Chapter 96: Conditions (10 Updates—Please Vote for Monthly Tickets!!!)

This also aligns with the basic criteria for a leader in a crisis environment; another female, aged 16 to 18, possesses a rare psychic-type ability with exceptionally high ability index. Logically, her ability is the most plausible method to open the gate, which implies that the male acting as leader possesses an ability with higher efficiency than brute-force entry—likely magnetic control or inorganic matter manipulation.

The third man is heavily built, aged between 26 and 35, wielding an M556 light machine gun chambered in 7.62×51mm rifle ammunition, with a rate of fire of 650 to 950 rounds per minute, and a weight of 21.5 kg. He carries a heavy metal sword on his back, hilt facing right, indicating he is right-handed, yet he can effortlessly fire the machine gun with his left hand, demonstrating immense muscular strength. Though no evidence suggests he possesses any ability, he is clearly a warrior with exceptional survival and combat capabilities.

The fourth girl is young but proficient with firearms; her ability is undetectable. From a social relations perspective, carrying a child of such minimal age during an evacuation implies only two possibilities: either she possesses some unique ability or value, or she is a relative of a key member of the team.

The last one did not disembark; only partial footage was captured by the camera—a woman, approximately 25 years old, responsible for driving, likely a technician or low-combat-value personnel…

Ding Junyi enlarged the mobile screen, adjusted her glasses, her delicate face gaunt from hunger yet her eyes sharp and piercing.

This is a 30-year-old Whale 03e heavy gas turbine locomotive and a 14-year-old Ring Star 7f electric locomotive, both freight-class units lacking nuclear propulsion systems, requiring liquid fuel and railway electrification to operate. Behind them are five modified passenger cars; the external armor indicates custom manufacturing by a specialized facility, suggesting extensive internal modifications.

Xu Wen frowned over. “Director Ding, what exactly are you getting at?”

Ding Junyi looked at the group. “Clearly, this train is a meticulously designed mobile shelter, and these individuals are not a temporary alliance. The Federation’s intercontinental and eternal-class orbital trains are all Star Gui trains capable of global transport, equipped with nuclear power. So why would a team with such strong survival capabilities risk coming here? Their goal is likely to resolve an energy shortage.”

“That makes sense!”

Han Qiming nodded. “With so many zombies outside trying to break in, I agree—they’re not just after food and water.”

Zhao Yan spoke anxiously:

“But we can’t solve their energy problem. All intercontinental and eternal-class trains were evacuated during the Great Migration…”

Ding Junyi took a deep breath, gazing at the silent locomotive cabin on the monitor, her voice calm.

“We have one.”

Tap-tap-tap—Ding Junyi rapidly operated the system, pulling up a surveillance log. “Before the power system on floor 95 went offline, surveillance showed a Twin Star 11r nuclear-powered electric locomotive still on the freight terminal platform. It was kept as a backup power unit for intercontinental trains and was left behind during the Great Migration. This might be what they’re after. Based on current analysis, we may have three bargaining chips to negotiate with them.”

“What chips?” Zhao Yan demanded.

“First, we hold P3-level high-access permissions for the underground city and detailed knowledge of its various zones. Besides the location of Twin Star 11r, we can assist them in acquiring resources from other zones. This team is small but highly survivable—I estimate this factor accounts for 70%. Second, we possess experimental data from our biological lab and some original records from the former Federation underground city. These may not matter much to survivors, but if we consider exchanging them for benefits with the current Tianqi Federation, they hold some value—approximately 29%.”

Zhao Yan frowned at the woman. “And what’s the remaining 1%?”

Ding Junyi’s gaze turned icy as she looked at them.

“Us. As long as we’re alive, we possess basic intellectual value, labor value, and sexual value.”

Han Qiming’s face darkened. “Absurd! We’re senior researchers of the Federation government. Even if we were traded to the Federation itself, our value far exceeds mere labor!”

Ding Junyi glanced at him.

“You’re naive. I included you in ‘sexual value’ too.”

Han Qiming turned pale. “W-what?!!”

At this, Zhao Yan and Xu Wen exchanged uneasy glances. When had they ever imagined being reduced to baseline trade value—worth only 1%?

“Director Ding’s analysis is thorough, but would a mere access code or navigation data be enough to make them risk their lives to rescue us?” Zhao Yan’s face was pale from hunger, her strength nearly gone. She didn’t fully agree with Ding Junyi’s logic, but she had no better ideas.

“Right, and that train is still… on floor 95. That place is already…” Xu Wen said, terrified.

Ding Junyi remained calm. “These three points are our bargaining positions—and we have nothing else. Of course, there’s asymmetry: all three combined might be worth less than a single crate of food to them. That’s their perspective. But I see no better options for us.”

The group fell silent.

On the other side, Lin Xian and his team exchanged glances after hearing Xu Wen and Ding Junyi’s description.

Chen Sixuan looked at Lin Xian and spoke first. “According to them, the underground city has fallen. Daylight is limited. Searching for supplies inside will be extremely difficult.”

Lin Xian nodded.

“Unless we move at night—but that’s too dangerous. Not to mention the unknown subterranean creatures, just the number of zombies and monsters from hundreds of thousands of infected people is unimaginable.”

“Then we’re not going in to rescue them?” Shasha said. “Didn’t they say they could trade us supplies?”

“Hey, Lin Xian,” Kiki said. “Why not hear them out first? If it’s useless, we can ignore them—we’ve got backup power. We can find our own way in.”

!

“Trying to get in on our own is too reckless.”

Lin Xian raised an eyebrow. “This underground city is like a small metropolis. We don’t know how complex it is. Getting in isn’t hard—but what then?”

Unless confronted by an intelligent system, his mechanical ability could easily open ordinary mechanical doors. But this underground city’s systems are too vast and intricate—he couldn’t possibly cover the entire city with his Mechanical Heart. If he tried, he’d likely die before even finishing the first level.

Plus, the interior is already compromised and unsafe. One misstep could trigger a chain reaction, leaving them with nothing but a desperate escape.

Thinking this through, Lin Xian pressed the intercom button.

“Now tell us your terms.”

New book launch—begging for monthly votes! Infinite Train, Soar to the Skies!

Deeply grateful!

(End of Chapter)