First, he spent 100 units of iron ore to build another standard carriage. He had promised this to the slaves long ago, to give them more living space. The one he'd built previously had been destroyed in the boss fight.

Next, of course, was the "Crafting Station."

After spending 500 units of iron ore, the green-grade "Crafting Station" accessory was built and installed in Cargo Carriage #2. Currently, it could only produce one item: "Energy Stones."

The Crafting Station was Level 1, and it cost 500 units of iron ore to produce a single Level 1 Energy Stone.

"Craft!"

A moment later, Chen Mang left the cockpit and walked to Cargo Carriage #2. From a square, box-like machine, he retrieved a diamond the size of a pigeon's egg. He held it in his hand, examining it closely. This was an Energy Stone.

He placed the stone into the generator.

The next instant, the lights in every single carriage flickered on, casting a warm, comforting glow in the desolate wasteland. Electricity was the essence of human civilization; its presence made human society feel more like, well, a civilization.

For now, his train had no other electrical equipment besides these light bulbs. This single Energy Stone could probably power the generator for more than 300 days.

He didn't plan on making another one just yet.

The train engine's own Energy Stone was still at 62%. He would craft a new one when it got low. If an emergency arose, he could always take the one from the generator and install it in the engine.

These two items had cost him 1,000 units of iron ore.

The "Train Radio" was an absolute must-have. Communication ensured the train wouldn't become an isolated island in the wasteland. That cost 500 units of iron ore.

The "Search Radar" was also a high priority. The radar provided a basic level of security when the train was parked in the wild. Another 500 units of iron ore.

And just like that, he had burned through 2,100 units of iron ore, leaving him with only 151 units.

Whew...

Inside the cockpit, having spent nearly all of today's mined ore, Chen Mang let out a long breath. His attention immediately went to the panel for the green-grade "Search Radar."

[Accessory Name]: Search Radar

[Accessory Effect]: Issues a warning for any living creature not part of the train's crew that approaches within a 1,000-meter radius of the train.

[Upgrade Requirement]: 1,000 units of Iron Ore.

On the left side of the main control console, a rectangular screen composed of countless white lines materialized out of thin air. As the white lines faded, the screen lit up.

On the screen was a green circle. In the center of the circle was a 3D, top-down schematic of the "Starstrider."

Nearly a hundred green dots were visible inside and around the train. Within the entire circle, however, not a single red dot could be seen.

Although the accessory's description said it would alert him to any living creature, it seemed "living creature" was limited to other humans and monsters, not small insects and the like.

The screen was powered by electricity; he had installed the train's full electrical system back when it was Level 1.

A small, palm-sized nub now protruded from the front of the train's engine. That was the external Search radar.

When it sensed an approaching enemy, it was supposed to sound an alarm.

However, he didn't have the "Vehicle Sound System" accessory yet, so it couldn't make any noise. It could only provide visual warnings on the screen.

Chen Mang raised an eyebrow and spent another 100 units of iron ore to build the white-grade "Vehicle Sound System."

This accessory was a full audio suite.

A large speaker was mounted on the exterior of the engine.

Six small speakers were embedded in the corners of the cockpit, and each carriage was also equipped with six speakers distributed throughout the front, middle, and back.

From now on, alerts, as well as audio from the "Train Auxiliary AI" and other accessories, would be broadcast through these speakers.

He could also use the system to deliver his orders clearly and instantly to every member of the train. He could even follow the example of that Level 2 train, blasting DJ music as he roared brazenly across the wasteland.

Now his pockets were truly empty.

Nothing left. He only had 51 units of iron ore, just enough to produce food and water tomorrow morning.

Night fell.

Everyone was asleep. Outside the train, a few enforcers patrolled on night watch.

Chen Mang couldn't sleep. He grabbed his cane, walked down from the cockpit, and stood in a nearby clearing, gazing at his Starstrider, which lay quietly on the ground like a sleeping behemoth.

A wave of satisfaction washed over him.

When he first got it, this train was just a single, crude engine car. Now, in his hands, it was gradually growing, its wings slowly taking form.

The feeling was indescribable, like watching a child you've raised grow up.

It was worth noting that although the "Spider Leg" wheels mimicked the structure of a spider's limbs, they were not made of flesh and blood but were entirely steel, mechanical constructs. At first glance, they seemed out of place with the rest of the train, but after looking at them for a while, you could feel the explosive power and the raw, mechanical charm contained within the machine.

Chen Mang sat on the cracked earth of the wasteland, a dazed look on his face as he stared at the sleeping giant under the starry night sky. The red ember of his cigarette glowed faintly between his fingers.

He did nothing.

He just sat there, watching quietly.

His mind was simply admiring his creation as if it were a rare work of art.

After a long time, he looked down at the cigarette between his fingers, which had extinguished at some point, and tossed it aside. He suddenly understood why lions loved to survey their territory.

It was an indescribable sense of pride and satisfaction.

This feels good.

Just then, the staff (Hell Staff) in his hand vibrated slightly. A small, curved screen appeared on its surface, displaying a miniature version of the Search radar. Three red dots were slowly approaching the train.

Before he could say anything, he saw the enforcers patrolling around the train, already moving, guns in hand.

After a few gunshots, the wasteland fell silent once more, and the red dots vanished.

Chen Mang let out a soft chuckle and shook his head without speaking, remaining seated. It seemed the past few incidents had sharpened his enforcers' vigilance considerably.

There had been a few sporadic monster attacks during the day as well.

But that, paradoxically, gave him a sense of peace.

At least it meant there were no terrifying bosses in the immediate vicinity. He made a mental note to prioritize the "WindFire Wheels." In the wasteland, speed often meant survival.

Once he had crafted all the mandatory accessories, he would focus on upgrading a few of the highest-priority ones.

He stood up, patted the dust off his pants, and slowly walked back toward the engine, leaning on his staff.

I hope tomorrow is just as peaceful.

Heaven, please grant us a peaceful tomorrow.