Chapter 11: The First Phase of the Armored Train

“Rest assured, I won’t sell any of you out. However, resources are limited. Everyone on the train must work, and from now on, anyone boarding must have my permission,” Su Huan reminded them meaningfully.

In his past life, Qi Xiaoba had taken in many orphans of the apocalypse. He could accept Ba Ye’s saintly nature, but only within the limits he set, to keep the team’s morale stable. He certainly didn’t want a well-armed train to turn into a mobile orphanage.

“Alright, let’s get to what we need to do next,” Su Huan clapped his hands to gather everyone’s attention. “We will stay here until tomorrow morning, then head to the steel mill to get some steel to reinforce the train.”

He fixed his gaze on Yu Jing. “I need you to design a preliminary plan for the train’s modification. The scope covers all carriages, aiming to withstand large-scale zombie hordes. Also, the design should reserve space for installing weapons later.”

Yu Jing lowered her head, deep in thought.

Su Huan frowned slightly. “Can’t do it?”

Yu Yue glanced nervously at her daughter.

“No, I toured around this morning and already have a preliminary plan that should meet your requirements,” Yu Jing said, meeting Su Huan’s eyes. Her phoenix-shaped eyes sparkled brightly.

Su Huan felt a surge of hope but kept his expression calm. “Tell me about it.”

Clearing her throat, Yu Jing began, “The main steel plate thickness at the front of the train is between 15 and 25 millimeters. The front collision zone can reach 20 to 25 millimeters, the sides are 15 to 20 millimeters, and the roof about 15 millimeters. Though it seems thick, this old A3 carbon steel has weak impact resistance.”

“Ordinary carbon-based creatures can’t stop the train, but since this is the apocalypse, we have to prepare for the worst. If an elephant appeared on the tracks, the current locomotive would certainly suffer damage. If it hit the side steel plates, tearing might occur.”

“This morning, we welded 30-degree angled steel plates, which can push aside track obstacles and low-level zombies, but it’s far from enough. I think the locomotive should have added collision horns.”

“To violently ram through evolved beasts like the bloodhounds!” Yu Jing clenched her fist and mimed a charging motion, clearly impressed by the bloodhounds she encountered earlier.

“Next is reinforcing the carriages.”

“The old green carriages only have about 3 to 5 millimeters of steel, mostly around 3 millimeters including the side walls. The rest is insulation and lining, which needs major strengthening. I suggest welding 12-millimeter steel plates.”

“Then inside, use honeycomb cushioning layers to increase thickness. Though it will reduce some space, safety must outweigh capacity.”

“There are too many windows on the carriages. For storage cars, I recommend sealing them completely with steel plates. For those requiring light, use explosion-proof mesh to create transparent barriers, but all windows should have an additional 10-millimeter steel plate inside to prevent light from leaking out.”

Su Huan pictured Yu Jing’s plan in his mind; many points coincided with his own thoughts. The idea that safety should take precedence over capacity especially resonated with him.

“That’s a very thoughtful approach. What about the roof and the connections between carriages? Give me a brief overview.”

Yu Jing took a sip of cola and continued, “My idea for the roof is offense over defense. The train is already tall due to air conditioning; even normal carriages reach about 4.8 meters, comparable to small city walls.”

“I plan to build a connecting bridge on the second carriage, which is the sightseeing car’s upper level, linking to the roofs of the cars behind to create a combat platform.”

“That’s the general idea.”

Her words were decisive and sharp, with no hint of hesitation or shyness—just like in an interview, confidently showcasing her strengths and professionalism.

Most importantly, Yu Jing didn’t just speak empty words; she presented a sheet of paper densely covered with calculations, detailing the material dimensions needed to arm all the carriages.

Twelve hundred and fifty by 2,500 millimeter standard steel plates, totaling three thousand pieces.

Though only an estimate, it was impressive.

Su Huan looked at Yu Jing with admiration shining in his eyes, clearly impressed.

“The overall design is good. I have two suggestions. First, besides the collision horns, I want to add a function to clear vegetation. Have you noticed red mutated plants growing on the ground? I suspect they’ll become widespread, and if they grow on the tracks, they’ll severely slow the train.”

“Second, the roof must be thickened. You’ve already seen today’s bloodhounds. Four or five meters of height is nothing for evolved beasts. Keep the combat platform plan, but the carriage roofs themselves must be reinforced.”

“This is the first phase of the armored train plan. Anyone has anything to add?”

Su Huan asked.

Yu Jing said a lot in a breath but now seemed lost in thought, offering no answer.

After a moment’s hesitation, the young boy looked around. Seeing no one else speak, he finally said, “If it’s to stop zombies, why not add spikes to the sides of the train?”

“The spikes have too small an area and break easily. They look intimidating but aren’t practical against zombies who don’t feel pain. However, welding some steel bars could prevent climbing and also serve as protective bumpers.”

Yu Jing, seemingly distracted, immediately gave a professional response.

Su Huan encouraged, “Xiao Ba’s suggestion is excellent. By the way, I’m curious—how much metal can your ability manipulate?”

Hearing the question, everyone looked toward Qi Xiaoba.

On the wall, a spoon began to levitate without any external force.

“My ability is Metal Control. I can influence all metals through the energy inside me, including levitation like this and… flight.”

A smirk tugged at Su Huan’s lips.

Indeed, a talent to envy.

In his previous life, Su Huan had suspected Xiao Ba’s power was Metal Control; otherwise, he couldn’t have handled metal so skillfully.

He’d seen other “Manipulators,” but their core traits were only “Metal Affinity” or “Fire Affinity.”

Metal Control is an advanced ability, and although later it can be induced by genetic drugs, the chances are extremely slim.

The spoon circled steadily inside the carriage before returning to the group.

“In this mode, the heavier the metal, the more energy it consumes. If I want to alter…” The spoon gradually thinned, its wooden handle falling off automatically. The metal piece was placed on the table, clamped between metal plates.

“The energy cost depends on the metal’s hardness. The harder it is, the more energy it takes to change.”

“Also, complex manipulations consume a lot of energy, but I haven’t pushed my limits yet.”

Qi Xiaoba gave a concise summary, giving everyone a clear impression of his ability.