The Stonehearted Knight - Chapter 73: The first match (1)

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 .

Five years ago, Violet Don was framed and accused of causing the death of Noah Bates's child. This led to Noah's sending her to prison and the downfall of her family. What he didn't know was that Violet was also carrying his child.Five years later, upon Violet's release, Noah corners her, demanding, “If you want your child, come and atone for your sins!”Violet smiles, “You can let him call anyone mom.”Noah, filled with hatred, says, “After five years in prison, how can you still be so cruel!”“Yes,” Violet's eyes redden as she smiles, “In your eyes, I'm a murderer.”Later, he finds out that he has owed her an apology all along. But by then, she no longer cares...

Time travelling from the majestic era after the Recuperation of Reiki, he became Kimura Kazuki, a 16-year-old high school student in Japan, one year before the Reiki Recuperation.

Tentatively, he set out to hone himself to the bone, burning candles at both ends to stockpile resources in preparation for the imminent Recuperation of Reiki. His goal was to be many steps ahead of all humanity when the time comes.

However, it seemed like fate had decided to play a cruel trick on him.

One year later, the Recuperation of Reiki… did not happen as expected.

- Description from Novelupdates

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: ????