Toaru Majutsu no Index - Volume 2, Prologue: The Same Usual Every Day. The_Beginning_of_The_End.

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.

=========================================

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?

……………………………………………………………

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

Arnold never thought his gaming skills would land him in a romance novel—as a doomed side character, no less. To survive, he hijacks the heroine's “system,” bending the story to his will. But when he dodges a deadly duel, he catches the eye of the heroine, Lara, his own step sister—and her love is a dangerous game. Arnold must outwit the plot and his step sister who's not afraid to kill for love. In this LitRPG romance gone wrong, survival isn't just about beating the system—it's about escaping the heart of a yandere.

A young doctor never thought that, by taking his Hippocratic oath, he would give his life to save a little girl who, while chasing a balloon, crossed the street without realizing that a truck was going to run her over.At the moment when his body flew out from the impact, it was as if his mind was freed and he no longer felt his body, all his life memories passed in an instant, and with a smile, he felt no regrets about dying.As an orphan, he spent his life studying and working to pay for his studies, he managed to graduate as a doctor and had planned to study a specialty. But fate would not give him the opportunity, without family or girlfriend, he left nothing behind but life insurance, which would fall to the orphanage that raised him and that he knows would be of great help.But when he thought that his mind would vanish forever, as an atheist, his firmness in not believing in gods or anything paranormal, hit him out of nowhere, telling him that he was wrong. Or rather, the blow was so real and on his buttocks, when he wanted to protest, he could only let out a cry. And he realized that he had been reborn.Now, he faces this new life, and with a family at last. He can feel the joy of living again. And to his surprise, this is a world of magic and swords. A fantasy world with a modern style. But something is wrong with this world!Women rule here and the few men are actually flowers and treasures that are sought and pursued by women. Who pamper and care for them as if a man would care for a woman!But the surprise doesn't end here! Follow my story of how a man has to show his manly worth and find his place in this world of women!WARNING!!!Please note that this is a story with futa on male, and male on female, R-18 novel. If the content is not to your liking, please do not read and do not report, you can contact my email with comments and criticisms with respect and cordiality.-------------------------------------------------------------------------_______________________________________________________________________Additional Tags - Male Protagonist, Harem, Love, Action, Romance, R18, Futa on Male, Beautiful Female Lead.

Previously one of the ten greatest Martial Emperor, Gu Feiyang somehow died near the mountains of Heaven Wave.

Fifteen years later, Gu Feiyang crossed through the cycle of rebirth. He was back! But this time, he was in the body of Li Yunxiao. Since then, Li Yunxiao started a treacherous journey. The world is in turmoil once more!

- Description from Novelupdates