The Villains Must Win - Chapter 173: Lyander Wolfhart 23

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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Silas Greenfield, a master assassin, dies in a bloody betrayal — only to wake up in the body of a random extra in a fantasy world straight out of a game he used to play. But Silas isn’t here to follow some prewritten plot. With his deadly skills and sharp mind, he’s determined to rewrite the rules and carve his own path.In a kingdom full of power struggles, royal intrigue, and dangerous secrets, Silas must navigate a world where everyone has their role — and he’s ready to break them all.Can a former assassin outwit fate and rise to power, or will he become just another pawn in a game he refuses to play?

Lin Jiufeng transmigrates to become the Yuhua God Dynasty’s Crown Prince but is dethroned, banished to the Cold Palace, and imprisoned there because he had released the holy maiden of their rival country.

Lin Jiufeng isn’t dejected. He has brought a sign-in system with him when he transmigrated and he would receive rewards when he signs in at different places.

Before the Cold Palace’s gates, he signs in and receives the Ultimate Heaven Slashing Sword Skill!

In the Great Council Hall, he signs in and receives the Heaven Patching Technique!

In the Empress Dowager’s palace, he signs in and receives the God of War Totem!

…

Liu Jiufeng imagines that he can quietly sign in like this until he becomes invincible. Yet who would have imagined that the Heavenly Concubine whom he secretly released would rise in rebellion and seize power after she returns to her country?

After she succeeds, her first priority is to attack the Yuhua God Dynasty to rescue Lin Jiufeng.

When Liu Jiufeng hears of this news, he’s puzzled. «Do I need you to rescue me?»

In the Abyss, all beings are imprisoned, struggling bitterly to survive. One day, in the eternally dark lower world, a young boy has a chance encounter and catches a glimpse of the upper worlds. He is fortunate to witness wonders beyond even the most beautiful dreams. Realizing there are worlds beyond his own, he refuses to settle for mediocrity and vows to ascend to the top step by step.