Jiang Chen selected "Power Engine Improvement (Level 1)" on the upgrade interface of the control panel.
A confirmation prompt immediately popped up on the screen, along with a list of required materials: precise gears * 8, energy conduction pipes * 3, standard energy core * 1.
He had already gathered these materials through trading and previous scavenging.
"Confirm Upgrade!" Jiang Chen said without hesitation.
"'Power Engine Improvement (Level 1)' upgrade is in progress, estimated time is 5 minutes. There may be slight vibrations during the upgrade process. Commander, please wait a moment." Zero's voice rang out.
Immediately after, Jiang Chen felt a subtle, rhythmic vibration coming from the train car beneath his feet, as if some precise machinery was operating and being debugged inside.
On the control panel screen, the power engine part of the train's 3D model was enveloped by a soft blue halo, and the progress bar was slowly advancing.
"5 minutes, that's quite fast." Jiang Chen nodded.
He took advantage of this interval to glance at the regional chat channel again.
In the channel, the discussion about him, the "mysterious material supplier," remained heated.
Some even began to guess his identity and the source of his high-quality materials.
"Who exactly is that big shot? Will we encounter him again at the next stop?"
"I feel like the things he has aren't something an ordinary novice could get. Did he get some kind of fortuitous encounter at the start?"
"Could he be some hidden NPC? Specifically giving us Welfare?"
"The person upstairs is overthinking it. There's no NPC that good. I bet he's a low-key, high-level player."
Jiang Chen chuckled inwardly as he read these guesses.
Let them guess; you can't imagine my happiness.
He wished these people would treat him as some mysterious existence, so that it would be smoother for him to "harvest leeks" in the future.
Of course, there were also some discordant voices.
For example, "Steel Fist Invincible Zhao Tiezhu" was once again speaking sourly in the channel: "Hmph, it's just good luck getting some good stuff, what's so great about it? True strength still has to be earned with one's own fists and feet! When we encounter monsters next time, let's see if his flashy water and food can save his life!"
Jiang Chen just curled his lip when he saw this message.
He couldn't even be bothered to pay attention to such a clown.
He might as well spend that time thinking about how to make his "mobile vacation home" more comfortable.
5 minutes passed quickly.
"'Power Engine Improvement (Level 1)' upgrade complete!" Zero's voice rang out on time.
On the control panel screen, the blue halo representing the power engine dissipated, and the engine component on the train's 3D model looked somewhat more precise and powerful.
"Train's maximum speed limit increased to 80km/h, acceleration increased by 20%, energy consumption efficiency increased by 10%."
"Not bad, not bad!" Jiang Chen nodded with satisfaction.
Although it was only a Level 1 improvement, the effect was already very obvious. The maximum speed increased from 60km/h to 80km/h, which would give him a greater advantage in critical moments, whether for pursuit or escape. The increased energy consumption efficiency also meant that his high-energy refined magic crystal coal would last longer.
"Next, upgrade the fuel tank!" Jiang Chen continued without stopping.
"Fuel Tank Expansion (Level 1)" required materials: fire-resistant metal plates * 10, sealing rings * 5.
He had also collected quite a few of these materials when he was "stocking up" earlier.
"'Fuel Tank Expansion (Level 1)' upgrade is in progress, estimated time is 3 minutes."
There was another slight vibration.
3 minutes later, the upgrade was complete.
"Fuel tank capacity increased by 50%. Current fuel reserves can support the train for approximately 130 hours of automatic cruising at 80km/h, or approximately 170 hours of automatic cruising at 60km/h."
"The cruising range has increased again!" Jiang Chen was in a good mood.
This meant he had more time to "laze around" without having to rush to find fuel.
Perfect!
Finally, it was "Manufacturing Module Reinforcement (Primary)".
Required materials: basic metal ingots * 15, miniature energy cores * 2 (can be replaced by standard energy cores), precision circuit board * 1.
"There are two standard energy cores left, just enough."
"'Manufacturing Module Reinforcement (Primary)' upgrade is in progress, estimated time is 8 minutes."
This upgrade took a little longer.
Jiang Chen simply took out the previously amplified special grade nutritional energy bar from his backpack, broke off a small piece, and slowly savored it.
The crispy texture, sweet taste, and the unique energy that could make one feel happy were indeed a treat.
"When the living module is upgraded later, I'll set up a small kitchen and cook some delicious food myself. That's what you call a comfortable life." Jiang Chen envisioned a beautiful future.
He wanted to live his own wonderful life on this doomsday train.
8 minutes later.
"'Manufacturing Module Reinforcement (Primary)' upgrade complete!"
"Manufacturing efficiency increased by 30%. New craftable items list added:"
"- Simple Water Purifier: Can purify a small amount of sewage or contaminated water into drinkable fresh water."
"- Small Storage Box: Can be placed inside the carriage to increase a small amount of item storage space."
"- Basic Trap Kit: Used to catch small creatures or for warning."
"- Iron Short Spear: A simple melee weapon."
"- Leather Armor Piece: Can be used to make simple armor."
... The newly added list of craftable items made Jiang Chen's eyes light up.
Especially the "Simple Water Purifier" and the Small Storage Box, which were very practical!
Although he didn't lack high-quality drinking water now, having an extra purification method was never a bad thing. The Small Storage Box could alleviate the problem of limited space in his backpack.
"Excellent, today's upgrade plan is successfully completed!" Jiang Chen stretched, feeling refreshed.
The train's performance had been comprehensively improved, and his sense of security and comfort had also greatly increased.
Next, he would use the remaining 7 basic amplification opportunities and that one precious special amplification opportunity to get some more good stuff.
"Let's see what else in my backpack is worth amplifying."
He opened his backpack.
Energy spring water and high-energy nutritional bars were consumables and didn't need to be amplified again for now.
The multi-functional tactical entrenching shovel was already a top-tier amplified tool/weapon.
The military-grade all-purpose first-aid kit was also a life-saving item for critical moments.
high-energy refined magic crystal coal was the train's ration, and it was enough for now.
Standard energy core? Used up.
"A bit of a shame. It seems I'll have to wait until I get new standard energy cores." Jiang Chen shook his head.
"So what should I amplify?" Jiang Chen's gaze fell on the basic materials he had just acquired through trading.
Scrap metal, dry wood, rags, rubber sheets... Although these things were plentiful, their quality was very ordinary.
If he could improve their quality, would the things he manufactured with them have better effects?
"Let's try it!"
He first took out 10 units of "scrap metal" from his storage space. These metal blocks varied in size, were rusty, and indeed looked very "scrapped."
"Basic Amplification! Target: Improve metal quality and purity!"
A pale golden light enveloped the pile of scrap metal.
The light dissipated.
The originally rusty metal blocks now looked much cleaner, and their color had changed from a dull rust color to a grayish-black with a slight silver sheen, with a noticeable improvement in texture.
"Name: Refined Iron Ingot (Targeted Amplification)"
"Type: Basic Material"
"Effect: Metal material that has undergone preliminary purification and strengthening, with improved hardness and toughness. It is an excellent choice for manufacturing various tools, weapons, and building components."
"Quantity: 10 units"
"Note: A prime example of turning waste into treasure. Use it to forge your equipment!"
"It really works!" Jiang Chen was delighted.
Scrap metal directly turned into "Refined Iron Ingots"!
If these were used to manufacture weapons or upgrade the train, the effect would definitely be much better than using scrap metal!
He immediately performed the same targeted amplification on another portion of scrap metal and dry wood.
The scrap metal turned into more "Refined Iron Ingots."
The dry wood, on the other hand, turned into "Hardened Wood," which was not only stronger and more durable but also possessed certain fire-resistant and moisture-proof properties.
After several basic amplifications, the quality of the basic materials in his backpack was greatly improved.
Now, he had one last basic amplification opportunity left, and that one unused "Special Amplification" opportunity.
"Where should I use the last basic amplification?" Jiang Chen pondered.
His gaze inadvertently swept over the simple, unknown, bracelet-like object on his wrist. This bracelet had been on his hand when he transmigrated, and he hadn't paid much attention to it before because it looked ordinary and had no attribute display.
"This thing... can it be amplified?" A bold idea emerged.
This bracelet had always been on his hand, so it counted as an item he "owned."
What if... it was some hidden treasure?
Just like the fingerprint-locked briefcase before, without amplifying it, he wouldn't know what good things were hidden inside.
Take a gamble, turn a bicycle into a motorcycle!
Jiang Chen took a deep breath and focused his thoughts on the inconspicuous black bracelet on his wrist.
"Basic Amplification!"