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Apocalypse: I Built the Infinite Train-Chapter 178: Making Cannons Late at Night
Currently, the upgraded firearms weren’t too difficult for Lin Xian to create, but the main issue was the ammunition.
The preparation of gunpowder, material conversion—while the bullets themselves weren’t too complicated—the speed at which Lin Xian could manufacture them was limited. The problem was, these things were used up quickly, and he couldn’t multitask.
The 1130 Close-In Weapon System hadn’t been completed yet, and once it was finished, it would be another huge consumer of ammunition. Lin Xian had calculated that, to allow the system to fire for 15 seconds, his preparation center would need to work nonstop for an entire day. Then, after the gunpowder and materials were produced, he would have to keep manufacturing to turn them into bullets.
On top of that, he needed to devour mechanical resources, manufacture other items, and upgrade the research center. All of these required his time and energy.
But Lin Xian’s mechanical manufacturing was single-threaded—he couldn’t do everything at once. If he were to supply the entire train with firepower, it would be exhausting. There wouldn’t be enough time to devour and upgrade either.
"Hehe~ I'm still waiting for you to build the electromagnetic cannon." KIKI teased him with a playful grin.
"I’ll get to it after the 1130 is done. The next step is the electromagnetic cannon," Lin Xian replied.
"By the way," KIKI said, floating into the air with a graceful motion. She crossed her arms as she hovered, looking back at Lin Xian. "I think we should take a trip to Xingcheng. Since we’ve already burned our bridges with the Federation, why not steal some high-tech blueprints from them?"
"You mean we should march into Xingcheng and start fighting the Federation’s defense forces?" Lin Xian asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Silly!" KIKI pointed a finger at Lin Xian’s forehead. "We won’t openly attack. Just let me tap into their system terminal. I can steal the blueprints you want, or you can quietly scan their systems if you prefer."
Lin Xian smiled. "You’re right, I forgot you can fly. It’s worth considering, definitely something to try."
It was indeed a good plan. Most of the world’s advanced military technology was either in the hands of the Starfleet or the Federation. With the right approach, acquiring blueprints without a desperate escape might be the most efficient way to gain advanced tech.
"Hehe, you’re finally coming around!" KIKI teased.
"Alright, let’s get to work." Lin Xian took a deep breath, raising the cover on the carriage’s window to glance outside at the dark platform. He then sat down in the empty carriage, preparing to start.
"Which one first?"
"Of course, it’s the robot," Lin Xian said as he extended his hand. Light flashed, and rare materials began to fly out. A black chip slowly started to form.
“The PX-05 Engineering Robot can autonomously connect to system programs. Aside from maintenance, welding, and transportation, it’s pretty fast and durable. With this, it can directly help me maintain the weapon stations and feed the ammo chains."
KIKI’s eyes lit up. "Wow, smart. Have you thought about modifying it into a combat model for enemy defense?"
"I’ve thought about it," Lin Xian replied. "But my ability level isn’t high enough yet to mass-produce drones. Making one takes several hours."
KIKI nodded. "Alright, make it first. I’ll overwrite the system and have it help you with the train’s modifications and maintenance."
"Sounds good."
The assembly of the 1130 was a massive undertaking. It wasn’t just about building it and placing it on the train. Since no one else could assist, Lin Xian planned to create this engineering robot first to handle some of the key tasks. This large-scale equipment required KIKI’s psychic abilities to assist.
"Hehe, with this, we’ll have a powerful mechanical helper." KIKI grinned as she watched the materials continue to fly from Lin Xian’s hand.
"Don’t get too excited just yet." Lin Xian’s expression was serious as he focused. The Mechanical Heart worked overtime. Even though his mechanical manufacturing had reached Level 3, he still felt immense pressure starting this creation.
The core, the central control, the frame, the Hall-anode layer thrusters, sensors, small motors, energy groups...
Two hours later, the engineering robot’s form began to take shape.
KIKI watched nervously, seeing Lin Xian sweat profusely. She flew over and started waving a fan at him. "Don’t rush, don’t rush, it’s almost done."
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"Now you think manufacturing things is easy?" Lin Xian said with a chuckle.
"Okay, okay, I know it’s tough~" KIKI laughed. "How about I give you a shoulder massage?"
"No need, don’t distract me." Lin Xian said, exasperated, as he continued working.
"Humph~"
With the final piece of the robot’s shell attached, the small PX-05 Engineering Robot was successfully built.
"Wow, we did it!"
With a puff of smoke, the yellow-armored robot slowly toppled to the floor. Lin Xian wiped his sweat and let out a long breath. Looking at the small engineering robot in front of him, he couldn’t help but feel a mix of pride and weariness.
He had once considered creating an army of robots for combat, but this engineering robot had given him a hard lesson. The road of a mechanic was long and difficult—reaching that level would take much more work.
"Try it out." Lin Xian wiped his forehead and spoke to KIKI.
KIKI quickly pressed the startup button on the robot. Beep—the program initiated.
The robot’s control panel lit up with fluorescence, and a soft electric hum emitted from the robot. The thrusters on the robot glowed faintly blue, and it slowly rose into the air, hovering within the 12th carriage.
"Wow, so cool!" KIKI’s eyes sparkled. "Just wait!"
She immediately pulled out a mobile computer, connected to the robot’s program interface, and began configuring the system.
"Alright, you get to work. I’ll start on the cannon." Lin Xian nodded, a sense of urgency in his voice.
The two of them had developed good teamwork during their journey from Jiang City, and it showed in their seamless coordination.
Lin Xian began reviewing the materials in the disassembly space, and without hesitation, he began the process of manufacturing.
WHOOSH—
Light flashed from his hand as metal materials flew out, condensing, shaping, forging, and assembling!
Gradually, a large 1130 Close-In Weapon System began to take shape. KIKI, still focused on the robot, was also helping with the work.
As the heavy weapon took form, Lin Xian’s heart surged with excitement.
“Finally, a big weapon!”
The base, the lifting platform, the automatic hatch for the roof, and the rear ammo supply system—Lin Xian didn’t stick to the original design. He made some adjustments to suit his needs.
The electro-optical targeting system and phased array radar were completed, and a movable, deployable Close-In Weapon System appeared in the 12th carriage. A behemoth of over ten tons, exuding a formidable killing intent.
VROOM—
At that moment, KIKI’s PX-05 Engineering Robot flew over, having completed its basic configuration. It started helping Lin Xian install the cannon’s base.
"Done, but the ammo configuration will take some more time. For now, let it help with the miscellaneous tasks!" KIKI said, hands on her hips, looking pleased.
PHEW... Lin Xian nodded and sighed. "Finally, it’s done."
It was already past midnight.
For Lin Xian, building such large devices for the first time was a challenge. Previously, he had only created simpler machines—guns, armor, train accessories, and the freezer in the dining car. But the PX-05 Engineering Robot and 1130 Close-In Weapon System were far more complex, requiring hours of effort and focus.
Mechanical Manufacturing: Level 3 (260/1000)
Lin Xian opened the Mechanical Heart interface and saw that the progress had significantly increased, with over 200 points added to his manufacturing skill.
"Nice, this is a good increase..."
Mechanical Devouring and Manufacturing were the foundational skills Lin Xian needed to upgrade quickly. While the materials in the disassembly space were running low, he had finally managed to get the job done.