Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared
Chapter 588: There is an Island

Chapter 588: Chapter 588: There is an Island

Just like that, the ship sailed for another day. Everyone’s mouths were dry and their stomachs were hungry, feeling much weaker. Some were even tempted to drink seawater but were strongly stopped by Gu Fan.

Despite his apparent strength, Gu Fan himself was also struggling. It was his first time going without a drink for so long. Even during his times in foreign lands, the water shortage had never been so severe.

Fortunately, the weather wasn’t scorching. Otherwise, the number of people collapsing from dehydration under the scorching sun would definitely have been more.

Along the way, they saw many islands. Some questioned why they didn’t go ashore to explore and try their luck. First, it was Ouyang Jin’s suggestion that landing on an island to find water would waste more time if it failed, making their situation even more desperate. The priority was to keep heading east as far as they could. The further eastway they went, the higher the probability of finding water on the islands.

Secondly, Xiaohu advised against randomly landing on islands. The Triangle Sea Area was fraught with dangers on every island. Maybe another pirate gang lurked on the islands. Everyone had barely escaped from one pirate gang, nobody would want to fall into another one’s clutches.

Based on these two considerations, Gu Fan and the others decided to continue east. Everyone had to hold on; hope was just ahead.

As the sun set, another day had passed. Gu Fan calculated that, since escaping the pirate-occupied island last night, everyone had gone about a day and a night without water, and their throats were painful from thirst.

Qin Jia looked particularly unwell. If this continued, perhaps...

Having no other options, Gu Fan consulted the captain and Ouyang Jin. They speculated that they hadn’t yet left the central zone of the Triangle Sea Area, but Ouyang Jin believed that if they traveled a bit farther, the likelihood of finding water on the nearest island would be high.

Good. Everyone agreed. The next island was to be their landing point. Xiaohu perceived danger, but given the circumstances, they had no choice but to take the gamble.

An hour later, an island emerged before them. Under the moonlight, a vast green forest covered the entire island. Seeing that the island was higher on both ends and lower in the middle suggested uneven terrain. There could be hollows where rainwater might collect into lakes.

"Okay, here is our island." After announcing this, Gu Fan looked back at Gu Ling. But Gu Ling was calm, her eyes flashing with worry.

Indeed, Gu Ling’s sensing ability was strong, but that didn’t mean she could sense danger from afar. She could only detect it when the danger came close.

Right now, they were still away from the island. The distance would affect Gu Ling’s sensing ability. She couldn’t warn everyone to not land on the island in advance.

She could only sense the danger on the island after they landed and got closer to it.

Given the situation, Gu Fan decided to take a gamble, allowing the ship to get closer to the island incrementally, watching carefully as he allowed Gu Ling to detect if there was any danger on the beach.

As the captain and crew maneuvered the ship, it got so close to the island it was almost aground. Now, the question was who should disembark.

The captain had rich sailing experience, and among the crew, one was skilled in ship repair and another had great posture. These people were essential and couldn’t leave the ship. Qin Jia was ill, and Du Jun needed to stay behind to take care of her.

The ship was their only hope of moving away from the Triangle Sea Area’s central zone; it had to be protected. Keeping the strongest, Lin Xi, on board was the best move.

Considering all factors, Gu Fan, Lu Yi, Jie, Su Hui, Xu Haowen, Ouyang Jin, and five other crew members disembarked, marching towards the island in the waters.

They had seized three guns from the pirates, along with some bullets. One was kept on the ship for protection, and the others were taken by Gu Fan’s team, just in case.

With Su Hui’s skills, naturally, she got one of the guns and most of the bullets. Everyone put their hope in her.

Once on the island, Ouyang Jin studied the island’s terrain. "I once led a team to an island with similar terrain. There was a large lake in the middle of it. I think there’s a high chance this island has a lake too."

"I trust your judgement," said Gu Fan, as he pointed his gun at the forest, fearing a sudden danger.

Gu Fan had kept his sister Gu Ling on the ship as he didn’t want to risk her life. This meant they wouldn’t have early warning of danger on the island.

However, this was Gu Fan’s decision, and everyone had to respect it.

Because it was night, they couldn’t see clear into the woods. They lacked supplies, not even a flashlight. No food or water for a long time made them weak, even Su Hui’s combat ability was compromised. This was not good news.

Fortunately, the ship they had taken from the pirates had a large water barrel, conveniently available for water storage. This was good luck amidst misfortune.

After standing outside the jungle for a while, feeling stuck, Gu Fan took a deep breath and said, "Lu Yi, you have the shield, you clear the path."

"I knew this was coming." Lu Yi sighed and cautiously moved forward with his shield held high. Gu Fan, with a swing stick in one hand, followed closely behind.

Carrying a gun, Su Hui was the third one to enter the forest, followed by others.

At this moment, those who remained on the ship watched as Gu Fan, Su Hui, and others ventured into the jungle one by one, holding their breath and hoping for their safety.

Gu Ling silently gritted her teeth. She really wanted to help but with Lin Xi keeping watch, she had no other option but to wait.

"We have been through foreign lands, through Yuxueyun Mountain, through so many difficulties and dangers. The exploration of the Triangle Sea Area has just begun. Gu Fan, I hope you will be safe." In truth, Lin Xi was also worried for Gu Fan. However, she knew her responsibility was great. The ship was the only hope not only for them but also for all their comrades who accompanied Gu Fan to face the difficulties. Before Gu Fan set off for the island, he made Lin Xi promise to stay put. Not only for his sake, but for all those who were willing to accompany Gu Fan through thick and thin.

Suddenly, strange noises came from behind, startling Lin Xi, Gu Ling, and the others. They all turned around quickly, noticing something causing ripples on the sea surface from afar. However, due to the darkness and distance, they couldn’t clearly see what it was.