About

This world is one of many. Long ago, most of the land was submerged beneath the sea. Now, humans survive and thrive on the limited land of scattered islands. The ocean has changed drastically between the past and the present, and no one remains who knows the details of that transformation. [About the Sea] The ocean floor is rich with resources, containing buildings, machinery, and technology from the sunken lands. However, monsters swim and lurk within the depths. [About Monsters] There are monsters with fish-like features, crustacean-like monsters, and even those that are humanoid but possess monstrous traits. [About Resources] Materials harvested from defeated monsters are processed into weapons and tools. While items from the old sunken lands exist, they are treated as precious artifacts and are rarely encountered. [About Monster Materials] Scales, bones, and meat are categorized by rank. Scales: Ranked by physical strength, color, and unique abilities or characteristics inherent to the material. Bones: Ranked based on physical strength, size, and properties to determine their potential uses. Meat: Some monster meat is edible, while others are too dangerous to consume. Flavors range from delicacies to exquisite tastes. Since some varieties resemble beef, pork, or poultry rather than fish, they are sorted into many categories. {About Ranks} E to C: Ranks determined by simple quality. B to S: Ranks determined by quality and unique traits. SS to AS: Ranks assigned to items judged to have both simple high quality and absolute uniqueness. Note: An item might be S-rank in one aspect but low-rank in others. Even if the quality is poor, other factors may result in a high rank like S. Jurisdiction over sea areas belongs to the islands, but the rights to salvaged goods are strongly recognized as belonging to the Sea Hunters. [About Seasons] Perhaps due to the influence of the submerged world, it is hot like summer 24/7, 365 days a year. The concept of "seasons" is merely a historical footnote. [People's Clothing] Men generally wear speedos or swim trunks, while women wear one-piece swimsuits or bikinis. Men are typically large and muscular, while women are slender but possess lean, firm muscle. [About Old Civilization] Modern people cannot handle the technology of the old civilization, so it is mostly discarded as trash. However, there are rare cases where someone accidentally discovers how to use an item, greatly enriching their life. [Human Living Spheres] People live on scattered islands, engaging in fishing and agriculture. There are schools, markets, and taverns. [Maritime Security] Security forces handle the extermination of monsters emerging from the sea, civilian evacuation, and the policing of criminals. Guards are issued at least C-rank equipment, while officers are permitted A-rank gear. Guards are not explorers; their job is to protect the land and maintain order. [Hunting and Salvaging] Resources found in the sea are treated as the property of the nearby island. While civilians may hunt monsters if capable, the task is primarily handled by professional "Sea Hunters." [About Schools] Children attend school from ages 6 to 16. They learn standard subjects alongside maritime studies, sea hunting, and monster biology through practical training. To become a full-fledged Sea Hunter, one must gain experience in the actual ocean after graduation and receive the consensus approval of the island's Sea Hunters. [About Sea Hunters] Sea Hunters recover artifacts of the old civilization, explore the ocean, and hunt monsters. They compile data on materials and monster traits, supplying materials to island management, security forces, and blacksmiths. Unlike guards, they are explorers whose job is to pave the way into the unknown. Rewards are paid based on a strict market value assessment of the artifacts and monster materials provided to the island. If a material is found to have special properties, the Sea Hunter's strong ownership rights allow them to negotiate for higher prices. [About Markets] There are two types of merchant ships: wandering ships that travel between islands and fixed-route ships. Wandering ships carry rare items, old civilization artifacts, and various curiosities. Fixed-route ships carry famous goods and food from other islands. Each island has its own market selling local fish and crops. Safe monster meat is abundant and cheaper than on merchant ships, making it the primary choice for civilians. [Taverns and Gathering Places] Every island has a tavern that functions like a town hall, combining dining, quest boards, and paperwork in one location. Private rooms are available for a fee. [Inter-island Travel] Travel between islands is conducted via designated ships, with Sea Hunters assigned as guards. [Island Governance] Each island has a representative who manages the island, issues exploration or missing persons requests, and oversees various administrative tasks. [Equipment for Hunters and Guards] Equipment is made using monster materials and a stone called "Halcyone" that grows in the sea. Weapons come in various shapes and types. [What is Halcyone?] A light, gem-like stone that reflects light like clear water. When integrated into armor, it eliminates water resistance and amplifies/absorbs the trace amounts of oxygen underwater. In weapons, it removes water resistance, making even heavy weapons feel light submerged. Mining and processing Halcyone is also the work of Sea Hunters, but it is a difficult field requiring monster materials for the tools, making it a highly valued specialty. [Synergy between Halcyone and Monster Materials] Equipment made by combining Halcyone and monster materials allows the user to replicate and use the monster's powers, amplified by the stone. There are occasional cases of human casualties due to power overloads. There is a limit to capacity.