Endless Ocean: Escape Starting from a Canoe

Chapter 118 The True Purpose of the Dinglan Pearl!
Shi Ming sat in the "cabin" of the Tanyuan, where the only waiter brought him a cup of Twelve Stars specialty, Monterey Coffee.

Shi Ming accepted it amicably.

The coffee was very hot, and Shi Ming placed it on the table next to him.

The rest of the squad members were chatting amongst themselves, completely oblivious to the fact that a new member had joined the squad midway through.

Shi Ming pretended to be reserved.

“Mr. Wright, this… it’s just a mere A-level sea beast, and with so many seniors involved, I really shouldn’t rashly join in… what if I kill that sea beast? Wouldn’t that steal everyone’s credit?”

His tone was just right, seven parts sincerity, three parts joke, and a hint of cunning.

"Hahaha!"

"It's alright, young man. For us awakened ones from the Black Gold Kingdom, completing missions is secondary; making new friends is our top priority!"

"Brother, don't be modest. Everyone has witnessed your strength. With you on this mission, we'll have even more security! Our goal is its blood. As long as we can obtain its blood and awaken another A-level skill, we'll be satisfied! Nobody cares about the credit!"

"Renault is right."

"The Dragon Kingdom and the Wo Kingdom have been neighbors for generations. Seeing you, little brother, I feel a sense of kinship... Fighting side by side on this trip might even strengthen our friendship."

Before Wright could reply, the other team members began to speak up.

Everyone hoped that this young man, who could casually kill a B-level sea monster, would stay.

In their view, the more people in the team, the better, and they need more of these clueless newbies to participate right now—the muddier the waters, the easier it will be to swindle people later.

Shi Ming was inwardly cursing—

Look at what you're saying!
If you actually steal it, you won't be happy.

"Brother Shi, you don't need to be reserved at all in my team. The team's goal is to kill the sea beast. Nothing else matters. Moreover, with so many awakened individuals from all over the world participating in this mission, we are already confident that the sea beast, despite its enormous size, will be safe. Perhaps our chance encounter today is fate, giving us all an opportunity to make friends."

"Since Mr. Wright has put it that way, then I'll take the liberty of joining in halfway through..."

"Haha! Everyone, please introduce yourselves again, and let's welcome our new member!"

……

The self-introductions concluded in a sincere atmosphere. The other seven Awakened Ones also got to know Shi Ming, this A-rank Awakened One from the Dragon Kingdom, and gained a general understanding of the A-rank skill Ice Annihilation he used to slay the giant crab.

Shi Ming also learned about the situation of the other seven A-level Awakened.

One support type, one defense type, and five attack type.

The Awakened Ones of the Vortex Kingdom can be identified by their appearance alone, but Shi Ming has never been able to recognize "Miss Yan" from the Lighthouse.

It was indeed well hidden.

Beneath the rippling blue waves, the Abyss continued its voyage, currently steered by Renault from the Twelve Stars. Ize, having some free time, went to the small captain's cabin and returned to his teacher's side.

"teacher."

"Is something the matter, Ize?"

"Teacher, the team already has seven members. After several days of practice, why add another person halfway through? Besides, although he is strong, he may not be able to help us. Why let him participate and take risks as well?"

Wright looked down at the notes in his hand and paused. "Look at the other members, aren't they all very welcoming to Stone? That kid isn't as simple as he seems on the surface. He's at least a double-A-level Awakener. With him joining us, we might be able to hold back that Deep Sea Titan at a crucial moment and increase the success rate of our plan."

"However, we don't know him well enough."

"It doesn't matter. What we need is not partners, but combat power. Of course, this doesn't mean we're using him. If this hunt is successful, every member will receive unimaginable benefits, that's for sure. Besides the opportunity to awaken one's powers, the bodies of S-class sea beasts are also incredibly rare resources. Participating in the killing of S-class sea beasts as an A-class Awakener is an excellent opportunity."

"Well, if..."

Ize paused again after speaking.

She knew she couldn't say what was coming next.

Wright looked away from his notes and glanced at his apprentice.

"You're asking what happens if you don't succeed? Life is so short. Most people live mediocre lives, just ordinary people, like tiny parasites on this endless ocean, not knowing for whom they were born. Those who become top Awakeners rely on the heart of a strong person. They are not afraid of danger or challenges."

He closed the notebook in his hand.

"Even if it doesn't succeed, it's still an absolutely worthwhile adventure, isn't it?"

Ize did not speak.

The Exploration Abyss shuddered, and its powerful waterproof shield rose with a roar.

We've started our descent.

Its descent speed is extremely fast, and it is estimated that it will not be long before it reaches the bottom of the Olympus Ruins and meets the Class A sea monster "Cave Mother Worm".

-

An urgent buzzer sounded from the communicator hidden in Shi Ming's waist.

Drop drop, drop drop.

The buzzing vibration frequency was very high. After participating in several behind-the-scenes meetings, Shi Ming learned that this signal meant "emergency".

Shi Ming patiently waited for an opportunity to be alone.

Seven minutes later, he went alone to the ship's attached washroom, carefully searched it, and confirmed that he did not find any eavesdropping or surveillance devices in the washroom. Then he covered the screen of the communicator with his hand to check the contents of the group chat.

At this point, four or five messages had accumulated in the channel.

[Lighthouse: Emergency!]

[Lighthouse: After in-depth communication with scholars at the Xirang Research Institute, we learned that the Ocean-Stabilizing Pearl, ranked 109th, does indeed grant immunity to extreme underwater environments for up to 3 hours, allowing for combat as if on land. However, there is another crucial piece of information—the controller of the Ocean-Stabilizing Pearl can revoke this privilege at any time.]

[Lighthouse: Be sure to remind Miss Yan of your unit immediately to be wary of Wright, and not to rely too much on the effects of the Ocean-Stabilizing Pearl during combat.]

[Divine Melody: Received! Alert already given. However, the communication speed with Miss Yan is far slower than with a light channel. By the time Miss Yan receives the message, it will likely be an hour later. Based on the intelligence and plans she previously sent back, she will probably already be deep underwater, having begun her operation.]

[Divine Comedy: However, as an outstanding S-rank Awakened, Miss Yan must have her own understanding and combat judgment, and will not overly rely on the conditions created by other members.]

Shi Ming put away the communicator.

This group of foxes
They really put all their energy into scheming against each other!

(End of this chapter)