"What on earth is happening? Why the rush?" The passengers murmured among themselves, their heads filled with question marks.
"No idea, but since the train is about to set sail, we'll just follow it."
"Could the conductor have something urgent?"
"Probably. Otherwise, no reason to leave suddenly. Such a waste—I spent so much time and effort on my camp, thinking it'd last half a month..."
"You idiot! Why build a camp when there's a spaceship?"
After more than ten minutes of chaos, the train finally departed. Gazing at the green planet through the porthole, people felt an overwhelming sense of reluctance.
"Who knows if we'll ever see a world like this again?"
"There must be others. The universe is vast."
"That's not certain. It took us half a month just to find this habitable planet. Next time could be ages away."
Sighs echoed through the carriage as they watched the "Life Planet" recede, hearts heavy with nostalgia.
Suddenly, massive screens lit up across the train, ensuring everyone could see. Eyes turned to the displays, which showed people constructing buildings.
"Is the train showing a movie?"
"No—it's the surface of the Green Planet. They call it that now."
"Someone stayed behind?"
"Obviously. I forgot—why return to the train when you can live on a habitable planet?"
A realization struck many, who began regretting their hasty decisions. "Who knows where the train is heading? Better to stay on the Green Planet."
"Lucky ones! They don't have to keep wandering. Maybe they'll start a new civilization in a few millennia."
The scenery onscreen was idyllic—lush forests, clear skies. When familiar faces appeared, the carriages erupted in surprise.
"Marcus! Why'd he stay?" Wilson and others in Carriage Ten gaped.
Kairo muttered, "The old man's a jerk, but smart. A true professor."
Lilith massaged her temples, leaning back. "No need to envy them. Everyone's path is different. The next stop might be paradise; staying on the Green Planet isn't necessarily better."
"She's right. Those who lose their drive are useless, even aboard the train. We're different—we're exploring the stars, endlessly!"
"Quit your emo act. Someone go buy snacks? I'm hungry. Get some fruit too." As guild elders, they had expense allowances.
Lilith added, "Get me two pancakes."
"Lilith, don't you want something nicer?"
"Too much meat lately. Need a break."
Before they finished, Wilson gasped, "Look at the screen!" The camera zoomed out from the verdant landscape into orbit, revealing a colossal shadow creeping toward the planet. More screens split the image, showing panicked inhabitants staring at the encroaching darkness.
On the grasslands, Marcus dropped to his knees, terror etched on his face as the sky shattered like glass.
"So that's why the train fled! A disaster!"
"God, why didn't they warn us?"
Marcus sprinted eastward with others, as if outrunning the train. But soon, the darkness swallowed them, dissolving flesh from bone.
In the cockpit:
[Maybe Master should clarify things earlier; most would leave.]
Damian remained icy. "Why explain? I'm not an NPC obligated to them. My authority hinges on commands obeyed without question. Complaints weaken my standing. Understand?"
[Understood. Fear solidifies authority.]
"Simple: fear ensures obedience. No need to coddle every whim."
As annihilation consumed the feed, Damian ordered Fu Yao to broadcast:
[The universe collapses along our path. Flight is futile; only perpetual motion offers survival. Anyone wishing to disembark may do so.]
Witnessing the Green Planet's demise, defiance melted into despair. Eyes widened, throats dried.
"Should've slapped myself! Lucky to not ditch the train."
"Stars collapsing...? We're doomed if we stop. But why?"
Hope drowned in bleak silence. To combat this, Damian intervened:
"Fu Yao, enhance morale. Add amenities."
Soon, announcements revitalized the train:
[Dining District open! Custom cuisine, including rare Purple Star delicacies!]
[Entertainment District launched! Virtual games to pass the voyage!]
Passengers surged toward these new zones. The Dining District, adjacent to the market, brimmed with robot chefs ready to fulfill any order—for a price.
"Food looks amazing, but too pricy!" Only guild elites could afford it.
Lilith led Wilson through the food court, stopping at a noodle stall.
"Purple Star ramen? Quick! Only fifty bowls daily!"
Limited supplies spurred wealthy passengers to splurge, while frugal ones hoarded coins for survival.
"Purple Star food is rare, other dishes unlimited. Steep price gap."
"Makes sense. Purple Star's extinct. Here comes the ramen."
Small bowls, three star coins each, were savored carefully. Finer dishes cost more.
Meanwhile, the Entertainment District buzzed with activity—a welcomed distraction from existential dread.