Claimed by the Prince of Darkness - Chapter 2: Stumbling into debt

Deep below the earth's surface, a mystifying subterranean seascape lurks, an archipelago bathed in inky blackness where suspense and horror hold court. Here lie strange islands and even stranger monsters, far beyond the realms of human imagination. In this domain, mankind is far from dominant; instead, madness and death rule supreme.

Pleading for mercy from the unknown creatures of the deep only leads to a slow, tortured existence. The trapped survivors gradually distort, losing what made them human, both physically and mentally, to the gloom as they remain trapped in this eternal obscurity. Their only hope? A perilous expedition into uncharted sea territories.

Fueled by determination, Charles embark on this daunting voyage aboard his steamship, aiming to reclaim humanity's past glory. Together with his crew, they sought a way out of this hidden sea world, a path back to the sunlit world above, where humans once stood tall.

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I read a few comments from Chinese readers that compared this novel with Lord of Mysteries because of similar elements: Lovecraftian, western fantasy, first industrial revolution, and steampunk. However, I have yet to finish reading Lord of Mysteries to do any actual comparison, but I do think those who have enjoyed that novel would enjoy this as well. Also, the author of LotM, Cuttlefish That Loves Diving, also did a shout-out for this novel, so I guess he approves of it too?

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Cale Virel was just a normal office worker.He was bored and tired of his life, waiting for it to end.And then—Bam!One night, two robbers targeted him!And instead of surrendering, he fought back!Though, in the middle of doing so—PHUCK!He got stabbed and died...He didn't regret it though.After all, he's not really afraid of death anymore.And so...He rested in peace..........Or so he thought!Cale Virel—“Huh? What the fuck?”He woke up as a young slave named Kaiser in a different world!And given another life he didn't ask for again—“Fuck this shit!”Cale, or should I say—Kaiser—“Ugh, whatever.”Decided to live it... By just doing whatever he feels like until he dies.

My name is Qi Yuan, and I am a time traveler who now holds the esteemed title of the eldest martial brother at Seven Colours Peak. I am armed with a game jade slip capable of connecting realms across the heavens, and blessed with the ability to unveil hidden information through my discerning eyes.[A seemingly ordinary blade of grass reveals secrets of a clandestine meeting between True Man Ku Mu and Empress Dashang that transpired just three days prior.][Her name is Ruan Yixi, who appears to be your beautiful master on the surface, but she may have a deeper connection, perhaps she is even your wife.][This is Heavenly Dao of the World, a Spiritual Object renowned for its significance in Foundation Establishment][This is a lifeless planet, a potential vessel for the creation of a Golden Elixir].So my road of cultivation turns gradually strange.“Heavenly Dao? A Spiritual Object for Foundation Establishment?”“So many desolate planets, all refined into Golden Elixir!”The Heavenly Dao is used as the foundation and refining stars into Golden Elixir.I am Qi Yuan, I become the origin of all things.My name is Jiang Lingsu, a fellow disciple at Seven Colours Peak. My Senior Brother is mentally ill.He is never focused on work. Nor does he like cultivation. He only loves simulation games.Senior Brother says, “Playing games is like cultivation. It can also create a world.”One day, there is one more sun in the sky.I ask him what it is, he says, “That is my Golden Elixir!”This book is also titled 'Cultivation: The Jade Slip's Universe' and 'The Golden Elixir I Cultivated is a Planet,'

He was the scion cast aside by a powerful family, and he had hoped to return to a peaceful life in the city, but unexpectedly, trouble arose once more!