Survival on the Internet: A Bizarre Start at Sea

Su Zhisu relayed the relevant suggestions provided by his sister to Hydra in detail, saying:

"My sister believes that I need to demonstrate my 'value' in solving Hydeland's problems during my meeting with the Queen."

"My profession as a bizarre alchemist, and the skill of alchemical mutation, are excellent entry points."

"With this authorization from Queen Hydeland, entering deeper into the 'Puppet Grip' workshop and finding Liliana's whereabouts will no longer be a problem."

Hydra listened quietly, her fingers unconsciously tracing the leaves of a glowing plant beside her.

"Lord Krasin's insights always get straight to the point."

She spoke slowly, her deep blue eyes filled with contemplation.

"Her Majesty Queen Sephiria of Hydeland is indeed a ruler who values ​​practicality and effectiveness."

"While Atlantis's gift is a matter of courtesy, if you want to gain her true attention and support, you must prove that you are worthy of her investment."

"Your abilities are quite unique, which is indeed a very good starting point."

"And the 'Puppet Grip' workshop..."

Hydra paused, his tone becoming somewhat distant.

"That accident that year shocked the entire Hydeland. A genius alchemist with the best chance of reaching the fourth rank had fallen..."

"The destruction of its workshops was a major blow to the development of alchemy in Hydeland and beyond."

"After all these years, his workshop remains abandoned, and its internal condition remains a mystery."

"If you could actually find a possibly surviving Liliana Thea, and even bring out the legacy of Amadeus..."

"This may have extraordinary significance for Hydeland, and especially for Her Majesty the Queen."

She looked at Su Zhisu, her gaze becoming serious.

"I agree with Lord Krasin's suggestion. Using this as leverage is a wise choice."

"However, we need to pay attention to the way we communicate."

"Making demands directly seems too utilitarian."

"It's best to approach the conversation from the angle of 'providing clues,' 'seeking collaborative exploration,' or 'needing permission to fulfill an agreement.'"

"Furthermore, you are the Dream Lord of Atlantis, a representative of Atlantis, not a subject of Hydeland."

"Maintaining a humble yet assertive attitude in communication, and proposing cooperation possibilities that benefit both parties, will increase the chances of success."

"I understand, thank you for your guidance, Sister Hydra."

Su Zhisu took notes carefully.

"Furthermore, regarding your identity as the lord of Atlantis..."

Hydra added.

"Although you are not a citizen of Hydeland, as the legitimate ruler of Atlantis, the formalities and procedures of a visit are indispensable."

"It is in accordance with diplomatic practice to have Kyle Crane, an envoy who once served as the chief of the mission to Atlantis, make the introduction. It will also save a lot of unnecessary scrutiny and suspicion."

"I will."

Su Zhisu nodded.

After the conversation with Hydra ended, Su Zhixu had a clearer and more defined plan for the next steps.

After leaving the House of Life's Nest, he found Lilia and told her that he was about to depart.

The girl had already composed herself; she simply gripped the [Binding Staff] tightly in her hand.

"My lord, please be careful."

"I will stay here with my sister and wait for you to come back."

"When I come back, I hope to see you stronger."

Su Zhisu gently rubbed her hair.

"Yes! Definitely!"

There was no further lingering farewell.

Su Zhisu arrived at the bay and boarded the Redemption.

He took one last look at the dreamlike, pink and blue city, then placed his hand on the ramming bow.

"Activate White Fog Navigation, coordinates: offshore of Hydeland main island, near the anchorage we left earlier."

Milky white mist surged out, enveloping the ship's hull, causing the space to ripple and undulate.

The Redemption gradually faded from view, sailing from the dream bay of Atlantis across a vast distance towards Hydeland in the real world.

……

Near a relatively secluded anchorage in the nearshore waters of Hydeland's main island.

The morning mist had not yet dissipated from the sea.

Suddenly, the space distorted slightly, and a thick, milky-white mist appeared out of nowhere, spreading rapidly before receding and disappearing like the receding tide.

The Redemption appeared somewhat abruptly on the sea, gently rocking with the waves.

Su Zhisu stood at the bow of the ship and took a deep breath of the crisp, real morning air of Hydeland.

"I'm back."

He was preparing to maneuver the Redemption toward the main island when a rapid, rhythmic rowing sound and voices came from his side and front.

Through the lingering mist, several patrol boats with identical designs and hulls painted with the official Hydeland insignia were rapidly approaching the location where the Redemption had appeared, forming a fan shape.

The patrol boat was staffed with fully armed patrol soldiers, their expressions wary, their weapons vaguely pointing in this direction.

"Vessel ahead! Stop immediately and submit to inspection!"

"Take this again! Stop the ship immediately and submit to inspection!"

The amplified voice pierced through the sea fog and came through clearly.

Su Zhisu raised an eyebrow and stopped the Redemption as instructed, but his hand did not leave the helm.

"It's definitely attracted attention..."

"The White Fog Navigation operation is making quite a stir, and it's happening right on Hydeland's doorstep again..."

He waited quietly for the patrol boat to approach.

Three patrol boats formed a triangular formation, subtly surrounding the Redemption and maintaining a relatively safe distance.

On the lead patrol boat, a warrior dressed in captain's uniform, whose aura level was around lv.10, looked at the Redemption with surprise in his eyes.

The ship's shape and the faint energy fluctuations it emits clearly indicate that it is not an ordinary vessel.

His gaze finally settled on Su Zhisu, who was standing at the bow of the ship. He noticed the other man's relatively calm expression and the extraordinary curved sword at his waist. His tone softened slightly, but it still carried a serious, businesslike air.

"Hello, according to the Hydeland Sea Safety Regulations, any unreported use of teleportation or causing strong energy disturbances in nearshore areas is subject to investigation."

"Please state your identity and the purpose of your voyage."

"And explain what that unusual white fog was all about?"

Su Zhisu remained calm as he took out the "Skilled Alchemist Badge" certified by Hydeland from his pocket, along with a copy of the letter bearing the Empress's seal—a copy he had prepared specifically before leaving.

"I am Su Zhisu, a certified skilled alchemist from Hydeland."

"He is also the lord of Atlantis, and has come for an official visit at the invitation of Her Majesty Queen Sephiria's personal letter."

"The white mist just now was caused by a special navigation ability of my ship, not by any offensive or polluting spell."

"I apologize for any inconvenience or disturbance this may cause."

He gently sent the badge and the copy of the letter through the air to the patrol captain.

The patrol captain took the badge and letter and examined them carefully.

The alchemist's badge is genuine and matches the registration information.