Survival on the Internet: A Bizarre Start at Sea

Liliana Thea nodded, a hint of anticipation flashing in her eyes.

"It's no problem for me to be here with you."

"I'm very familiar with everything here. I'll take care of this workshop for you."

"Thank you, Liliana!"

"I will adapt to my body as soon as possible, familiarize myself with the workshop's controls, and activate all its functions and repair the damaged equipment as soon as possible."

"Lord Su Zhisu, thank you for your help. You have inherited your father's legacy and are now the owner of this alchemy workshop. This alchemy workshop welcomes you at any time."

Su Zhisu listened quietly, a strange feeling resurfacing in her heart once again:

Every word Thorne Sue uttered perfectly aligned with his own thoughts; he didn't need to explicitly remind him, his clone would understand his intentions.

"The feeling of having the same idea is just like mine. No wonder it's my doppelganger."

Su Zhisu nodded, feeling confident.

"Great! Let's divide the work and each do our part!"

"I believe that before long, this 'Puppet Grip' alchemy workshop will be able to regain its former glory and become our strongest support in this world of disaster."

Just then, the notification sound from the online game rang in Su Zhixu's mind again, breaking their conversation.

[Network Notice]: Player "Su" and his clone "Sorn" have successfully gained control of the Alchemy Workshop "Puppet Grip" and obtained the title of "Workshop Master".

[Overall Network Tip]: Title [Workshop Master] Effect: Within the "Puppet Grip" Alchemy Workshop, all "Puppet" attributes are increased by 20%, alchemy success rate and alchemy skill proficiency are increased by 30%, and you gain complete control over all your puppet units, while also being able to resist a certain degree of strange power erosion.

[Network Notification]: Player "Su" has completed the hidden quest "First Mate's Wish". Completion rate: 100%, Satisfaction rate: 100%. Additional rewards: 5000 Network Disaster Coins, 1 Skill Point, and optimized skill - Alchemy Puppet.

Alchemy Golem Optimization Lv.1: Masters the optimization knowledge of alchemy golems. The skill level cap cannot exceed the skill level of [Puppet Alchemy]. Consumes Mystic Power to provide a temporary attribute boost to your golem.

Thorne Su also felt the boost from the title, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes—this surprise was simultaneously transmitted to Su Zhixu, who could clearly sense his joy, and could even subdue that surprise somewhat with a slight thought.

"Titles and rewards alike—the gains from taking control of the alchemy workshop this time are immense!"

"This alchemy workshop has practically become my home turf!"

"Within this workshop, my combat strength and alchemy efficiency will be greatly enhanced."

"Moreover, it grants complete control over all of our puppet units..."

"It seems... Liliana's new body... is a puppet..."

The mechanical voice of "Final Work" sounded at the opportune moment: "Congratulations to the three of you for taking control of the 'Puppet Grip' Alchemy Workshop. After the workshop is repaired, it will return to normal operation."

"Going forward, I will continue to assist the three gentlemen in managing the workshop, deciphering the heritage materials, and restoring the alchemy workshop."

Su Zhisu nodded, his gaze sweeping over everything in the core area once more, his heart filled with anticipation.

"My journey in Hydeland should come to an end. I found Liliana Thea, completed the hidden quest, took control of the 'Puppet Grip' alchemy workshop, and also obtained the powerful clone Thorne Sue."

"The next thing to do is to level up as soon as possible."

"After all... the first world fusion will take place at the end of next month."

"Having Thorne Sue as an avatar in Hydeland to keep an eye on the situation there should be enough."

"Let's stay here a little longer, fulfill our promise to the Queen, and then return to Atlantis..."

"By running the three-layer Abyss dungeon, I should be able to level up quickly..."

Thorne Su walked to Su Zhisu's side, patted him on the shoulder, and looked at him with a firm look in his eyes—this action was a natural reaction of the clone, and also driven by Su Zhisu's will.

"Leave this to me. We'll face all the dangers and challenges together."

Liliana Thea also walked up to the two of them, a determined smile on her face.

"Thorne, I will always be with you, and I will use my alchemy to help you manage the workshop."

Looking at the two people beside him, Su Zhixu felt a surge of warmth and determination. He knew that from this moment on, he had the strongest support in Hydeland.

Finally, Su Zhisu lingered in the core area for a moment to check the current status of the alchemy workshop.

"The situation at the workshop is better than expected."

"With Thorne and Liliana here, it's only a matter of time before it's repaired and operational again."

Su Zhisu looked at Thorne Sue and Liliana Thea.

"I'll be leaving now. There are still some follow-up matters to take care of. After that, I will be leaving Hydeland for the time being. Take care."

Thorne Sue nodded.

"Don't worry, Liliana and I are here at the workshop. Keep in touch."

Liliana Thea also said softly.

"Your Excellency Su Zhisu, please be careful."

Su Zhisu did not delay any longer.

He turned and headed toward the exit of the core area.

[Final Work] Silently making way, the blue light in the single crystal eye flickered calmly.

"Your identity and permissions have been recorded, Inheritor Su Zhisu. You are welcome to return at any time."

He walked through the long corridor, passing by the activated puppet guards again.

The guards knelt on one knee, heads bowed, to show their respect for the successor and the new master.

Su Zhisu quickly returned along the route she had come from.

As he stepped out of the half-collapsed arched stone door and stood once again on the damp rocky platform below the cliffs of the old port, the familiar notification sound from the integrated network echoed in his mind.

[Network Notification]: You have successfully explored the dungeon [“Puppet Grip” Abandoned Alchemy Workshop].

[Instance Status]: Cleared

[Final Exploration Progress]: 100%

[Network Notice]: Based on your exploration progress and mission completion, you will receive a completion reward.

[Gain]: Skill Points x2, Disaster Coins x5000.

[Network Notification]: You have completed the hidden mission "The First Mate's Wish" and received an additional reward (already issued).

The sea breeze, carrying a salty and damp scent, swept over me.

The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the sea surface golden red.

Su Zhisu took a deep breath, feeling the power surging within her body and the new knowledge filling her mind.

"It's time to fulfill my promise to the Queen."

He did not linger in the reef area and returned directly to the city of Hydeland.

The palace guest room remained quiet and tidy.

Su Zhisu first washed up and changed into clean clothes, then contacted Kyle Crane through the communication array in the guest room.

"Mr. Kyle, I am Su Zhisu. We have made some initial progress in our exploration of the 'Puppet Grip' workshop, and I hope to report to His Majesty as soon as possible."

Kyle's voice came quickly, tinged with surprise.