Chapter 108: Ocean Survival

Chapter 108: Chapter 108: Ocean Survival

Mr. Wen settled down on Jiang Yuxing’s island.

Far from Ice Island, the temperature steadily rose, reaching a high of forty-five degrees Celsius in the afternoon.

The trees on Stone Island had all died from the dry heat and lack of water, and the swamp had completely dried up.

They rested during the day and traveled at night. The group of four would sometimes go out to sea to fish, or if they came across an island, they would observe it during the day and explore it at night.

With Shi Zhile’s help, Mr. Wen was finally able to get in touch with the players from Huaxia Base again.

The person in charge of communications was Jiang Jing.

As the sun set, the sky was tinged with gray.

When the video call connected, Jiang Jing appeared on screen.

He was tanned dark by the sun, and his hair was cut in a particularly messy way. When he grinned, he revealed a set of bright white teeth.

"Zhile, long time no see! What’s the occasion?"

Shi Zhile smiled and revealed Mr. Wen, who was standing beside her.

"I ran into Mr. Wen. He has a batch of newly developed superior seeds that he wants to give to Huaxia Base. Besides Uncle Wei Zhan at the base, you’re the only person I know there. Uncle Wei Zhan isn’t at the base, so I was hoping you could help me get in touch with them."

The sound of the rising tide could be heard, and Jiang Jing’s camera showed the surging surface of the sea.

His eyes lit up with excitement. "It really is Elder Wen! Elder Wen, are you alright? Are you injured?"

Mr. Wen was still recording the seeds’ growth. He looked up at the sound of the voice, smiled, and nodded.

"I’m doing just fine."

Ever since coming to Stone Island, he had been eating and drinking well.

As soon as he finished speaking, he lowered his head and continued to write.

Shi Zhile took over the conversation. "Getting back to business, are you at Huaxia Base?"

Jiang Jing’s camera view shifted, revealing a very large island.

Many vessels were moored along the shore, from large ships to small fishing boats.

People were coming and going along the island’s shore. Through the darkness, a row of neat, gray houses was faintly visible.

"I’m at the base right now. I came here after the second instance ended. It’s pretty busy, and I’m heading back at the moment. You said Elder Wen has a batch of superior seeds for the base? This concerns the island’s long-term development. It would be best for Elder Wen to speak with the higher-ups."

"Okay," Shi Zhile said. "I’ll have Elder Wen add you as a friend. He can discuss the details with you all."

After hanging up, Shi Zhile sent Jiang Jing’s contact information to Mr. Wen.

Mr. Wen put away his pen and paper, and a moment later, he received a video call from Jiang Jing.

Shi Zhile returned to her own island and, taking advantage of the cooler air, stepped out of her shelter to practice archery.

Traveling on and off, another month passed.

In that month, the player population in the water-scarce regions was halved again due to dehydration.

Shi Zhile traded for water with other players daily, but the amount she could provide was still just a drop in the bucket for the vast number of players in the region.

During this time, another massive rescue ship from Huaxia Base set out, heading in a straight line for Stone Island.

At the same time, Stone Island sailed toward the ship’s coordinates, proceeding at a steady, unhurried pace.

「The next morning, a system notification for the next instance arrived.」

[Survival Tip: The "Ocean Survival" instance is about to begin. All players, please prepare.

Instance Start Time: Tomorrow at noon.

Instance Duration: Three days.

Instance Mission: Survive.

Instance Rules: Each player will be randomly spawned with a raft and a fishing rod. There will be an island within one kilometer of the raft’s spawn point. Players must reach the island in a timely manner and survive for three days.]

Shi Zhile lay on a deck chair, rubbing her temples to soothe the dull ache caused by her decreasing Spirit Value.

"The extreme heat disaster isn’t even over, and another instance is starting. What’s your mission?"

Mr. Wen was watering the wheat seedlings in a box. Hearing her, he put down the watering can and sat on a stool.

"My mission is to survive.

This instance is raft survival at sea. If we run into Sea Monsters or a storm, the raft could easily capsize. ℴℴ𝘮

How long can a person last with constant exposure to the sun, high temperatures, and no water?

It’s relatively safe on an island, with enough room to escape, but on a raft... I’m afraid these old bones of mine will finally meet their end."

In this extreme heat, the temperature reached forty-five degrees Celsius every day. Without any shade, a few hours of exposure at sea would be lethal.

To make players die faster, the system will probably make the starting rafts un-upgradable. It’ll likely be very difficult to reach the island quickly.

Previous survival instances lasted seven days, while this one is only three. But the difficulty won’t be lower just because the time is shorter; in fact, it won’t be any easier at all.

On the contrary, this might be the most difficult instance we’ve ever faced.

’Giving in to a defeatist mentality before the instance even starts is a huge mistake.’

Shi Zhile offered some words of comfort. "The raft is only one kilometer from the island. If you can control it with your Spirit Value, you should be able to reach the island in a day at most.

The instance rules didn’t say we can’t bring supplies, so we should bring plenty of water and things for shade.

It’s best to have a backup plan. We can use the wood we have now to build a new raft with a canopy for shade.

Elder Wen, as long as you’re careful of other players trying to kill you for your loot at sea, you can just hide again once you reach the island.

Look on the bright side. If you run into the rescue team from Huaxia Base, your survival odds will be at least seventy percent."

Mr. Wen’s new superior seeds were in the trial phase, and he was currently researching and improving a heat-resistant wheat variety. No matter which member of the rescue team encountered him first, they would surely protect him with their lives.

Wang Peng was munching on a watermelon. The sweet juice dripped down his fingers, evaporating in an instant.

"My mission is to survive, too. Mr. Wen, Sister Zhile is right. Don’t be so pessimistic. What if this instance turns out to be simple?

Brother Nan, use your skill and check out how hard this instance is going to be!"

Jiang Yuxing slowly opened his eyes. "The more players there are near the island, the harder the instance will be. The rules didn’t mention any monsters, which means the danger this time won’t come from monsters, but from other players.

Lacking water in this extreme heat, players have already gone mad. The later the game goes on, the more dangerous players become. In the end, players themselves will be the most dangerous threat in the game."

Mr. Wen sighed again. "The weather is harsh. The only ones who can truly survive are the strong, young people who dare to fight.

Surviving two instances in a row has already used up all my luck. I’m mentally prepared to die. My only regret is that I won’t make it to Huaxia Base.

Young friend, if you get the chance, I hope you’ll go see the Huaxia base for me."

The instance Mr. Wen had been in, from Server Region 11, took place after the final regional merge.

Ten people were on one island. Nine died, and one survived.

He managed to safely survive through the sixth day by keeping a low profile and acting alone.

When dawn broke on the seventh day, there were five players left on the island. He anticipated they would inevitably fight, so he left his wooden cabin early in the morning.

It was because he left early that he wasn’t caught up in the others’ fighting. In the end, he wasn’t even sure how he’d managed to clear the instance in a daze.

Shi Zhile didn’t agree. "Huaxia Base is for you to see yourself, Elder Wen. The young must strive forward, and the elders must protect the home. Everyone has their own role to play. That’s the only way for Huaxia to prosper."