Apocalypse: Everyone Levels Up, I Return to the Time Before the Server Opened - Chapter 23 - Challenged by an NPC!

The Great Human Civilization has crumbled apart, falling into the Abyss. A hell with no escape. To survive there, some rules must be followed blindly.1: Be wary of the dead for they don't rest even in death.2: Always be on the lookout. Danger lurks everywhere in the Abyss. Nowhere is truly safe.Lastly, if you hear something unusual like a voice that shouldn't be there, do not investigate. Just run. At least then you might get to keep your life.***Kev's adult life was suddenly upended when he was pulled into a nightmarish world along with countless other humans. To survive he had no choice but to perform a ritual he chanced upon through a series of inexplicable events. The ritual promised great power. He gave in to the temptation, performed the ritual and stepped into the realm of mysticism. At the same time, he unknowingly put himself at great risk. Since the moment he performed the ritual, He faced the risk of losing his humanity or himself entirely.He didn't know then that performing the ritual demanding a great price. By the time he realized it, it was already too late to turn back.You have performed a Great RitualGained class:- Corpse Collector in the DarkTrait unlocked: esoteric mutation of the soulGained skill: shadow manipulationAssimilation rate: 0%Collect corpses to growIncrease in assimilation rate unlocks new skillThe power comes with a great pricePay it obediently like a law abiding Abyss Dwellers or risk losing yourself to the evil brewing within...

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 .

JoJo?

No, this is Dio!

After crossing, the protagonist is examining his new identity aggressively— Dio Brando, a British and Chinese mixed-race coach ratio!

But wait a minute…

This is the Marvel Universe? How long will it take for Thanos to reach the battlefield?

By the way, I have a cheat!

Star Platinum, The World, Crazy Diamond, Killer Queen, Gold Experience, King Crimson… All for me!

Ding, hello new player, your first Stand has been drawn.

Looking at the ‘Little Tomato’ who was smiling at him, as the only Stand User in the Marvel Universe, Dio was speechless, then lit a cigarette silently, looked up at the ceiling, exhales smoke, it’s just a mystery how life is so harsh!

- Description from Novelupdates

A necromancer and a saint blessed by the Constellations. That’s me.