlight.

"Not asleep yet?" Lin Xiao turned around, leaning against the machine gun mount, with a twig in his mouth to look cool.

Su Qingqian walked over, not looking at Lin Xiao but gazing at the pitch-black wasteland in the distance.

"I can't sleep. Every time I close my eyes, I see that wolf pouncing."

Her voice was low, tinged with exhaustion. Although she was the strongest combatant, she was still just a female college student. Killing for the first time was a psychological shock that wasn't easily digested.

"You'll get used to it," Lin Xiao said calmly. "In this world, if you don't kill it, it'll eat you. That's the simplest law."

Su Qingqian turned her head, her cold eyes looking directly at Lin Xiao. "You seem to... adapt very quickly? As if... you belonged to this world from the start."

From his initial calm command to his decisive killing, and now to his ease with everything, Lin Xiao's performance was not at all like an ordinary arts student class monitor.

Lin Xiao smiled and didn't explain. He couldn't exactly say he had a system and cheats, could he?

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of chocolate, handing it to Su Qingqian.

"Get some sugar in you; it helps relieve stress."

Su Qingqian took the chocolate, tore open the wrapper, and took a small bite.

A bitter taste with a hint of sweetness spread across her tongue.

"Thank you."

She hesitated for a moment, then suddenly asked, "If... I mean if, one day I get injured like Wang Jia did, would you save me?"

This was almost the same question Shen Man had asked.

Lin Xiao looked at her.

The moonlight fell on her profile, outlining a perfect silhouette.

He suddenly reached out and helped her tuck a stray lock of hair blown by the wind behind her ear.

This intimate gesture made Su Qingqian's body stiffen slightly, but she didn't pull away.

"You are my blade," Lin Xiao said seriously, looking into her eyes. "If the blade breaks, I won't be far from death either. So, I will protect my blade with my life."

This metaphor wasn't exactly romantic; it even sounded a bit like he was treating her as a tool.

But for a girl as proud and rational as Su Qingqian, this was more practical and moving than any sweet words.

This was a bond of mutual need, a trust where they could leave their backs to each other.

The corners of Su Qingqian's mouth curled up in an extremely faint arc. In that instant, it was as if the ice had begun to melt and all things were coming back to life.

"Then... Conductor, please take good care of me from now on."

...

Late at night.

Lin Xiao returned to his Room 1, the Conductor's suite.

It was a small suite of about ten square meters. Although not large, it had a soft 1.5-meter bed, an independent shower, and a small desk.

Compared to the dormitory-style rooms outside, this was practically a presidential suite.

Lin Xiao took a shower, changed into dry clothes, and lay on the bed.

That long-lost sense of comfort made him let out a groan.

"This is the meaning of hard work."

Just as he was about to turn off the light and sleep, there was a soft knock on the door.

"Knock, knock, knock."

The sound was very light, as if afraid of disturbing others.

"Who is it?" Lin Xiao sat up.

"Class... Class Monitor, it's me, Shen Man," a familiar voice came from outside the door.

Lin Xiao went over and opened the door.

Shen Man stood at the door, holding a thermos that was still steaming.

She had already changed out of her dusty clothes and was wearing a slightly loose white shirt—one Lin Xiao had found in the pile of men's clothing. On her, it looked like a short nightgown, barely covering the tops of her thighs.

Her pair of fair, plump legs glowed with an ivory luster under the light, and she was wearing cartoon slippers, looking both domestic and seductive.

Especially with the collar slightly open, a glimpse of white lace could be seen inside, appearing and disappearing with her breath.

"Um... I saw you didn't eat much tonight, so I used the leftover wolf meat to boil some broth for you. I added some ginger to remove the gamey smell."

Shen Man lowered her head, her face as red as a ripe apple, her voice as quiet as a mosquito. "Would you... like to try some?"

Lin Xiao's Adam's apple bobbed.

This wasn't just delivering soup; this was clearly delivering warmth!

A man and a woman alone in the middle of the night, a uniform temptation, plus the ambiguous buildup from earlier in the day...

He reached out to take the thermos and, in the same motion, grabbed Shen Man's wrist and pulled gently.

"Ah..."

Shen Man let out a cry of surprise and fell into Lin Xiao's arms, following him into the room.

"Bang."

The door closed and locked.

Lin Xiao put the soup on the table, pinned Shen Man against the door, and looked at her with burning eyes. "I'll drink the soup, but... I want to collect some other interest first."

Shen Man felt like her heart was about to jump out. Her hands were against Lin Xiao's chest, but she had no strength to push him away. She looked up, her eyes misty, her voice carrying a hint of trembling anticipation:

"Class Monitor... the soundproofing here... isn't very good..."

Despite saying that, her arms had already slowly climbed up around Lin Xiao's neck.

"It's fine, I have a way."

Lin Xiao gave a wicked grin, picked her up horizontally, and walked toward the soft bed.

"As long as I don't make a sound, no one will know what we're doing... Of course, if you can't help yourself, then you can't blame me."

Outside the window, the cold wind howled, but inside this small carriage, spring was in the air.

(Ten thousand words of smutty content omitted here; please use your imagination.)

This night, the Black Iron train remained steadily parked on the wasteland.

But for some, it was destined to be a sleepless night.