Survival on the Internet: A Bizarre Start at Sea

As for that letter... although it was just a copy, the Empress's exclusive seal on it was undeniable, and the wording was indeed that of a formal invitation.

"The lord of Atlantis?"

The captain's face showed obvious astonishment, and the way he looked at Su Zhixu changed instantly.

Some information about Atlantis was not a top secret in Hydeland after Lord Kyle Crane's return from his mission.

He looked at Su Zhisu carefully again, and then at the strange ship behind him, and was seven or eight parts convinced.

"My apologies, so you are... the Lord of Atlantis."

The captain's tone was noticeably more polite, carrying a hint of barely perceptible respect.

"It was my duty, and I may have offended you earlier. Please forgive me."

"The way you suddenly appeared was indeed...quite eye-catching."

"I understand. It is your duty to maintain the security of the waters around Hydeland."

Su Zhisu nodded.

"I need to go to the pier to begin the formal visit process. Is now a convenient time?"

"Of course, of course it's convenient!"

The captain immediately stepped aside to signal.

"We will escort you. Please follow our guidance to Pier 2, where there are designated pick-up berths."

"I will report your arrival immediately."

Thank you for your trouble.

Guided by patrol boats, the Redemption slowly sailed toward Hydeland’s busy port.

On the dock, some sharp-eyed sailors and merchants noticed the peculiar ship being escorted by a patrol team and cast curious glances at it.

Su Zhisu ignored the stares and moored the boat at the designated berth.

He then transformed the Redemption into a pendant, put it on, and walked straight toward the Adventurers' Guild.

There weren't many people in the guild hall in the early morning.

Su Zhisu arrived at the reception desk, where the capable manager, Elena, was on duty.

"Hello, Manager Elena, it's nice to see you again."

Elena looked up, saw Su Zhisu, and gave a professional smile.

"Mr. Su Zhisu, congratulations on passing your alchemist certification. How can I help you today?"

"I would like to ask you to help me contact a friend whose name is Kyle Crane."

Su Zhisu got straight to the point.

"I am here on official business at the invitation of Her Majesty Queen Sephiria, as the Lord of Atlantis."

"We need to discuss the introduction and audience with Kyle Crane."

Elena's smile froze instantly, her pupils dilated slightly, clearly shocked by this sudden information.

She quickly composed herself, but the shock still lingered in her eyes.

"The lord of Atlantis...? Her Majesty the Queen's invitation?"

As an experienced manager, she quickly realized what was happening and became extremely serious, bowing slightly.

"Lord Su... please wait a moment, I will immediately relay your message to Lord Kyle Crane through the emergency communication channels!"

She quickly walked behind the counter, took out a communication crystal engraved with runes, and whispered a few words.

A few minutes later, she returned to Su Zhixu, speaking respectfully.

"Lord Kyle has received the message."

"He's at City Hall right now and was very pleased to learn you've arrived."

"Please come with me and rest for a while. He will come to meet you as soon as he finishes dealing with the urgent matters at hand. It is expected to take about an hour."

"Okay, thank you for your help, Manager Elena." Su Zhisu nodded.

"It's no trouble at all, you're too kind, my lord." Elena was flattered.

"In addition, Lord Kyle also informed us that the patrol team's report on the 'white fog' incident that you caused upon your arrival has been submitted."

"Lord Kyle said he would handle it all at once, so you don't need to worry about any follow-up troubles."

Thank you.

Guided by Elena, Su Zhisu waited in a quiet and comfortable VIP room on the second floor of the foreign guest reception area.

About forty minutes later, there was a knock on the door of the VIP room, which was then pushed open.

Kyle Crane, dressed in a well-tailored suit and wearing a warm smile, strode in.

"Your Excellency Su Zhisu! Welcome, welcome to Hydeland!"

His smile was sincere and warm. He took a few steps forward and shook hands with Su Zhisu, who had stood up.

"Long time no see, Mr. Kyle."

"Yes, it's been so long since we parted ways in Atlantis. I never expected to meet you again in Hydeland so soon, especially in such a formal capacity."

Kyle sighed and gestured for Su Zhisu to sit down.

"Her Majesty the Queen has been very concerned about you and Atlantis after reading my report."

That invitation letter was also personally instructed by His Majesty to be sent out as quickly as possible.

He glanced at Su Zhisu, his eyes filled with admiration.

"The way you arrived was quite...unique."

"The patrol's report described the 'white fog' as quite alarming, but I've already dealt with it. It's just a special navigational capability of your vehicle, not a threat, and it won't be recorded."

"I'm sorry to have troubled you."

Su Zhisu said.

"It's nothing."

Kyle waved his hand, his expression turning serious.

"So, what specific thoughts or arrangements do you have regarding this official visit?"

"Her Majesty the Queen has been very busy with official duties lately, but she has instructed me that if you visit, she will arrange an audience as soon as possible."

Su Zhisu hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"I have three main reasons for coming here."

"Firstly, it is naturally to respond to Her Majesty the Queen's invitation and, as the Lord of Atlantis, to continue the friendly relations between Atlantis and Hydeland. I have brought a gift representing Atlantis's friendship."

Kyle's eyes lit up slightly, and he nodded.

"His Majesty will be very pleased."

"Secondly, it concerns some personal matters."

"I have accepted a commission to find a female alchemist named 'Liliana Thea' who may be in Hydeland."

"This matter may be related to the workshop of the late Master Amadeus Thorne."

"I would like to receive some informational assistance, or... authorization to explore the relevant areas."

Kyle's smile faded slightly, replaced by a thoughtful expression.

"Liliana Thea... Master Amadeus's workshop..."

He repeated the two names, his eyes growing deep.

"I remember this incident."

"After the accident, Master Amadeus' alchemy workshop became a forbidden place."

"The name Liliana Thea is also mentioned in official records. But the specifics..."

He gave a wry smile.

"I don't know the specifics either, but I will introduce you to Her Majesty the Queen, so you can speak with her in person."

"However, since it involves your request, I think His Majesty will consider it carefully."

"Thirdly," Su Zhisu continued, "I am a strange alchemist, skilled in an ability called alchemical mutation."

"If Hydeland has any needs in this regard, or requires special approaches to certain alchemical problems, I am willing to provide assistance."