"Hold on tight!"
Qin Yu grabbed the oar with a reverse grip, the muscles in his arm bulging like inflated tires.
"Splash—!"
The iron-clad oar struck the water surface hard, the tremendous reactive force propelling the heavy ironclad raft forward with a sudden lurch.
"What's happening? I thought you said it was safe?"
Yao Qian stumbled from the inertia, nearly falling into Qin Yu's arms.
"Look behind you."
Qin Yu didn't turn his head, his movements becoming even faster.
The two sisters instinctively turned to look.
Their previously somewhat excited expressions instantly froze on their faces.
The drifting island that had been lush and tranquil just moments ago was now shaking violently.
"Boom—"
A deep, muffled roar emerged from the depths of the sea, as if an invisible giant hand had grabbed the island's roots and was violently pulling it downward.
Rocks at the island's edge shattered, large chunks of stone tumbling into the ocean and sending waves several meters high.
Then.
The depression where Qin Yu had dug out the A-Rank Treasure Box suddenly collapsed.
Seawater rushed in.
Forming a massive whirlpool.
"Due to the Core Guardian being eliminated and the Core Treasure Box being taken, this resource point is about to refresh."
Qin Yu silently recited the system's rules in his mind.
These drifting islands were essentially one-time instances—once you took the rewards, the map disappeared.
"It's... sinking?"
Yao Xue adjusted her glasses, watching the scene in disbelief.
In less than two minutes.
The two-hundred-square-meter island completely vanished from the sea surface.
Only a few large bubbles and a pile of rotting leaves floating on the water remained.
If Qin Yu had been greedy earlier, wanting to stay on the island longer or attempting to chop down those trees to bring back, he would likely have become another lost soul at the bottom of the sea by now.
"Gulp."
Yao Qian swallowed hard, her face pale.
"Good thing Brother Qin Yu ran fast..."
"This world never truly has safe places."
Qin Yu set down the oar, breathing slightly heavily.
He glanced at the sea surface that had returned to its usual calm and sneered.
"Greed is the original sin."
"Taking the rewards and running is the way to survive."
Only after the raft had drifted several hundred meters away, confirming there were no residual effects, did Qin Yu plop down on the deck.
"Hah..."
He let out a long breath, his gaze falling on the silver-white box he'd taken out from his backpack.
This was what he'd risked his life for.
A-Rank.
This was a level he didn't even dare imagine at this stage.
That S686 earlier was a special product of incredibly good luck, but this box was the real, tangible reward.
"Is this that box?"
Yao Xue and Yao Qian also gathered around, the three of them forming a circle.
The silver-white case reflected a cold luster under the sunlight, the large [A] on it resembling some kind of medal.
"So beautiful..."
Yao Qian reached out and poked it.
"Cold to the touch."
"Brother Qin Yu, what could be inside?"
"Could it be a Gatling gun? Or a rocket launcher?"
Since witnessing the power of the S686, this girl had nothing but heavy firepower on her mind.
"Don't get your hopes up."
Qin Yu shook his head.
"Weapons like that depend on luck."
"Grade A chests tend to yield more top-tier survival assistance items."
He rubbed his hands together.
Though his tone remained calm, his heartbeat quickened involuntarily.
"System, open!"
Qin Yu pressed his palm against the lock and silently commanded.
Click.
A crisp mechanical sound echoed.
The lid slowly swung open.
There were no blinding golden rays nor extravagant special effects.
Lying quietly inside the chest was a single object.
It was...
A lightbulb?
To be precise, it was a crystal ball-like sphere connected to an intricate metal base.
About the size of a soccer ball.
Completely transparent, with what appeared to be flowing liquid luminescence inside.
"This... what is this?"
Yao Qian widened her eyes, her face full of disappointment.
"Just a big lightbulb?"
"What do we need a lightbulb for? Don't we have the campfire?"
"All that wasted effort fighting that giant wild boar..."
The young girl pouted so hard you could hang an oil bottle from her lips.
She had expected some earth-shattering treasure.
Qin Yu ignored her complaints.
His eyes remained fixed on the luminous sphere, his breathing growing heavier.
Reaching out.
He picked up the glowing orb.
[Grade A Item: Artificial Sun · Everlasting Day Lamp (No Energy Consumption Version)]
[Category: Base Construction/Survival Assistance]
[Description: Lighting technology from a high-dimensional civilization. Contains a captured strand of stellar radiance within.]
[Function 1: Wide-area illumination. Maximum coverage radius of 1000 meters, adjustable brightness (dim light/daylight/intense light).]
[Function 2: No energy consumption. Requires no batteries, no charging - it is eternal.]
[Function 3: Dispersion. Simulates real solar spectrum, strongly repels certain light-fearing dark creatures.]
[Function 4: Warm sun. Within illumination range, temperature constantly increases by 5-10 degrees, disperses moisture, and dries clothing.]
"A divine artifact..."
Qin Yu murmured to himself.
The corners of his mouth curled up wildly.
"What?"
Yao Xue didn't catch what he said.
"I said, this is a divine artifact!"
Qin Yu suddenly looked up, his eyes shining intensely.
"More important than a gatling gun!"
He pointed at the endless ocean surrounding them.
"Do you know what's most terrifying at sea?"
"Not monsters, not storms."
"Darkness."
"That pitch-black darkness where you can't see your own hand, never knowing what might climb aboard the next second!"
Before, when the raft was small - only about ten square meters - the fire from a single grill could illuminate everything.
But now?
A hundred-square-meter armored raft!
At night, except for the small circle around the grill, everywhere else was blind spots.
Not to mention the raft would eventually expand to hundreds, even thousands of square meters.
Without light.
This raft would be nothing but a floating black coffin!
"With this."
Qin Yu raised the luminous sphere in his hand.
"Our base will become a lighthouse on this dead sea."
"Even at night, we can work, keep watch, and live just like in daytime!"
Yao Xue nodded somewhat comprehendingly.
As a doctor, she understood light's psychological impact on people.
Prolonged darkness could lead to depression, even madness.
"Alright, we'll install this thing tonight."
Qin Yu carefully stored the lamp away.
Then his gaze turned toward the wild boar carcass occupying most of the deck.
Now for today's main event.
Earlier, we were too busy fleeing for our lives to get a proper look.
Now that I see it clearly, this thing is damn huge.
It looks like a black sedan parked on the deck.
Its coarse bristles remain stiff as steel needles even in death.
"Can we... really eat this meat?"
Yao Qian stared at the ferocious boar head, feeling uneasy.
Especially those two blasted eye sockets—they looked downright creepy.
"Whether it's edible or not, we'll know once we try it."
Qin Yu drew the machete from his waist.
"This is elite monster meat."
"Ten thousand times better than those piss-drinking sharks."
Ssshhk—
Qin Yu made the first cut.
It required some effort.
The boar hide was tougher than old leather, the blade scraping against it with a leather-ripping sound.
"Incredibly tough hide."
Qin Yu was inwardly astonished.
An ordinary D-grade blade probably couldn't even pierce this hide.
He increased the pressure.
Veins bulged along his arm.
Riiip!
The resilient hide finally split open.
Revealing red-and-white marbled flesh beneath.
No foul odor.
Instead, a faint aroma of fresh meat wafted out.
Clear marbling, thick layers of fat.
Now this was real meat!
Gulp... Yao Qian, who'd been disgusted by the boar's ugliness moments earlier, shamelessly swallowed hard.
"It looks... surprisingly good."
Qin Yu worked efficiently.
Though not a professional butcher, his enhanced strength made brute-force dissection equally effective.
Half an hour later.
A large slab of pork belly was carved out.
Weighing a good ten pounds.
"Light the fire!"
Qin Yu waved his hand commandingly.
"Nothing else tonight."
"Just grilled meat!"
"The kind that sizzles with dripping fat, seasoned with cumin and chili powder!"
The grill was quickly set up.
Charcoals glowed red.
Palm-sized meat slices were arranged on the wire rack.
Sizzle—!
The instant fat met high heat, it produced a soul-stirring sound.
White smoke billowed.
The thick layer of lard rapidly melted under the intense heat, streaming down the meat grooves and dripping onto the coals, sparking bright flames.
Fragrant.
Overpoweringly meaty.
Instantly engulfing the entire raft.
The aroma was pure.
None of the fishy seafood smell—just the glorious scent of primal animal fat being seared.
Yao Qian crouched by the grill, eyes nearly popping out.
She ignored the smoke, staring fixedly at the meat.
As if gazing at her first love.
"So fragrant..."
"This smell... is to die for."
Even the usually reserved Yao Xue unconsciously drew closer, her throat constantly moving.
"Seasoning!"
Qin Yu grabbed a handful of previously acquired barbecue mix.
A blend containing salt, cumin, and chili powder.
With a flick of his wrist.
The red powder scattered evenly over the golden-brown meat slices.
Whoosh!
The aroma exploded anew.
That pungent spice mingled with the charred fragrance of fat, rushing straight into their nostrils and lungs.
"Done."
Qin Yu picked up a piece with tongs.
Still dripping with juices.
Exterior crisply browned, interior tender and succulent.
"Try it."
He tossed the meat directly into Yao Qian's bowl.
The girl ignored the heat.
Scooping it up and shoving it into her mouth.
Huff huff... hot hot hot...
She puffed air while chewing frantically.
Then.
Her eyes lit up suddenly.
Like two hundred-watt lightbulbs.
Mmph!!
"Delicious! So delicious!"
"This meat... it's actually sweet!"
"So tender! The fat isn't greasy at all—it melts the moment you bite into it!"
Yao Qian exclaimed through a mouthful of food, tears streaming down her face.
"This is what immortals eat! This has to be immortal-grade food!"
Qin Yu also picked up a piece and put it in his mouth.
His teeth broke through the crispy outer skin.
Scalding meat juices instantly exploded across his palate.
That sense of satisfaction.
That joy brought by carbohydrates and fat.
Was utterly indescribable.
"Incredible!"
Qin Yu couldn't help but roar low in his throat.
This was what it meant to be truly alive!
Compared to this mouthful of pork, all the fish, shrimp, and crabs they'd eaten these past few days were nothing but slop!
"Eat more."
Qin Yu swallowed large mouthfuls.
"This meat is unusual."
"It contains energy."
The moment the meat entered his stomach.
Qin Yu felt a stream of heat rise from his abdomen, rapidly spreading throughout his limbs.
His body, exhausted from rowing and fighting monsters, instantly filled with strength.
Muscles grew warm.
Blood seemed to boil.
"Ding!"
"Consumed flesh of mutated elite creature."
"Constitution +1."
"Strength +1."
"Gained temporary status: [Ferocious Wildfire] (Stamina recovery speed increased by 50%, lasts 2 hours)."
The system notification echoed in his mind.
Just as he thought!
A sharp light flashed in Qin Yu's eyes.
This wasn't just food.
This was tonic!
A top-tier resource that could directly enhance physical attributes!
"Don't just focus on how good it tastes."
Qin Yu looked at the two sisters.
"This meat can increase your attributes."
"Even if you're stuffed, force it down!"
"This is more effective than any training!"
Hearing this.
Yao Xue's expression changed.
As a doctor, she understood all too well what physical attributes meant in this world.
They were the capital for survival.
She abandoned all restraint.
Eating large mouthfuls, her eating style wasn't as wild as Qin Yu's, but it could definitely be described as ferocious.
Fifty kilograms of wild boar meat.
Three people.
Of course they couldn't finish it.
But in this meal, each person ate at least three to four pounds.
By the end.
Yao Qian lay collapsed on the deck, her belly swollen like a balloon, unable to move.
"I can't..."
"Another bite... and my stomach will burst..."
She let out a burp.
Full of meaty aroma.
"So hot..."
Yao Xue was also flushed, sweat beading on her forehead.
This was the manifestation of energy surging through her body.
She felt her strength had increased, and even the usual faint aches in her back had disappeared.
"This meat... it's practically a stimulant."
Yao Xue unbuttoned her collar, panting as she spoke.
Qin Yu had eaten the most.
At least eight pounds.
He took off his shirt, revealing his lean, muscular torso.
His muscle definition was more pronounced than before, brimming with explosive power.
He felt he could kill an ox with a single punch now.
"Full enough to work."
Qin Yu stood up.
The sky had completely darkened.
The surrounding sea was once again swallowed by darkness, that oppressive sense of loneliness washing over them.
"Let's make this world bright."
Qin Yu took out the [Everlasting Day Lamp] from his backpack.
He walked to the center of the raft.
Where a simple mast stood.
Qin Yu climbed up quickly, fixing the lamp holder to the top.
"Activate."
He pressed a button on the base.
Turned the knob to maximum.
"Hum—"
A faint humming sound.
The next second.
Light.
Blinding light.
Cascaded down from above!
Not the dim, yellowish glow of fire.
Instead, it erupted like a small white sun, abruptly bursting forth in the darkness.
"Whoosh—!"
The darkness receded like a tide.
The sea surface within a one-kilometer radius was instantly illuminated as bright as day!
Even the swimming fish in the water could be seen clearly.
The originally pitch-black and eerie Ironclad Raft was now bathed in a soft, radiant white light.
That warm sensation.
Spilling over their bodies.
Dispelled the damp chill of the sea breeze.
"Is it... dawn already?"
Yao Qian, lying on the ground, squinted and raised a hand to shield her eyes from the light.
"Oh my god..."
"Isn't this way too bright?"
She sat up and looked around.
The once terrifying dark sea now held an eerily beautiful quality.
"Is this the power of A-grade equipment?"
Yao Xue stood under the light, observing her own shadow.
Clear and sharp.
She felt as if she had returned to a square in civilized society.
That sense of security.
Was simply unparalleled.
"With this lamp,"
"Those light-fearing monsters won't dare come near."
Qin Yu jumped down from the mast, satisfied with his handiwork.
In this boundless, dark sea.
They were the only source of light.
The only beacon of civilization.
"Stop spacing out."
Qin Yu nudged the remaining wild boar carcass beside him.
"Take advantage of this great light."
"Let's process this big guy."
"Skin the boar."
Qin Yu touched the tough hide.
"If we dry this out and make it into leather armor, ordinary blades won't be able to cut through it."
"Yao Xue, you're good with your hands—this task is yours."
"Make each of us a tactical vest."
"As for the tusks..."
Qin Yu pulled out the two meter-long fangs.
They felt heavy in his hands, their tips frighteningly sharp.
"These are natural spearheads."
"Tie them to iron rods, and they'll pierce through anything."
"As for the remaining meat,"
"Cut it all into strips and hang them up for smoking."
"This will be our source of strength for the next few days."
Under the light.
The three of them began to work busily.
No longer fearing the darkness.
No longer tormented by hunger.
All that remained.
Was the thrill of growing stronger.