Chapter 26: A Minor Commotion on the Forum, at Sea

Holding the belief that he does not manage what others post, Jichen was unaware that his post had caused a small stir on the forum and channel.

"Have you guys seen the post by this expert named 'Islander'? It's the one titled 'An Exploration of Hero's Current Rank and Potential Classification.' The title even sounds like an academic paper..."

"I've definitely seen it. I didn't know that hero ranks go from white Common to green Elite, blue Excellent, purple Rare, and red Legacy. So far, there are already five Tiers!"

"There's also an explanation about potential. So heroes can be upgraded through growth to increase their tier? But why are both the tier and potential of my hero white?"

"Probably because it can only go up to white, so everyone is white."

"That hurts, man..."

"Do you think this boss can add the last two hero tiers? Will he have a red legacy tier hero? Or a hero with the potential to reach the red legacy tier?"

"There's a good chance of that. The red legacy tier... I admit I'm jealous."

"I'm also jealous!"

"I'm feeling so sour... But the name 'Islander' is a bit strange..."

.....

When Ji Chen woke up, he saw the comments under his forum post, and his mood was somewhat complicated.

Those silly players had analyzed his situation to some extent based on the information he had provided, but he didn't really care.

Anyway, the forum name was fake, and no one could know his real identity. Besides, he was the only player on the island, so revealing some unimportant information was irrelevant.

He looked outside.

He didn't know when, but it had started to drizzle outside.

The raindrops fell continuously on the roof, flowing down the thatched eaves and splashing into the mud. A mist rose from the surrounding jungle, creating an enchanting scenery.

If he remembered correctly, this should be the first rain since he arrived here.

It came suddenly.

Outside, Willus was directing the villagers to frantically collect the dried meat hanging on the wooden frames.

If the dried meat got wet in the rain, its shelf life would be greatly reduced.

Ji Chen put on a waterproof thatched coat and walked outside.

In the open space at the side, the River Murloc and the Naga Warrior stood in the rain, allowing the rain to fall on them, enjoying it.

Alice was not in the pool. After using the Omniscient Crown, Jichen found her represented by a green triangular dot on the nearby beach.

She was probably playing around.

As for Alice, he was quite tolerant and allowed her to roam freely around the territory if there was nothing important.

Looking at the hazy sky, Jichen put on a waterproof thatched cloak and decided to gather the army to go out and explore the map.

However, he quickly rushed back with a look of disbelief on his face.

Because the rain was getting heavier.

As time passed, the weather became more and more violent.

Dark clouds gathered in the sky, and the clouds flickered with dazzling lightning.

"Rumble!"

The sound of thunder rang out like a signal.

In the next second, the storm suddenly fell.

The sea breeze gradually rose, and the treetops shook violently. Waves of wind swept over the beach.

The residents ran back to their houses and tidied up their wet clothes.

At this moment, the thick trees on the side of the beach did a decent job of blocking the wind. However, even with their shelter, the tall wooden houses in the territory were still being buffeted by the gusts, emitting creaking sounds.

This was one of the disadvantages of being too close to the sea. The weather on the island changed rapidly and violently, and there would often be sudden storms.

If they were unlucky, they might even be attacked by a tsunami.

Ji Chen returned to the Lord's manor and gloomily watched the storm outside.

"This rain is really damn heavy."

In this kind of stormy weather, he wouldn't be worried if he were living in a reinforced concrete building, but now he lives in these high-raised wooden houses that are mainly built to dispel dampness and stuffiness, so he's a little nervous.

He's afraid that the roof will be blown away by the strong wind.

But perhaps due to the design of the buildings in the territory, besides the creaking sounds, there was no other abnormality with the wooden houses.

Listening to the patter of rain outside and the whistling wind blowing through the window cracks, Ji Chen's heart slowly became calm.

He was lost in thought.

At a time like this, it would be nice to have some soda and potato chips.

If only he could have a top-of-the-line computer that can play all 3A games.

Maybe he should make a wish to Lady Luck?

Just as he was lost in thought, the door of the lord's mansion was gently pushed open, and a little head poked in from outside.

It was Alice.

Perhaps she was caught off guard by the heavy rain, the rain dripped down her silver hair, and soon a puddle of water gathered on the wooden floor.

"My Lord, may I come in?" Alice asked with a pair of eyes peeking in, speaking carefully, like a child who had accidentally fallen into a ditch and soaked her clothes while playing. She was afraid of being scolded when she returned home.

Ji Chen smiled warmly at her. "Come in quickly. It's very windy outside."

Upon hearing his tone, Alice's expression instantly brightened up. She happily walked in and closed the door behind her, with her bare feet soaked in the rainwater.

Her JK uniform, tailored specifically for her, was undoubtedly already soaked through, clinging softly to her body and accentuating her beautiful curves. The water glistened off her white skin.

As for her boots that were made for her? She had no idea where they went.

After changing into a clean set of clothes in the dressing room, Alice sat at the table and began to eat the hot fish that was served.

What?

Did anyone ask whether Sirens eat fish?

Initially, Alice didn't like to eat fish because she found it too fishy and slimy, with a texture that was nauseating. 

However, ever since she tried human-cooked fish, she couldn't help but fall in love with it.

Steamed, braised, grilled, stewed - she loved them all and ate more than anyone else. 

As Ji Chen listened to the sound of Alice enjoying her fish, his mouth began to water and he joined in the feast.

Out at sea, black clouds extended as far as the eye could see. The dark waves surged and roared, whipped up by violent winds. 

The turbulent sea posed a challenge for the two ships in tandem, with their three masts swaying perilously. 

One could easily imagine them capsizing under the weight of the towering waves at any moment. 

The decks were constantly drenched by tremendous waves that almost engulfed the ships in foam, yet they somehow managed to resurface each time.

The sailors on both ships were pale, but they never stopped their busy work. It was the only thing they could do, even if they felt the ship might be capsized by the waves at any moment. 

On the leading ship, the captain with a beard held the steering wheel tightly, his eyes wide open as he skillfully steered towards a less tumultuous part of the sea, attempting to lessen the pressure of the waves on the ship's hull.

Why did the captain have to steer the ship himself?

Because everyone else, including the first mate, second mate, and helmsman, had fallen into the sea, leaving him as the only one with the most experience in steering.

Despite his expertise, the bearded captain couldn't afford to be complacent. He had encountered such treacherous sea conditions only a few times in his life, and a single mistake could lead to the ship's destruction and loss of life.

In the cockpit, beside him, there was also a portly man cursing and swearing, using every curse word he knew.