Qin Yu sat in his exclusive fishing spot, the SSS-grade God-tier Sea King Fishing Rod in his hand as steady as Mount Tai.
Behind him came the pleasant mechanical hum of the Fully Automatic Magnetic Fishing Net in operation.
"Buzz—clank—splash!"
Every ten minutes, a net full of supplies was dumped onto the deck.
The Yao sisters, Yao Xue and Yao Qian, had completely transformed into assembly line workers by now.
Yao Qian was responsible for unpacking boxes and sorting materials. Although the girl kept complaining about being tired, her eyes sparkled as she gazed at the piles of food beside her.
Yao Xue handled the fish processing. Her movements were deft, her expression focused, and the knife in her hand danced swiftly.
This 100-square-meter giant raft operated like a precise survival machine running at full capacity.
Just then.
Without any warning.
A blinding red light suddenly exploded across everyone's retinas.
It wasn't just Qin Yu.
Nor was it just the Yao sisters.
But every one of the billions of human survivors across this endless ocean saw these blood-red words simultaneously.
[Regional Announcement!]
[Warning! Warning! Warning!]
[The Newbie Protection Period is about to end!]
[Countdown until the true apocalypse arrives: 12:00:00]
[After the countdown ends, the following restrictions will be lifted:]
1. Marine creatures' aggressiveness will significantly increase. Probability of active attacks on rafts increases by 100%.
2. Extreme weather systems unlocked (storms, tsunamis, extreme cold, extreme heat).
3. Rafts will no longer possess the 'Indestructible' property and can easily break apart in storms and waves.
[Good luck to all survivors.]
The blood-red countdown hung in the upper field of vision like the Sword of Damocles.
Each passing second felt like a step on everyone's heartstrings.
"Ah!"
Yao Qian dropped the fish-cleaning knife in her hand.
Her face turned pale as she stared at the countdown in the air, her voice trembling.
"Sis... what... what does this mean?"
"The protection period... is going away?"
Yao Xue also stopped what she was doing.
She adjusted her glasses, brows furrowed tightly, her expression unprecedentedly grave.
"It means these past two days were just an adaptation period given to us by the game."
"The real hell is just about to open its doors."
Qin Yu remained seated there.
He hadn't even changed his posture.
He had anticipated all of this long ago.
It was because they were still immersed in the leisurely fantasy of "ship survival," completely unaware of the cruelty of this ocean.
Qin Yu casually opened the [Regional Chat Channel (Area 9527)].
Just as expected.
The channel had exploded into chaos.
Messages that were previously begging for water and food were instantly drowned out by endless panic.
"Holy shit! What does this mean? Protection period ending? Rafts will break apart?!"
"My raft is only 4 square meters! It's just two door panels put together! One wave and I'll be fish food?!"
"System, damn you! I haven't even had a sip of water, and you're already throwing a storm at me?"
"Help! Who has wood? I'll pay top price! I need to expand! I don't want to die!"
"Mom... I want to go home... There are sharks bumping against my raft..."
"It's over, completely over. I just saw the distant horizon turning dark. Is the storm coming?"
Despair.
Panic.
Hysteria.
Even through the screen, Qin Yu could smell the scent of urine-soaked pants.
This was human nature.
In the face of absolute disaster, so-called dignity was worthless.
Qin Yu closed the Chat Channel.
Noisy.
Too noisy.
He turned to look at the two pale-faced women behind him.
"Scared?"
Qin Yu's voice was flat.
Devoid of any emotional fluctuation.
Yao Qian bit her lip and nodded vigorously.
"Scared..."
"What if... what if the big shark bites through our raft?"
"Will we fall into the sea and become fish food?"
Qin Yu smiled.
He reached out and knocked on the deck beneath them.
Producing a solid, dull thud.
"100 square meters."
"Full solid wood structure."
"Plus the endless repair materials provided by the S-grade automatic fishing net."
"If even we can't survive,"
"Then 99.99% of the people in this zone will die before us."
Qin Yu's words were arrogant, domineering.
But they acted like a shot of adrenaline, piercing straight into the sisters' hearts.
Right.
Look beneath our feet.
Was this even a raft?
This was a miniature aircraft carrier!
Even a shark would probably break a few teeth trying to chew through these reinforced thick planks.
Yao Xue took a deep breath.
Her previously panicked eyes regained their determination.
As a doctor who had witnessed life and death, her mental fortitude was naturally strong.
"Qin Yu is right."
"Rather than trembling here, we should stock up on more supplies."
"Qianqian, get to work!"
"As long as our fortress is strong enough, the wind and waves are just scenery!"
Yao Xue picked up her gloves and threw herself back into unpacking crates, moving faster and more fiercely than before.
As if venting all her fear of the future onto these wooden boxes.
Qin Yu nodded with satisfaction.
Worthy of the women he had chosen.
Not holding them back at this critical moment and maintaining composure already put them above most men.
"Alright."
"Twelve hours left on the countdown."These twelve hours are the final revelry.""
Qin Yu turned around and gripped his fishing rod again.
Since the beginner period was ending.
It was time for the good stuff in the ocean to show itself.
"System."
"Bring me a big one."
Qin Yu silently thought.
Perhaps sensing the impending crisis, or responding to Qin Yu's intense will to win.
The SSS-grade Poseidon fishing rod in his hand suddenly transmitted a strange vibration.
Not the jerking motion of a fish biting.
But a heavy, deathly sinking sensation.
As if the hook had caught onto a massive rock at the seabed.
"Hmm?"
Qin Yu's eyes narrowed.
This feeling...
Long time no see.
This wasn't a living creature.
This was a crate!
And definitely not one of those lightweight wooden boxes either.
"Up!"
Qin Yu growled lowly, the muscles in his arms instantly bulging with knife-sharp definition.
The divine fishing rod bent into a heart-stopping arc.
The seemingly slender fishing line was now pulled taut, emitting an ear-grinding buzzing sound.
"Come up!"
Qin Yu exerted force from his core, throwing his entire body backward in one swift motion.
Only he could manage this.
If it were an ordinary person, not only would they fail to pull the object up, but they would likely be dragged into the sea by the terrifying weight.
Splash—!!!
The sea surface erupted.
Water spray shot up three meters high.
A not particularly large but metallic-lustered box broke through the water.
It traced a parabolic arc through the air.
Thud!
A loud crash.
It landed heavily on the deck.
Even the massive 100-square-meter wooden raft trembled from the impact.
The two sisters, who had been working, were startled by the commotion and hurried over.
"What... what is this?"
Yao Qian's eyes widened.
The box before them wasn't the usual rotten wood color.
Instead, it was a deep bronze hue.
The surface of the box was carved with intricate patterns, its four corners reinforced with thick iron plates, and the clasps gleamed with a cold light.
It looked incredibly high-end.
A full tier above the previous C-grade rosewood box!
Qin Yu stepped forward.
He ran his hand over the clear letter engraved on the lid.
[B]
"A B-grade Supply Box."
The corner of Qin Yu's mouth lifted slightly.
On this final day of the novice period, managing to fish up a B-grade box was undoubtedly quite lucky.
C-grade boxes only yielded basic materials.
But this B-grade...
Often meant an improvement in "quality of life."
Or some kind of rare, special blueprint.
"Qin Yu, open it, open it quickly!"
Yao Qian rubbed her hands together, her face full of anticipation.
"Could it be a gun? Or maybe a cannon?"
"If we had that, I wouldn't even be afraid of sharks!"
Qin Yu ignored the girl's wild imagination.
He placed his hand on the cold clasp.
"Open."
Ding!
B-grade Supply Box successfully opened!
Congratulations, Host, for obtaining: [Exquisite Ladies' Lifestyle Gift Pack] x1.
Congratulations, Host, for obtaining: [High-End Lavender-Scented Body Wash] x2.
Congratulations, Host, for obtaining: [Shampoo & Conditioner Set] x2.
Qin Yu froze.
Staring at the system prompt that popped up, the corner of his mouth twitched.
"Clothes?"
"And women's clothes at that?"
What the hell kind of luck is this?
What I want is a Gatling gun, an RPG, and you give me a bunch of clothes?
Does this system have some misunderstanding about the word "survival"?
A flash of light.
The original bronze-colored box vanished.
In its place was a large pink bundle and several exquisitely packaged toiletries.
The pink bundle was plump and bulging, emitting a faint fragrance.
It stood in stark contrast to the rough wooden raft environment.
"This is..."
Yao Xue looked at the items on the ground, her breathing suddenly growing rapid.
She hurried forward, even forgetting her usual reserve, and with trembling hands, opened the large pink bundle.
Hiss—
That was the sound of silk rubbing together.
The moment the bundle opened.
Various brightly colored, high-quality fabrics were exposed to the sunlight.
On top.
Was a set of black lace lingerie.
Brand new.
With tags still attached.
Beside it were several pairs of unopened silk stockings.
Black Silk Stockings, shimmering with a mysterious luster.
White Silk Stockings, their lace edges exquisitely detailed.
Digging further down.
Were several sets of clean change of clothes.
There were sportswear suitable for movement, slim-fit jeans, and even two soft silk nightgowns.
"Oh my god..."
Yao Qian covered her mouth, her eyes sparkling with even more intense light than when she saw braised pork.
"Clothes!"
"New clothes!"
"And underwear!"
She practically pounced on them, hugging the clothes and refusing to let go.
You must understand.
The clothes they were wearing hadn't been changed since they arrived in this world.
Three days had passed.
Although they had bathed yesterday and were clean themselves.
Their clothes were still the same dirty old ones stained with sweat and the smell of the sea.
That sticky, clingy feeling against the skin was pure torture for girls who valued cleanliness.
Even the usually aloof Yao Xue.
Was completely captivated when she saw those bottles of body wash and shampoo.
That was dignity.
That was the last shred of decency as civilized people.
In this world where even drinking water could be deadly, being able to wear clean underwear and wash their hair with fragrant shampoo.
This was the ultimate luxury!
"Qin Yu..."
Yao Xue looked up at Qin Yu, her eyes filled with gratitude, even carrying a hint of barely noticeable ingratiation.
"These... are really for us?"
Her voice sounded somewhat hoarse.
After all.
These came from a B-grade treasure chest.
If sold in the trading channel.
This set of clean underwear could definitely be exchanged for large amounts of resources.
Those big shots would absolutely spare no expense to please women.
Qin Yu looked at the colorful assortment of items scattered on the ground.
Feeling somewhat speechless.
He couldn't wear any of this stuff anyway.
Was he supposed to keep the black silk stockings for himself?
"Take them."
Qin Yu waved his hand, looking disgusted.
"Hurry up and change."
"Stop dressing like refugees all the time, it's embarrassing."
"We're in the first tier of the entire server."
"Image management is important too."
"Yay! Long live Brother Qin Yu!"
Yao Qian cheered, hugged the pile of clothes, and gave Qin Yu a loud kiss on the cheek.
Then, like a little squirrel that had snatched pine nuts, she pulled her sister and dove into the tent.
"Sis! Come quick, come quick!"
"I want to wear those white silk stockings!"
"That skirt is mine too!"
"Don't grab my camisole!"
The tent zipper made a "zzzzip" sound as it closed.
Immediately after.
The rustling sounds of the two sisters changing clothes came from inside.
Along with various suppressed exclamations and giggles.
"This one fits so well!"
"Sis, you wear this black one... Wow, your figure looks amazing!"
"Stop touching randomly! Wear your own clothes!"
"These stockings feel so nice, so smooth..."
Qin Yu sat outside.
Listening to the commotion inside.
His previously gloomy mood from getting "trash" items improved slightly.
Although there were no weapons.
Boosting team morale counted as making the best use of things too.
And...
Qin Yu stroked his chin.
If these two stunning beauties changed into this equipment.
The visual effect.
Tsk tsk.
This could be considered giving himself a benefit.
Ten minutes later.
The tent zipper opened again.
A wave of fragrance wafted out.
Yao Qian was the first to jump out.
"Ta-da!"
Qin Yu's eyes lit up.
The girl had changed into a white cropped T-shirt with a light blue pleated miniskirt on the bottom.
The most eye-catching.
Were the brand new white silk stockings on her legs.
The stockings clung tightly to her slender, straight calves, with lace edges digging into the flesh of her thighs, exuding a pure yet seductive allure.
Her hair was tied into twin ponytails with a new hairband.
She looked vibrant and youthful, with no trace of the desperation of surviving in an apocalyptic world.
She could easily pass as an energetic girl who had just stepped out of a comic convention.
"Do I look good? Do I?" Yao Qian spun around in place, her skirt fluttering.
"Not bad."
Qin Yu nodded, offering a fair assessment.
"You look more like a person now."
Shortly after.
Yao Xue also stepped out.
Compared to her lively younger sister, her outfit was an absolute showstopper.
She had chosen a fitted black shirt.
Two buttons at the collar were undone, revealing her delicate collarbone and a glimpse of dazzling fair skin.
Below, she wore a form-fitting pencil skirt.
On her legs.
Were a pair of sheer black silk stockings, thin as cicada wings.
They perfectly accentuated the curves of her long, shapely thighs.
Her ankles, encased in the black stockings, were so slender they seemed made to be held and admired.
Topped off with the pair of gold-rimmed glasses perched on her nose.
The aura of a cold, aloof, and restrained older sister was instantly amplified.
Was this survival?
This was more like a top-tier female boss preparing for a meeting in the office.
"Qin Yu."
Yao Xue tugged uncomfortably at her skirt.
A blush tinged her cheeks.
"This outfit... is a bit tight."
Indeed, it was tight.
The clothes from the B-grade treasure chest were tailored to fit snugly, perfectly outlining her S-shaped curves.
Especially around her chest, where the buttons seemed on the verge of popping.
Qin Yu's gaze lingered on her for a few seconds.
He had to admit.
This woman was truly a knockout.
In this outfit, her appeal was doubled.
"Good."
Qin Yu withdrew his gaze, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly.
"Perfect for getting work done."
"Huh?"
Yao Xue was taken aback.
Working dressed like this?
Wearing black silk stockings and high heels (though she had no heels) to gut fish?
That was just too...
"Just kidding."
Qin Yu turned his head, looking toward the darkening sky in the distance.
Just moments ago, it had been clear and sunny.
Now, thick clouds were gathering on the distant horizon.
Like a black wall, slowly pressing toward them.
The wind grew stronger.
The sound of waves crashing against the raft became heavier.
"Clothes changed."
"Mood lifted."
"Next."
Qin Yu stood up and walked to the very front of the raft.
At this moment, though he wasn't wearing anything fancy—just a simple T-shirt and pants—
the steady, mountain-like presence he exuded made the two sisters behind him feel immensely reassured.
"Eleven hours left on the countdown."
Qin Yu waved his hand decisively.
"Yao Xue, you're in charge of reinforcing all
the freshwater barrels! Tie them tightly to the railing with ropes!"
"Yao Qian, gather all the dried fish into the tent! That's our emergency rations—not a single piece can get wet!"
"Fishing nets at full power!"
"Anything that drifts by, even a rotten piece of wood, haul it up!"
"Yes!"
The two sisters responded in unison.
At this moment.
There was no fear.
No fragility.
The two stunning beauties, one in white silk stockings and the other in black, instantly shifted into battle mode.
Yao Qian dashed around swiftly, her skirt fluttering like a diligent little bee.
Yao Xue didn't care about whether she might be exposing herself anymore. Bending over, she lifted the heavy supplies, her long legs encased in black silk stockings tensing, exuding a powerful beauty.
Qin Yu watched this scene.
A cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth.
The novice protection period has ended?
The storm?
Sea monsters?
Come on.