True Apocalypse Game

According to Old Bill, this world had long since lost its cultural heritage, as everything had been submerged beneath the water.

The entire Human World was divided by the vast ocean into countless independent ships, Floating Island Markets, and various islands. When storms and tsunamis struck, many people were completely cut off from one another, becoming utterly isolated.

However, many historical legends from ancient times were still passed down, and even the written word was preserved.

All of this was thanks to a group of people who called themselves Minstrels.

They wandered and traveled between islands, Floating Islands, and even individual ships, spreading the heritage they possessed and the tales they gathered from various places. It was because of them that the remnants of humanity did not have to live in total isolation, becoming like ignorant beasts.

Unlike the traders who braved dangers for profit, the Minstrels were motivated not by personal gain, but by their mission.

It was said their heritage came from the ancient civilization before the great tsunami, though its true origins had long been forgotten by most.

Legend had it that some of the wisest Minstrels even mastered a magic from the ancient civilization called "technology."

And because these Minstrels were the keepers of civilization’s heritage, they held a very high status in this world. Wherever they went, much like the Wandering Monks of old, they would be supported by the offerings of the local people.

Of course, in return, these Minstrels were expected to provide the locals with fascinating stories and exciting tales of their travels.

For the people on the Floating Island Markets and seafaring vessels, the arrival of a Minstrel meant a splash of color was finally added to their monotonous lives of staring out at the endless ocean.

According to Old Bill’s information, the AN-13 Floating Island Market had welcomed a Minstrel just two days ago.

This Minstrel was now residing at the highest point of the Floating Island Market, in a tower reserved for distinguished guests.

Based on Shen Feng’s knowledge of oil rigs, it must have once been a derrick.

Shen Feng strolled through the football-field-sized Floating Island Market. He wasn’t in a hurry, instead observing his surroundings as he walked to gauge the state of this world’s human civilization.

He had expected the Floating Island Market, being a dwelling adrift at sea, to be filthy and dilapidated—something akin to the primitive, wild state depicted in the movie *Future Water World*.

To his surprise, however, the place was kept spotless, with everything arranged in a neat and orderly fashion.

Although most people’s clothes were nothing more than old plastic sheets or woven from dried seaweed, they were washed clean and showed no signs of being shabby or neglected.

After a moment’s thought, Shen Feng understood why.

Although this world was completely submerged and most of humanity had already become fish food, its marine resources had expanded dramatically. Fish, algae, and other sea life were absolutely abundant.

A Floating Island Market converted from a drilling platform like this one acted like a giant reef floating on the sea, naturally attracting all sorts of marine life.

Therefore, while daily necessities were scarce, the people of this world likely had enough food to keep from starving.

The source of fresh water was also relatively simple.

A low-efficiency method of desalination required nothing more than a plastic sheet.

As Shen Feng walked, he saw that every household on the Floating Island Market had one or more large plastic sheets. They were spread over basins or even directly over the sea’s surface, used to collect distilled water via solar evaporation.

Furthermore, from what he’d heard from the pirates, rainfall was also plentiful in this world, providing another source of fresh water.

What the residents of these Floating Island Markets likely lacked most were the various minerals and trace elements that would normally come from agricultural crops.

Fortunately, raw fish and various types of seaweed could somewhat alleviate this deficiency.

As Shen Feng sized up the residents of the Floating Island Market, they were sizing him up as well.

Although Shen Feng was only wearing a plain T-shirt, baggy shorts, and a pair of flip-flops, in the eyes of the Floating Island Market residents, this was considered the finest, most high-end attire.

Clothing that covered most of the body was a symbol of identity and status.

When they heard this young man was the new captain of the Beast King Pirate Group, it all made sense to them.

Still, many children giggled as they followed behind Shen Feng, eager to see what kind of excitement this strange newcomer would bring.

Soon, Shen Feng arrived at the base of the derrick where the Minstrel was said to be staying.

Two strong, dark-skinned men wearing only grass skirts stood guard at the base of the tower. When they saw Shen Feng approach, their expressions immediately turned fierce.

Shen Feng pursed his lips. ’A little surprising,’ he thought.

’This might be the place with the highest status for poets since ancient Hua Country.’

But despite his inner skepticism, he still pulled out a glittering piece of glass, held it out to one of them, and said,

"I’d like to see the Minstrel. This is my offering."

The moment they saw the piece of glass, both guards looked shocked. One of them took the round glass disc and held it up to the sun, examining it closely. Realizing it was a lens, he quickly scrambled up the ladder and into the derrick.