Survival on the Internet: A Bizarre Start at Sea

"Actually, we've encountered quite a few survivors like you who came from outside the area."

Steward Matthew looked at Su Zhixu and said, "The Sea of ​​Strange Things is too vast. There will always be someone who can find this place through luck and strength."

"As long as you have good intentions and abide by the laws of Hydeland, Her Majesty the Queen and Hydeland welcome you."

"This badge,"

He pointed to Su Zhisu's chest.

"It is a symbol of friendship."

"Holding it means you have been tested and trusted by the diplomatic fleet."

"Therefore, you will receive some convenience and assistance in Hydeland."

Riding on the unique "currents" of this sea area, the merchant ship sailed at a relatively fast speed, and the next few days of sailing proved what Steward Matthew had said.

The "Conch" docked at several islands of varying sizes in succession.

Black Reef Island is covered with black reefs, and its inhabitants make a living by mining and forging.

The Conch brought grain and timber, and took away refined metal ingots and polished flint tools.

Pearl Bay is a beautiful crescent-shaped bay where the islanders are skilled divers. They seem to have a unique talent for diving and collecting unique products from the mysterious sea.

The fleet traded pottery and medicine for lustrous pearls and various exotic shells, which were said to be auxiliary materials for some low-level alchemy.

At each island, Su Zhisu would disembark and stay briefly with Steward Matthew.

He silently observed the local customs and traditions of these islands, watching how the Conch Merchant Guild traded with the islanders and how it relayed messages from the main island.

These islands are not large, and living conditions on them are undoubtedly not very good. Resources are scarce, and they constantly face threats from the ocean.

But there was no despair in people's eyes, only a tenacity rooted in the instinct for survival.

Merchant ships from the main island of Hedland acted as an invisible bond, tightly connecting these scattered islands.

Su Zhisu also exchanged some supplies he had collected during his previous sea voyage with Steward Matthew and the others, which served as payment for part of the fare and also brought him closer to the crew.

His approachable manner and the badge symbolizing friendship quickly won him favor among the crew and crew of the merchant ship.

During their free time, the crew members enjoyed chatting with him, this "outsider," and sharing their experiences at sea and interesting stories about the various islands.

[Time]: Day 42 (the twelfth day of the second month), night.

[Current Area]: Strange Sea - Coastal Area of ​​Hydeland

[Environmental Conditions]: Sunny, light breeze, cloudless

[World's Weirdest Value]: 26 (Stable)

[Area Oddity Value]: 21 (Fluctuation)

Through the porthole, Su Zhisu gazed at the outline of a larger island gradually becoming clearer on the distant horizon.

That was the main island of Hydeland, and also the end of his journey.

"Liliana Thea... the legacy of alchemy... the First Mate's wish..."

"Hydeland, I've come."

Su Zhisu stood on the deck of the "Conch", holding onto the cool wooden railing.

The outlines of these islands had long since faded into silhouettes in the twilight, sinking below the horizon and merging with the deepening darkness.

The ship's hull cut through the seawater, producing a regular and steady splashing sound.

A few bright stars were fixed on the cloudless night sky, echoing the lights hanging from the stern of the merchant ship.

The sea breeze brought a salty, damp smell, along with the busy sounds of crew members on deck coiling up cables and inspecting cargo.

All of this intertwines to create a unique atmosphere, quite different from when I was piloting the Redemption alone—a sense of order imbued with the warmth of everyday life.

"Mr. Su, the evening breeze is a bit chilly. We have prepared hot soup in the cabin."

The manager Matthew's voice came from behind, his tone more familiar and concerned than when they first met that afternoon.

Su Zhisu turned around and nodded.

"Thank you, Steward Matthew. This ship is very stable."

"Once you've mastered the routes, you can find your way back with your eyes closed."

Matthew walked over to him, leaned against the railing, and looked out at the dark sea.

"Is this your first time visiting this area? How does it feel?"

"It's very different from the outside world."

Su Zhixu carefully chose his words, "There are fewer storms here, and the color of the seawater... seems to be slightly lighter as well."

"Most importantly, I saw people and lights."

"Yes, it's different."

Matthew sighed softly, revealing a deep sense of heaviness hidden beneath his pride.

"These were all bought with blood, tears, and countless sacrifices."

"Her Majesty the Queen and her ancestors have taken root on this sea that has been twisted and eroded by strange forces, and built a fence that allows people to breathe."

"We boatmen are like the vines that connect us to these fences."

He didn't elaborate on Hydeland's past experiences, but instead introduced the sailing arrangements: "We should be able to reach Red Valley Island by tomorrow afternoon."

"That place is full of sharp rocks, but there are good things underground."

"We'll stay for a day, load up the ore, and then head to the main island."

"The journey has been relatively smooth, as long as we don't encounter sudden dense fog or those crazy creatures rushing to the nearshore area."

"Riding the ocean current, we should be able to return to the main island the day after tomorrow."

"Those 'crazy things'..."

"Is it common in this area?"

Su Zhi asked.

"Much less than the open sea."

Matthew affirmed, "There are lighthouses and purification monuments on the main island and the other islands, and you've seen them on the islands we passed through."

"Lighthouses and purification monuments can serve to dispel the weak and deter the powerful."

"But you never know, there's no absolutely safe place in the Sea of ​​Strange Things, there are always some blind or particularly fierce creatures that sneak in."

He glanced at Su Zhisu again and smiled, "But don't worry, our 'Conch' is no pushover either."

"The ship's hull has been soaked in a special potion, and there are a few trinkets brought from the main island hidden in the cargo hold. Ordinary monsters won't dare to approach easily. You can rest assured."

As night deepened, Su Zhisu returned to her cabin.

The hot soup was made by simmering dried scallop meat and a unique type of seaweed. It tasted alright, and after drinking it, a warm feeling spread from my stomach, dispelling the slight chill brought by the sea breeze.

He took off his coat, and the conch shell badge gleamed softly under the light.

The token given by Kyle Crane carries a greater weight than he had anticipated.

This is not just a pass, but also a form of recognition and intangible protection.

He carefully put the badge away and lay down on the narrow bed, fully clothed.

I could feel the slight swaying and rocking of the ship beneath me, mixed with the faint creaking of the wooden structure under stress.

This is different from the agile feeling of the Redemption, which is almost in sync with one's own heartbeat, but it has a kind of reassuring, steady rhythm that belongs to humans.

Su Zhisu had been experiencing nights like this since boarding the ship, so she was already quite used to this rhythm.

Before dawn, the light footsteps and whispers of the sailors changing shifts would wake him.

"The night voyage was indeed smooth, as Mr. Matthew said."

"It's been so long since I've had a good night's sleep."