Survival on the Internet: A Bizarre Start at Sea

Su Zhisu stood by the secluded bay of Gray Rock Island, the sea breeze carrying the scent of cooking smoke from the island's chimneys.

"The Conch Merchant Guild...an official organization established by Queen Hydeland..."

"Having a conch shell badge means you have received 'official' recognition and assistance."

This was what Old Barr told him just before he left, and this realization put his mind at ease.

At least, the road to Hydeland seems much clearer and safer than venturing alone into unfamiliar waters.

Without further hesitation, he turned and walked along the path toward the pier on the other side of the island.

Old Bal was tidying up his fishing nets when he saw Su Zhisu arrive, and he was somewhat surprised.

"Outsider? Changed your mind?"

"Yes, Mr. Barr, thank you for informing me earlier."

Su Zhisu nodded, "I'd like to try communicating with the Conch Merchant Guild and see if I can get on their ship."

"Haha, okay, come with me."

"We still welcome outsiders; after all, this sea has swallowed far too many humans..."

Old Bal put down his work and brushed the sand off his clothes.

"It just so happens that I also need to send some freshly dried fish over to exchange for supplies."

Led by Old Bal, Su Zhisu walked toward the "Conch," which had already docked and whose crew was busy loading and unloading cargo.

Upon closer inspection, the two-masted sailing ship appears even more weathered than from a distance, its hull bearing the marks of wind and rain erosion. However, it is meticulously maintained, with its mooring lines neatly and efficiently tied.

A middle-aged man in a neat blue uniform with a short sword at his waist stood by the gangplank, holding an account book and counting the cargo containers that had been moved from the island onto the ship.

He had a capable demeanor and sharp eyes; he was clearly the ship's manager.

Su Zhisu could sense that this man's aura was not weak.

"Manager Matthew!" Old Bale called out loudly, "Busy, huh?"

The man known as Steward Matthew looked up, saw Old Bal, and gave a familiar smile: "Oh, it's Old Bal. The dried fish this time is of good quality."

"Oh, and who is this person next to you?"

His gaze fell on Su Zhisu, who was standing next to Old Bal, with scrutiny and curiosity.

Su Zhisu's clothing was completely different from that of the island's residents. Although it had been weathered, the materials and style of the clothing revealed its extraordinary nature.

"This is Mr. Su Zhisu, who came from the east and was swept away by a storm."

Old Barr explained, "He wanted to take a boat to the mainland of Hydeland, so I brought him here to ask."

Steward Matthew cautiously sized up Su Zhixu: "Sir, the Conch Merchant Guild was established by Her Majesty the Queen to connect the various islands, and we are very happy to help you."

"But please understand, a degree of caution is necessary when dealing with outsiders."

Do you have any proof of identity or credibility?

Su Zhisu didn't speak, but simply raised her hand to show the gleaming silver [Seashell Badge] pinned to the chest of her coat.

The badge shimmered with a warm glow in the afterglow of the setting sun, and the conch shell and anchor pattern engraved in the center was clearly visible.

Upon seeing the badge, Steward Matthew's expression instantly turned serious.

He stepped forward, examined it carefully for a moment, and the scrutiny in his eyes quickly transformed into a warm feeling that was a mixture of surprise and respect.

"This is... the conch shell emblem of the diplomatic fleet!"

He immediately straightened up, placed his right hand on his chest, and performed a simple Hydelandic salute.

"My apologies, Mr. Su Zhisu! With this badge, you are a guest of our Conch Merchant Guild, and indeed, of the entire Hydeland!"

"I'm Matthew, the steward of the 'Conch Shell,' it's my pleasure to serve you!"

Su Zhisu's heart stirred slightly. It seemed that the badge left behind by Kyle Crane was more significant than he had imagined.

He withdrew his hand, his tone calm: "Steward Matthew, there's no need for such formalities. I simply wish to board your merchant's ship and travel to Hydeland."

"Of course! Absolutely no problem!" Steward Matthew replied immediately, his attitude very enthusiastic. "This voyage is our return journey, and Gray Rock Island is the last stop."

"Next, we will return to the main island of Hydeland."

"We will also stop at some islands along the way to replenish fresh water and exchange supplies, which will give you a preliminary understanding of the situation off the coast of Hydeland."

He stepped aside to make way for them, gesturing for them to board: "Please come aboard with me, and I will arrange a cabin for you."

"You are free to move around on board during the voyage."

"Thank you very much." Su Zhisu nodded.

He turned back to old Barr and thanked him, "Mr. Barr, thank you for showing me the way."

"You're too kind, Mr. Su." Old Barr waved with a smile. "Have a safe journey!"

Upon boarding the "Conch," the busy crew members on deck cast curious glances at Steward Matthew as he personally led a stranger to the ship, but most gave friendly nods in greeting.

Steward Matthew led Su Zhisu to a relatively spacious and clean cabin in the stern deck.

"Mr. Su, please rest here. The ship will set sail after resupplying. I will invite you to dinner."

Thank you for your trouble.

After Steward Matthew left, Su Zhixu briefly looked around the cabin.

The furnishings are simple but clean and tidy, and there is a porthole with a view of the sea.

He could sense that the ship itself seemed to contain some stable "orderly" power, which should provide a certain degree of protection.

Soon after, the ship shuddered slightly, and accompanied by a long horn call and the shouts of the crew, the "Conch" slowly sailed away from the dock of Gray Rock Island, adjusted its sails, and headed out to sea.

Su Zhisu stood by the porthole, watching the outline of Gray Rock Island gradually shrink in the sunset.

The small island that provided him with initial information and a foothold soon disappeared beneath the sea.

The voyage was smooth.

The "Conch" was clearly very familiar with this route, cleverly utilizing the wind and ocean currents to maintain a considerable speed.

At dinner, Steward Matthew invited Su Zhisu to the captain's cabin for dinner.

The meal wasn't fancy—it consisted of cured meat, hard bread, and vegetable soup—but the portions were generous.

During the meal, Steward Matthew enthusiastically introduced Su Zhisu to the situation in Hydeland.

"It is no exaggeration to say that our Hedland is the last spark of human civilization."

Steward Matthew took a sip of ale, his tone carrying pride, yet also a hint of barely perceptible heaviness.

"The strange sea has swallowed too much land, leaving countless people homeless."

"At the crucial moment, it was Her Majesty Empress Sephiria who stepped forward!"

"Breaking through to the fourth tier, he led the survivors to this relatively stable archipelago, thus establishing Hydeland."

"The Conch Merchant Guild was established by Her Majesty the Queen to prevent the islands from becoming isolated."

"We trade tools, cloth, medicine, food, and other supplies produced on the main island for the specialties of other islands, such as dried fish and salt-tolerant crop seeds from Limestone Island, high-quality flint and metal ores from Black Reef Island, and pearls and rare shells from Pearl Bay..."

"Only in this way can everyone survive and civilization continue."

Su Zhisu listened quietly, feeling deep respect for these people who tenaciously survived the apocalyptic disaster.