The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse - Chapter 773: Against All Odds (6)

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 .

The world froze.Literally froze. The chattering students, the falling cherry blossoms outside the window, even the dust motes in the air – all suspended in perfect stillness.“Oh wonderful hero,” a melodious voice echoed through the room. “Your world faces a terrible crisis, and you have been chosen to—”“No,” he said flatly.A pause. Then a shimmer of golden light coalesced into the form of a beautiful woman in flowing robes. She blinked at him. “I... what?”“I said no. I'm not interested in whatever quest or destiny you're selling. Pick someone else.”The goddess's perfect features creased in confusion. “But... but you've been chosen! The prophecy speaks of a warrior with a fierce spirit, one who—”“Lady, I don't care about your prophecy. I've got enough problems here without adding some fantasy world's issues to the mix. Now un-freeze time and leave me alone.”“You don't understand,” she pressed. “Our world is being ravaged by the Demon King's armies! Millions will die without—”

Once upon a time-travel leap, Mu Caiwei, the gold-medal bodyguard, turned into a poor peasant girl, Mu Caiwei, who starved to death.With nothing to their name, and an empty rice vat, facing a skinny, malnourished mother and a bunch of hungry younger siblings, Mu Caiwei rolled up her sleeves and shouted, “Sister's going to get rich!”Although she had followed a proud and aloof path in her past life, times were now different.At the small stall, Mu Caiwei donned an apron, zealously crying out, “Fried skewers, fried skewers, all kinds of fried skewers…”In the fabric store, Mu Caiwei expertly worked the abacus, “This Q version of damask should be sold for fifty taels of silver a piece…”……Soon, the people of the Great Jin Nation knew that the richest person in the Great Jin was not only a stunning, young girl, but also a generous and philanthropic individual!Mu Caiwei couldn't dream that she received a miracle — a magical space, by simply carrying out a few random acts of charity!She also received an extremely “embarrassing” — predestined marriage!In a nutshell: The stunning transition from poverty-stricken peasant girl to Empress!I'm not good with summaries, so please move on to the main text.