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Returning to the main control room after several slaves had cleaned it thoroughly, Sunny sat down, watching the train race across the empty rail tracks toward No Man's Land.
Just as he was about to review more of the train's system, there came a knock on the cabin door.
He pressed a random button on the control panel, and the door hissed open — revealing Lilith.
"Master, I have a suggestion I'd like to share with you," Lilith said, her tone calm yet determined.
Sunny gestured for her to sit beside him, clearly taking her words to heart.
"Go ahead. What's on your mind?" he asked, eyes locked on hers.
Lilith hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Hmm… Master, the living conditions on this train don't seem right. Though you've already set down some rules, I believe I have a few ideas that could improve how everyone lives here."
She continued, her voice soft yet firm.
"Firstly, I believe we can save many more humans while still completing our mission — by giving them something they've long lost: hope. Most of the slaves have already given up on life. But for any community to thrive, it must first be united — everyone working toward a common goal. Only then can it move forward swiftly, like a galloping horse."
"If only you, Dracula, and the thugs keep working alone, you'll eventually exhaust yourselves."
"In an apocalyptic world, trust is a luxury few can afford. Many fear betrayal — from comrades, subordinates, even supposed allies. That's why most leaders rule with an iron fist, enforcing cruel laws and swift executions for the slightest mistake. But they forget one simple truth: we're all still human."
"No one would willingly choose slavery under any circumstance. And though loyalty is rare — even families betray one another — I believe there's another way."
"For example, Master, the trust you've shown me… you can't show it to everyone — not even Dracula. That's why I say trust is expensive — perhaps more than gold. Your faith in others comes mainly from their usefulness to the train and its upgrades. You know they're not a threat to your existence, but without unity, betrayal and rebellion will always lurk beneath the surface."
Sunny listened quietly, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he reached forward and gently took Lilith's hands, squeezing them softly in reassurance.
"I understand what you mean," he said with a faint smile. "Whatever your suggestion is, I'll hear it — and I'll support you."
Encouraged by his warmth, Lilith smiled faintly and continued.
"Then allow me to put it simply: making everyone loyal to you is difficult, but making them loyal to the train is much easier. If everyone feels they're part of something greater — whether they're fighting or mining — they won't feel like slaves, but like contributors to a shared future."
"And what kind of future might that be?" Sunny asked.
"Safety. Good food. Better living conditions. Recognition," Lilith replied without hesitation. "The first step should be improving their food and quarters. Let them know that we value them — that their effort matters. It'll give them that small push they need to work harder for the train."
"The second step is to change our designations. The words 'thug' and 'slave' are harsh — even cruel. Why bear such names when we can redefine them? From now on, 'slaves' should be called passengers, and 'thugs' should be called guardians."
"This change in language will make them more appreciative of the train itself. And if we introduce clear ranks or promotion paths, newcomers and veterans alike will have real goals to strive for."
"Lastly, add another carriage — one that gives the passengers more room to move. It'll show them that they're part of the train's future, not just tools for labor."
"If we do all this," she concluded passionately, "everyone will start working toward a common goal. The passengers will mine more efficiently, the guardians will fight more zealously, and eventually, we won't need to capture anyone. Survivors will come to us, drawn by the train's reputation."
"Once everyone feels a deep sense of belonging to the train, betrayal and rebellion will almost disappear."
Lilith spoke in one breath, her lips pale, eyes shining with conviction. "Master, think about it. The world may follow the rule of the strong devouring the weak, but our rule doesn't have to."
Sunny stared at her for a long moment, thoughts swirling. It must be her angelic side speaking… but she'll learn soon enough — the human heart is greedy, never satisfied with what it has.
Even so, her words stirred something in him. Perhaps… she was right.
"Why call them slaves just because they work?" he murmured. "People worked even in times of peace."
After a long pause, Sunny finally nodded, coming to a decision.
"Lilith, you have a warm heart — far warmer than mine. I'll leave this matter to you. I'm not good at things like this, but your plan is feasible."
"You don't need to worry about food or accommodation — I'll handle that. But we can't rush. I don't want to hand them everything on a silver platter. Let them earn it — let them feel that their efforts matter. We'll start small, and expand later when the train grows stronger."
He smiled reassuringly, pulling Lilith gently into his embrace.
She leaned into him, her heart steady and full of quiet warmth.
For the first time in a long while, hope flickered aboard the Doomsday Train.