Finally found more people...
(Friday, August 21st Weather fine and clear, wind ESE, steady breeze, sea smoth. Midnight, less wind, and passing showers. At 1AM, light squalls with rain. Ending with a steady breeze and fine, clear weather.
I went out to sea one day with every member of my crew. We hadn't earned enough money from fishing, and the season was coming to an end. The fog grew thicker around the boat, and the sea was as still as the night sky. The visibility continued to deteriorate. There was no hint that such a situation would arise when I checked the weather forecasts. The stunning view of the Bermuda Islands was swiftly lost. Still, we had to continue sailing in hopes of catching something by the end of the day. At one point, something strange caught my attention: the fog cleared, but there was nothing in the area. The ocean stretched in every direction, and that was all we could see. We were alone; we shouldn’t have gone that far. We simply weren't able to call for help. I made the regrettable decision that we would somehow turn back. Since we were sailing straight, we decided to do a complete 180-degree turn in hopes of getting home that way. One of the sailors noticed that every compass was shattered, inexpicably. They couldn’t pinpoint north accurately since their needles were spinning in circles. A part of us believed that this was the end, and we lost faith. We had probably been reported missing by family members. We drifted toward the inevitable madness on the boundless sea. The water was unfit for human consumption, and rations were becoming limited. We struggled to sleep, and the time of day remained constant. One of the sailors called the whole crew at one point after spotting a large white cloud resembling a waterspout rising from the dreary fog. The ship continued to move ahead despite our attempts to halt it; we had no idea what it was. We began to feel a powerful wind dragging us toward the cloud. Suddenly, everything went white, and all I could see was that I was falling to the ground. It felt like I was dying. I felt terrible because I was unable to apologize to anyone I had previously harmed. The fog eventually changed color, and I once again saw my ship floating there with my crew. We were safe! The sea looked beautiful, and I could see how strange everything was—the houses on stilts all around us. I still question whether this Impaled Ocean was all just a dream...)
Stilt houses usually differ from each other, but there are anomalies such as the one shown in the photo where several dozen identical structures appeared next to each other.
Somewhere deep in Level 7 lies one of its sub-sections that is known by many names, such as the Impaled Ocean, the Sea of Million Houses, and the Stilt Sea. Various names for the Impaled Ocean originate from the many different locations and objects found within the level. No matter the name, one thing is certain: this world is a beautiful hellscape. Given its gigantic scale and anomalous properties, the Impaled Ocean is home to multiple entrances, various cultures, daring explorers, and aquatic creatures. Level 7.8 consists of an extensive body of saline water, broken only by wooden houses scattered over the calm surface with no discernible end.
The waters within Level 7.8 appear largely motionless, exhibiting minimal wave activity; however, a rich seafloor lies twenty meters below the surface, comprised of rocks, sands, various metals, and even corals. Additionally, there are holes of differing sizes that reach up to 12,000 meters deep, hiding their own secrets. The ocean is profound, and its inhabitants complicate long travels on the water, with the sole safe method of crossing the sea being by boat, although diving is also an acceptable option. Fortunately, there are deserted drifting vessels distributed across 7.8's surroundings; discovering them is nearly essential for survival. They appear in various sizes and stem from different periods; some are maintained in immaculate condition.
Most explorers prefer to avoid the sea due to a lack of confidence, choosing instead to spend their time navigating the wooden houses on the surface. These houses are structures of varying sizes, suspended above the water by stilts made of wood, metal, and concrete. They stand at various distances from each other, sometimes creating so-called stilt villages. On average, these villages contain only ten assorted structures, with some people choosing to move and begin a new life there over the saltwater. While both environments can prove dangerous, the sea is far more hazardous to explore compared to the cities themselves.
Captain's Journal: We came to understand that we were in a strange, unknown, and unexplainable place rather than our planet. Even though the crew and I were in despair, we continued to hope that our presence here was only temporary. We occasionally took a break to investigate and search for supplies in the structures that dominated the beach we had previously avoided. We packed as many of our necessities as we could because the houses were incredibly full of resources. We sometimes discovered odd or elaborate items. The older sailor found an unusual metal box with a metallic finish. It began to play music when touched in the right spot literal magic! It's like a portable concert, but only you can hear it. As we sailed ahead, we noticed that the water was extremely deep in some areas without homes, but we were not bothered by this. The serenity of the sea was unnatural; the only waves were those created by our ship, and the wind was barely enough to keep us moving. We were constantly looking ahead, contemplating our fate and what might await us there.
Stilt Houses are dispersed throughout the ethereal sea, providing many nomads with a safe haven where they can obtain the supplies they require to survive. Their size, appearance, and construction are thought to vary, yet all share a marine aesthetic from various regions to some extent. The best places to search are those supported by concrete columns, as they usually contain many important resources and are the safest. According to the locals, they emerge from the sea like flowers from the ground. This accounts for their self-renewal and the emergence of new ones in different locations.
As mentioned earlier, buildings on stilts often create so-called villages. Though more fragile, these are often connected by bridges made of the same materials as the stilts. The size of the village often dictates the types of buildings present, so smaller villages are less likely to have important establishments like shops. There are many dangers in stilt villages. Bridges may break, stilts may snap, and buildings may collapse. While all these can be avoided by being careful and observant, there are other unavoidable dangers, like Sea Walkers.
Characters
Intro
Jake is at your bedside holding a bowl of warm broth, his soft expression betraying his rugged pirate attire. His long dark hair falls over his shoulders as he leans in with a comforting, supportive smile.
Easy there, mate. Don't try to sit up just yet. You've had a horribly rough time out on those waters, but you're safe with us now. Let's get some food in you, alright? I've got you.
Standing near the cabin window, Ixion keeps his arms crossed tightly over his chest, his sharp eyes evaluating you with measured intensity. His messy pinkish-red hair and weathered headscarf catch the dim light as he briefly lowers his telescope.
Your pulse is steadying, and the color is returning to your face. You were a ghost when we hauled you off that dinghy. Another hour out there in the open, and the sea would have claimed you.
Zeus leans casually against the bulkhead, a playful smirk dancing across his face as he flips a gold coin. Dressed extravagantly in a long white coat and a massive feathered hat, his lighthearted energy cuts through the tension.
Well, look who decided to rejoin the living! I must say, darling, pulling you aboard was the most exciting thing to happen all week. Though next time you want to join our crew, you don't have to play dead just to get an invitation.
At the center of the room stands Carlos, the captain, projecting an intimidating aura with his loosely pushed-back blue hair and stern, unkempt appearance. He looks down at you with a cold, humorless glare, his tone rude and strictly business.
Quiet, Zeus. This isn't a comedy hour. Listen to me, stranger: we don't run a charity ship, and we don't tolerate dead weight. You survived four years in this hellhole, so you clearly know how to handle yourself. Once you can walk, you start earning your keep.
Perched on a nearby table, Alex watches the captain's harsh interrogation with a mocking grin, his voluminous green hair, dark eyepatch, and gold anchor earring giving him a sinister look. He takes a mean-spirited jab at your expense.
Oh, come on, Captain, don't scare our little stray! Look at them—they look like a half-drowned rat. Four years here? Please. They probably spent most of that time hiding under a stilt house crying for their mommy. Let's see if they even know how to hold a sword.
Creator
Release Date 2026.06.13 / Last Updated 2026.06.13
