Chapter Two: The First Stop, Flaming Mountain
Day Seven, 23:59.
Jiang Ran made one final confirmation that her game had been saved, then changed into a sleek black jacket and slung her backpack over her shoulder.
Midnight.
A mechanical voice echoed in everyone’s ears:
“The apocalypse is imminent. Only the Infinite Train can carry you through the darkness to a new future. The train has arrived at the station. In 30 seconds, all passengers will be teleported to the platform. Please gather your essential supplies promptly.”
(A friendly reminder: In this end-of-days scenario, disasters run rampant. May the supplies you carry help you survive better.)
Hearing this familiar announcement again, Jiang Ran’s body trembled slightly—not from fear, but from excitement.
The countdown ended, and the world before her shattered like glass, revealing the station behind and the green-hulled train waiting there.
She had returned once more to the place where the nightmare began.
As the train appeared, a vivid image flashed in Jiang Ran’s mind: an endless space filled to the brim with supplies—her stronghold—and a burning sensation coursing through her body. It was the physique enhancement card activating; she could feel her strength growing steadily.
Suddenly, her heart settled into calmness.
The platform instantly swarmed with people, most clad in pajamas, faces etched with panic.
This unfathomable means of transfer and the grim announcement left them unwilling to believe what was happening, yet terrified on a primal level.
Amid the noisy chaos, the train’s announcement resonated clearly inside each mind:
“This stop will last five minutes. Please purchase tickets and board in an orderly fashion. Class A seats: 1000 health points; Class B seats: 500 health points; Class C seats: 100 health points; Class D seats: 50 health points; the last car requires no ticket.”
“Welcome bonus: you may exchange your current supplies for health points. Health points are the train’s sole currency—once depleted, death follows. Please allocate them wisely.”
“I only have 100 health points—this is a gamble with my life!”
“I... I have only 20 health points, but my paralyzed leg can actually stand now!”
“Why do I have 90? Is it based on health condition?”
“Who needs that? The free car is for fools!”
...
Ignoring the crowd and their chatter, Jiang Ran’s gaze was fixed as she strode directly toward the Class A car.
To her surprise, the whole car was reserved for Class A!
The spacious carriage housed private bedrooms, a dining room, restrooms, showers—even a small shelf and a gym.
Of course, all supplies required health points to purchase or utilize.
Recalling the previous life when Xu Yunxuan and his companions watched her struggle in the last car with no seat, no dignity, and no humanity—and took pleasure in it—Jiang Ran smirked coldly as she spent 500 health points to lock onto Xu Yunxuan’s position.
This was a privilege reserved for Class A passengers: not only could they pinpoint someone’s location, but they could also access their personal information.
Don’t ask; just know that you’ve been tracked.
Unexpectedly, Xu Yunxuan was in the Class D carriage, with only 45 health points remaining.
The thin, iron seats were packed tightly, their ninety-degree backs so uncomfortable that one’s back ached just from looking.
Given his usual fitness and young, vigorous age, he should have had at least 180 health points, more than enough for a Class C seat.
Jiang Ran suddenly recalled what she had done to him before leaving and couldn’t suppress a laugh.
It seemed he had spent a lot of health points trying to cure the golden needle mushroom infection.
Nearby, Xu Tian and Song Churou nervously addressed Xu Yunxuan, “Yunxuan, isn’t this ticket too expensive? After buying ours and your mother’s tickets, we only have a little over ten health points left...”
Xu Yunxuan’s expression darkened as he scanned the chat room messages one by one.
“What’s there to fear? That bitch ran away and sold off assets—she must have known something in advance and probably prepared plenty of supplies.”
“As long as we find her, why worry about not having anything? If we can’t find her, we’ll expose her in the chat room—claim she’s hoarding supplies while we suffer. She won’t get away with it!”
Jiang Ran was not surprised.
She chuckled softly and added Xu Yunxuan: “Class A allows you to bring one family member. If they want to join, add me. Valid before departure.”
Xu Yunxuan accepted immediately, not even consulting Xu Tian.
“Do you voluntarily enter the territory of Class A-1 carriage? Yes/No.”
Xu Yunxuan was about to ask Jiang Ran what “territory” meant when the train let out its first whistle.
It was about to depart.
He had no time to hesitate and clicked “Yes.”
The next moment, he was teleported right in front of Jiang Ran.
Simultaneously, the message “You have been included in the territory of the Class A-1 carriage owner” appeared along with four gunshots.
Xu Yunxuan screamed as he fell onto the carpet, blood oozing from four bullet holes in his limbs.
Staring at Jiang Ran in terror, he shook his head frantically. “No, you can’t...”
Jiang Ran crouched down with a smile, pressing the gun barrel against his forehead.
“Of course I can. Sister is helping you find peace. Isn’t that good? Say thank you to your sister now.”
*
Having just dealt with Xu Yunxuan, the train’s announcement sounded again.
“One minute until arrival at the next station: Flaming Mountain.”
“All players must survive here for seven days. During this time, you may salvage lava or mine for supply boxes. These boxes contain supplies, items, and extra health points, but also pose dangers.”
“Players can exchange supplies and items in the train’s store. It is recommended to purchase strategically. After seven days, the train will return. Please watch your map for the boarding point.”
“After disembarking, items placed on your seat will be locked and transferred with your chosen seat next time. No need to worry about loss. Wishing you a safe return.”
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