Entangled with An Evil Lord - Chapter 42 - It is Totally A Counter!

In the year 2050, the world changed drastically when mysterious portals began to randomly appear, bringing with them terrifying monsters dubbed Transcendents and unimaginable dangers. Humanity nearly collapsed entirely, and the survivors took refuge in cities and secure areas, protected by individuals with special abilities called Awakened. These Awakened were the only humans capable of entering the portals and exploring the unknown realms on the other side, in search of resources, treasures, glory, or answers.

Kaito, on the other hand, was just an unhappy young man who found solace in a classic online game called Mortal Tower, where he created an avatar of a powerful and charismatic villain. While many hoped to become Awakened, Kaito believed that even if he lived a million lives, he would never have the fortune to become one. However, one fateful day, fate played a trick on him. He woke up and naturally looked at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, but he could hardly believe what he saw. Kaito strangely resembled his Mortal Tower avatar.

And to make things even better, Kaito somehow inherited the purchasing system from Mortal Tower, which would allow him to buy all kinds of items, from rare abilities to legendary equipment!

Now, Kaito has to deal with his new life in an almost post-apocalyptic world full of opportunities, but also with a new great challenge called Celestial Abode, something even greater than the classic dungeon-crawling portals, something so similar to the early floors of Mortal Tower that it scares him. However, Kaito sets a goal for himself: conquer the top of both worlds, but he doesn't know it will cost him his selflessness.

(Obs: No, he's still not a villain at first. There is a development for him to become a villain.)

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Reiji Tsukishima never believed in chasing after something he couldn't have—until he met Aoi Fujikawa. Calm, composed, and always in control, Reiji found himself drawn to Aoi’s warmth and kindness. The only problem? She was already in a relationship—with another girl, Sena Tachibana.From the very start, Reiji and Sena clashed. Their personalities, values, and even the way they looked at Aoi put them at odds. He made it clear—he liked Aoi. And Sena? She wasn’t about to let some guy disrupt their relationship.But fate had other plans.Despite their rivalry, Reiji and Sena kept crossing paths, their conversations sharper than knives yet laced with something neither wanted to acknowledge. Over time, they found themselves entangled in something deeper—something neither of them expected. A connection that rivaled the very love they were trying to protect.As emotions shift and tensions rise, Aoi remains unaware of the growing bond between the two people she loves the most. But when the truth finally comes to light, all three must face a question with no simple answer—can love truly be shared, or must someone be left behind?A slow-burn romance of deep emotions, unexpected confessions, and a love that defies the norm—this is *Unraveled Ties.*---

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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In her previous life, Gu Tong was blind to people's true natures, and died unjustly, becoming the number one venomous woman scorned by all.After her rebirth, Gu Tong tore apart her cousin with her bare hands, shattered the mistress on her chest, and stewed the scum in an iron pot, becoming the first Doctor who brought aid to the world; none who owed her could escape.Her happy and perfect new life officially began, and Gu Tong shouted her loud slogan, “Kiss, hug, lift high, husband, let's have a baby, oh yeah.”