Survival on the Internet: A Bizarre Start at Sea

Life alchemy? An unorthodox field?

Su Zhisu's heart stirred.

Do you remember her full name? Or where might she have gone?

"I can't remember her full name, but it seems... it really was Liliana?"

"Yes, Liliana Thea. As for where she went..."

The old man shook his head.

"I really don't know. Perhaps you could check the archives for old newspapers, or... try your luck in the 'Broken Reef Area'."

"The reef zone?"

"Yes, the area in the east of the city, near the old port, is a mixed bag, and a lot of shady information circulates there. However, it's very chaotic there, so you should be careful since you're wearing the conch shell badge."

The old man was offering a kind reminder.

"Thank you, this information is very useful."

After thanking him, Su Zhisu left the Alchemist Guild.

Although the exact address was not obtained, it was at least confirmed that Liliana Thea did exist and was related to unorthodox fields such as life alchemy.

"The reef area..."

He glanced at the setting sun.

It's getting late, and as a newcomer, it wouldn't be wise to rush into a place where all sorts of people mingle.

"Let's familiarize ourselves with the environment first, and then make plans tomorrow."

He decided to return to the reception area first.

On the way back, Su Zhisu paid attention to the shops on both sides of the street.

He saw a shop with a sign that depicted medicine bottles and scales – “Libra Pharmacy”.

"Pharmacy..."

A thought flickered in his mind, and he went inside.

The shop was small, with shelves filled with medicine bottles of various colors, each labeled with its name and effects.

An elderly woman with gray hair and a sprightly spirit was grinding medicinal herbs behind the counter.

"What do you need, young man?" the old woman asked without looking up.

Su Zhisu glanced at the shelves, her gaze landing on several bottles labeled "Awakening Potion" and "Antidote".

"Take a look at these treatments."

He picked up a bottle of "wake-up potion," uncorked it, and sniffed it gently.

A scent wafted through the air, a blend of refreshing mint, calming flower, and several other basic herbs.

With his level 3 alchemy, he could roughly identify the ingredients and refining methods. It was a standard basic formula with medium quality.

"Boss, did you make this potion yourself?"

The old lady raised her head, looked at Su Zhixu, and then at the medicine in his hand.

"What? You doubt my skills? This 'Clarity Potion' is made according to the guild's standard recipe, no cheating!"

You've misunderstood.

Su Zhisu put down the medicine.

"I'm just interested in alchemy, asking casually. Hydeland's alchemy seems to emphasize practicality and standardization."

The old lady's expression softened slightly.

"That's for sure. Her Majesty the Queen values ​​the development of alchemy, and the guild has set strict standards. Reckless alchemy is punishable."

"I don't have any of those unorthodox medicines with unknown effects or unclear origins here."

Unorthodox medicines with unclear effects and unknown origins?

Su Zhisu thought of the [Rationality Potion] he had concocted, which possessed the characteristics of the Night Watch Heart Flame.

That is clearly not part of Hydeland's standard system.

"It seems that selling homemade medicines here requires extra caution."

He casually inquired about the prices of several common materials, gaining a general understanding of Hydeland's resource levels, before taking his leave.

After wandering around the city for a while, we returned to the reception area, where dinner was already prepared.

After a simple meal, Su Zhisu returned to her room.

He locked the door, checked the room again, and only relaxed slightly after confirming that there were no unusual surveillance methods.

There's a lot of information today.

He had not expected that Hydeland could have such order and prosperity in such a world.

The empress Sephiria, whom we never met, demonstrated her powerful rule and distinctive personal style through the ubiquitous details of the city.

The trail for Liliana Thea has made progress, but it has become even more perplexing.

A female alchemist who became famous more than 20 years ago and then disappeared, involved in unorthodox fields such as life alchemy... There must be a story behind this.

"First Mate Edgar Thorne's sweetheart..."

"That Liliana Thea doesn't seem to be an ordinary person."

He gently stroked the pocket watch on his wrist.

A faint, warm pulse emanated from the pocket watch, as if responding to his thoughts.

"And this egg..."

He looked at the "Unhatched Ancient Marine Iguana Egg" in his inventory.

This thing is related to this hidden quest, but he's still hesitant about whether to take it out.

The primary goal right now is to quickly advance to level 10 and change jobs to improve my strength. In this world, without strength, you can't move an inch.

Secondly, find Liliana Thea and complete the hidden quest "The First Mate's Wish," which is likely related to an important alchemical legacy.

"Tomorrow, I'll first go to the 'Broken Reef Area' to scout things out. Then, I'll try to get a more detailed map and related information about Hydeland, especially about alchemists and events from over twenty years ago."

"Then go and complete the promotion and job change."

He sat cross-legged on the bed and began his daily meditation to restore his spirit and at the same time sort out the strange power within his body.

The nights in Hydeland are not quiet; the distant chants of dockworkers and the faint hustle and bustle of the city can be heard.

This "noise" belonging to human cities was both unfamiliar to him and carried a strange sense of security.

However, beneath this tranquility, his keen senses allowed him to perceive that something deeper and more complex seemed to be hidden in the heart of the city.

Like the undercurrents beneath a calm sea.

"Liliana Thea...where are you? And why have you disappeared?"

With this question in mind, Su Zhisu slowly entered a meditative state.

Outside the window, the city of Hydeland is bathed in the glow of dusk, golden light flowing through its orderly streets, guarding the last glimmer of light for humanity in this strange and wondrous sea.

The next morning, Su Zhisu woke up early.

The morning sun in Hydeland streamed through the windows, casting dappled light and shadows inside the room.

The air was filled with morning mist and the aroma of wheat wafting from the distant bakery.

He straightened his clothes, carefully put on the [conch shell badge] and temporary residence permit, took a deep breath, and walked out of the reception area.

Following the directions he had learned the day before, he headed towards the "Broken Reef Area" in the east of the city.

The further east you go, the narrower and more crowded the streets become.

The paved stone slabs are no longer flat, and tenacious weeds grow in the gaps.

The buildings on both sides are low and old, with peeling paint revealing the dark bricks and stones underneath.

The salty, briny smell of the sea grew stronger in the air, mixed with the odors of various kinds of garbage and alcohol.

The pedestrians' eyes held a hint of cunning, but their vigilance and apathy remained unchanged.

There wasn't a single patrolling guard in sight.

Why would there be such an incongruous place in a city ruled by the Queen?

"The Broken Reef Area... it truly lives up to its reputation."