From Idler to Tech Tycoon: Earth - Chapter 3: Jack

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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Having dealt with malicious fans and sasaengs, promoted major celebrities, and brought down rival stars in her years in the entertainment industry, Mu Qianli accomplished a huge feat today.She, by complete accident, became involved in an indescribable relationship with the entertainment industry's rising star, Pei Jinxi.Pei Jinxi, who started acting at six, is the top cash cow under a rival company.Only 20 years old with countless fans.Mu Qianli could only cautiously and fearfully seek help online:Asking for advice on being forced to date a top trending idol, please respond (ps, fans are super fierce, and it'd be even worse if they knew I was from a rival agency)Much later, Mu Qianli accidentally posted and quickly deleted a photo of them holding hands from the wrong account.The fans immediately came for her: Here she comes, here she comes, she's back with her publicity stunts.“An agent so desperate to be famous is a first.”“If you want to debut, just say it, don't drag my brother into this.”“Is it that being an agent doesn't pay as much as being a star? Are you crazy for money?”......A certain company's chairman: I hope the fans drive her out of the entertainment industry, she's my daughter that stubbornly refuses to come back and inherit a fortune.A certain top star: I don't want to be famous, having one celebrity in the family is enough for us.Fans: ????

'Death' It was meant to be the end, but it brought a new start.After a destructive nether storm consumes his world, Jack finds himself face-to-face with a powerful being who tasks him with a mission he can’t refuse.Reincarnated as Asriel—the most tragic, doomed character from a novel he once read—Jack’s frustration grows: “Damn it, why this fool?”Now, he must navigate Asriel's cursed life, facing relentless supernatural beings that threats him with a single hope:[Necromancy System Activated!][Ascend as the Ruler of the Undead!]But can Jack rise above Asriel's fate, or will he, too, fall prey to the shadows lurking in his new world?