The Newt and Demon - 6.70 - Tol’bak

The protagonist, having degenerated into a “loser” after being unable to find employment, gets caught up in someone else’s attempt to commit suicide-by-train and ends up traveling to another world. The numerous cheat powers he demands from God are all granted to him. But contrary to expectations, these powers bring about disastrous consequences for the protagonist.

Having reincarnated into another world, the optimistic protagonist (Yuuri) starts his(her) heart-warming training days with his(her) teacher.

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 .

“The universe is vast and boundless; the Dao is unpredictable.”Lin Beichen was reborn into a parallel world, and a mysterious and profound voice echoed in his mind. Though he didn't have a system, he unexpectedly discovered his Heaven-Defying Comprehension and could perceive everything at a glance.“How should I utilize my Heaven-Defying Comprehension?”Until one rainy day. The deluge poured down, Electric Flash intertwined with Lei Ming, and Lin Beichen gazed out the window in a daze. In that moment, inspiration struck, and his heart resonated with a profound sensation.He slowly stretched out his hand, opened his palm, and looked toward the thunderous sky. He began to clasp one finger toward the heavens and the earth.“In this world, there was no Cultivation Method. But since I am here, one should naturally appear!”“Palm Thunder!”[ps: A unique protagonist-centered cultivation genre]

In his first life as 'Caine Wilson', was the villain—ruthless, cunning, and very powerful.He played his part perfectly, crushing the so-called “protagonist” and parading his enemies, their families, and anyone who crossed him naked through the streets.He watched with glee as the “hero” lay broken, stripped of his dignity, before finally ending his pitiful existence.But just as Caine, thought he had finally won and secured his place at the top, 'Higher ups' intervened.A booming, ethereal voice—like the universe’s pissed-off judge—shook the skies:“You have violated the sacred code of villainy! The villain shall not win. The balance has been broken. Caine Wilson, the world hereby rejects you!”Before he could even enjoy his victory, his world blinked out, like a story whose writer just erased the last chapter in frustration.Everything went dark.And when he awoke, he wasn’t Caine Wilson anymore.He was 'Su Xiaobai', a nobody on 'White Cloud Star', a world of cultivation, martial arts, and endless struggle.But this time, things were different.He could feel it—he could see through the cracks of reality itself.He could break the fourth wall!He wasn’t just some reincarnated soul; he was a villain who had 'seen the system', who understood the game.And he was about to flip it upside down.