Ten minutes later, the staircase between decks.
"You're quite good at seizing opportunities to rise to power," the expedition leader, said with a hint of sarcasm, looking at Shi Ming beside him with a thoughtful look. "You're quite skilled at subduing those two losers so easily. If you survive, you might even become my subordinate."
"That would be my honor."
"Haha, let's survive first."
Shi Ming fully understood the captain's implication—exploring new islands is a highly risky undertaking. In today's maritime world, unexplored islands are treasure troves. While they are indeed rich in resources and can even yield rare artifacts... they may also harbor powerful, mutated sea beasts, posing unimaginable dangers.
Past data suggests a survival rate of no more than 30%.
Even expedition teams are unwilling to risk their lives on such a dangerous undertaking. "Talented personnel" usually lead the vanguard. Once they have confirmed there are no significant dangers, the expedition team will proceed to explore the island and search for resources needed by the drifting ship.
Slaves were also cannon fodder for exploration.
Shi Ming didn't mind. Even if he became cannon fodder, he was confident he could deliver a spectacular retaliation to the entire drifting ship.
Moreover, he had the regenerating external power which the system showed.
Soon, the four of them reached the slave room on the lowest deck.
They pushed open the door.
Of the original twenty people in the dark room, only eight remained. Besides the nine bodies that had perished in the storm, the other two slaves were now missing, likely dead or, having lost their value, punctured and thrown directly into the sea, now prey to the fish.
The remaining eight slaves, after a short rest, had regained some of their energy.
"Listen, everyone! From now on, you are all incorporated into the [Vanguard Group], and I will be your acting team leader, responsible for overseeing your exploration."
The slaves looked at Shi Ming in unison, their eyes filled with envy and a touch of fear.
The exploration team leader turned to look at Shi Ming.
"In one hour, you'll be responsible for bringing them to the island to conduct relevant resource exploration and crisis investigation. I know you're smart and capable, and I hope you'll seize this opportunity and perform well. The captain's promise isn't something everyone is entitled to. If you complete the mission well, you might indeed escape slavery."
The leader pulled a bag of supplies from his waist bag.
Because he was being escorted to the captain's cabin, Shi Ming hadn't received his previous allotment of food.
This was "compensation," or perhaps a "reward."
"You've never had such good food, have you? A full stomach will make it easier to work."
The exploration team leader turned and walked out of the darkroom, closing the rotten wooden door with a clang. Darkness once again enveloped the small space. Fortunately, the single energy-saving light bulb in the darkroom was still on, adding a hint of light to the dim interior.
Two packets of biscuits, a can of food, and a bottle of water.
After a day and a night without food, even with his strong body, he was a little hungry. After devouring a packet of biscuits in a few bites, Shi Ming picked up the heavy can of food and opened it directly in the dark room without hesitation.
"Bang."
The tempting aroma was like an explosive, quickly filling the small space.
This was not vegetarian food, but a can of beef with rich fat and a strong aroma. It was a relatively rare commodity. Just the smell of it made many slaves salivate.
For a moment, the sound of swallowing saliva echoed one after another, like a strange symphony.
Shi Ming was not afraid of being robbed at this moment.
He was now formidable. With the fighting power of this group, he could easily deal with twenty of them.
Eating the canned food here was certainly not to show off his privileges as a team leader - such a thing was meaningless. As he approached the island, he had to prepare himself to be in the best condition. In today's environment, his own strength was his greatest reliance.
Going into battle on an empty stomach while having supplies to spare—wouldn't that be foolish?
Gurgle, gurgle…
There's no harm without comparison. The slaves, having just eaten a steamed bun, instantly felt even hungrier. But no one dared to attack. They simply lowered their heads, inhaling the enticing aroma of meat, dreaming of such a delicacy themselves.
Some hadn't tasted meat in years. Some even harbored the strange thought that even death would be worth it if they could just eat a can of beef.
But alas, some lives might be worth even less than a can of beef.
…
Shi Ming ate until he was about 70% full.
He casually tossed the empty can at his feet and began to prepare himself. Next, he would explore the new island. He couldn't count on these slaves—a bunch of people who had starved for days and had only a steamed bun to survive. It would be a blessing if they didn't hold him back, how could he expect that?
If danger struck, he would abandon them without hesitation.
The title of slave leader? Haha, no one took it seriously.
Just as he was resting his mind, he suddenly noticed a bald slave with a scar on his forehead staring at him—no, rather, at the can at his feet.
"Team Leader… that…"
The bald slave's gaze burned with longing.
Shi Ming, of course, understood the slave's intention. He sighed inwardly and kicked the can away.
The slave, overjoyed, rushed over and scooped up the can, still partially filled with soup, as if it were a treasure. The other slaves were filled with envy and regret, secretly lamenting their own lack of tact.
The bald slave was about to place the can in his mouth and begin sucking, when something struck him.
He hesitated, licking the lid briefly with his tongue, then picked up the can and handed it to another slave, his face dusty and his eyes vacant.
"Here. Delicious. Here you go."
…
… …
…
After a long silence, Shi Ming pulled out half of the moldy, shapeless, and stinking steamed bun from his pocket.
Because of this half piece of steamed bun, a life was lost.
He threw this half piece of steamed bun over.
It was obvious that this dusty slave had not received any food in the recent distribution of supplies, and he was still starving. Perhaps the management missed his share, or perhaps someone else robbed his supplies, but such a person would be a burden to follow down the island.
"Thank you, team leader, thank you, team leader."
The bald slave was so excited that he almost knelt down. Shi Ming waved his hands and closed his eyes slightly, just wanting to rest quietly for a while.
Inside the dark room, there was no sound except the faint chewing sounds and the sound of the waves.
(End of this chapter)