"Those who can become Pioneers ahead of everyone else must all have Talents!"

"This Bai Cheng has been hoarding employee cards without discrimination. Who in their right mind needs 50 employee cards? Her Talent must be related to employees!"

"And that Lin Qiuyue, where is she getting so much fresh water? Even if she drained herself dry, it won’t be enough! Her Talent must involve water!"

"That Yu Nian in our channel is also a sly fox. Suddenly, she’s also buying up employee cards. Either she’s friends with Bai Cheng or enemies, but they definitely know each other!"

"Tch, the most mysterious one is still Leng Ningxue. She became a Pioneer without making a sound, and she’s even the top in our channel!"

"Speaking of which, what’s the point of these titles anyway? Surely they’re not just for showing off?"

"..."

The Pioneers were already standout figures in their respective channels. Their names frequently appeared in the exchange, often offering jaw-dropping amounts of supplies, and occasionally, they would even trigger system announcements.

Without exception, they were all famous. And because of their actions, they became subjects of endless speculation about their Talents.

Tang Yan nodded as he read the messages on the screen. Many of these guesses aligned with his own thoughts.

At the same time, the corner of his lips curled up. "Good thing I didn’t reveal too much in the channel. These people probably don’t know that if you expose your Talent, you’ll attract Infinite Raiders."

But then he sighed and shook his head. "Too bad my Talent has too many limitations. Otherwise, I can figure out their Talents and pick the best teammates."

Thinking about his recent exchanges with Xiao Ran, Tang Yan’s brow furrowed.

That guy acted like a complete fool. Could someone like that really have a Talent? And how did he even become a Pioneer?

A ruthless glint flashed in Tang Yan’s eyes.

"If he dares to lie, I’ll use him to supplement my Train Core."

Elsewhere, a train engine repeatedly bumped against tree trunks as it advanced slowly.

Niu Dali lay on his bed, clutching a green employee card before bursting into wild laughter.

"Hahaha! Damn if I ain’t lucky! Done stumbled on two magical beasts fightin’—now I’m just missin’ that second train carriage!"

Thud—!

A series of notifications popped up on the screen.

[Train Durability -1%]

[Current Durability: 49%!]

"’bout time fer repairs." Niu Dali sprang up like a carp leaping out of water and immediately used the supplies he had prepared.

"Everyone be snoozin’ at night—perfect chance fer me to pull ahead!"

A smug grin spread across his face at his own brilliance.

He had long since realized that the only way to stay ahead was to keep reaching stations, rapidly advancing his technology before anyone else.

But as he skimmed through the channel’s discussions, a hint of confusion flickered in his eyes.

"Ain’t like I got them Talents. I still became a Pioneer, didn’t I?"

Meanwhile, Lin Qiuyue had parked her train near a swamp and had just finished bathing.

Puddles of water still lingered on the floor of her train car as she ran her fingers through her damp hair, eyes fixed on the screen.

"Do you want to team up? You’ve probably guessed that my Talent is water-related."

"By the way, you’re beautiful. I like you..."

Even if they weren’t Pioneers, any survivor who had lasted this long wasn’t stupid.

Everyone understood the importance of the team function. Not only did it offer the benefits of collective development, but it also allowed them to unite against sudden dangers.

Within just an hour of the feature’s release, everyone was scrambling to recruit teammates.

Some posted openly in the channel, while others quietly scouted in the shadows.

As for the Pioneers, their first choice was naturally to team up with other Pioneers.

Bai Cheng was no exception. She had also received numerous DMs.

However, Bai Cheng had already formed a team and had no intention of recruiting more members.

Yu Nian had tried to persuade her, arguing that more teammates meant greater strength, but Bai Cheng’s gaze shifted to Zi Yuan, her resolve firm.

"What use are Pioneers compared to my legendary employees?"

She was determined to give Yu Nian a big surprise when they reunited.

Zi Yuan’s strength had far exceeded Bai Cheng’s expectations. She had ventured deep into the mist, slaughtered every wraith in the vicinity with terrifying speed, and even brought back a blue treasure chest!

"Honorable Train Conductor—" Zi Yuan began, only for Chi Yan to cut in.

"You should address her as ’Young Lady’."

Zi Yuan paused, then corrected herself. "Young Lady, the magical beasts have been eliminated. This chest was found in their territory."

With both hands, she respectfully presented the chest.

This was Bai Cheng’s first time seeing a blue treasure chest. It was slightly larger than the refined chests, but aside from that, the engravings and patterns were nearly identical.

It still felt weightless, with no hint of what lay inside.

Without hesitation, Bai Cheng eagerly opened it.

[Opened Excellent Treasure Chest: Obtained (Train Core) Element Collector ×1, Train Power Grid ×1, Fine Wood Paneling (Blueprint) ×1, Potato Seed ×10, Scrap Iron ×10.]

The blue chest only contained five items, but aside from the last two, Bai Cheng had never even heard of the first three.

"Train Core Element Collector?"

She picked up the small cylindrical device. Inside, three staggered transparent tubes contained an unknown liquid.

"Must be for modifying the train carriages."

[Name: (Train Core) Element Collector]

[Quality: Rare]

[Collected Element #1: None]

[Collected Element #2: None]

[Collected Element #3: None]

[Compatible Train Cores: None]

[Description: A key device for collecting elements to modify Train Cores. Must first be powered to activate.]

[Evaluation: It can collect elements from any action you take. Isn’t that convenient?]

Bai Cheng frowned. "Powered?"

She glanced at her crude steam train. With a steam engine, generating electricity shouldn’t be difficult, but she lacked the necessary equipment...

"Wait... Could this train power grid be...?" Her eyes lit up as she immediately checked its details.

[Name: Train Power Grid]

[Input Device: None]

[Output Device: None]

[Description: The train power grid will automatically install itself across the entire train, using the steam engine to provide electricity!]

[Evaluation: Is this even scientific?]

"This is amazing!" Delight spread across Bai Cheng’s face as she immediately activated it.

The next second, she noticed new crisscrossing lines running along the ceiling of her train.

One end connected directly to the steam engine, while the other extended downward, ready to link to other devices.

Bai Cheng checked the screen. The[Input]section now listed the steam engine.

She then tapped[Output], but the only available option was the newly acquired element collector.

Still, Bai Cheng wasn’t discouraged. Even with electricity, she lacked other devices to improve her living conditions.

But at least this was a good start.

As for the last item, the fine wood paneling blueprint, Bai Cheng could guess its purpose just from the name.

[Name: Fine Wood Paneling (Blueprint)]

[Description: Automatically installs fine wood paneling in one train carriage upon use.]

[Required Materials: Fine Wood ×50]

"Not enough wood..." Bai Cheng sighed, deciding to hold it off for now.

She yawned, then turned her gaze outside and ordered:

"Chi Yan, clear the path ahead. We’ll advance a bit further, then continue hunting magical beasts in the area!"