1: Chapter 1 The People's Train

"Class Monitor Lin, can you move that plaster statue for me? It's too heavy, I can't lift it~"

"Lin Xiao, my easel is broken, fix it for me!"

"Oh great Class Monitor, how about you be the model for the next sketching class too? The one in tights..."

In the studio of Class 3, Art and Design Department, Shencheng University, the air was filled with the faint scent of turpentine mixed with the fragrance of various high-end perfumes.

The afternoon sunlight lazily spilled by the window as Lin Xiao helplessly adjusted the height of the drawing board for the class's League branch secretary, Shen Man.

As the sole 'lone seedling' male among the 39 students in the class, his four years of university life had basically been spent in a 'painful yet pleasurable' career of manual labor.

The pleasure came from the fact that everywhere he looked, there were legs.

The girls from the art department, whether in terms of looks or fashion sense, were the cream of the crop at Shencheng University.

The pain came from the fact that in this female-dominated environment, he was not only the class monitor but also the free porter, repairman, package picker, and... occasional punching bag.

"Alright, alright, everyone quiet. The final projects are due next week, you..."

Lin Xiao had just straightened his back, his words unfinished, when the world suddenly and without warning plunged into darkness.

It wasn't a power outage.

It was a deep, suffocating darkness, as if even light itself had been devoured.

Immediately after, a violent sense of weightlessness struck, accompanied by a piercing metallic screech in his ears, like thousands of rusty tanks grinding against his eardrums.

Screams.

Dozens of high-decibel female screams instantly pierced Lin Xiao's eardrums.

...

He didn't know how much time had passed. Lin Xiao felt a cool sensation on his face, as if pressed against some kind of rough iron plate.

He snapped his eyes open.

What met his gaze was no longer the familiar studio, nor the bright sunlight.

This was a narrow, dim, and dilapidated carriage filled with an industrial wasteland atmosphere.

The air was thick with the smell of machine oil, rust, and an indescribable, decaying odor.

The surrounding walls were cast from an unknown black iron, studded with rivets and covered in scratches. In some places, dark red rust had seeped out, resembling dried blood.

"What... what is this place?"

"Oh my god, it's so dirty!"

"Wahhh, I want to go home. Who turned off the lights?"

Familiar voices sounded in his ears, but they were filled with unprecedented terror.

Lin Xiao quickly scrambled up from the cold floor, vigilantly scanning his surroundings.

The once spacious and bright studio had vanished, replaced by this old steam train carriage that seemed to have time-traveled from the Industrial Revolution era.

And his 'classmates' — the 38 female students of Art and Design Department Class 3 — were now lying haphazardly in various corners of the carriage.

Some were wearing skimpy tank tops and skirts, now shivering as they hugged their arms;

Some were in JK uniforms, their white stockings stained with oil from the floor, wiping away tears in confusion;

Others were still unconscious, their slender legs casually draped over rusty seats, the scene exuding a bizarre mix of seductiveness and desolation.

"Everyone, stop screaming!"

Lin Xiao took a deep breath and roared.

Although he was often ordered around in daily life, he was still the class monitor, and combined with his status as the only male, this shout carried a certain masculine intimidation. The carriage quieted down a bit.

At that moment, a cold, mechanical, utterly emotionless voice exploded directly in everyone's minds.

**[Welcome to the 'Infinite Train' survival game.]**

**[All 10 billion humans on Earth have been deployed.]**

**[Current Environment: Endless Wasteland.]**

**[Game rules are as follows:]**

**1. Each person possesses an initial carriage (or assigned based on specific groups). The train is your only survival base.**

**2. The train must remain in motion. If it remains stationary for over 10 minutes, the train will be devoured by the 'Black Fog', resulting in destruction and death.**

**3. The tracks ahead are filled with the unknown: resources, treasure chests, monsters, radiation, extreme weather... Please choose track changes carefully.**

**4. Novice Protection Period: 3 days. Within these 3 days, the train will not suffer catastrophic damage, and each person only needs to maintain minimal survival consumption.**

**5. After 3 days, the first zombie horde will arrive. Good luck to all.]**

As the voice faded, a semi-transparent blue screen popped up in front of everyone.

A deathly silence fell over the carriage, followed by an even greater wave of panic.

"What kind of game is this? I want to call the police!"

"My phone has no signal! What's going on?"

"Wahhh, I don't want to die, I just got my nails done..."

Lin Xiao ignored the surrounding clamor. He forced himself to calm down. As the only man, if he panicked too, the 38 women in this carriage would probably be wiped out.

He looked at the screen in front of him.

**[Current Vehicle: G-Class Old Steam Train (No. 9527)]**

**[Owner: Lin Xiao (Conductor)]**

**[Members: 39 people (Extreme Female-to-Male Ratio effect active...)]**

"Huh?" Lin Xiao raised an eyebrow.

Conductor?

Just then, that icy system prompt sounded again in his ear alone, this time with a hint of human-like confusion:

**[Special group composition detected: Shencheng University Art and Design Department Class 3.]**

**[Member composition: 38 females, 1 male.]**

**[Judging... Due to the extreme female-to-male ratio, to ensure species continuation and team cooperation efficiency, the sole male member Lin Xiao is specially granted 'Conductor' authority.]**

**[Conductor Privileges:]**

**1. Absolute Control: Possesses highest authority over train door/window locks, carriage separation, temperature adjustment (requires upgrade), and broadcast communication.**

**2. Execution Authority: Can eject disobedient passengers from the train (limited to 1 per day during protection period).**

**3. Vision Sharing: Can view real-time monitoring footage and passenger status panels of all carriages (currently only one).**

Lin Xiao was stunned for a moment, then the corner of his mouth curled up in a playful arc.

"Interesting..."

Back in class, although he was the monitor, facing these young ladies, he was basically part of the disadvantaged group.

Department belle Su Qingqian was an unattainable flower, admired from afar; the rich second-generation Zhao Ji was a spoiled princess, bossing him around;

Even the good-natured Shen Man occasionally treated him like a little brother to order about.

Now?

I am the Conductor.

What I say goes on this train.

He lowered his head, looking at his waist. Hanging there was a starter weapon gifted by the system — a slightly worn-looking revolver, its cylinder loaded with six shiny brass bullets.

The heavy, metallic feel dispelled a large part of the unease in his heart.

"Hey! Lin Xiao! What are you spacing out for!"

A sharp question broke Lin Xiao's contemplation.

The speaker was Zhao Ji.

This wealthy daughter from a mining family was now getting up from the floor, brushing the dust off her expensive Chanel haute couture dress.

Her meticulously styled curly hair was now somewhat disheveled, but that didn't stop her from glaring at Lin Xiao with her eyes lined with exquisite eyeliner.

"Didn't you hear what that voice just said? We need to drive! This broken train is so dirty, the driver's cabin must be full of coal dust. You're the man, go drive at the front! Do you expect us girls to shovel coal?"

Zhao Ji's shout immediately drew agreement from a few of her usual clique members.

"Yeah, Class Monitor, the environment is too harsh, I can't do it."

"Lin Xiao, you're the only guy, this kind of manual labor is definitely your responsibility."

Lin Xiao didn't answer immediately.

His eyes swept calmly over the group.

Most of the girls looked at him with expectant, dependent, and even entitled gazes. Subconsciously, they believed it was natural for the man to step up in the face of danger.

Only a few remained silent.

In the corner, department belle Su Qingqian was leaning against the window, tightly clutching a pencil sharpener from art class that she had somehow gotten a hold of.

Her cold, stunningly beautiful face showed no trace of panic. Her eyes, like deep cold pools, were calmly assessing the wasteland outside the window, as if calculating something.

Her black cargo pants and tight tank top, practical for movement, outlined a breathtaking waist and hip curve. Even in the apocalypse, her beauty was startling.

On the other side, Luo Yao, who was as petite as a middle schooler, was curled up under a seat, her fingers rapidly tapping at something in the air. Her twin ponytails swayed with her movements. She was clearly studying the system panel.

Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaotang, known as having the 'sexiest figure in the entire department' and the class's sports committee member, had already begun checking the sturdiness of the carriage windows. A thin layer of sweat covered her wheat-colored skin, and her muscle lines were faintly visible under her torn T-shirt.

"Those with some brains are thinking about how to survive. Only the brainless ones are thinking about how to order people around," Lin Xiao sneered inwardly.

He ignored Zhao Ji and directly opened the system panel visible to all.

**[Ding! All survivors, please draw your talents. Talent levels are divided into F, E, D, C, B, A, S, SS, and SSS.]**

**[Talents will determine your survival capabilities in the apocalypse.]**

A huge virtual wheel appeared in the center of the carriage.

"Talents? Like in a game?"

"I hope I get a beauty-enhancing talent. That scared me to death just now, my makeup is ruined."

The girls began chattering and drawing their talents.

Streaks of light flashed.

"Ah! I got an F-grade talent [Basic Cleaning]? What's the use of this! Cleaning the train?" One girl broke down crying.

"I got E-grade [Cooking]. Not bad, at least I won't starve?"

"I got F-grade [Quick Makeup]... System, are you messing with me? Who am I putting on makeup for, the zombies?"

A chorus of wails.

Most of the usually pampered art students awakened low-level, life-oriented talents.

It was Zhao Ji's turn.

She stepped forward and tapped the wheel.

A green light flashed.

**[Congratulations on awakening C-grade talent: Bewitchment (Can slightly influence others' judgment through speech).]**

"C-grade! Haha, this young lady is truly the chosen one!" Zhao Ji raised her chin triumphantly, giving Lin Xiao a challenging look. "Some people might look tall and strong usually, but don't end up drawing an F-grade. That would be embarrassing."

Lin Xiao walked forward expressionlessly.

All eyes were on him. As the only male and the current 'backbone', his strength directly affected the life or death of everyone on the train.

Lin Xiao took a deep breath and placed his hand on the wheel.

He thought to himself, "All gods and immortals, please bless me. Don't give me something like 'God-level Painting' or 'Super Sketching'. That stuff is really less useful than a shovel in the apocalypse."

The wheel spun rapidly.

Finally, the pointer stopped.

In the eyes of the others, only a plain white light flashed over Lin Xiao's body, suggesting some kind of ordinary, concealment-type or auxiliary-type talent.

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

Zhao Ji scoffed, "No color? Looks like it is just a D-rank or E-rank, tch, trash."

However, on the system panel visible only to Lin Xiao, a blindingly brilliant **purple-gold divine radiance** was erupting at this very moment!

The intensity of this light was enough to blind his titanium alloy dog eyes!

**[Congratulations Survivor Lin Xiao, you have awakened the unique SSS-rank talent: Daily God-level Sign-in!]**

**[Talent Introduction: You can perform one sign-in per day, guaranteed to obtain an S-rank or higher item, skill, attribute, or special object. Sign-in rewards are unique and non-tradable.]**

**[Note: This is a cheat, do not ask, if you ask, it is because you are the system's favorite son.]**

Lin Xiao's heart skipped a beat.

SSS-rank!

Daily God-level Sign-in!

This was not just any talent; it was a direct ticket to becoming an emperor in the apocalypse!

While others were still fighting for a piece of bread, he might have already signed in a Manchu Han Imperial Feast; while others were still using iron bars to fight zombies, he might have already been rolling over them in a Gundam.

He suppressed the smile at the corner of his mouth, not letting his excitement show on his face.

"Lin Xiao, what exactly is your talent? Speak up." Zhao Ji persisted.

Lin Xiao glanced at her indifferently and did not answer, instead silently chanting in his heart:

"System, perform today's sign-in!"

**[Ding! Sign-in successful!]**

**[Congratulations Host for obtaining the first-day newbie gift pack (critical hit bonus):]**

**[Reward 1: S-rank item "infinite coal core"!]**

**[Reward 2: Special potion "physical enhancement serum (beginner)" x1!]**

Lin Xiao's pupils contracted slightly.

The items appeared directly in his system inventory.

**[infinite coal core (S-rank): After being implanted into the steam train's power furnace, it can automatically generate high-energy fuel, providing a continuous source of power. Say goodbye to the hard labor of shoveling coal, and it can increase the train's travel speed by 30% and reduce noise by 50%.]**

**[physical enhancement serum (beginner): After consumption, it comprehensively improves physical fitness (strength, agility, endurance, recovery) to 3 times the peak of an ordinary person. Side effect: Within one hour after consumption, libido will rise slightly (ahem, please overcome this yourself, Host).]**

Lin Xiao almost lost his composure.

This first reward was a godsend!

The most fatal thing about this broken steam train was that it required manual coal shoveling.

If he did not solve this problem, he would have to work himself to death in the high-temperature boiler room like a slave, or force these delicate young ladies to shovel coal—at that rate, they would all starve to death before they had even gone ten kilometers.

With this core, he, as the Conductor, was truly a "Commander," and not a "stoker."

As for the second reward...

Lin Xiao glanced at that line of small print, then at the pair after pair of fair, shapely legs in the carriage, and his Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily.

This system was not serious.

"Hey! Who are you talking to! Are you mute?"

Seeing that Lin Xiao was ignoring her, Zhao Ji immediately got angry and walked over a few steps to push Lin Xiao, "Hurry up and drive! If you do not drive now, we will be overdue. Do you want to get us killed?"

Lin Xiao's eyes turned cold.

He did not even turn his head, just reached back and grabbed.

His arm, exercised from long periods of carrying art supplies, although not yet enhanced, was still much stronger than these rich girls. He precisely clamped down on Zhao Ji's wrist and used a little force.

"Ah! It hurts! What are you doing! Let go!" Zhao Ji screamed, tears instantly welling up from the pain.

Lin Xiao turned around. Standing at 1.83 meters tall, he looked down at Zhao Ji from above, his eyes carrying an unprecedented sense of oppression.

He slowly drew the revolver from his waist. The pitch-black muzzle was not pointed at Zhao Ji, but he casually spun it in his hand before slamming it heavily onto the iron table beside him.

"Bang!"

A loud noise shook everyone's heart.

The entire scene instantly fell silent.

"First," Lin Xiao's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached every corner of the carriage, "I am the Conductor. On this train, my word is the rule."

"Second," he released Zhao Ji's wrist and dusted off his hands with disgust, "If you want to live, shut your mouths and follow orders. If anyone dares to boss me around again, I do not mind throwing her out to feed the zombies."

"Third..."

Lin Xiao scanned the crowd, his gaze lingering for a moment on Su Qingqian, Luo Yao, and a few other potential assets, before finally falling back onto Zhao Ji's pale face.

"This train does not need anyone to shovel coal. But I do need obedient passengers. Understand?"

Zhao Ji clutched her wrist, looking at the revolver gleaming coldly on the table, then at Lin Xiao's indifferent eyes, and her usual arrogance instantly collapsed. She nodded tremblingly, not daring to say another word.

Lin Xiao put away the gun and turned to walk toward the driver's cab door at the front of the carriage.

"I am going to start the train. No one is allowed to follow me in. Violators will face the consequences."

After speaking, he pulled open the heavy iron door, walked in, and locked it behind him.

The driver's cab was not large and was filled with various complex instrument panels and levers. In the center was a huge red boiler opening, radiating residual heat.

Through the bulletproof glass in front, one could see the gray, desolate wilderness outside, with dead old trees reaching toward the sky like ghost claws, and faint, hair-raising roars echoing from the distance.

Lin Xiao did not hesitate and took out the **[infinite coal core]** that was emitting a faint blue light from his backpack.

This core was only the size of a fist, with complex runes flowing on its surface.

Following the instructions, he stuffed the core directly into the boiler's fuel intake.

"Hum—"

A low, powerful roar sounded.

The once lifeless boiler instantly ignited with a ghostly blue flame, and the pressure needle on the instrument panel quickly climbed into the green zone. The entire train, like a giant beast waking from its slumber, emitted a joyful tremor.

There was no need to shovel coal at all!

The power furnace operated automatically, and the noise was minimal; you could hardly hear the "clack-clack" sound of old-fashioned trains, only a humming sound full of a technological feel.

Lin Xiao gripped the main control lever and pulled it down sharply.

"Woooo—!!!"

The steam whistle wailed, piercing the silence of the wilderness.

Train No. 9527 had started!

After doing all this, Lin Xiao finally let out a sigh of relief and sat down in the driver's seat.

He took out the bottle of pale golden **[physical enhancement serum]**.

"Three times the peak physical fitness of an ordinary person... and that side effect..."

Lin Xiao glanced at the tightly closed cab door, listening to the faint chatter of the girls outside, and a mischievous smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

"Since no one dares to come in anyway, I might as well test the effect."

He tilted his head back and drank the serum in one gulp.

The next second, a hot current like molten lava instantly exploded from his abdomen, flowing into his limbs and bones.

"Ugh..."

Lin Xiao let out a muffled groan, gripping the seat armrests tightly.

Pain and pleasure coexisted.

He could clearly feel his muscles being torn and restructured, his bones making cracking sounds like popping beans. His muscles, which were sturdy but slightly thin before, were now becoming full and toned at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Those were streamlined muscles full of explosive power, like a cheetah.

Five minutes later.

The hot current gradually subsided.

Lin Xiao gasped for breath, his whole body soaked in sweat. He stood up and moved his hands and feet casually.

Crackle!

His joints made a series of crisp sounds. He clenched his fist, feeling that he could kill a cow with one punch right now!

Not only his strength, but his hearing and vision had also received a terrifying boost. He could even hear the whispers of the girls in the carriage behind through the heavy iron door.

"Zhao Ji was so embarrassing just now, she was so scared by the Class Monitor that her legs went weak."

"But the Class Monitor was so handsome just now. Why did I not notice he was so manly before?"

"Shh, keep it down. If Zhao Ji hears you, she will start cursing again."

"Oh, look, what is that Su Qingqian doing? Is she sharpening a knife?"

Listening to these sounds, Lin Xiao's mouth curled upward.

But the heat brought by this power, just as the system said, began to rise within his body.

"Damn, this side effect is really a bit fierce..." Lin Xiao felt dry-mouthed, and in his mind, he could not help but picture those long legs and A4 waists he had seen earlier.

He hurriedly opened the small window on the side of the cab, letting the cold wind outside blow in, trying to calm himself down.

"Calm down, calm down, this is the apocalypse, women will only affect the speed at which I draw my gun... unless..." Lin Xiao touched his chin, his eyes becoming deep.

"Unless they can become my help, or... ahem, my spoils of war."

Just then, the cab door was gently knocked.

Knock, knock, knock.

Lin Xiao frowned: "Did I not say no one is allowed to come in?"

His voice was low and hoarse, carrying a trace of lingering wildness.

A gentle but somewhat trembling voice came from outside the door; it was the Class Committee Member, Shen Man.

"Um... Lin Xiao, it is me. Everyone... everyone is hungry, and it is a bit cold in the carriage. I saw you have been in here for a long time, so I wanted to ask if there is anything you need help with? By the way... can we discuss the distribution of supplies?"

Lin Xiao took a deep breath, calming the restless blood in his body. He glanced at the time; there were 71 hours left until the end of the newbie protection period.

Now, he had infinite power, triple physical fitness, a gun in his hand, and he was the Conductor.

It was time to go out and set some rules for these 38 naive young ladies.

He stood up and casually took off his shirt, which was soaked with sweat, revealing a sturdy, sculpture-like upper body, his eight-pack abs looking exceptionally alluring in the dim light of the cab.

He walked to the door and pulled the iron door open.

Outside the door, Shen Man was standing there somewhat awkwardly, holding half a bottle of water.

When the iron door opened, a strong, masculine scent of pheromones rushed toward her.

When Shen Man looked up, she saw Lin Xiao, shirtless and exuding a wild aura.

At that moment, this mature, intellectual, and cool older sister-type Class Committee Member's brain instantly crashed, and her pretty face flushed red to the ears in a "whoosh."

"Ah... you..." Shen Man's eyes darted away, but she could not help but glance at those solid pectoral muscles.

Lin Xiao looked down at her, a devilish smile curling at the corner of his mouth, and he leaned forward, forcing Shen Man into the corner.

"Class Committee Member Shen, what was it you said you wanted to discuss just now?"