Chapter 423: East District
The interior of the train was filled with the pungent smell of welding and engine oil.
The space inside the carriage was relatively cramped, with various supplies and tools stacked around.
The walls were patched with mottled metal plates, with temporary pipes and wires visible in some areas.
Dim lights on the ceiling emitted weak glows, creating a slightly oppressive atmosphere.
"Space is prioritized for skeletons and supplies, so the seating area is a bit tight," Qi Hancai explained softly.
"The layout is pretty good," Wu Heng commented as he sat down.
The seats were old green hard benches, with a fixed long table in the middle.
On the table, a monitor was secured, displaying surveillance footage around the train.
Surveillance cameras had been installed outside the train, ensuring every angle was captured.
Though he wasn't sure what the provincial train modifications looked like,
the level of refurbishment on this train exceeded his expectations.
As he sat on the bench, Qi Hancai said directly, "If the journey goes smoothly, it'll take five hours to reach 'Anhui City Station.' If there are too many zombies, we might need to stop and clear them out. While the exterior of the train can withstand zombies, there's still a risk of derailment. If it derails, our current tools won't be able to restore it to the tracks easily."
Wu Heng understood her concerns. "When the zombie numbers increase, prepare in advance and let the skeletons handle the fight."
Sparse zombies posed no threat to the heavily modified train.
The main concerns were large-scale hordes and significant obstacles on the tracks.
As long as they stayed vigilant and prepared, there wouldn't be major issues.
Even though the train could carry only a limited number of skeletons, their level provided a substantial advantage over zombies.
"Understood!" Qi Hancai nodded and added, "We've also prepped 'Anhui City's' channel for occupying the station and trading resources, but they don't believe us and have been rather unfriendly."
Wu Heng remarked, "When we opened the Passenger Station market, other shelters had the same attitude."
When he and Li Yanhong opened the Passenger Station, various shelters had scoffed.
At that time, Qi Hancai hadn't joined yet.
By the time they opened the Old Factory District market, the military had already established a market, making it easier for survivors to accept.
Now, arriving in a new place brought about similar challenges.
But it was understandable.
With zombies everywhere, an external group offering to open a market and trade food for gold would naturally raise doubts.
Qi Hancai raised an eyebrow. "That happened? I didn't mock it, though."
Wu Heng nodded. "Once we occupy the station, the shelters will believe us."
"You're right," Qi Hancai agreed.
Knock knock knock~!
The train exited the city, and the sound of impacts began echoing from outside.
The two looked at the monitor. Zombies could be seen approaching the train from both sides of the tracks.
Drawn by the train's sound, they charged directly at it.
Zombies in front were crushed to pieces.
Those hitting the train's sides were flung away by the train's momentum.
Other than the thudding noises, there seemed to be no effect.
Wu Heng glanced away from the monitor and checked the system interface.
The zombies killed by the train didn't add experience points.
A bit of a pity.
...…
Qi Hancai picked up the walkie-talkie to check with the driver.
Wu Heng opened his interface to check his stats.
[Name: Wu Heng]
[Level: 15 (13585/195000)]
[Attributes: Strength 41, Agility 31, Constitution 44, Intelligence 43, Perception 28, Charisma 29.]
[Feats: ... One-Handed Sword Specialization (Intermediate), Swordsmanship Specialization (Intermediate), Staff Specialization (Intermediate) ..., Arcane Training, Soul Knowledge, ... Undead Adaptation, Spellcasting Acceleration, Forced Focus, Master Caster, Unfatigued Focus.]
[Abilities: Gray Eagle Swordsmanship (Beginner), Enhanced Willpower, Soul Sense, Spellcasting Acceleration, Breath of the Dead, Divine Descent.]
[Skills: Raise Skeleton, ... Bone Armament, Corpse Cage, Bone Transplantation, Death Aura, Animate Object.]
Looking at his stats, Wu Heng realized he'd been slacking recently.
With only 13,000 experience points, he was far from the 195,000 needed for the next level.
The otherworld still posed significant threats.
Leveling up needed to be a priority.
"Would you like something to drink?" Qi Hancai asked after putting down the walkie-talkie.
Wu Heng closed the interface. "What's available?"
"Beer, soda, mineral water."
"Sounds fitting for a train ride. Mineral water, please."
Qi Hancai opened a nearby cabinet and took out two bottles of water.
Handing one to Wu Heng, she asked, "Did you know Li Yanhong and the repair shop crew from before?"
"We lived near each other. We met while clearing zombies."
"Oh, Yanhong's really lucky," Qi Hancai said enviously. "And so am I."
Wu Heng nodded, then asked, "What's our next stop?"
Qi Hancai glanced at the map. "Dongjiang District Station."
...…
Dongjiang District Station.
On the fifth floor of a building outside the station, a man in an oil-stained black coat was observing through binoculars.
He scrutinized the area with a serious expression, silently watching.
Behind him, five people—men and women—sat around a makeshift fire.
"What's the situation? Lots of zombies?" asked a short-haired woman.
The man replied gravely, "Many. Hundreds around the hall alone, and likely more in other areas."
The woman shaded her eyes and looked into the distance. "Any way to lure them away?"
"Unlikely. We've been sneaking around. Any big commotion could get us all killed," someone else commented.
"If it doesn't work, we can drive on the highway," another suggested.
"Wait!" the man with the binoculars interrupted.
The group tensed, quickly extinguishing the fire and grabbing their weapons.
"What happened?"
"The zombies at the station are all rushing inside. It's like they're being drawn to something."
The group moved to the window, watching from a distance.
Hordes of zombies were frantically pouring into the station.
"Could there be other survivors?"
...…
Through the walkie-talkie, the driver reported, "This is the cabin. The station ahead is crawling with zombies. Forcing our way through might be risky."
The two looked at the monitor showing the station ahead. Zombies were wandering about, numbering over a hundred.
"Should we push through? The tracks seem clear," Qi Hancai asked.
Wu Heng stared at the screen. "Let's play it safe. Tell the driver to prepare to stop. We'll clear the zombies first."
"Got it." Qi Hancai contacted the driver.
The train slowed to a halt.
Carriages opened, and skeletons poured out, quickly forming ranks in front of the train.
"Sound the horn!" Wu Heng commanded.
Beep~!
The deafening horn blared.
Zombies at the station turned toward the sound.
With a series of guttural howls, they began charging toward the train.
Skeletons readied their weapons. "Spears, throw!"
Whoosh whoosh whoosh~!
Spears flew into the horde, impaling zombies and tripping those behind.
Flying skeletons swooped down, dragging zombies into the air before dropping them to crush others.
The battle had begun.
The train began to decelerate, gradually coming to a halt.
One by one, the train cars opened, and skeletons surged out, quickly forming a formation at the front of the train.
"Sound the train horn!"
Beep~!
The deafening train horn blared.
The zombies at the distant station instantly turned their heads toward the sound.
In the next second, they emitted a chorus of howls and began rushing toward the train.
Simultaneously, the zombies in the waiting room were also drawn in, shattering the glass and converging on the tracks as they charged toward the train.
"Throw spears! Release!"
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh~!
A dense volley of spears was launched.
The spears rained down, landing among the zombies. Groups of zombies were impaled and fell, tripping those behind them.
The trailing zombies continued their frenzied charge, slamming into the spear formation.
In an instant, the sounds of howls and weapons piercing flesh and bone echoed throughout the area.
Skeleton wyverns circled in the sky.
They dove intermittently, grabbing zombies and dragging them into the sky before dropping them, crushing several more upon impact.
Although the number of skeletons deployed was not vast, their superior levels undoubtedly gave them the advantage.