The sun completely sank below the horizon.
The last trace of light in the world was swallowed, replaced by endless darkness and depth.
The sea, which had just been a battlefield, was now so quiet that only the faint sound of waves hitting the ship's side could be heard.
The hundreds of lost souls seemed to have never existed.
Only a faint, lingering metallic scent in the air reminded everyone of what had just happened here.
Qin Yu sat on the leather sofa in the command room, exhaling a long puff of smoke.
Amid the swirling smoke, his gaze gradually shifted from the decisiveness of earlier to laziness.
"This is the loneliness of being invincible."
He glanced at the world channel.
It remained dead silent.
The phrase "Who's next?" hung over everyone's heads like the Sword of Damocles, pressing down so hard that no one dared to breathe heavily.
"Alright."
Qin Yu stubbed out his cigarette, stood up, and stretched with a loud crackling sound from his joints.
"Mission accomplished."
"Tonight is a peaceful night. No one would dare to test their luck again."
He turned to look at the three women behind him.
Li Ruobing was slumped in the co-pilot's seat, her long legs casually propped up on the console as she massaged her sore wrists.
Yao Xue was gently wiping her sniper rifle, her movements as tender as caressing a lover's skin.
Meanwhile, Yao Qian had long taken off her VR headset and was pressed against the window, wide-eyed as she stared out at the pitch-black sea.
"Yu-ge, it's so dark outside."
"And... it feels like it's getting hotter?"
The young girl tugged nervously at her collar.
It was true.
The frigid chill of the Extreme Ice Domain was receding.
The bone-piercing cold that had been present earlier seemed to dissipate along with the end of the slaughter.
In its place was a warm, humid sea breeze.
"The weather is about to change."
Qin Yu walked over to the control panel and glanced at the thermometer.
In just half an hour, the temperature had risen by five degrees.
"The end of the extreme cold means the server merge is about to begin."
"But this transitional period is often when sea creatures are most active."
Qin Yu's fingers flew across the control panel.
"We've killed over a thousand people. The scent of blood dissipates slowly."
"There's no guarantee it won't attract the big ones from the deep sea."
"Although I'm not afraid, I don't want to be woken up while sleeping."
As he spoke, he pulled out a pearl emitting a faint blue glow from his chest.
[S-Rank · Ocean Stabilizing Pearl]
"Go."
Qin Yu casually tossed it.
The Ocean Stabilizing Pearl, as if sentient, floated automatically, passed through the command room's glass, and slowly rose to the highest point of the "President."
"Hum—"
A soft blue halo instantly spread out from the "President," radiating in all directions.
Within a five-hundred-meter radius, the waves were instantly calmed.
The once turbulent sea surface, suppressed by the Ocean Stabilizing Pearl, became as smooth as a mirror.
Immediately after.
Qin Yu pressed another red button.
[S-Rank · Artificial Sun]
"Click."
The armored panels on the ship's roof slid open.
A spherical metal orb rose, hovering beneath the Ocean Stabilizing Pearl.
The next second.
It blazed with dazzling light.
Without sunglasses, one couldn't even look directly at it.
It truly was a "sun."
Soft yet brilliant simulated sunlight instantly illuminated the entire President, even brightening the surrounding two kilometers of sea as if it were daytime.
The previous gloom and darkness were instantly dispelled.
The ship's temperature was also regulated by this "sun" to a comfortable 24 degrees Celsius.
Finally.
Qin Yu snapped his fingers.
"Skyhawk Guard, activate at full power."
"Alert mode: maximum."
"Anything non-human approaching within five hundred meters—eliminate immediately. No need to report."
The silver fighter jet in the sky emitted a soft hum, its wing-mounted infrared probes spinning rapidly, weaving an impenetrable net of death.
After completing all this.
Qin Yu clapped his hands and turned to face the three women.
A mischievous grin spread across his face.
"Alright."
"Full defenses activated, safety assured."
"The next 24 hours are the final calm before the merge."
"And also our..."
"time to party."
"All personnel on break!"
Hearing the word "break,"
Li Ruobing, who had been somewhat tired moments before, instantly brightened up.
Her eyes shining even brighter than the Artificial Sun.
"Boss! Hooray!"
She leaped up from her chair, her snug shorts accentuating her perfect curves.
"I'm exhausted!"
"That last collision was thrilling, but way too draining!"
"I need a bath! A massage! I want to indulge!"
Yao Xue set down her gun, adjusted her glasses, and a flicker of relaxation passed through her cool eyes.
"We really should rest."
"Staying tense for too long is bad for the skin."
Qin Yu smiled and pointed toward the lower deck.
"Go ahead."
"I've finished expanding the living quarters."
"Ruo Bing, that thing you've been dreaming of—I just installed it on the leisure deck."
Li Ruobing froze for a moment.
Then, as if realizing something, she nearly shrieked with excitement.
"Holy crap!"
"Boss! You mean that..."
"That A-grade item?!"
Qin Yu nodded.
"The Holographic Beach Simulation Field."
"Paired with the Artificial Sun, the effect should be impressive."
"Go try it out."
"Ahhh! Boss, I love you so much!"
Li Ruobing cheered, even lunging as if to hug Qin Yu, but she stopped herself upon noticing Yao Xue beside her.
She grabbed Yao Xue's hand.
"Sis! Let's go!"
"We're going sunbathing!"
"I'm going to make up for all the sun I missed these past few days!"
Yao Xue stumbled as she was dragged along, casting a helpless glance at Qin Yu.
"Well... we're off?"
Qin Yu waved his hand.
"Go on, enjoy yourselves."
"I have a few things to take care of. I'll join you later."
Watching the two beauties—one in black, one in white—disappear down the stairwell.
Qin Yu's gaze settled on the last one, Yao Qian.
The young girl was staring at him eagerly.
Her hands twisting the hem of her clothes, her face full of anticipation.
"Brother Yu..."
"Big Sis and the others are going to sunbathe..."
"What about me?"
Qin Yu walked over and gently pinched her collagen-rich cheek.
It felt wonderful.
Soft, tender, and springy.
"Don't you want to get some sun?"
"Your legs are so pale—a little tan would make them healthier."
Yao Qian shook her head vigorously like a rattle-drum.
That twin-tailed hair swung back and forth.
"No way!"
"UV rays are the natural enemy of shut-ins!"
"I won't be cute anymore if I get tanned!"
"Brother Yu! Yu-ge!"
"I'm staying up all night gaming! Don't anyone try to stop me!"
Feeling the pressure on his arm, Qin Yu's lips curved into a meaningful smile.
"Fine."
"I could use some relaxation too."
"Let's go."
"I'll play with you."
"Really?!"
Yao Qian excitedly jumped down, pulling Qin Yu toward the stairs.
"Awesome!"
"You carry me, Brother Yu!"
"My support is super slick! I'll make sure you don't die!"
Qin Yu let her drag him along.
Watching the cheerful figure of the young girl, and those white over-the-knee socks swaying with her running.
His gaze gradually grew intense.
"Mhm."
"You play the game."
"I'll play with you."
...
Recreation Deck.
This area was originally open-air.
But now.
Under the effects of the "Holographic Beach Simulation Field."
It had completely transformed.
Beneath their feet was no longer cold black alloy.
But soft, fine golden sand.
Though it was a holographic projection, with the field's simulation, they could even feel the grainy texture and warmth of the sand.
The air carried a faint scent of coconut.
Released by the simulator's fragrance system.
In the distance.
Though it was still the same ocean.
Enhanced by the holographic filter, the seawater appeared crystal blue and transparent, the sound of waves gentle and pleasing.
Above them.
The artificial sun.
Cast golden rays.
If no one mentioned it.
Who would have thought this was aboard a warship in the apocalypse?
This was clearly a private beach in the Maldives!
"Wow..."
Li Ruobing let out a heartfelt sigh of admiration.
She had changed into a provocative outfit.
Up top was a red bikini that barely covered the essentials, paired with denim shorts so short they reached the upper thighs.
Her wild, wheat-toned skin glistened temptingly under the sunlight.
"This is simply heaven!"
"A-grade equipment truly lives up to its reputation!"
Without hesitation, she threw herself into a beach chair.
Letting out a comfortable moan.
"Ah..."
"Now this is living."
"All that killing earlier made me sweaty, but lying here now, I feel my bones melting."
Nearby.
Yao Xue also approached.
She wasn't as bold as Li Ruobing.
But she wasn't wearing her signature white coat either.
She had changed into a black one-piece swimsuit.
Though conservative in style.
The tight fabric perfectly outlined her S-curve devilish figure.
Especially those long legs clad in sheer black silk stockings.
Under the sunlight, they exuded a cool, sophisticated elegance.
She carried two glasses of iced juice.
Handed one to Li Ruobing.
Then elegantly sat in the adjacent chair.
"Quite nice indeed."
Yao Xue removed her glasses, squinting as she felt the warmth of the artificial sunlight.
"In this world."
"Those who get to enjoy such privileges."
"Are probably only us."
Li Ruobing took a big gulp of juice and sighed contentedly.
She turned her head, looking at Yao Xue.
A hint of teasing in her eyes.
"Sis."
"You've hidden that figure well."
"Couldn't tell with the white coat on."
"But once it's off..."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk."
"No wonder the boss is so captivated by you."
Yao Xue's face flushed slightly.
Though she was a chief surgeon, accustomed to human anatomy.
But when it came to topics like this, she still felt somewhat reserved.
"Drink your water."
"Stop talking so much."
Li Ruobing chuckled mischievously, turning over to lie prone on the chair.
"But speaking of which..."
"While we're relaxing here..."
"What are the boss and Qian Qian up to?"
"Earlier, I saw that girl Qian Qian drag the boss into the room?"
Yao Xue took a sip of juice, her expression calm.
"Qian Qian wants to play games."
"You know how she is - a gaming addict."
"Now that she finally has some time off, she's probably going wild."
Li Ruobing blinked, her expression turning suggestive.
"Playing games?"
"Hehe."
"Sis, do you really believe that?"
"I went to check that room too."
"The soundproofing is S-class."
"And that gaming chair..."
"It's designed to be particularly large and spacious."
"More than enough for two people to sit."
Li Ruobing lowered her voice, carrying a hint of mischief.
"Tell me."
"Would the boss just sit there watching her play games?"
Yao Xue froze for a moment.
Images of Qin Yu's usual behavior flashed through her mind.
Along with that meaningful smile he had given earlier.
The tips of her ears instantly turned bright red.
...
Meanwhile.
In the gaming room.
The atmosphere here was indeed rather "intense."
The room was spacious.
Decorated in full cyberpunk style.
Blue-purple neon strips flowed across the walls.
In the center.
A massive curved desk stood.
Three 32-inch 4K monitors were arranged side by side.
The visual effect was stunning.
At this moment.
An intense boss battle in a souls-like game was playing on the screens.
Yao Qian sat in that genuine leather gaming chair.
Her hands dancing rapidly across the glowing mechanical keyboard and mouse.
"Tap tap tap tap tap!"
The crisp clicking sounds fell like raindrops.
The young girl was completely immersed.
Her usually gentle large eyes were now wide open, fixed intently on the screen.
She kept muttering to herself continuously.
She wore an oversized white T-shirt that just covered her upper thighs.
Below that were pure white over-the-knee silk stockings.
Because she was sitting cross-legged in the chair.
That glimpse of absolute territory's snowy whiteness was faintly visible.
Enough to make anyone's blood race.
As for Qin Yu.
He wasn't sitting in the chair beside her.
He had pulled up a stool.
And sat right behind Yao Qian.
Very close.
So close he could smell the faint milky fragrance from her body.
Along with the fresh scent of her shampoo.
"Yu-ge! Look, look!"
"How impressive are my moves in this round!"
Yao Qian shouted excitedly while operating the controls, not even turning her head.
Completely unaware of the "danger" behind her.
Qin Yu held a glass of red wine.
He smiled.
"Mhm."
"Very impressive."
"Your hand speed is fast."
"Just wondering..."
"If you're equally fast in other aspects."
Yao Qian, immersed in the joy of nearly defeating the boss, completely missed the deeper meaning in Qin Yu's words.
"Of course!"
"This is the hand speed of eighteen years of being single!"
"Ah! The enemy revived!"
"This round, this round! Can we finish them off!"
Just as she was fully focused, preparing for the final charge.
A warm, large hand.
Suddenly, silently.
Covered her crossed knees.
Through that thin layer of white silk stockings.
The temperature from his palm instantly transmitted through.
Yao Qian's movements abruptly halted.
Her mouse nearly flew out of her hand.
"Ah!!"
"Yu-ge! What are you doing!"
"I'm fighting a boss! I'm fighting a boss!"
Yao Qian's face flushed red with anxiety, her body instinctively trying to dodge away.
But that large hand.
Was like an iron clamp.
Not only did it not loosen.
Instead, it followed along that smooth, delicate curve.
Slowly moving upward.
The pads of his fingers gently rubbed against the texture of her stockings.
Creating waves of tingling electric currents.
"Don't... don't move..."
"I'm going to die, I'm going to die!"
Yao Qian's voice trembled.
Her eyes still had to remain fixed on the screen, her fingers still desperately pressing skills.
But this sudden sensation turned her brain into complete slurry in an instant.
Qin Yu leaned close to her ear.
His warm breath sprayed against her sensitive earlobe.
His voice low and hoarse.
"You play your game."
"I'll play mine."
"Neither interferes with the other."
"What do you mean neither interferes!"
Yao Qian cried out with a sob in her voice.
"Like this... how can I operate!"
"My fingers have gone soft..."
Qin Yu chuckled lightly.
"As a top expert."
"You need to remain calm under any interference."
"This is special training for you."
As he spoke.
His hand had already passed her knee.
Reaching that fascinating absolute territory.
With a light flick of his fingertip.
He touched that warm, soft skin.
Yao Qian's entire body trembled violently.
Like a frightened little rabbit.
"Mmm..."
An unstoppable soft moan escaped her lips.
On the screen.
The warrior who had been dominating the battlefield just moments before.
Completely stopped moving.
[DEAD]
A huge red character appeared in the center of the screen.
But Yao Qian could no longer care about the game now.
Her entire body went limp in the chair.
Her face covered in blushes.
Her eyes dazed.
This was a shame and stimulation even stronger than losing the game.
She turned her head.
Looking at Qin Yu who was so close.
In those large, watery eyes, there was no trace of blame left.
Completely filled with spring water about to overflow.
"Brother Yu..."
"You... you owe me that boss..."
Her voice was soft and sticky, as if coquettishly pleading.
Qin Yu put down his wine glass.
Turned the chair around in one motion.
Making Yao Qian face him.
His hands rested on the armrests, trapping her in this small space.
Looking down at this blushing otaku loli from above.
"Lost the game?"
"No problem."
"It's going to get worse later!!"
...
Outside the window.
The Artificial Sun still radiated light and heat.
The Ocean Stabilizing Pearl still protected this sea area.
In this post-apocalyptic ocean.
This Steel Giant Ship named "President".
Was like an isolated island filled with vitality and desire.
And beneath the distant horizon.
An approaching storm.
Was brewing.
Server merger countdown.
Only the final...
12 hours remaining.
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