Shadow of Mechanical Soul

Train Terror

"Body energy reserve at 1%. Intelligence Agent Secondary Thread activated, accessing services."

This was the first time since Tom had acquired this body that his energy reserve had reached 1%. From previous inquiries with the intelligence agent, he knew that once the energy reserve hit 1%, the agent would become slightly smarter, albeit marginally, and its calculation speed would at least double. According to the agent's narration, artificial intelligence could never possess the same level of wisdom as a consciousness, no matter how fast its computations were; it could only infinitely approximate that level of intelligence. This was akin to the creations of a sentient being, whose speed was inherently constrained by the speed of light.

"Body enhancement capabilities activated."

"Detected elements that can enhance the body. Would you like to absorb them?"

"A'gan! Does body enhancement require energy?"

"Yes!"

Without hesitation, Tom chose no. His priority was to ensure the stability of his consciousness; what use was a powerful body if he couldn't move?

"Body functions initialized. Please select for use."

Now that A'gan had activated a secondary thread, Tom failed to notice any discernible increase in the agent's intelligence. It seemed virtually unchanged, still far from matching A'gan's supposed level of intelligence, leaving him disappointed.

A translucent list appeared before Tom's eyes.

"Detection, gene fragment splicing, comprehensive analysis, communication, body enhancement..."

The list wasn't extensive, comprising around two dozen categories. However, each was merely a general heading with detailed sub-lists beneath. For instance, under detection alone, there were over sixty types of detection methods, illustrating the complexity and depth of the bio-mechanical abilities bestowed upon this Fire Realm consciousness carrier, or*** as they were known. Comprehending them all would take time.

Tom noticed that synthesis, which the intelligence agent had mentioned, was absent from the main list.

A'gan promptly explained, "The energy threshold for basic synthesis functions is 3%. Until then, it remains unavailable and hidden. However, molecular decomposition, a component of synthesis, can be utilized."

Synthesis was Tom's most prized ability, the most incredible aspect of this bionic human being. With sufficient energy, materials, and detailed information, it could create any device. Remarkably, with a substance called “XiFen”, a semi-energetic material, the bionic human being could even transform “XiFen” into any desired matter. It seemed synthesis abilities were tiered, tied to energy reserves.

In theory, with ample energy, “XiFen”, and detailed specifications, Tom could manufacture any device. This was a godlike capability.

Though Tom cringed at the energy requirements and the unfamiliarity of “XiFen”, it didn't diminish his awe for this technology.

As for molecular decomposition, Tom understood that it reduced objects to nanoscale particles, a necessary step in synthesis as it preceded molecular restructuring. However, it had limited standalone applications and consumed considerable energy, making it impractical for him.

"3% energy reserve! That's an astronomical figure for me."

Currently, his energy reserve stood at 1.32%, a number displayed by the intelligence agent and slowly creeping up, albeit at a decelerating rate. Even without looking, Tom could sense this from the diminishing tingling sensation as energy infiltrated his body.

Suddenly, Tom was drawn to an ability displayed next to the energy reserve figure: Camouflage! It allowed molecular-level imitation of target objects, replicating everything except the material composition, resulting in size discrepancies. This meant he could even mimic animals.

For example, imitating a rabbit would result in a giant, hundred-pound rabbit with identical fur.

Tom had no intention of mimicking a rabbit. Now that he could move, his body, though humanoid, was immediately recognizable as alien to ordinary humans.Although it is described as a disguise, it is so thorough that it has surpassed the scope of traditional disguises. I'm afraid this is a very thorough simulation. With this ability, Tom believes that he should be able to deceive ordinary humans.

"Using the disguise consumes 0.23% of energy. Confirm use?"

Tom gritted his teeth and chose to confirm. For the disguise target, he chose his former self's image, even down to the simulated clothing. Tom felt a pang in his heart. This was 0.23% of his energy, which could sustain him for at least three to four months if he remained stationary.

"Disguise in progress, completion in ten seconds," Agan prompted.

Tom felt a tremor throughout his body, accompanied by a slight stinging sensation that dissipated after a few seconds. It seemed that the disguise had been successfully applied, but without a mirror, he couldn't tell how accurate it was.

When the sounds of rummaging through boxes ceased, the energy reserve reading settled at 1.36%, and Tom no longer felt the influx of energy.

"Energy replenishment has stopped, falling below the reserve threshold. Please continue to replenish energy. Consciousness enhancement has been interrupted. Please continue to replenish energy," Agan coldly demanded of Tom, but where could Tom find energy for it?

"Fang, why are there only these kinds of things? There's no transmitter you mentioned. We've searched half the boxes already, and I don't think our luck is with us tonight."

Tom heard the timid voice of the shorter man, who was completely buried in a pile of "earphones." Without his eyes, he couldn't see the two men, but the abilities of this body allowed him to easily grasp their positions and statuses, even their appearances.

Fang Xu was also somewhat discouraged, harboring a simmering anger. How could such promising boxes contain nothing but junk? Seeing that they were about to return empty-handed, Tang Xieyong unwittingly walked into the line of fire, prompting Fang Xu to snap back with a roar.

"Stop your nonsense! You're the one who talks too much. Hurry up and finish. If all else fails, we can sell these boxes as scrap metal, they're worth something."

Fang Xu picked up an alloy box and angrily threw it towards the other end of the carriage. The box, a foot square and weighing nearly ten kilograms, was flung out and flew through the air, barely hitting the metal carriage wall.

Unexpectedly, when the alloy box struck the metal carriage, a loud explosion erupted, filling the ears of the two men.

Immediately, everything inside the carriage flew up, tumbling and crashing towards the front.

Simultaneously, there was a grating sound of steel rubbing against steel as the entire carriage rolled violently after a massive jolt, accompanied by intense collisions.

The carriage derailed, rolled, and came to a stop within mere seconds, but the immense kinetic energy, combined with the crushing and twisting forces from the adjacent carriages, twisted the entire carriage into a near-spiral shape within those few seconds.

Faint shouts could be heard from the front of the train, but this freight carriage was near the rear, separated from the front by at least a few hundred meters, making the sounds faint and distant.