Worm (Parahumans #1) - Chapter 260: Sting 26.2

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 .

WINNER: 3rd Place, 2021 Werewolf Competition

[Mature Content]

After escaping suicide forest, August Moon finds that she has only gone deeper into the mysteries it holds. Lycans exist. But maybe she is something even stranger...

With a clandestine experimental pandemic, a decade-old murder mystery, and a timeless prejudice against strange members within the lycan community all simmering in the periphery of her newfound surroundings, August must fight to discover her own truth alongside a fierce and possessive male who claims to be her mate.

[Beast Mastery][Summoning][Pets][Evolution][Development]Demon, Savage, Nether, Damnation, Mechanism, Soldier, Medicine, Abnormal, Witch, Immortal, Ferocious...This world is a world of monsters, filled with countless diverse “Fond Spirits”.But in this world, humans also wield the power of “occupation classes”. Once awakened, they can have Contract Imprints, allowing them to form contracts with the monsters, creating entirely new bonds.[For Instance]♦F-level Occupation Class “Manicurist”- helps the Fond Spirits trim their claws, making them beautiful, or sharper.♦E-level Occupation Class “Hunter”- marks and chases, closely collaborating with the Fond Spirits, the most classic hunting occupation class.♦C-level Occupation Class “Puppeteer”- manipulates Fond Spirits at crucial moments, making their strikes more precise and powerful.♦B-level Occupation Class “Midwife”- assists pregnant Fond Spirits with health checkups, giving random blessing effects to the newborns.♦B-level Occupation Class “Mechanic”- under the right conditions, modifies the Fond Spirits, turning them into semi-mechanical beings.♦A-level Occupation Class “Dragon Knight”- rides dragon-type Fond Spirits into battle. Man and dragon unite, becoming invincible.♦S-level Occupation Class “Arch Warlock”- intensifies the elemental properties of Contracted Fond Spirits and seals their skills in advance to execute forbidden spells for the second time....♦C-level Occupation Class “Fitness Trainer”...♦D-level Occupation Class “Flame Thief”...♦A-level Occupation Class “Mysterious Merchant”...♦B-level Occupation Class “Gourmet”...♦Special Occupation Class “Brave”......(I already have a completed work of 3 million characters titled “Master of Pets”. “The Rising of the Fond Spirits” is my second work, a Beast Mastery tale with entirely original settings, you're welcome to try it out!)

**Mature Content**[I hope the day never comes when I can’t find a reason to keep loving you, for you are my every reason.]*********************Yoon Haeun, a quirky 27-year-old chaebol heir and who runs a game company, is often pestered by his unconventional mother about settling down and having children. As an omega who has never experienced his heat cycle, Haeun is constantly set up with alphas by his mother. Unfortunately, the pheromones of these alphas usually make him nauseous and disgusted.Everything changes when Haeun meets Cheon Yeongsoo a third-generation heir whom he has previously disliked. When Haeun encounters Yeongsoo’s pheromones, he is unexpectedly enveloped in a sense of safety and comfort—a feeling he’s never experienced before. As Haeun’s heat cycle arrives, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to Yeongsoo.Three days later, Haeun wakes up disoriented in Yeongsoo’s bed, his mind racing with confusion and a surge of panic. The room is unfamiliar, and the scent of Yeongsoo’s pheromones is overpowering. He tried to piece together the fragments of his memory from the night before, only to realize the gravity of his situation. The man he’s long disliked is now his unlikely savior, and the last thing Haeun wanted was to admit how much he had grown to need Yeongsoo.**Excerpt**Haeun looked up at Yeongsoo with a pout, his hand resting on his pregnant belly. “Will you still love me if I weigh 200kg and become very ugly?”Yeongsoo chuckled, pulling Haeun close and gently hugging his bulging stomach. “You’re already displeasing to the eyes, so it doesn’t really matter.”Haeun’s eyes welled up as he looked at Yeongsoo,obviously hurt. “Are you saying I’m ugly?”Yeongsoo’s smile softened as he held Haeun, brushing his fingers through his hair. “Whether you weigh 200kg or become ugly, you’ll always be the prettiest person in my eyes. Why? Because I love you. You’re my everything, Haeun. And no matter what, that won’t ever change.”Haeun’s heart swelled, a tear slipping down his cheek as he snuggled closer. “You really know how to make everything feel okay.”Yeongsoo kissed his forehead tenderly. “That’s because being with you is the best part of my life.”