While Everyone Panicked, I Upgraded My Raft

Chapter 22: Chapter 22: District 122 Has Changed

Rowan Rhodes looked at the numerous messages in the World Channel taking her side, her expression slightly conflicted. This scene was completely different from the District 122 she remembered.

While her memory wasn’t infallible enough to recall every word spoken in her past life, she distinctly remembered that the atmosphere in District 122’s World Channel had been toxic. Arguments, insults, and curses—those had left the deepest impression on her. When she first regressed, the World Channel had indeed been shrouded in fear and panic, with troublemakers like Harold Thompson and Simon Quinn constantly stirring up drama. Back then, the channel had perfectly matched her memories, and she had intentionally kept herself detached from it.

But now? With the beginner period over and the Sea Survival Game officially underway, the tone of the World Channel seemed to have changed imperceptibly. Gratitude, appreciation, and support now filled the chat. Where did this change come from? It felt like a butterfly effect triggered by her actions: claiming first place across all servers, landing on the island early, her casual trades in the Trading Hall, and her subtle hints.

Because of these tiny shifts, the players simply didn’t have the time to wallow in self-pity. Their every waking thought was focused on gathering more resources and surviving. They finally had a clear direction to strive toward in the Sea Survival Game. As a result, their mindset had shifted. When the majority of the group could remain calm, their first instinct when facing a problem was to solve it, rather than resort to cursing.

After piecing together the subtle changes in the World Channel, Rowan’s mood unknowingly settled into a peaceful state. A sense of awe welled up within her. She realized that rebirth wasn’t just about changing her own fate; it could also inadvertently alter the destinies of those around her.

However, her sentimentality was fleeting, and she quickly collected herself. Even if she acknowledged her role in pushing the entire district forward, she had no intention of shouldering the burden of its overall development. Focusing on her own growth was the absolute priority. If she helped too much, others would start taking it for granted. Moreover, not everyone was capable of gratitude, as proven by Harold Thompson and Simon Quinn. The most she could do was drop a few subtle hints in the Trading Hall at critical junctures or when it aligned with her own needs. With that in mind, Rowan opened the Trading Hall.

[mineral water x2 — Trade For: tree seed x1]

Once the trade was listed, she didn’t pay it any more mind. She was in good condition, and before the next marine creature appeared, she needed to hurry and salvage the new resources from the ocean. Indeed, after her raft had been upgraded, the variety of oceanic resources had expanded.

[plastic: Core material. Primarily used to craft survival facilities, tools, underwater Equipment, and electronic Equipment.]

[fragments: Core metal parts. Primarily used to craft advanced tools, weapons, and Equipment.]

The utility of plastic was already evident from her shower stall. Meanwhile, fragments were not only essential throughout the mid-to-late stages of raft development, but they were also required to upgrade her current Equipment. Simply put, these two resources were incredibly crucial. Snatching them up whenever she saw them was definitely the right move.

Meanwhile, in the District 122 World Channel.

This was a time for everyone to rest and recover, so the chat was bustling with activity. Players were discussing the dual leaderboards Rowan had unlocked and thanking the top player for her ”guidance.” Initially, people were just expressing their heartfelt sentiments. But soon enough, someone noticed the peculiar listing in the Trading Hall and immediately forwarded it to the World Channel.

”Breaking news! The big boss just dropped another hint.”

”What hint?”

”Tree seeds.”

”What are those?”

”Players who’ve been to Pyralia should know. After you chop down palm or Coconut trees, they drop Wooden Boards, fruit, and their respective tree seeds.”

”So the seeds have to do with the aesthetics rating?”

”Definitely. That’s just one more piece of evidence proving that the great Rowan Rhodes is in District 122.”

”Or it could be a reminder from another top player who figured it out.”

”Heh, either way, it’s advice from a pro.”

”But I don’t have any tree seeds!”

”I do! I’m going to go figure out how to plant them right now.”

”I just got to Pyralia. Where are the trees?”

”If you’re only just arriving at the island, forget about trees! Hurry up and gather some sand, Stone, and Grassland!”

”...”

Beyond the glowing screens, many others were also paying close attention to the conversation. Celia Lynch had just left Pyralia and was busy sorting through her haul. Although the temperature was quite hot, she felt incredibly comfortable, thanks to the cooling Effect of the Coconut she had just drunk. She was in high spirits. Seeing so many players expressing their gratitude and satisfaction for the top player’s guidance warmed her heart. Back when she had been targeted by Harold Thompson and Simon Quinn, barely anyone had stood up for her. But gradually, the culture had shifted.

Now, upon seeing the mention of tree seeds, her thoughts immediately went to the four seeds in her possession. Because she had arrived at the island a bit late, she had only managed to snag one of each type. She had planned to find an opportunity to plant them eventually, but it hadn’t been an immediate priority. However, now that the big boss had dropped a hint in the chat, she definitely had to plant them right away. Without hesitation, Celia set to work. Drawing from common sense, she combined planters with soil. To her delight, it actually worked.

After carefully planting each seed and waiting for twelve minutes, tall, straight trees sprouted on her raft. At the same time, she received a system notification. Trees could lower the temperature??? That was fantastic! However, the temperature had only dropped by a single degree. Feeling it wasn’t quite enough, Celia turned her gaze toward her Grassland. She proceeded to lay the Grassland over her raft, piece by piece. Sure enough, the raft’s temperature dropped a bit more. Without a second thought, Celia shared her discovery with the World Channel.

[Celia Lynch: Planting trees can lower the raft’s temperature. If you have tree seeds, you can use Wooden Boards to craft large wooden boxes. Just add soil, and you can plant them. Laying Grassland on your raft also works!]

Zelda Parrish’s mouth twitched involuntarily as she read Celia’s message. That sweet, naive girl was spoon-feeding everyone detailed instructions again. Even though she didn’t entirely agree with Celia’s approach, Zelda still held a favorable impression of her. After all, most people were willing to befriend someone genuinely kind. Weighing the recent flow of information, Zelda decided that scaling back her pursuit of maximum profit wasn’t a bad idea. After all, she was also being hailed as a ”big boss” now. Besides, she had already made a handsome profit from her handmade long shovels. Her gaze fell on the sun hats she was currently crafting, and she began listing them on the Trading Hall one by one.

[F-level Sun Hat x1 — Trade For: Palm Leaves x15 (Equivalent resources are also acceptable)]

At this stage, a sun hat was a literal lifesaver. Her asking price wasn’t expensive in the slightest. She considered this a rare act of goodwill on her part. Once she had listed all the F-level Sun Hats she had on hand, Zelda began setting up her own raft’s greenery. The path had already been paved by others; all she had to do was follow it. A moment later, looking at her raft, which had suddenly blossomed with vibrant green life, a faint smile graced Zelda’s typically aloof face. Ready-made shortcuts truly were the best!

First came Rowan’s subtle hint, followed by Celia’s detailed guide, and finally, Zelda’s sun hats.

The players in the World Channel went absolutely wild with excitement!