Survival on the Internet: A Bizarre Start at Sea

Sunlight pierced through the morning mist, turning the sea surface into a shimmering expanse of shattered gold.

The "Seashell" sailed smoothly along a deep-sea "current" marked by a pale gold luminous buoy, clearly showing signs of energy disturbance, towards the enormous silhouette that gradually emerged from the horizon.

The first thing that came into view was not the city wall, but a pale golden sky that stretched across the outer edge of the island, like a huge, translucent glass bowl turned upside down.

The sky was filled with shimmering light, and the intricate runes flickered like breaths, enveloping the entire island and a large area of ​​the surrounding sea.

Sunlight passes through this light membrane, filtering out some of the dark red undertones of the strange sea, and casting a clearer, warmer glow.

"That is the 'Queen's Oath,' the shield of the main island."

The steward, Matthew, walked up to Su Zhisu, his tone filled with awe.

"It is said to have been personally designed by Her Majesty Empress Sephiria, combining the Empress's authority with the power of alchemy."

"It can weaken the corrosive power of strange forces, and with it, we sea wanderers can have a safe home."

Beneath the sky lies the true form of the city.

The towering city walls were not ordinary rocks, but rather a strange stone with a grayish-white color and a faint golden metallic luster, as if it had been mixed with crushed star sand and some kind of crystal.

Huge, continuous protective runes were etched on the wall, now shimmering with a quiet energy glow in the sunlight.

Behind the city wall, the most eye-catching feature is the tower standing in the distance, its top inlaid with multifaceted crystals that gather and refract sunlight, casting regular beams of light across the distant sea.

This is both a lighthouse and a continuous scan and warning.

The "Conch" entered the port, where the scene was bustling with activity beyond imagination.

There are many types of ships, including large multi-masted sailing ships and strange vessels with complex pipes embedded in their hulls, propelled by paddle wheels and a mixture of controlled steam and faint blue light emanating from their sterns.

On the dock, in addition to manpower, there are several ingeniously designed golems with glowing cores driving their robotic arms, silently and efficiently loading and unloading cargo.

Occasionally, riders would fly by on large, domesticated seabirds with broad wingspans and metallic feathers, clearly serving as aerial sentries to deliver messages or patrol.

The air was filled with a complex mix of smells: the stench of the sea, the lingering stench of molten metal, the strange fragrance of various alchemical potions, and the overwhelming, calm yet clear pressure of order—as if the entire city itself were a living, breathing, enormous barrier.

"This is Hydeland..."

Su Zhisu took a deep breath. Every sense he had was telling him that this was a civilization that had survived in this calamistic world and blossomed in the face of adversity.

In stark contrast to the dreamlike splendor of Atlantis, Hydeland presents a profound, solid, and epic beauty of existence.

A kind of hustle and bustle and vitality belonging to "civilization".

"Every time I see it, it feels like a dream."

Matthew, the steward, murmured, his face a mixture of pride and the relaxed feeling of returning home.

"Only here can I believe that we really... still have a future."

"Welcome to Hydeland, Mr. Su Zhisu."

Su Zhisu stood at the bow of the ship, the sea breeze ruffling the hem of his clothes.

The size and grandeur of the city far exceeded his expectations.

"It's spectacular here, isn't it?"

The steward, Matthew, walked up to him, a look of pride on his face.

"Every time I return from a long voyage and see the main island, I feel at ease."

"Her Majesty the Queen and her ancestors built this city on this cursed sea."

"Welcome to Hydeland, Mr. Su Zhisu."

The "Conch" slowly approached the dock, skillfully throwing out the cable and securing the gangplank.

On the dock, guards in uniform, carrying batons and whistles, stepped forward to inspect the ship. Each of them was around level 5, and their movements were efficient, their sharp eyes sweeping over the hull and crew.

Steward Matthew stepped forward, exchanged a few words in hushed tones, presented the documents, and specifically pointed to Su Zhisu, revealing the [Seashell Badge].

The captain of the guards' gaze lingered on the badge for a moment, his serious expression softening. He nodded to Su Zhixu and waved for her to pass.

"Mr. Su, please come with me."

Steward Matthew ushered Su Zhisu ashore.

"I need to go to the Chamber of Commerce headquarters to hand over the goods and submit the navigation log first."

Since you carry the conch shell badge, you are a friend of Hedland. I can take you directly to the foreign visitor reception area, where they will arrange accommodation for you and assist you with the registration process.

Thank you for your trouble.

Su Zhisu nodded and followed Matthew onto the solid dock planks.

The solid feeling underfoot was completely different from the constant rocking sensation at sea.

The dock area is spacious and clean, paved with huge stone slabs.

Warehouses lined the streets, their signs displaying the names of various businesses.

Although most of the pedestrians were simply dressed, their complexions were relatively rosy.

Occasionally, one can see patrol teams carrying weapons and exuding a sharp aura passing by. Their equipment is uniform, clearly indicating that they belong to official forces.

The city gave him an impression of order yet vitality.

"Under Her Majesty Queen Sephiria, the laws are strict."

Matthew walked along, explaining in a low voice.

"Private duels are strictly prohibited within the city, and the use of supernatural abilities that could cause chaos is especially forbidden. The patrolling city guards and the 'Night Watchers' lurking in the shadows are not just for show."

"Of course, given your status, as long as you follow the rules, no one will make things difficult for you."

They walked through the bustling dock area and entered a huge archway, officially entering the city.

The streets here are built along the mountainside, mostly paved with stones, with a gentle slope.

The buildings on both sides are mostly stone and wood structures of unknown material, which look sturdy and durable, and come in a variety of styles.

Most of the windows are fitted with glass that has good transparency.

Most notably, many important buildings have a golden sun emblem inlaid on their roofs or lintels, some even with gold powder outlining the edges.

Bathed in sunlight, these golden markings gleamed, adding a touch of solemnity and sanctity to the gray city.

"Order...and gold."

Su Zhisu observed silently.

This ubiquitous and symbolic gold decoration undoubtedly reflects the influence of that empress.

The reception area for foreign guests is a three-story stone building located on a quiet street near the inner city. A flag with olive branches entwined with conch shells and a golden sun as its background hangs at the entrance.

After Steward Matthew spoke with the receptionist, a well-dressed and capable young female official came out to greet him.

"Welcome to Hydeland, Mr. Su Zhisu. I am Elena, the head of the reception."