The ocean had finally become quiet.
For the first time since humanity entered the Island Survival Game, there were no monster roars echoing across the sea.
The endless waves reflected a clear blue sky.
Yet no survivor felt relaxed.
Everyone understood that the peace was only temporary.
A brilliant pillar of light suddenly descended from the heavens.
Then another.
And another.
Thousands of pillars illuminated every corner of the world.
A familiar mechanical voice echoed through every player's mind.
World Announcement
Congratulations on surviving the first Monster Tide.
Version 2.0 is now updating...
Please wait...
The world itself began to shake.
Lin Chen stood on the deck of the Sea Fortress, watching the endless ocean.
The sea surface rippled violently.
Far away, mountains slowly rose from beneath the water.
Entire islands appeared one after another.
Some were covered with forests.
Others contained volcanoes.
Some looked completely barren.
The world map was changing.
The update lasted nearly ten minutes.
Finally, the notifications returned.
Version 2.0 Successfully Updated
New Features Unlocked
• Continents
• Guild System
• Fleet System
• World Map
• Adventure Zones
• Inheritance Rankings
• World Chat
Lin Chen's eyes immediately focused on the World Map.
The previously endless ocean now displayed enormous landmasses.
One continent had appeared near the eastern region.
Another to the north.
Several smaller islands connected them like chains.
The world had become much larger.
At the same time, another announcement appeared.
First Continent Discovered
Name: Azure Continent
Special Resources Available
Danger Level: High
The Regional Chat instantly became lively.
[Player 443] : A continent?!
[Player 987] : We're finally getting real land!
[Player 715] : Does anyone know where it is?
[Player 108] : My map changed completely!
Lin Chen closed the chat.
He preferred seeing things with his own eyes.
A Team Chat notification appeared.
[Su Yao] : The update finished.
[Lin Chen] : Your Talent reacting?
[Su Yao] : Very strongly.
[Lin Chen] : About the continent?
[Su Yao] : About you.
Lin Chen smiled.
[Lin Chen] : That sounds dangerous.
[Su Yao] : It is.
Several seconds passed before another message arrived.
[Su Yao] : We should finally meet.
Lin Chen became quiet.
Since entering the game, they had cooperated through messages alone.
Despite becoming teammates, they had never met face-to-face.
[Lin Chen] : Agreed.
[Su Yao] : I'll send my location.
A flashing marker appeared on Lin Chen's map.
His eyebrows rose.
The distance wasn't far.
Only two days of sailing.
Much closer than expected.
He immediately adjusted the Sea Fortress' course.
...
While sailing, Lin Chen decided to inspect his newest reward.
The Eternal Skill Scroll.
He slowly opened it.
A golden light surrounded him.
Countless ancient runes entered his body.
Several seconds later, a notification appeared.
Eternal Skill Learned
Ocean God's Domain
Description:
Within the domain, all water-element abilities receive a massive enhancement.
Enemy movement is suppressed.
Friendly abilities are strengthened.
Lin Chen took a slow breath.
Even without testing it, he knew the skill was extraordinary.
It was the first Eternal-grade ability he possessed.
Its value far exceeded any Mythic Skill.
...
Meanwhile...
Far away on another part of the ocean...
Ling Yue stood alone on a silver ship.
Unlike Lin Chen's Sea Fortress, her vessel was elegant and streamlined.
A golden compass floated before her.
It continuously pointed west.
She smiled faintly.
"So..."
"Another inheritance has appeared."
She gently touched the compass.
A notification appeared before her.
Heaven Spear Inheritance
Location Updated.
Ling Yue looked toward the distant horizon.
"Looks like we'll compete again, Lin Chen."
Without another word, her ship accelerated.
...
Back aboard the Sea Fortress, Lin Chen opened another new feature.
Inheritance Rankings
The screen displayed only numbers.
No names.
1. Sea God Inheritance — 2%
2. Unknown Inheritance — 2%
3. Unknown Inheritance — 1%
4. Unknown Inheritance — 1%
5. Unknown Inheritance — 1%
His expression became serious.
He wasn't the only inheritance holder.
In fact...
Someone had already reached the same progress as him.
Could it be Ling Yue?
Or someone else entirely?
The competition had quietly begun.
...
As evening approached, the Core Radar suddenly detected a nearby signal.
Not a monster.
Not an island.
A ship.
Moments later, another notification appeared.
Friendly Target Detected
Lin Chen slowed the Sea Fortress.
The distant vessel gradually came into view.
It was smaller than his fortress.
Yet beautifully constructed.
Standing at its bow was a young woman with long black hair flowing in the sea breeze.
She wore a simple blue cloak.
The moment their eyes met...
A Team Chat message appeared.
[Su Yao] : I think I found you.
Lin Chen looked at the woman.
Then at the message.
He couldn't help smiling.
[Lin Chen] : I think so too.
Su Yao smiled gently.
For the first time since entering the Island Survival Game...
The two teammates finally met face-to-face.
Neither spoke immediately.
After months of surviving together through nothing but messages...
No words seemed necessary.
Then Su Yao looked toward the eastern horizon.
Her smile slowly disappeared.
"Something is coming."
Lin Chen followed her gaze.
Far away...
A massive golden pillar of light pierced the sky.
A notification appeared before every player.
World Announcement
The first Regional Guild has been established.
Guild Era officially begins.
The peaceful days after the Monster Tide...
Had already come to an end.
To Be Continued...