Chapter 126: On the Eve of Danger

There is a monster on the train.

This line of text flickers in red, signaling his current perilous situation. Chen Qi clicks on the skill bar, bracing for battle.

[The train doctor before you rises slowly and looks up at the ceiling:
"Night Watcher, it seems there are some little spiders on the train."]

[You perk up your ears, listening intently to the movement on top of the carriage.]

[Boom!
A steel-like spider leg pierces through the roof of the train and appears right before you!]

[You grip your long blade and execute a rapid backstep. Before your eyes, a passenger’s ear is wounded by the slender, metallic limb, and blood drips onto the floor!]

Steel-like limbs...
Chen Qi recalls from the investigator’s guide that this is a Solder Spider. Its entire body is incredibly hard, making it a terrifying monster that possesses both power and agility.

He clicks on his skill bar, ready to engage at any moment.

["Passengers, please remain calm and find a safe place."
The voices of the train conductors echo through the carriage; they are already heading over to handle the situation.]

[Thump! Thump! Thump!
You can feel the steel spider crawling on top of the carriage, repeatedly stabbing through the roof with its sharp, massive legs.]

[You hold your breath, constantly dodging these razor-sharp giant limbs!]

A line of scarlet text pops up.

[These giant limbs have locked onto your position!]

[A slender, sharp spider leg pierces through the carriage and lunges at you!]

[You draw your blade, parry the attack, and use the momentum to retreat!]

[After the enemy suffers a counter-attack, you can sense more and more spider legs rushing toward you.]

Trouble!
Chen Qi stares at the text, a chill running through him.

But soon, the red tint of the text begins to fade.

[The figures of one train conductor after another flash by; threads wind around their hands, transforming into blades of silk.]

[A spider leg lunges at you!]

["Please rest assured, guest, do not worry. As long as I am on this train, we will ensure your safety."
A familiar person steps in front of you and raises her hand.]

[You look at the person before you and exhale—it is the conductor, Zhi.]

Chen Qi lets out a breath; these conductors arrived just in time.

[Threads continuously sprout from Conductor Zhi’s hands, binding the spider leg that was thrusting toward you. Immediately after, other conductors brandish their silk blades and sever the limb.]

[You look ahead; under the combined assault of the conductors, this horrific spider is quickly subdued!]

Chen Qi watches the text; with the conductors handling it, the crisis is soon resolved.
He hadn't expected to encounter such a monster during the day. In the investigator's guide, these creatures only appear at night; the probability of them appearing in the daytime is extremely low.

[Conductor Zhi looks at you and bows to the group:
"Apologies for the unpleasant experience. Our other members are already patrolling the roof of the train, and we will ensure your safety as soon as possible."]

[You look on as the conductors clear away the chaos, and the spider lurking on the carriage is quickly dealt with.]

[You sheath your long blade at your waist.]

[The train doctor walks to your side, acting as if the recent crisis never existed. Her gaze does not leave you.
The train doctor reaches out to you once more and says in a gentle voice:
"Night Watcher, if you aren't interested in surgery, I can still perform a physical examination for you. It only costs 5 Day Coins.
I can help you check for various ailments, whether it's the stone-skin disease on your surface or issues with your internal kidneys.
Although your muscles are currently quite robust and your Blade Stones are tending toward stability, there might be some minor underlying issues. Especially for a traveler, there are simply too many strange diseases in this world; one can never be too careful, right?
If you were to have a check-up by the doctors at Black River Prison, the price would only be higher.
Perhaps this sounds arrogant, but my skills should be better than any doctor you’ve seen—no, better than any doctor you’ve even heard of."]

[Will you accept the train doctor's request for a physical examination? Please make your choice.]
[1. Agree; having her check your body doesn't sound bad.]
[2. Refuse her directly; you know well that the Blade Stones have grown into your body and cannot be treated without surgery that reaches your internal organs.]
[3. Do not express a clear attitude.]

A physical exam?
Chen Qi thinks for a moment. His game interface already reflects some of his health status.
After consuming the Blood-Blade Meal Fruit, his physical condition has improved significantly as his strength has increased, and the Blade Stone disease has stabilized.
He wonders what form this doctor's examination takes and what she could possibly find.
Chen Qi decides to choose option three for now, giving an ambiguous answer.

[You look around and tell the train doctor that if you have time, you will come for an examination.]

[The train doctor hears your reply and smiles slightly:
"No problem, Night Watcher. I hope that during your two days on this train, you won't forget this matter. I will help you resolve all the confusion within your body."]

[The train doctor’s gaze shifts away from you.]

[You watch the train doctor as she asks the conductors if they would let her have the spider leg for some research.]

[The conductors hand the severed spider leg to the train doctor.]

[You step back and notice that Conductor Zhi is staring intensely at the train doctor!
Conductor Zhi speaks in a very stern tone:
"Witch, you shouldn't be here right now. You should be in the surgical carriage; there are many patients waiting for you."]

[The train doctor smiles slightly:
"Little Zhi, I am merely taking a stroll; there is no need to worry. Also, please do not call me 'Witch.' I am no longer that lost witch from New Capital District 8. By the way, don't forget to help me find that person."]

[The train doctor leaves the area.]

Chen Qi is stunned. Conductor Zhi was looking at the doctor with such hostility?
Based on the current information, both the train doctor and Conductor Zhi should be staff members of this Weaving Train.
Is there conflict between them?
Chen Qi looks at the text below.

[After the doctor leaves, Conductor Zhi warns you:
"Guest, this is just my personal opinion, but your physical condition does not require surgery at this time. Besides, the doctor hasn't been in a good state lately; she is somewhat mentally unstable and often improvises on the operating table."]

[Conductor Zhi tells you to rest assured; until the monsters on the carriages are dealt with, they will be right behind you to protect you.]

Improvising! And mentally unstable...
Chen Qi exhales. It’s a good thing he didn't agree to her request for an examination.
Once the crisis is resolved, Chen Qi continues to explore the Weaving Train.
The people on the train come from all over, representing a wide variety of backgrounds.
Aside from vendors, there is a forge carriage on other cars specifically for crafting equipment.
Chen Qi had just purchased a "Bow of Lamps," which is in a severely damaged state.
There should be a blacksmith in the forge carriage responsible for repairing equipment.
He might as well head to the forge carriage now to see if he can get the Bow of Lamps fixed.
Chen Qi opens the map, confirms there is nothing else worth buying immediately, and sets off for the forge carriage.

[Conductor Zhi follows behind you.
She happens to be passing by the forge carriage as well; their conductor-in-chief is in a carriage near the forge, and she has business with her.]

[Advancing...]

[You have arrived at the forge carriage.]

[You can feel the sweltering heat.]

[You look into the carriage; inside, a blazing furnace burns constantly, complex and intricate steam-powered instruments are mounted on the walls, and the sounds of hammering echo everywhere.]