"The 1.0 version of the Alloy Shield comes in single-handed and two-handed variants, priced at 5 and 10 Star Coins respectively."
"The 1.0 version of the Deep Purple Armor costs 25 Star Coins. Why does it specify the version?"
A nearby person explained, "There will definitely be upgrades later, just like the K3 pistol, which has a 2.0 version."
"Oh, I see! Check this out—the 1.0 version of the C36 High-Explosive Grenade is only 10 Star Coins. The 1.0 version of the J12 Rocket Launcher is 50 Star Coins and includes five rounds. I notice the newly listed weapons are more powerful but surprisingly cheap."
"Maybe it's just a promotional period. Prices might go up later."
Every market was packed, and guilds were frantically raiding supplies. The tenth carriage's market was especially competitive due to several major guilds. Jace, Lilith, and Orion—the leaders of the top three guilds—met by chance and agreed to avoid conflicts and follow a purchase order.
"How about we team up to take on Tribe One?" Orion suggested. A risk-taker, he had thrived because of it.
Jace, more cautious, declined: "Maybe collaborate later. For now, I'll play it safe. Lilith, what's your move?"
Lilith replied, "Same here. I'll aim for Tribe Twenty-Seven."
Orion chuckled, "I'm not targeting the top ten either, but I'll grab Tribe Eleven. Gonna beat you all to the punch!"
He rushed to the market first, completing his purchase. Lilith followed, hurrying to the airship dock after stocking up. Jace went last.
"Everyone, buy everything! One set of armor per person, fifty Alloy Shields, and enough weapons for everyone. Stock up on ammo." Jace spent his savings recklessly, no loans yet.
"Boss, many battle blades are worn out. Replace them?"
Jace glared, "Don't forget my rule: Blades are essential. Replace when broken. If funds run low, take loans. Don't rely on hot weapons; close combat is inevitable. Cold steel's cheaper."
After prep, Jace led his 2,000-strong guild onto a rented starship heading for the Giant Lizard Planet. His two vice-leaders, Zachary and Caspian, debated finances. Zachary, burly but meticulous, warned:
"We're burning through cash. If the haul's slim, the guild's in trouble."
Caspian, bespectacled and strategic, countered, "Ignore short-term losses. This is a civilization war. The Train wouldn't grant open resources without reason."
Jace agreed, "Caspian's right. Oh, the briefing's here." Their wrist devices buzzed with Tribe 17's intel.
"Enemy: ~800 lizards in a northern forest tribe. Possible Level Two threats."
Zachary scoffed, "Only 800?"
"Underestimate them at your peril. Each lizard needs three fighters, even with guns. Here's the map. Gather squads in the war room."
Jace's Hope Guild operated in military hierarchy: 10-soldier squads, 100-soldier battalions. Tactical planning began. Jace proposed, "Their lakeside base is simple, but forest landing's risky. Let's lure them out, trap 'em in batches."
A commander objected, "Landing's kilometers away. How to lure?"
"They're smart; might ambush us. What if we bomb first, then land directly?"
In the control room, Damian oversaw troop logistics. Impressed by Jace's caution. Elsewhere, his AI asked:
[Master, should we join the war?]
"Not yet. My intervention would ruin the game. War's the best training. Let them grow. The Train's given unlimited resources—they'll need 'em."
Damian had mapped the planet; his drones/warbots could annihilate it instantly. But he held back, letting humans learn. "Let's watch the show… with popcorn."
Meanwhile, Lilith's crew discussed strategy. Her strategist, Jasper, advised:
"Mountain target. Carpet-bomb first, then advance step-by-step."
"Agreed."
Their starship neared the yellow-forested planet. Through windows, they spotted lizards—huge, agile creatures with spiked jaws. One group hunted prey, freezing when they sensed the ship. Their alien chatter—high-pitched clicks and guttural croaks—expressed terror: *Foreign sky-beast!* Older lizards fled into the forest.
Batteries blazed, gunning down the scouts. Elena, uneasy, asked:
" Lilith, bombing a sentient species… isn't this cruel?"
Most crewmates looked pale. Lilith addressed them:
"Good that you care. Bad that you're weak. This is survival—no mercy. If roles were reversed, they'd devour us. Remember: Defeat means exile. No loans? No starship? You die alone."
Wilson added grimly, "Sympathizing with you guys, we're here to survive, not for sightseeing. Just to remind you, war can kill people, and those giant lizards will compete to eat you up. Also, if there aren't enough star coins after the war, some of you may be expelled by trains and become garbage, dying in the stars. Don't think I'm exaggerating, this is the truth. Shu, are you right."
The ship closed on the tribe. Battle plans crystallized.