The train tracks were all automatically generated, always advancing along a predetermined route.

In reality, the train’s control panel served little purpose. However, Bai Cheng still stood before it, staring at the triangular curtain through the window as it drew closer.

Soon, the train was completely engulfed in its shadow.

At the same time, the triangular curtain began to burn. No, more accurately, it was turning to ash.

The disintegration spread rapidly from the center toward the three edges, revealing a pitch-black void within.

The tracks extended into it, and the train slowly followed.

As the train entered, Bai Cheng felt as though she had stepped into a strange space, completely isolated from the original world.

The interior was not as dim as she had imagined. Faint points of light dotted the surroundings, seemingly distant yet tangible.

Bai Cheng immediately pulled the brake lever. The wheels screeched against the rails as the train lurched forward before coming to a steady halt.

At the same time, countless strips of pale white lights flickered to life overhead, illuminating the entire enclosed space.

Several notifications flashed across the screen, catching Bai Cheng’s attention.

[Channel Announcement!]

[Congratulations to Train Conductor Bai Cheng for becoming the first to successfully arrive at a station! A special reward has been granted!]

[Arrival Station: #1 Swamp Mine Station]

[Station Type: Solo Station]

[Station Description: This station provides rest and repair services, as well as abundant resources. However, it has attracted the attention of Infinite Raiders. Please proceed with caution!]

[Remaining Time Until Departure: 5 (4+1) hours]

[Your safety period has ended prematurely!]

[Hint: While docked at the station, your train cannot be destroyed, but beware of theft!]

Reading the messages, Bai Cheng’s expression shifted to one of realization.

She had been worried about what would happen to her train once she entered the station, but now it seemed that her concerns were unnecessary.

Moreover, she hadn’t expected to be the first survivor to arrive at a station.

The last special reward had been decent, so she was somewhat looking forward to this one.

Bai Cheng checked her rewards.

[Special rewards include: Full load boiler refill (coal), <Pioneer> title, 1 distributable attribute point, Infinite Coin ×10, and an additional 1-hour stay duration at the Station!]

[You have already obtained the <Pioneer> title! Reward replaced with 1 additional distributable attribute point!]

"Seriously? It’s the same as last time?" Bai Cheng was disappointed, her expectations for future special rewards diminished.

That didn’t mean that the rewards were bad, though.

Two distributable attribute points, an extra hour of docking time, and Infinite Coins were undeniably generous.

Of course, the most important thing is that they’re free!

From the information on the screen, Bai Cheng also noticed something else: "This place... is actually a mine?"

She shifted her gaze to the iron pickaxe in her possession.

"Maybe I can make a small fortune here?" She hefted the pickaxe in one hand and a high-power flashlight in the other, flicking the switch rapidly.

Clang!

The train door opened, giving Bai Cheng a clearer view of the station’s interior.

She was inside a massive enclosed space, a platform for docking trains.

Ahead and behind the train, the same enormous triangular curtains loomed. To the sides were walls, and right in front of Bai Cheng was a sleek, high-tech gate embedded in the wall.

Other than that, the entire space was disappointingly plain.

"Guess everything’s behind that door," Bai Cheng muttered, not rushing to disembark.

A moment later, golden light flashed across her flashlight.

[Top-Grade! Bright Flashlight with Infinite Energy!]

[You have gained 1 distributable attribute point!]

Bai Cheng smirked and casually tossed the flashlight onto the table.

She then allocated all three attribute points and set the next upgrade target to her pickaxe.

Once preparations were complete, she called out to Chi Yan, "Let’s go!"

She wasn’t the least bit worried about the dangers of Station One. If even an elite-level Chi Yan couldn’t handle the threats here, then everyone would just die here.

Stepping off the train and onto the platform, the two approached the gate.

The door was black, smooth, and seamless. It was likely a sliding door.

Beside it was a small screen displaying a prompt:

[Would you like to board Station One?]

Without hesitation, Bai Cheng clicked [Yes].

[Boarding Personnel: Train Conductor Bai Cheng]

[Station Boarding Fixed Reward: Random Blueprint ×1!]

[Countdown to Departure: 5h 59m]

Seeing that no blueprint materialized nearby, Bai Cheng assumed that it had spawned directly inside the train.

She had no intention of wasting time checking.

The next second, something behind the door whirred to life. With a heavy noise, the long-sealed iron door abruptly slid open.

Simultaneously, a white beam shot into the sky from a central spire in the station, piercing the clouds like a bridge to the heavens.

Outside the station, a rusty train sat parked. A group of people stood on top of it, seemingly having waited for this moment.

At the forefront was a lean man with a scar running down the corner of his eye. Seeing the beam, his face lit up with excitement.

He leapt down from the train, summoning a wild boar to ride. Gripping an iron hammer, he raised it high and turned to his men, shouting1:

"Brothers! This is the first station we’ll seize—and I swear it won’t be the last!"

"Although the target arrived earlier than expected, it didn’t matter. Kill them, and the supplies, the water—everything will be ours!"

"We’ve been stuck at Common Rank for too long! In a world overrun by magical beasts, who’d want to stay weak?!"

His words ignited a fervor among the crowd.

"That’s right! We’ll reach transcendence too!"

"I’ve never regretted joining! Strength lies in numbers! We will follow you, Boss!"

A disheveled old man licked his lips with a perverted grin. "Geheheh, if the train owner is a girl, even better!"

"Damn it, I’m sick of poking at chrysanthemums2!"

The group dismounted, each riding a black wild boar and wielding an iron hammer.

They fastened the hammers’ wrist straps tightly before the scarred man bellowed:

"Brothers, charge!"

With a roar, they swung their hammers, cracked their reins, and stormed toward the station.

Their faces were alight with excitement, their momentum unstoppable.

But then—

"ROAR—!!"

A deafening roar split the sky.