Substitute - Chapter 20

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 .

Aiden Cross, A boy who was smarter than a kid his age. Born on the seemingly normal planet Earth. who finds his life very boring.100 years ago, World War III happened for unknown reasons. Resulting in 25% of the world population perished in this war.What was the reason for all the nation to fight for?Would he uncover the secret of the war? Or will he become a pawn of the powerful organizations?But one day Aiden’s life turned upside down in an accident. Aiden lost his mother, and Aiden himself was on the verge of dying. Then he awakened the system.[Ding][Compatible host detected][Initializing the Cosmic System][Connecting the cosmic system to the host's soul][Connection Completed]A system promises to make him stronger and help him revive his mother back to life. And inform him about the awakening of his world, which is no less than the apocalypse. With the help of the system, Aiden awakens Limit Grade Talent, but his talent is not complete and has a fatal side effect.[Talent: Celestial (unknown)] (incomplete)Aiden has to copy many talents to complete his talent. And travel to many different worlds.As he meets different races, a naive elven princess, prideful and lustful dragons, bored vampires, and a horny angel who offers herself to him“I offer you my body and soul; please accept me.” An angel with a flushed red face said

When he was engrossed in the Wizard World, Roger unexpectedly transmigrated to a world that seemed familiar yet strange.In this place, the legendary monsters actually existed, disguising themselves among the populace and becoming a part of this world.Starting from a deserted island, Roger began his career as a Demon Hunter.Although he had an inborn golden touch after transmigrating, what made him somewhat helpless was that it wasn't him with the cheat, but rather just a dilapidated house ready to collapse...After a long time, when Roger ascended to the castle surrounded by mountain peaks,he couldn't help but let out a sincere exclamation:“From a cabin to a castle, the house is too big and hard to manage!”…………This is the story of a Demonic Hunter living in the modern world.

Thousands of years ago, the First Expungement came. The world changed, and humanity was nearly wiped out. Thankfully, with the paracausal power of Angelicas, humans was able to push back the Ghost tide and rebuild their civilization.

Now, however, it was time for the Second.

Finn Thresher was just a normal university student at first. He, like the rest of the public world, had no idea what was coming for them — but sometimes, just because you don’t know, doesn’t mean you can’t be harmed.

His family… his sight… his purpose. All lost to the paranormal.

It was time to abandon his beliefs. To throw away his morals.

After all… if these creatures weren’t human anyway, there was no point in showing them humanity.

In the first battle of this war, the Ghosts won, nearly driving the human race to extinction. In the second, the humans fought back with the power of Angelicas and managed to secure a victory.

Now, the third and final round was approaching — and this time, it’s personal.