Chapter 309: The Six Great Cycles
Shu Wei needs to participate in some department coordination work in the morning, Double Deer was pulled away by He Jie for training, so today’s Train Conductor is alone and clear-cut.
The two went downstairs and arrived at Carriage 3.
More than a dozen Logistics Group crew members were taking down the Mutated Beast Material hanging on the wall, various storage boxes, fur, equipment, and knives piled up in the corridor. Wan Xing, wearing an oatmeal-colored wool cardigan, hid on a chair behind everyone, flipping through the round badge in her hand.
“Train Conductor, Deputy General Manager Deng…”
The crew saw the two and immediately greeted them respectfully.
Su Huan pondered, “Is this to upgrade and transform the Water Purifier?”
Deputy General Manager Deng replied, “Water Circulation System upgrade. This is preliminary data measurement. You’ll see the specific scheme at the meeting soon.”
Several crew members dismantled the ceiling, revealing the pipes inside that transport Purified Water to the water tanks in each carriage. Pipes of various thicknesses were stacked layer upon layer, with colorful wires running alongside, as well as internal parts of the potion cabinet lifting system.
Initially, to avoid damage to the Purified Water transmission system, two sets of transmission pipes were installed.
This led to a huge waste of space. Plus, due to the rush, there were design flaws, which greatly increased the difficulty of later maintenance.
Su Huan originally thought these issues wouldn’t be resolved until a year later, but he didn’t expect Deputy General Manager Deng and others to be so efficient, planning to solve them all at once in the third phase transformation.
Although the Armored Train was no longer an essential for his survival, it was an indispensable tool for maintaining his force and achieving his goal.
The long-term migration mode doomed him to be unable to strengthen his force through large-scale expansion.
He could only enhance the train’s overall strength through repeated upgrades and transformations to keep up with his evolution speed and provide him with solid support.
The two entered Carriage 9.
Half of Yu Jing’s Mechanical Laboratory had an open height, specially for placing large mechanical equipment like the gantry crane. The six-to-seven-meter internal space was a bit cramped, but sufficient for exoskeleton research that was generally around two meters.
Today, the mecha and exoskeletons on the guide rails were all piled up against the wall edges. In the center was a white long table, and around the walls were half-meter-wide tables. At the front and back ends were two huge projection screens displaying the Armored Train’s cross-sectional diagram, with analysis aid lines of various colors intersecting.
Fifty or sixty scholars wearing crew uniforms filled all the spaces, their whispers unable to drown out the argument in the center.
To avoid interrupting the quarrel, Su Huan didn’t even enter the door, standing behind the Iron-eating Tree archway, restraining his aura as much as possible, and listening to the debate inside with great interest.
“Impossible. Resource consumption is secondary. If all projects are advanced simultaneously, personnel are simply insufficient. Although various workshops have added some, it’s barely enough to keep projects running. I need to advance the Professional Lineage completion here, Yu Jing needs to do combat exoskeleton design over there, and neither Electromagnetic Weapons nor General Energy Weapons have output yet…”
The voice was sharp and stern; it was Director Xu refuting the previous speaker.
Senior Attendant Elder Jiang from the Manufacturing Group interjected, “A while ago, the Train Conductor instructed to replace all train materials with Tier 1 and above, mainly the body. The materials needed for over a hundred carriages are massive, and the consumption is even greater for several fixed materials collected from zombies, which will take up four-fifths of the Manufacturing Group’s future output.”
“If the transformation workload is too large, our Logistics Group won’t have enough people either.”
Su Leiya’s enchanting voice carried a hint of fatigue.
Clearly, the third-phase transformation issues had worn her out too.
The indoor clamor fell into a moment of silence.
“Perhaps we can form an ‘Engineering Group’?”
Xiao Zhao suddenly said.
“It’s best not to make big changes to the system, but I can suggest it to the Train Conductor.”
Hu Shuo remained rigorous.
Su Huan outside the door casually pulled away the Iron-eating Tree branches reaching for his earring, “This suggestion is actually pretty good.”
Deputy General Manager Deng agreed, “Xiao Zhao is a very good young man. Sometimes I even envy Old Ma for having such an excellent student.”
“Wanting a student is simple. We’ve recruited so many people; just pick one.”
Su Huan said as he walked into the room.
Deputy General Manager Deng quickly followed, sighing, “It’s wanting a student, but that kid doesn’t seem to want to learn…”
Su Huan was surprised, “Who?”
“A kid who just got on the train, named Liu Yu.”
“Buzz…”
The motor turned, and the heavy metal door slid open.
Everyone in the laboratory also sensed the Train Conductor’s terrifying presence and quickly turned around.
Su Huan walked straight to the head seat, “An engineering team can be established, under the Manufacturing Group, responsible for train engineering, building construction, road clearing, etc. You handle the personnel allocation yourselves. Hu Shuo, just give me the supervisor list.”
“Understood.”
Su Huan looked around, took the folding chair handed over by Shu Wei, leaned back on it, and crossed his legs.
“Tell me, how is the third phase currently planned, and what difficulties are there?”
The gazes of numerous Pursers and Supervisors swept over Hu Shuo and Shu Wei.
Shu Wei adjusted the tablet, and the projector opposite switched to the tablet’s content.
“Before this, the third phase’s main goal was to build a three-dimensional attack-defense network, but after this discussion, we’ve redefined the third-phase transformation goal as systematization.”
Su Huan’s eyes fell on the train cross-sectional diagram on the screen, gesturing to continue.
“Because we have the supercomputer, the train’s artificial AI has come online, temporarily named Xiao Ai.” As she spoke, Shu Wei called out Xiao Ai, and soon a sweet little girl’s voice came from the horn.
[Wow la wow la, Xiao Ai the Great King has arrived. State your business, or court is dismissed!]
“Pfft—”
Su Huan almost couldn’t hold it together.
He looked around, “Who the hell is so talented?”
Yu Jing had anticipated this, “A phone sound source from before. I recorded it by hand during an experiment that day.”
[If nothing’s up, I’m going down. Don’t disturb me oh]
Xiao Ai’s voice carried annoyance.
Su Huan suddenly remembered that last time, Zhou Qing had called “Xiao Ai,” and he thought it was some assistant. Turns out it was the AI.
Yu Jing said pleasantly, “Xiao Ai is something we picked up ready-made, so many functions aren’t perfected. Currently, only the Mechanical Laboratory is linked to Xiao Ai, but limited to some simple functions…”
Su Huan asked directly, “Xiao Ai, what can you do?”
[That depends on what you need]
Su Huan thought for a moment, “Pull up the full train surveillance?”
[Can’t]
“What’s the weather like today?”
[Can’t do that either]
Su Huan’s brows just furrowed when Xiao Ai took the initiative to retort.
[Can’t you ask something I can do?]
Everyone wanted to laugh, but since it was a conversation with the Train Conductor, they all strained to keep straight faces.
Several laboratory Pursers’ eyes simultaneously flashed with suspicion.
Xiao Ai was made by them; how could they not know the extent of its conversational ability.
Now it was even being sarcastic; this was too intelligent.
Could artificial intelligence in the apocalypse evolve too?
Su Huan seemed to have discovered something and said darkly, “Lin Xi?”
[Who’s Lin Xi?]
[Xiao Ai is really going to sleep this time]
After dropping those two lines, Xiao Ai fell silent.
The room was deathly quiet.
Only the Train Conductor’s cold laugh remained.
“Heh, artificial I can see, but when does the intelligence come online?”
Professor Ma was slightly embarrassed, “At least half a month, but it can only reach about 2020s level.”
Su Huan frowned slightly, “Don’t tell me your systematization is just an artificial retard.”
Shu Wei continued explaining, “Artificial intelligence is just one core. We also have two systems. The first is the original three-dimensional attack-defense network, integrating all attacks and defenses, with optional AI access, controlled via manual operation, human remote control, or intelligent AI. The second module is the Ecological Circulation System.”
At this point, Shu Wei turned her gaze to a middle-aged man at the far end.
The man’s face was ravaged by sandstorms, looking extremely aged, with yellowed lenses, a bald spot, and the standard crew work uniform giving him a skinny, bony look. Even his General Energy Fluctuation was very weak.
Sensing Su Huan and the surrounding gazes, the man immediately stood up nervously.
“Train Conductor…”
Shu Wei introduced, “This is Professor Wang Duoyu, formerly teaching industrial design at Zhijin University, expert in modular design. He got on three days ago and became a Manufacturer yesterday. The Ecological Circulation System was his proposal.”
Su Huan nodded, acknowledging the meeting.
“Explain in detail.”
Wang Duoyu was excited inside; he had indeed caught the Train Conductor’s attention. It was worth his sleepless days.
Clearing his throat, Wang Duoyu began, stumbling a bit at first but growing smoother.
“…Divide the Ecological Circulation into six specific circulation systems. The first is the atmospheric circulation system. Currently, the train uses machine conversion + ecological + external atmosphere. It relies most on external exchange. Per my calculations, the first two aren’t enough for the current population. This needs supplementation: large-scale planting of high-oxygen mutated plants and emergency oxygen cabins.”
“The second is the Water Circulation System. The train’s water sources all rely on the Water Purifier and stored water. At current consumption, this is too thin. We should design a Water Circulation System, setting clear, gray, and black water tanks per RV standards, recycling gray water, specially treating black water to nourish plants… Some scavengers use dehumidifiers to extract moisture from the air. Though energy-intensive, it provides at least 6L to 10L of Purified Water per hour…”
“The third is food circulation. The train already has some foundation here; no need to rush. Build on the first two…”
“The fourth is energy circulation. The train’s daily energy consumption is terrifying. Though there are many Energizers, it’s still a drop in the bucket, like saving money: increase income and cut spending. For income, design external energy collection devices. Cutting spending is more complex: utilize temperature differences from equipment, the train’s kinetic energy, etc., to gather it. It won’t solve much, but covers some consumption. Also, redesign the train’s energy supply network; current waste is too severe.”
“The fifth is waste circulation. The train’s current waste circulation is limited to metal, but other garbage can be deeply utilized with abilities.”
“Finally, currency circulation. The train currently has it open for those willing to exchange with the outside. But virtual points will limit circulation to some extent, so physical currency is best—something that can act as general equivalent, produced only by the train. This can truly cycle the train’s influence.”
Six major circulations: five specific, one a bit more abstract.
But not really abstract. Su Huan had indeed considered currency, but back then the Armored Train lacked the qualifications and ability.
With Dong Huang’s economic system collapsed and the currency market blank, it might really be a good opportunity.
As Wang Duoyu finished, everyone present fell into thought, the quiet atmosphere making him slightly nervous.
“Good idea. What do you all think?”
These six major circulations considered the entire train ecology, not just inert objects but living people. Su Huan was quite satisfied anyway, but he still planned to ask the professionals.
Director Xu spoke first, “Some points differ from reality, like manufacturing some equipment and personnel allocation issues. But overall, the framework of these six major circulations is correct.”
Yu Jing said straightforwardly, “I also approve of this framework.”
Professor Ma, Deputy General Manager Deng, Dean Zhou, and others nodded one after another.
Seeing general agreement, Su Huan decided, “Then fill the third-phase framework with this. Artificial intelligence as core, three-dimensional attack-defense network and Ecological Circulation as pillars. If not done in three phases, then four or five.”
Hu Shuo timely reminded, “Train Conductor, but we still have shortfalls in personnel and supplies.”
Su Huan recalled the argument before entering, “Evolution Material, right?”
Hu Shuo nodded, “Especially Zombie Material, the main material for synthesizing various metals. All previously collected have been processed by the Manufacturing Group into standard materials for storage, but that only covers one-tenth of the overall transformation. Huge shortfall.”
Black Kite’s war indemnity naturally couldn’t let them offset with Zombie Material. Zombies are everywhere, but the chance to blackmail Black Kite is only once.
So they wanted rare stuff, leaving a big gap in basic materials needed for transformation.
Filling the personnel gap was also tough.
He had already poached talents from the Four Greats once; the rest were in the camp.
He couldn’t just raid their bases.
Though doing so wasn’t impossible.
But their main forces were in Zhijin; wiping them out at once would leave big hidden dangers.
(First million-word achievement unlocked. Some brothers asked how long it will take; the whole book is expected around two million words. Ending was planned before starting, currently advancing steadily. Military whereabouts, protagonist’s background, etc., will be filled in the main text. Extras will cover some characters’ endings, aiming for a proper beginning and end.)
