I'm a villain within the hero's party - Chapter 13 - 11.5: Ren Restes, Hero of the Apocalypse

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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Wang Ling is a cultivation genius. Since a year old, he managed to achieve a new cultivation realm in every a couple of years. With the power beyond his own control, he became nearly invincible being.

Wang Ling is sixteen years old now and he has to face one of the gratest battle he never faced before, Senior High School. There are so many challenges popping up. Therefore, Wang Ling’s plans for a low-key school life become further away every time.

Wang Ling: “I just want to eat my crispy noodle snacks in peace..”

Father Wang: If you’re careless enough to destroy the country, it’s coming out of your pocket money.

Wang Ling: It’s not my fault that the backlash from punching me kills you.

Wang Ling’s appearance is mostly a mystery because he can change his face on a whim based on the current trend to be average. He does have slightly handsome facial features, average build and a crew cut with his dead fish eyes.

Wang Ling is a non-talkative individual who‘s obsessed with being average and not standing out. He tries to avoid troublesome matters yet he still manages to get involved and has also secretly saved the world on numerous accounts. He also lives for and loves his crispy noodles.

Heavenly Eye (King’s Eye)

(Known) Three Thousand Great Spells (not sorted list)

She met Wang Ling on the meet-and-greet for new students at No. 60 High School.

She was elegant, with long hair and fair skin, and wore a tight-fitting white T-shirt, jeans and casual shoes.

Mother of Wang Ling

- Description from Novelupdates

At Elysia's first meeting with the crown prince, her future fiance ended up punching him. In this way, she violated her first law of survival.

Elysia's three rules of survival - First, Stay away from the main couple of Adam and Eve and make sure they end up together. Second, never fall in love with anyone and keep yourself safe. Third, no matter what happens, make sure you are never caught in any act. Only then will Elysia be able to survive past her death on her 18th birthday.

Ever since her birth, Elysia Raffle knew a few secrets of this world. First, the world she had been born in was a book and Elysia was the villainess in that book. She was destined to be slain by Adam on her 18th birthday and the day of their marriage.

Elysia needed to keep a distance from the main couple to avoid that fate. But how did she do it when she was engaged with one of the main parties and the other refused to leave her alone?

Now Elysia needed to do everything possible in her power to ensure that her engagement with the crown prince was broken and the main couple ends up together.

But it was easier said than done.

Have you ever thought about what the goddess in your mind will look like in front of others?

- Description from novelbuddy