Lin Xian and Zhou Jin's special ops team found a relatively quiet alley to park before moving to a high-rise building to observe. Zhou Jin had team members stationed at several key surveillance points around the area, leaving three members with them: Xiao Yan, a nimble female scout with special abilities;

Tong Silei, a heavily armed gunner clad in Iron Hunter power armor;

and Li Su, a stern-looking information specialist wearing glasses.

"That really is the Silver Star." Lin Xian took out binoculars to examine the silver train engine. "They actually brought an Eternal Power Core locomotive using all-terrain systems. They're really going all out."

"Many large convoy groups have come too." Jiang Yun scanned the crowded square and the massive apocalyptic vehicles lining the streets. "Common Alliance, Steel Bastion, Wind Whisperers, Full Metal Frenzy, Gray Falcon - even the Dawn Watch Alliance is here."

"You know quite a lot." Zhou Jin looked surprised as Jiang Yun recognized so many convoy members. "You can't have just arrived in Dawn City recently."

"Not exactly. I've been here for a while and recognize some familiar faces from past dealings," Jiang Yun replied.

Ning Jing stepped forward, looking surprised. "Are these convoys here for the recruitment too?"

Jiang Yun shook his head. "Probably not. These convoys or alliances are all organizations with tens of thousands of members and complete systems. The Dawn Watch Alliance alone has 120,000 people. I heard they might merge with Han Jun's Arctic Wind Alliance up north - they're a force even the Phoenix Society and Federation can't ignore."

"As for the other convoys, even the smallest has over 20,000 members. Part of the area we just passed through in the Deli Carnival district is controlled by the Gray Falcon convoy."

"Han Jun?" Lin Xian recalled. "I know him."

Jiang Yun smiled. "There's someone else you definitely know - Shen Yao from the North Wind Alliance. After Xilan City, he allied with Han Jun, and after merging with Arctic Wind Alliance's second convoy at Jin River, their numbers exceeded 200,000. They're now one of the major alliances officially supported by the Phoenix Society."

"Wow, you're really well-informed," KIKI chimed in.

"In this crisis where humanity faces disaster, the more friends and information you have, the better your chances of survival," Jiang Yun explained to Lin Xian.

"The Dawn Watch Alliance's 120,000 members are led by someone who shares your surname - Lin Qingyu. He's an impressive figure with a core team of over twenty experts and strategists. The entire alliance follows a military structure with massive logistics and resource teams. They've established partial resource cycles for roads, railways, air transport, farming, and production convoys. Of course, they still can't solve the water problem, but they distribute different grades of contaminated water based on ability users' purification coefficients, keeping mutation rates well controlled. Many convoys now use this system, which Lin Qingyu originally developed. Rumor has it he was an environmentalist before."

Lin Xian's expression turned serious. "You mean the stronger ability users drink less purified water, while weaker convoy members drink highly purified water processed by ability users?"

"Exactly."

"Risk hedging - quite clever." Monica's eyes lit up as she crossed her arms. "But this balance has major flaws too."

"Of course, but it's still the best solution available," Qian Dele agreed.

Jiang Yun pointed south across the square where a row of heavy base trucks were parked, with survivors swarming to queue up. "The Common Alliance - officially 80,000 members but actually far more. Their leader Lei Zhen was once a truck driver who served time. Forty percent of their members are elderly, children, or women - many whole families. Despite this, they're terrifyingly strong in combat, with numerous experts on the frontlines who fight like their lives depend on it. Their logistics are solid too, with unity as their core value. They have an excellent reputation among survivors, but joining isn't easy."

"Resources, combat strength, or logistics - you need at least one," Lin Xian commented.

Jiang Yun nodded noncommittally and continued, "The Wind Whisperers convoy is led by Luo Heng, a former scout like me - we're both wind-type ability users. He's calm and makes precise decisions. Their numbers aren't huge - just over 9,000 - but they travel light with almost no large vehicles. Their mobility and marching speed are exceptional, and both their ability users and individual combatants are strong. So despite smaller numbers, their survival rate is among the highest in Dawn City."

"9,000 is considered small?" Tan Yong laughed dryly. "My Limited train barely has 200 people after reorganization. Even counting the combined trains now, we don't exceed 5,000. Though if we combine Jian Xuwei and Lin Xian's Windrunner Alliance now, a 60,000-strong team would be massive."

"It's different. Small convoys here quickly merge into larger ones. You need blood crystals for resources, and hunting aberrations requires massive combat teams and firepower. Then there's developing production, farming, scavenging - all requiring people," Lin Xian explained. "So convoys with hundreds or thousands are considered small here, mostly formed by those who couldn't join larger groups and had to band together."

"So small convoys are just gatherings of the weak?"

"Can't be helped - reality is cruel. These small groups can only unite to increase risk resistance. Most wouldn't dare leave Dawn City."

Lin Xian pointed north across the square to a fully armed convoy with more gun barrels than people atop their vehicles: "Full Metal Frenzy - leader Xu Yufei, former director of Lanzhou Mechanized Armory. 70,000 members, many former southwest militia with massive ammunition and energy systems. They trade with Silent City, Dawn City, and the Phoenix Society, boasting 'more guns than people' - over 100 energy weapons like railguns and pulse cannons."

"Then there's Steel Bastion - leader Tan Yonglu. Hard to describe him. His convoy has many automated devices, robots, and drones. Only 12,000 members, mostly recruited after arriving in Dawn City - still impressive. I thought he'd have fled the city by now - surprised to see him here."

"I won't introduce the other mid-sized or unfamiliar convoys, but the turnout seems even bigger than online."

"Probably affected by the situation - rushing to recruit before fleeing."

"My people have swept the area - no Night Patrol or City Defense troops, just some Seraphim Unit members in plainclothes on the periphery," Qin Feng reported gravely. "For such a large gathering, the situation feels abnormal. Our suspicions were correct - this Unlimited Train Alliance has high-level Federation connections."

"Team Zhou, what's the plan?" Lin Xian asked.

"I've sent a squad to monitor Star City Rail Station while we observe here. We've set up surveillance at key points - if we spot Wen Dong or other Federation personnel, we'll act."

Lin Xian nodded, looking toward the square. "Let's watch for now."

The square teemed with people clad in various types of armor and prosthetics. Even civilians wore weapons, turning the area into a massive war plaza where everyone remained tense - many queuing survivors carried all their belongings.

The scene combined curious onlookers, recruiting convoys, dense queues, and various drones and aircraft overhead into a spectacular yet oppressive spectacle.

"Damn, recruitments happen often, but public combat trials are a first! This Unlimited Alliance has serious pull!" someone remarked.

"Rumor says they have high-level Federation backing - allowed as long as there are no deaths or permanent injuries."

"Doubt it. The Federation's swamped - probably just can't be bothered!"

"Who is this Qin Feng anyway? Never heard of him before. Is he really a mechanical ability user?"

A bearded man said, "Who knows? Our convoy only heard about Unlimited Train's Lin Xian - the guy who used a single gas turbine train to haul thousands of cars and thirty thousand people up the sky corridor! Legendary!"

"Exactly! How could Qin Feng not know about Captain Lin's feats? Naming his convoy the same..."

"Some say Qin Feng might be Lin Xian's apprentice."

"Bullshit! Since when can abilities be taught? You read too many novels! Though if I had that ability, I'd recruit a huge convoy too - could arm an entire army!"

"Right! Creating electromagnetic cannons, gatling guns, even planes, tanks, and power armor out of thin air? That ability's insane!"

"In terms of potential, it seems stronger than lightning, fire, water, or wind types..."

"That's why so many want to join. Heard Steel Bastion already allied with them - semi-joined. Over ten thousand people! Damn..."

Around the square's periphery, large convoy vehicles clustered temporarily while some leaders, unlike Lin Xian, watched from high-rises surrounded by crowds.

Under a makeshift rain shelter, leaders from over a dozen major convoys sat solemnly observing the event. Though not all familiar, most had collaborated before.

Lin Qingyu, 42, wore black combat gear and Martin boots. His warm face and sunglasses made him seem harmless - few would guess he led a 100,000-strong alliance.

"Berserker-level squads recruiting, Titan-level unlimited enrollment... Just who is this Qin Feng who appeared out of nowhere? Are his resources unlimited too?" asked Han Tiege of Full Metal Frenzy - a short, stocky man in custom high-tech power armor with flight capabilities that made him resemble a statue. He remained fully armed at all times.

"Mechanical abilities are overpowered - they're production capacity, and ammunition is hard currency now. Put that way, it's not surprising," said Luo Heng, 37, sharp eyes fixed on the Silver Star at the square's center. "Some of our people left to sign up. You must have similar cases."

"Don't care if they go," grumbled the hot-tempered Lei Zhen of Common Alliance, a bearded bear of a man. "Only came because we're expanding. What's so special about mechanical abilities?"

"You've got enough people already. Lower your thresholds and you'd hit 200,000 today!" sneered Xu Yufei of Steel Bastion coldly. "Since you'll take anyone..."

"Bullshit!" Lei Zhen exploded. "Everyone's human! Give me enough resources and ammo, I'd take a million! Meanwhile you, Xu Yufei - how many times have you even met Qin Feng before bringing your whole convoy to join?"

"This is an investment." Xu Yufei sipped coffee leisurely, scanning other leaders. "As Leader Luo said - mechanical abilities mean production. In this world, bullets are hard currency. He's a walking production line - even the Phoenix Society and Federation are scrambling to cooperate. Why shouldn't I?"

His words elicited varied reactions. Lin Qingyu studied him curiously. "Leader Xu, you've met Qin Feng. What's your impression?"

"Nothing outwardly special, but his abilities are formidable," Xu Yufei admitted. "You're all correct - he's collaborating deeply with the Federation."

"Because of mechanical abilities."

"Yes."

"No wonder. Rumor says Unlimited Train's Lin Xian already has Crimson Phoenix Token cooperation. The Federation must be desperate to secure these [Civilization-class] ability users to offer such massive support," someone commented.

"And naming it the same as Lin Xian's... really..."

"Lin Xian's convoy achievements have spread citywide. Now mechanical ability users and Unlimited Train admirers are protesting Federation propaganda about [First S-Class Kill], causing significant backlash," Luo Heng added. "I suspect this might be related."

"First S-Class Kill? Pfft." Lin Qingyu scoffed. "Arctic Wind Alliance transported over 1,000 tons of Cloudthorn corpse tissue from Xilan City for Dawn Center research. Over fifty labs received samples. This political theater only fools commoners."

He turned to Xu Yufei. "Leader Xu, I advise caution. The Federation's unreliable. Even if this 'New Unlimited Train' forms, would they really let their pet project leave Dawn City?"

Xu Yufei's eyes flickered but he remained unfazed. "Doesn't matter. Establish goodwill first, assess later."

"Typical fence-sitter," Lei Zhen mocked.

Xu Yufei glared but stayed silent.

Luo Heng watched him coolly. From his intelligence, Xu Yufei's choice was predictable - a doomsday opportunist, solitary and selfish. His elite-only convoy pinched every penny. After entering Dawn City, he staunchly supported it and joined Federation survivor aid groups. But sensing danger with the Phoenix Society's Skybreaker Ship arriving, he immediately pivoted to ally with other convoys to flee under Phoenix Society protection.

Though survival-driven behavior was understandable, Xu Yufei's attitude had earned him poor relations with major convoys while he disdained smaller ones. With 10,000+ members but unwilling to risk independence, even Lei Zhen of Common Alliance looked down on him.

The recruitment event continued chaotically yet orderly. At the square's edge, the 'Unlimited·Silver Star' convoy set up multiple recruitment channels where dozens of officers managed endless queues. Applicants included loners and small teams, with simple requirements:

First, minimum ability peak over 500 - exceeding Titan-level standards without testing limits, leaving many self-proclaimed Titans rejected at automated checkpoints amid chaotic scuffles and protests.

Second, special ability users with strong potential or utility could join even below the threshold, allowing some awakened children to qualify. However, 'Unlimited·Silver Star's' terms were harsh - only Berserker-level could bring one family member, Annihilator-level three.

No restrictions applied to family members' conditions - an brutally pragmatic policy when Berserkers could lead hundred-person convoys independently. Yet many still abandoned original groups to join, primarily because after the long dark apocalypse...

Trains had become highly valued for safety and living standards. Though demanding to operate, many large convoys now combined trains with vehicles, chasing dawn along rail lines - whether orbital or standard - proving far more efficient and survivable than cross-country travel.

Convoys like Dawn Watch Alliance already had train alliances cooperating for mutual support during travel.

Thus Qin Feng's recruitment plan for the advanced Eternal-class Silver Star caused a sensation with its automated weapons, super armor, and all-terrain systems.

Equally important was Qin Feng's mechanical ability!

Initially obscure and dismissed, after Lin Xian's Unlimited Train exploits spread, this ability gained reputation as [Civilization Creation]-class - even rumors claiming Lin Xian could handcraft starships and aircraft carriers, that he'd defeated an S-class through unlimited ammunition at Xilan City...

Suddenly, the square erupted in commotion as tens of thousands reacted - the noisy scene quieting noticeably.

"Is it starting?"

"Qin Feng's coming out!"

Hummm.

The park square's dry grassland trembled violently as the earth split open, revealing a massive circular hatch nobody knew existed beneath Garland District.

To universal shock, a mechanical platform rose with hundreds of armed personnel in Shadow Wolf and Iron Hunter power armor forming orderly ranks from below ground.

The perfectly aligned teams included two front formations - one of Iron Man-esque men and another of curvaceous women in streamlined armor with glowing blue energy lines - all uniformly futuristic. Behind them stood two rows of Iron Hunter-clad heavy troopers resembling mechanical bears exuding brutal power.

Simultaneously, hundreds of drones took flight, forming a giant spiral in the sky as a figure in red nano-stellar power armor floated up from the formation's center - no thrusters, wind abilities, or wings - just divine levitation!

On cue, the power-armored troops activated thrusters in perfect sync, rocketing up with Mach diamonds and sonic booms.

Whoosh!

The square erupted at this extravagant display, even drawing mixed reactions from the sheltered convoy leaders.

"Is this a product launch? How ridiculously over-the-top!" The portly Han Tiege opened his visor, gaping.

"Display masquerading as entrance," Luo Heng recorded equipment professionally. "100 Shadow Wolf/Iron Hunter suits could outfit a mecha battalion. And that underground facility - Federation military or his own creation?"

"Damn impressive staging," Lei Zhen grumbled, eyeing the hovering Qin Feng. "How's he flying? Scanners show no thrusters. Can mechanical abilities levitate?"

Lin Qingyu narrowed his eyes. "We'll see what he's selling. If the price is right, I might buy some gear for my team too."

The spectacular entrance achieved maximum impact. Qin Feng gestured, and all power-armored guards landed while drones formed a square, projecting a massive hologram of the square's center.

Qin Feng descended slightly but remained airborne as his nano-armor retracted, revealing a handsome 27-28 year-old man with mechanical augmentations along his jawline and neck - including a small holographic monocle-like display.

From a distant high-rise, Lin Xian's group watched the outrageous display with shock.

But Lin Xian wasn't amazed by the power armor or drones - but the massive underground mechanical structure.

"That looks like some classified military launch channel," commented Zhou Jin of the Iron Guard Brigade. "Using such a place for showmanship means serious Federation investment."

"Their investment proves this person or plan's importance," KIKI observed, arms crossed. "This recruitment targets Annihilator-level experts primarily - using combat trials for publicity while building a core team quickly. Ambitious."

Lin Xian nodded. "Right. Normal recruitment would just offer benefits. The trials are pure spectacle to attract top talent who'd otherwise test his capabilities as leader."

"So he's avoiding fighting personally?" Ning Jing frowned.

"Exactly," Monica said leisurely. "But Annihilators aren't fools. Without substance, this 'Unlimited·Silver Star' won't form."

"True. Let's see what this Mechanical Ruler is really made of," Jiang Yun said.

Lin Xian glanced at Lu Xingchen and Shiori - one looking competitive at the prospect of ability battles, the other peering over KIKI's shoulder like an awestruck, socially awkward spectator.

Meanwhile, the sensational Qin Feng remained calm amidst the uproar, silently listening to the crowd's reactions before finally speaking minutes later.

"Honored guests, in this era of falling stars and crumbling civilization, we humans crawl through wastelands like ants, struggle through barren streams like lizards. Morality has collapsed, order turned to ash."

"We were once towers, now reduced to rubble;

we were torches, now mere embers."

"But—"

"So long as breath remains, we must not abandon ourselves to the abyss;

so long as light persists, we must not kneel to the endless night."

"Bearing responsibility for survival and legacy, I, Qin Feng, Mechanical Ruler, declare to Dawn City's heroes my intent to forge a salvation alliance - not just for survival, but to gather humanity's strongest forces in these darkest hours where families are torn and hope extinguished."

"But with faith, though we now retreat to survive, one day we shall strike back like wildfire!"

His impassioned speech stunned the square, stirring many to fervor despite the bleak atmosphere.

"Thus I propose a train alliance - utilizing my mechanical abilities to construct nuclear reactors, water purification, vertical farms, greenhouses, armories, medical bays, ability training, comfortable living quarters, schools, nurseries, entertainment, and civilization preservation modules - continuously expanding along 320,000 kilometers of orbital tracks!"

"I believe as our abilities grow and technology advances, we will breach the clouds beyond dawn to distant stars!"

Boom!

The declaration electrified the crowd and online viewers alike with its inspiring vision.

Meanwhile, Lin Xian's group all turned to him with meaningful looks after hearing what sounded suspiciously familiar.

KIKI stared at Lin Xian in disbelief, face reddening as she suppressed laughter.

Lin Xian's jaw dropped as he silently mouthed:

"WTF...."

Those were supposed to be MY lines.....