System's POV - Chapter 1072: A Destined Meeting

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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Dear readers! Without any ads, maybe you will prefer .

Having a rough life growing up, Wang Tong had numerous dreams of living a better life. However, his alcoholic foster father sells him off as a space settler of the distant planet Norton for some pocket change. Soon after his arrival, the Zergs overran the planet and obliterated its defenses in a matter of minutes. What awaited Tong on Norton was more than just an unbearable environment – its gravity alone was five-times stronger than earth – there were also swarms of bugs, constant hunger, thirst, and desolation.

While he lives a year of total carnage and survival, humanity’s Confederation eventually overcomes the Zergs on Norton and the powerful survivor Wang Tong is given a recommendation to a once famous, but now dying military academy where he begins his life anew.

- Description from Novelupdates

“Will you marry me, Anais?” The male lead proposed to me. “What about Selena?” “Selena doesn’t matter. You’re the only one I’m interested in now.” Even without a hint of interest in the female lead. “I’m sorry, but I…” Before I could even utter my refusal, the refreshing sound of coins rang in my ears. [asdf has donated 100 points!] Accept and get ten thousand points “Shall we go pick out a ring first?” Forget about conscience; if it’s fun, that’s all that matters.

Zhou Xu, who had just graduated from college, suddenly received a call from his father.

“My son, since you have grown up, there are some things that a father should tell you.”

Zhou Xu: “Dad, how do you speak in a succinct manner? Half white or not, what TV series are you watching?”

“My son, it’s a showdown for my father. For my father, you are a giant of the devil. You are the son of the devil.”

Zhou Xu: “…Dad, I’m hanging up, I’m busy.”

“Wait, there’s one last thing. Aren’t you too young? Your mother arranged a blind date for you. See you.”

Zhou Xu: “Who is it?”

“Like you, the devil goddess at the opposite door.”

- Description from novelbuddy