The Legend of the Dragon King (Web Novel) - Chapter 1953: I’m Here, My Dear

Facing extinction, humanity seeks salvation in the Astral Verge, a dangerous dimension accessed via portals that threatened to wipe out the entire planet.Few years later, aspiring recruit Daniel Vance enters the Verge for his final assessment, hoping to Awaken a Talent and secure his future. While others gain common abilities, Daniel secretly Awakens the mythical SSS-Grade Talent: [Soul Assimilation]. This allows him to absorb essence, enhancing gear, gaining stats and EXP from slain creatures, and crucially, absorbing attributes and skills from fallen Awakened.Witnessing the swift death of the arrogant Jaxon Rex, Daniel makes a grim choice: he assimilates Jaxon, gaining his first skill, [Kinetic Pulse]. This sets his path: scavenging the aftermath of others’ battles. He enhances gear and, after achieving his first kill on an injured beast, waits patiently to assimilate two more fallen recruits, acquiring [Quick Step] and the invaluable passive [Aura Sense].Starting as average, Daniel rapidly gains power in secret, enhanced gear, multiple skills, and boosted stats , far exceeding his peers while remaining outwardly unremarkable. He navigates the lethal Verge alone, using its inherent dangers to fuel his growth, wrestling with the moral cost of his unique, overwhelming power.

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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Grayson is a poor college student, scavenging leftover food, betrayed by his girlfriend, and constantly looked down on by everyone around him. Little do they realize he’s actually the heir to the mightiest billionaire family. When the seal on Grayson’s fortune is lifted, he transforms into the ultimate second-generation rich kid. He only wants to keep a low profile, but fate just won’t let him!So you think I’m just a loser? Fine. I’ll quietly use my money to solve everything behind your backs. Then I’ll make you all choke on your own words, swallow every insult, and slap you hard in the face...（This is anovel full of twists, comebacksand face-slapping moments, witha tightly woven and engaging plot—definitely worth your time.If you enjoy my story, please support it by adding itto your favorites. Your encouragement is the driving force behind my continued creation of exciting contentI also promise there will be no disappointing ending—the storywill have a satisfying conclusion. As the author,I already have 1.5 million words in reserve and willupdate with at least three chapters daily on average.）

“But he is a good man,” she argued to see his eyes narrow at her words.