Chapter 239: 023: Welcome to Ocean World
Wizards have divided the ecosystem of this world into four levels: the Sky Ecosystem, the Earth Surface Ecosystem, the Underground Ecosystem, and the Ocean Ecosystem.
All four of these ecosystems either contain or once contained traces of Wizard Civilization, and the ocean is no exception.
The civilization that existed in the Ocean World is called Atlantis, a Wizard Civilization that was contemporaneous with Acadia.
Together with Visnate, the Sky City, and Molun, the Earth Core World, they are collectively known as the Four Great Ancient Wizard Civilizations.
Itâs said that Atlantis was once a vast supercity built within the ocean, blending magic with urban architecture, extending from underwater all the way to the surface. The cityâs population exceeded one billion, making its scale absolutely terrifying.
At the time, the entire ocean was essentially under the dominion of Atlantis. The oceanâs creatures and various tribes all obeyed its command.
Unfortunately, such a powerful civilization has also vanished.
After the order established by the wizards collapsed, the ocean formed a new order of its own.
The Sea Clan governs collectively.
Currently, the ocean is jointly governed and ruled by several major tribes within the sea.
These creatures, who had previously lurked cautiously under the restraint of Atlantis, entered a wild growth phase after they were freed from their shackles. For reasons unknown, over the past years, many marine creatures have continuously broken through their limitations, advancing to Third Tier, Fourth Tier, and even Fifth Rank, acquiring the strength to rival the wizards of the land.
The collision of two civilizations is always accompanied by discord and war. Over the years, there have been recurring disputes and conflicts between the land and the ocean, with many wars both big and small.
To prevent further escalation of war, the wizards of the land and the Sea Clan signed a series of treaties, delineating boundaries, sea routes, and more, thereby stabilizing the situation that had started spinning out of control.
âŠ
A few days later, to the west of the main continent, the Shadow Sea Domain.
On the boundless and endless blue sea, a three-masted ship drifted along. A few seabirds soared from the distance and landed on the masts to rest.
On the deck, Lynch leaned against the railing, gazing at the distant ocean.
Influenced by a certain animated series during his childhood, Lynch had always yearned for an oceanic lifestyle, imagining the day he could sail out aboard a ship with a crew, using a treasure map to search for an ancient trove.
What once felt like mere whimsical fantasies inspired by cartoons had unexpectedly become a reality in the Otherworld.
âThe island ahead is the final supply stop. Beyond that, itâs nothing but the vast ocean. Check the food and fresh water! Those who want to bathe had better make preparations beforehandâdonât disembark only to focus on finding women!â
âGot it!â
âIf I donât look for women, what else am I supposed to do ashore?â
âHaha!â
Grupa, leaning on his staff, came onto the deck and gave the crew a wordy lecture before walking over to the railing where Lynch stood.
Reaching Lynch, he bowed low. âMaster Wizard, what would you like for dinner tonight? We can dine on land tonight. The island ahead has a marine outpost established by our association, where ample ingredients are stocked.â
Lynch replied, âWhatever is fine.â
Pausing briefly, he continued, âLet me know when the sailors are restocking supplies. I can store plenty of things with meâthereâs no need to clutter the deck.â
As he spoke, he pulled out a Space Pocket, demonstrating its use to Grupa by stuffing a human-sized wooden barrel into a pocket small enough to fit into the palm of a hand.
âAlso, when replenishing the water supply, donât waste time filling barrels with alcohol. Just bring pure fresh water. With me here, I can ensure the water remains fresh and doesnât spoil or stink,â Lynch added.
Grupa watched Lynchâs actions with undisguised awe and exclaimed enviously, âNo matter how many times I see it, miracles like this always feel astonishing!â
Lynch said, âYou mean this? The Space Pocket?â
âIf you like it, Iâll give you one after this journey concludes. However, it requires a Spiritual Field to operate, so ordinary individuals need some modifications to use it. Letâs talk after the trip.â
Grupa removed his hat and held it in his hands, bowing humbly. âThank you, Master.â
Lynch responded, âItâs unnecessary; itâs not worth much.â
Grupa shook his head and replied, âThatâs not what I meant.â
Lynch looked at him, puzzled.
Grupa turned his head, gripping the railing, gazing at the boundless enclosing horizon of the sea.
The sea breeze stirred his silver hair. Though no longer young, he stood tall and straight in this moment, looking unexpectedly spirited and energetic.
Facing the wind, Grupa slowly spoke, âIf I hadnât met you, perhaps Iâd still be hauling cargo at the docks of River Town. Maybe Iâd be married to some dancer from the tavern, or maybe Iâd still be a lonely old bachelorâor perhaps Iâd already be dead.â
âIt was you.â
âYouâre the one who allowed me to stand here as a captain, with a ship and crew of my own, roaming this vast ocean, exploring unknown seas and fascinating routes, and savoring the beauty of the ocean.â
He bowed deeply to Lynch, expressing his gratitude. âThank you. Youâve given me an extraordinary life, not one spent fading away in mediocrity.â
UhâŠ
Lynch was uncertain how to respond.
Later, during his conversation with Grupa, Lynch learned that on the night he headed to the Wizard Market, Grupa had followed him and accidentally witnessed him boarding a Crystal Ship. By sheer coincidence, Grupa had accompanied him to the market.
Through a stroke of luck, Grupa found a large chunk of discarded Gold at the market, which reversed his fortunes, allowing him to purchase a ship in the Water Capital and assemble a crew.
AlrightâŠ
For an ordinary person, such an experience was indeed legendaryâjust like the tales described by Minstrels.
Lynch shook his head. âItâs not necessary; I didnât really do anything.â
It was all simply fate and coincidence, perhaps with a touch of Grupaâs unwavering belief in himself. Lynch considered his own role in the matter to be negligibleâthere was really nothing to thank him for.
âNo!â
Yet Grupa didnât see it that way. He shook his head and said, âEvery gear in the machine of destiny requires a triggerâa key. And you, Master, are the key that turned the wheel of my fate. Even if you didnât actively do anything, your mere existence has been an immense inspiration to me.â
âSeeing you made me believe that what the books and myths say, what the legends describeâthey are real.â
âYour existence has taught me that life isnât merely about working tirelessly and growing oldâan unchanging monotony with no visible hope for the future.â
âYou, Master, have shown me how wondrous and fascinating this world truly is!â
âŠ
After spending a day at the outpost island, the Parrot continued its westward voyage.
Beyond this point lay unexplored and unknown territories. Even the seabirds, which had so far been a constant presence along the way, completely vanished from view. This was a clear sign that only a vast, featureless ocean awaited aheadâthere was no land.
Uncharted seas, uncharted creatures, uncharted worlds.
A few days later, as a catfish three times the size of the Nautilus blocked their path, the crew members couldnât help but be utterly stunned at the sight of such a wondrous creature.
Having just returned to the deck after negotiating with the colossal catfish to clear their way, Lynch saw their expressions and couldnât help but smile.
Looking at the distant azure sea, he said, âWelcome to the ocean.â
âWelcome to the Ocean World!â
If you find any errors ( Ads popup, ads redirect, broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.