[Beginner's Gift Pack A: One compass, one host-controllable oar, two pieces of standard wood. Wood is the main evolution material at this stage and can be exchanged for evolution points.]

 

[Beginner's Gift Pack B: One compass, one Labrador Retriever.]

 

[Please choose your Beginner's Gift Pack.]

"Can't I have both?"

[Please choose one Beginner's Gift Pack.]

Li Yuan hated these kinds of choices the most. Seeing the system's firm stance, it seemed like he couldn't have his cake and eat it too.

The compass appeared to be a necessity, as both packs included it, so there was no need to choose between them. The key was the other rewards.

The importance of the oar was self-evident. For Li Yuan, who was currently drifting aimlessly, having a controllable oar was crucial. And then there were the evolution points, undeniably the core item for becoming stronger. The system didn't even need to explain; Li Yuan knew his main future task was to collect evolution points.

For now, it seemed his evolution points mainly came from wood.

Although Pack A only had two pieces of wood, for Li Yuan, who was just a Three-Pole Bamboo Raft, obtaining wood at this stage was extremely difficult. Two pieces of wood were a significant fortune.

Pack A was very practical and well-stocked.

In contrast, Pack B seemed a bit nonsensical.

Apart from the compass, it only had a Labrador Retriever. What on earth was a Labrador?

Wait!

Among dogs, Labradors rank in the top three for intelligence, unlike the cowardly and troublesome husky, and there was no worry about a poodle ruining the bamboo… With a little training, it might be useful.

Search "pawread.com" for the original.

Li Yuan currently had no body and urgently needed a loyal subordinate, even if this subordinate was a bit… unconventional, it was still a subordinate!

The most important point was that the system mentioned many creatures had mutated in this era. If this Labrador could evolve, its value would far surpass that of an oar and wood.

Li Yuan needed hands, and he needed them now!

"Choose Pack B!"

[Host has chosen Beginner's Gift Pack B. Rewards are being distributed.]

As soon as the system's voice fell, a compass landed on Li Yuan's vessel, fixed at the bow. Of course, the bamboo raft didn't really have a bow or stern, but Li Yuan's perspective could cover the entire raft, so the compass was fixed in the direction Li Yuan habitually considered the bow.

Immediately after, a beige Labrador Retriever appeared out of thin air and landed on the raft!

Li Yuan felt himself sink a bit, "Fuck! This dog is huge, must be 40 pounds!"

His carrying capacity was only 50 kilograms, which was 100 pounds, and this dog took up over 40% of it… meaning Li Yuan could now only carry two dogs at most!

[The host can communicate directly with the Labrador. It has certain evolutionary potential, with a devour evolution path. Evolution direction and cap are unknown.]

 

[Initial reminder: Biological evolution requires significant resources, which are difficult to collect in the host's current state. Additionally, size may change post-evolution, so the host should consider their load capacity before evolving the Labrador.]

"That's a bummer," Li Yuan couldn't help but regret a bit. The system was hinting not to evolve the dog for now, "Oh well, I'll deal with it later. As long as it can evolve, that's what matters."

"Wait, how do I communicate with it directly? I don't even have a mouth."

[You haven't adapted to your new body yet. Try merging with the vessel. Once you achieve Human–Bamboo Unity, you'll be able to speak.]

"Human–Bamboo Unity… Are you fucking kidding me?"

[Guidance has ended. Artificial Intelligence System permanently exiting. Basic Programmed System retained. The host can summon the Information Menu at any time for self-checks. Early-Warning Radar activated, capable of detecting a spherical space with a 500-meter radius. It will alert the host to any dangerous targets.]

 

[Beep~]

With a strange sound, Li Yuan's mind finally quieted down.

"Just like that? Hey, hey, hey, don't go! I still have so many questions!"

***

"Fine, you hurt me and just walked away with a smile."

Without the system's chatter, the surroundings became much quieter, and Li Yuan finally began to ponder his situation.

"Summon Information Menu."

A page of data immediately appeared in Li Yuan's mind.

[Host: Li Yuan]

 

[Vessel: Three-Pole Bamboo Raft]

 

[Crew Count: 1]

 

[Vessel Speed: Not equipped with a power system, immeasurable]

 

[Combat Power: 1]

 

[Load Capacity: 19.5/50 (kilograms)]

 

[Evolution Progress: 0/10 (wood)]

Seeing this, Li Yuan was overjoyed, "Hey, I have a crew member, and I even have 1 point of combat power!"

"Woof woof!"

Li Yuan looked up to see the Labrador Retriever sitting there, and as he looked at it, the Labrador was also gazing at the bow!

One raft, one dog, gazing at each other with deep affection.

Soon, Li Yuan finally understood that this was his only crew member and his sole source of combat power!

"Combat power of just 1, such a weakling," Li Yuan was somewhat disdainful. If it were a bulldog or a Tibetan mastiff, his combat power would be much higher.

"Human–Bamboo Unity… let's give it a try."

Li Yuan found it wasn't difficult; he was already part of the raft, and they had long achieved Human–Bamboo Unity!

"Hey, hey, can you hear me?"

Li Yuan's voice echoed on the bamboo raft.

"Woof woof woof!" The Labrador wagged its tail excitedly.

"I really am a genius!" Li Yuan said, realizing that speaking was so simple. That damn system could have told him sooner.

"Alright, from now on, I'm your master."

"Woof woof!"

"From now on, I'll call you Rookie."

Rookie spun around on the narrow bamboo raft, making Li Yuan almost think he was going to drown again.

"Stop, stop, don't get too excited! Rookie, sit!"

Seeing Rookie obediently sit in the middle of the raft, Li Yuan finally breathed a sigh of relief. This little thing was quite smart.

Having met his only crew member, Li Yuan was very satisfied. With this little guy around, whether it evolved or not, at least he wouldn't be so lonely.

But the joy didn't last long before Li Yuan had to start planning for the future.

His current situation was very unfavorable. How long could a small bamboo raft last at sea? A big wave could break it apart.

Additionally, Rookie would need food. He couldn't let the newly acquired Beginner's Gift Pack, worth an oar and two evolution points, starve to death.

"Damn, where am I going to find wood and food now?"

Just then, Rookie, who had been sitting quietly on the raft, suddenly stood up excitedly and walked to the edge, wagging his tail at the sea.

"Rookie, what are you doing? Don't stand on the edge, you'll tip us over!"

Suddenly, Rookie dove into the sea.

"Rookie! What are you doing?"

Before long, Rookie resurfaced, and Li Yuan noticed he had a sizable mullet in his mouth!

Watching Rookie climb back onto the raft with effort, Li Yuan exclaimed, "Wow, impressive! Rookie, I really underestimated you!"

---

Proofreader & Editor: Peter Pan