Survival on the Internet: A Bizarre Start at Sea

Su Zhisu's gaze slowly moved across the three transformation options of [Anchor of Obsession].

[Strengthening obsession] is a safe way to improve, but the price is to deepen the pain of drowning.

[Deep Dive Resonance] provides a new ability for underwater perception, which is quite practical.

The option "[Drowning Anchor Point]" carries a dangerous allure.

"Projecting the feeling of 'drowning' that they themselves are experiencing onto others..."

This is undoubtedly a powerful means of controlling the field and even killing enemies, especially those who rely on mental or physical attacks.

However, the cost is extremely high—not only will the pain during use intensify, but it will also lead to a period of weakness where sanity is halved and one develops an aversion to water.

"The risk is very high."

"but……"

His fingertips unconsciously brushed against the [Emotion Crystal Bottle] placed to the side.

"If I were to project the feeling of 'drowning' onto other targets..."

"Then both I and the affected parties will experience strong negative emotions..."

"The Emotion Crystal Bottle is perfect for collecting this dissipated emotional energy."

"So it seems that bearing this cost isn't all bad."

"And... I can even accelerate the collection of emotional fragments?"

"Moreover, my talents of [the desire for true freedom] and [my unwavering heart] give me extra resistance to spiritual pollution and shocks."

"Perhaps... compared to other goals, I'm better able to bear or even utilize this cost?"

Once the idea arises, it carries an irresistible attraction.

High risk means high reward.

Especially in the perilous and mysterious Sea of ​​Strange Things, such a powerful means of controlling the situation is extremely important.

"Select the [Drowning Anchor Point]."

With a thought, a strange and powerful force surged into the cold anchor.

The illusory chains wrapped around the anchor seemed to come alive, emitting a low groan, and a strong sense of suffocation from the depths of the soul suddenly gripped Su Zhisu's heart!

A chilling illusion instantly overwhelmed me: endless seawater poured into my mouth and nose, my lungs burned with pain, and darkness pressed in from all sides...

He groaned, his face turning slightly pale, but his eyes remained unusually sharp.

The Night Watch Heart Flame burned quietly deep within his soul, providing a clear anchor point. His innate resilience allowed him to withstand the impact without losing his control over his power.

A few seconds later, the transformation was complete.

The surface of the "Anchor of Obsession" has some twisted, dark patterns that resemble struggling handprints, making its ominous aura even stronger.

The "Anchor of Obsession" skill has been given an additional effect.

[Name]: Anchor of Obsession (Alienation)

[Quality]: White (Ordinary) → Green (Excellent)

[Type]: Strange and bizarre items

【Extra 1】: Drowning Obsession: Formed from the obsession of the drowned. After use, it consumes strange power and allows you to stand on the "water surface". Uses: 0/3. Uses can be replenished by consuming 【Emotional Crystals】.

【Additional 2】: Drowning Anchor Point: After activating "Water Walking", the user can "project" the "drowning feeling" they are experiencing to other targets within a certain range (the range depends on the holder's level), so that the targets can experience a strong feeling of suffocation and drowning simultaneously.

As a trade-off: after using "Drowning Anchor Point", the holder's "drowning sensation" will be greatly amplified. At the same time, for a period of time after the effect ends (depending on the holder's level), the sanity recovery speed will be halved, and a psychological aversion to "water" will develop.

[Information]: The obsessive dream of a drowned person and the anchor that sank into a strange sea in reality are eroded and mutated by strange forces in the gap between dream and reality, becoming the core source of pollution.

[Hidden Information]: As a price to pay for using it, you will experience the feeling of "drowning" when standing on the "water".

Su Zhisu let out a long breath, put away the [Anchor of Obsession], and felt the lingering chill in his mind.

"As expected... the price was staggering. But the results justified that price."

After calming his breathing, he looked at the three remaining items on the control panel.

【The Blank Core of Obsession】, 【The Crystal Bottle of Emotions】, and 【The Music Box】.

He glanced at the time; half of the four hours he had scheduled had already passed, and he needed to quickly complete the remaining transformation.

First is the core of obsession: emptiness.

Alienation options appear:

Option 1: [Expand and Stabilize] - Increases core capacity and stability, allowing it to accommodate higher quality (blue, excellent) energy crystals.

Option 2: [Quick Activation] - Reduces the duration of the [Extra 2] effect: "Activation".

Option 3: [Mirror Imprint] - Gain the "Imprint" ability. When sacrificing strange items to add skills to a ship, there is a chance that the strange items will not be consumed.

Su Zhisu chose [Rapid Activation].

The luminescence on the core surface becomes more subtle and robust.

Next up is the [Emotional Crystal Bottle].

Options appear:

Option 1: [Efficient Absorption] - Increases the speed and efficiency of collecting dissipated emotions in the environment.

Option 2: [Preliminary Refinement] - Perform preliminary filtering during collection to improve the quality of the generated emotional fragments.

Option 3: [Emotion Tagging] - Enhances the efficiency of collecting specific emotion types, but reduces the collection of other emotion types.

To better complement the effects of the drowning anchor point, Su Zhisu chose [High-Efficiency Absorption].

Finally, there's the music box.

Options appear:

Option 1: [Performance Enhancement] - Increases the intensity and range of "Emotional Performance" at the cost of increased resource consumption.

Option 2: [Ambiguous Rules] - Slightly rewrite its locking rules to limit the scope of "evaluation". In return, the holder must also provide an evaluation.

Option 3: [Resonance Record] - Records the target's "emotional characteristics," enhancing the effect when playing for the same target next time.

Option two was not worth the cost, so Su Zhisu chose [Resonance Record].

This option may be more effective when dealing with powerful or repetitive enemies.

The image of a crying face on the music box seemed to flicker slightly.

All equipment has been transformed.

Su Zhisu carefully put them back into her inventory one by one.

The time allotted for the lab rental is running out.

He didn't linger, quickly tidied up the control panel, making sure there were no personal traces or energy residues left, and then extinguished the protective array.

After leaving the lab, I went to the service desk to return the key.

"Laboratory No. 12 in Zone B, usage time: 3 hours and 50 minutes, 10 minutes remaining."

"After deducting the relevant fees, this is the refunded deposit and the remaining rent. Welcome to come again next time."

The staff members processed the transactions skillfully.

"Thanks."

After carefully collecting the change, Su Zhisu left the Alchemist Guild.

The sky outside was already tinged with the red of dusk.

He didn't linger outside and went straight back to his room at the "Seamen's Home" hotel.

Closing the door, the familiar air, carrying a faint musty and woody scent, made him relax a little.