Armed Train in the Apocalypse

”It hasn’t shown any intent to attack; I suggest you calm down.”

Seeing his panicked look, Zhong You frowned slightly.

The entourage, including the driver, had all been replaced, indicating that the psychological shadow left by the train conductor on Mr. Shu was much larger than imagined.

But thinking about what he was going to do later, Zhong You couldn’t help but feel a bit strange.

”Is this the kind of tree that can walk around? It seems the train has quite a few good things.”

Mr. Shu said with a chuckle.

Five armed soldiers walked over from behind. They weren’t wearing the train’s signature trench coats but were in iron-gray tactical uniforms, holding Iron Guard-5 assault rifles. Four of them each took a position around the vehicle, gun muzzles tilted down, safeties off, vigilantly eyeing Mr. Shu and others inside the car.

The sergeant walked to the driver’s side, then took out a Black Kite tactical tablet under Zhong You’s complex gaze.

The soldier glanced at the few people, and skillfully asked, ”Where are you from? Have you evolved? Ability, any affiliations...”

The driver looked at Mr. Shu in the rearview mirror, somewhat hesitant.

The latter rolled down the window, smiling, ”I’ve heard there’s a transaction market opened up here in Zhijin, and we want to come in and take a look.”

Seeing Mr. Shu’s outfit, the soldier was a bit unsure. ”Then wait here; I’ll go report.”

As he was leaving, he warned, ”During this time, you are not allowed to get out of the car or engage in any dangerous behavior; otherwise, my subordinates will shoot, with no exceptions.”

The soldier quickly ran towards the small gate at the back of the open area, while the others stayed put. Two small trees also came over, blocking the car door, inserting their branches into the wheel hubs.

The driver had a scornful look on his face, muttering, ”A big soldier, putting on airs.”

The soldier left behind looked cold, slightly raising the muzzle of his gun.

Zhong You, feeling impatient, said coldly, ”Is it so hard to organize now? A dignified Number 3 Director can’t even afford a proper driver.”

The driver’s face instantly flushed, but he knew he couldn’t provoke Zhong You, so he remained silent.

Mr. Shu wasn’t angry at Zhong You’s sarcasm, instead, he said with a wry smile, ”The company has suffered consecutive losses, and the western front is tight. I don’t have many people on hand. How about you help me out? I’ll take care of the Number 1 situation for you.”

Faced with Mr. Shu’s concession, Zhong You instead fell silent.

Each director is responsible for different departments. The incident at Yanbei Pass was considered a temporary assignment. Strictly speaking, Mr. Shu hadn’t wronged him, but he definitely wouldn’t return to Black Kite, even if it was a chance that Uncle Yong had exchanged his life for.

There’s only one possibility for going back: finding Number 1 or the headquarters’ location and storming in openly!

Seeing that Zhong You didn’t answer, Mr. Shu didn’t try to persuade him further.

Zhong You might be young, but he’s not easily swayed. Every person who has reached Tier Two is a strong-willed individual, and their decisions are not easily changed with a few words.

The soldier returned with several people, led by a man with a fierce look. Under his short hair, a menacing tattoo could be vaguely seen.

As the first elder to latch onto the train’s coattails, Wen Biao could choose any position within the three bureaus and two institutes.

Yet, he ultimately chose a deputy position in the City Guard Army, specifically picking the gatekeeping role.

His former subordinates couldn’t understand his thinking, but he diligently carried out his duties. Aside from gatekeeping, he would watch the training results of recruits, personally funding supplies for good performers, and severely scolding the poor ones.

However, even if someone got eliminated, they would still get a position within the City Guard Army.

This resulted in the gatekeeping soldiers being the elite of the City Guard Army.

Wen Biao came over, and upon seeing Zhong You in the passenger seat, his gaze became significantly heavier. Even if he didn’t know the man, Zhong You’s Tier Two aura couldn’t be faked, and Mr. Shu in the back was also a significant figure.

Since the other party didn’t want to tell the truth, Wen Biao didn’t push. Once inside the city, whether they’re cats or dogs, isn’t it up to the train conductor to decide?

He then asked formally, ”Where are you from?”

”A small convoy making a living in the west; you might not have heard of it, Boss.”

Mr. Shu replied with a smile.

Wen Biao turned his head to look at his subordinate, ”Is the registration completed?”

The subordinate nodded in response.

Wen Biao’s fleshy face broke into a slightly kind smile, ”During the market period, as long as you don’t violate Zhijin’s rules, you may enter the city. Let them through!”

The soldiers moved aside, but the Iron-Eating Trees didn’t return the keys; instead, they extended a branch inside.

”It’s asking for a bribe; just give it the metal strip issued for entering the city.”

After handing over the metal strip and getting the key, the car slowly drove into the city, and the next vehicle in the convoy was also let in.

As they approached Iron Wall’s entrance, they could still hear disputes coming from the nearby inspection point.

”They’re slaves, merchandise I’m planning to sell in Zhijin. Why would they need identification?”

Wen Biao’s icy, forceful voice came, ”This is the last explanation; everyone entering the city must register for identification. All units, ready to fire!”

Mr. Shu squinted slightly in the car, ”It seems the train conductor has some compassion for his compatriots.”

Zhong You’s eyes showed a hint of doubt. He had met Su Huan several times, and he’s definitely not someone who can be simply described with good or evil, not to mention Mr. Shu pretending to be innocent suddenly.

Upon entering Iron Wall, the crowd suddenly increased.

The rumbling noise also had a source now.

Various construction vehicles were clearing building debris, loading the construction waste into large trucks. The streets were lined with bustling crowds, some in uniforms, some in leather jackets or trench coats similar to those worn by the two, covering their noses and mouths.

A little further ahead, the crowd thinned out, and the signs of city reconstruction became more apparent. Containers were used as connections between low buildings, or steel frames directly welded bridges to create more traversable space inside. Heavy machine guns were set up on the corner coffee shops; a few soldiers were enough to lock down an entire street.