Xu Ming's description helped dispel Han Ning's stereotypical impressions about sailboats.
After some thought, Han Ning asked the most crucial question:
"Assuming we actually find a usable sailboat at White Egret Port, what do we do next?"
"If we sail it back directly, might it run aground? There's too much debris in the city waters."
Though not a sailor, he understood basic maritime principles. Larger vessels couldn't navigate through complex urban waterways, right? They weren't dealing with small speedboats here.
Xu Ming frowned at the question. After careful consideration, he replied cautiously:
"You're absolutely right, boss."
"The current situation is complicated. Sailing in these conditions carries enormous risks - running aground or crashing is highly likely, especially for vessels with deeper drafts."
Picking up an empty water bottle from the table, he gestured while explaining:
"My thought is - if we do find a boat, we shouldn't sail it directly back near our residential area. Too many eyes there, insufficient water depth, and too many obstacles."
"The safest approach would be to sail it to a relatively remote location first - somewhere with adequate depth and minimal tall building debris nearby."
"Such as?" Han Ning pressed.
"Well... areas farther from downtown, closer to the estuary or more open waters," Xu Ming said, straining to recall the city's layout.
"This isn't Earth, so the geography is certainly different. But White Egret City's southern district has less development - buildings are more spread out there. That might work better."
He added:
"We could use small boats or even swim to commute between other safe outposts, continuing to gather supplies and build our strength."
Han Ning nodded. "A safe mooring spot is just temporary. Our ultimate goal isn't to stay parked there forever."
Since Xu Ming wasn't Awakened, Han Ning briefly explained the information left behind by the previous planetary civilization.
"The planet's center... you mean the longer we stay here, the more dangerous it becomes?" Xu Ming looked shocked.
"Exactly," Han Ning confirmed before asking, "When we moor, could you try determining our city's orientation?"
"That..." Xu Ming hesitated, "Boss, that... that would be extremely difficult."
"First, we have no idea where the planet's 'center' even is."
"This isn't Earth - we have no maps, no GPS, not even... familiar skies. The endless rain blocks celestial observation. We can't use stars for navigation."
He shook his head wryly:
"Compasses might not even work properly here with the unknown magnetic fields or those creatures interfering."
"Honestly, I can't guarantee I could determine correct directions."
"On vast waters, losing your bearings would be disastrous. At best... if we find some landmarks, use basic nautical tools, or observe certain celestial movements, we might attempt it. But the success rate would be very low."
"Understood. Then let's not overcomplicate things - securing the boat comes first," Han Ning said seriously, looking at Xu Ming.
.
"You just need to tell me—if we determine the direction, can you sail the boat?"
Xu Ming straightened his back with confidence:
"As long as the boat is functional and the course is set, I can definitely get us there. I've participated in multiple ocean voyages before. I have the basic sailing skills and experience to handle harsh weather."
"Good!"
Han Ning slowly stood up.
"That's enough. I'll figure out the navigation."
"Your task now is to conserve your energy and carefully review the boat's structure, key operations, and especially potential malfunctions and solutions. When we act, you'll be the captain!"
"Understood, boss!" Xu Ming nodded firmly.
Returning home, Han Ning stood by the window, gazing at the gloomy rain in the distance, lost in thought.
"I'm not the only Awakened in the city. If I can think of this, others can too. There are only so many boats—we have to strike first!"
Liu Feng's team was also targeting White Egret Port, along with other possible survivor groups.
Whoever found and secured a usable boat first would gain the upper hand—perhaps even a lifeline.
"No more waiting," Han Ning resolved. "We need to scout White Egret Port as soon as possible and assess the situation."
His current advantages were clear.
With the Gills Technique, he could breathe underwater and move swiftly.
Snowflake was a natural underwater hunter and scout, and her increased size made her even more formidable in combat.
Together, they gave him far greater mobility and stealth than anyone else in the flooded urban ruins.
...
The next morning.
The sky remained overcast, though the rain seemed lighter than the day before.
Han Ning wore a fitted waterproof suit under his raincoat, his backpack carefully wrapped in waterproof fabric.
Inside, he packed plenty of food, water, and first-aid supplies—anticipating a long day outside.
Last night, he had deliberately drained his Spiritual Power, casting Nature's Blessing multiple times on his two plants.
At the apartment building's stairwell entrance,
he checked the water level as usual.
"It's risen even more..."
The water had now submerged over half of the first-floor steps.
It wouldn't be long before the entire first floor was flooded.
Channeling his Spiritual Power, he activated [Gills Technique].
The skin on his cheeks twitched slightly as gill slits covered by a transparent membrane emerged.
A protective film formed over his pupils, his hands and feet grew fine blue-green Scales, and energy-formed Webbed Feet stretched between his fingers and toes.
[Spiritual Power: 25/25 → 24/25]
[Gills Technique (Novice) Proficiency +1, Current: 21/100]
Maintaining Gills Technique for one minute added one proficiency point—it was a sustained skill.
"Plunk!"
Han Ning strapped the large backpack onto Snowflake and dove first into the murky, icy water.
A chilling sensation enveloped him as if he had merged with the water itself.
Breathing became effortless, the flow of water over his gills crisp and clear.
With a slight flick of his body and Webbed Feet, he shot forward several meters—far more agile and swift than running on land.
"Snowflake, follow!" Han Ning commanded through their mental link.
"Hiss!"
Snowflake plunged in after him, her massive gray-white frame slipping beneath the surface with barely a splash.
The muscular tail functioned like an efficient propeller, propelling forward with a single flick to effortlessly catch up with Han Ning.
Man and lizard merged into the watery shadows, swiftly navigating through the submerged urban ruins.
[Gills Technique proficiency +1, current 22/100]
[Animal Companion proficiency +1, current 57/200]
Drawing upon the environmental information shared by Snowflake and his own observations, Han Ning continuously mapped out the contours of both the surface and underwater worlds in his mind.