Monster Factory - Chapter 669: Built here.

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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[You Have Been Chosen.]When the apocalypse started, everything fell apart. I lost my job before they pushed me out into the street. Facing the undead, I became desperate and ran like a coward.Until I heard a voice...At first I couldn't believe the voice, thinking I might be insane and finally lost it... But as I was about to die, I saw a strange game-like panel appear in real life![The Throne System has activated.]This strange system let me gain points by killing zombies and the ability to recruit people as subjects who wouldn't betray me like my previous co-workers.My first subject?Mu Qinglan.The ruthless Ice Queen CEO I once called “Boss.”Cold, untouchable... and now infected.As her bloodthirsty jaws closed around my neck, I barely saved her with the system’s makeshift cure.[Recruitment Available.][Subject: Mu Qinglan (S-Tier)][Press to Confirm.]A glowing button floated before me.I hesitated.Then, slowly, I reached out.[Recruitment Complete.]▼ Mu Qinglan's attributes are now visible.+ 100 Experience.+ Leadership: Level 1+ Random Skill from Mu Qinglan[Rank Up!]▼ Rank: Loser → Partner+ Attributes Increased | Subject Cap: 2Every subject I command strengthens me.Every kill feeds my dominion.In this world of death and chaos...I will build an empire of S-Tier Beauties and ascend as the Apocalypse King.

Hugo Fernandez, a short, skinny virgin with zero charm, was a young man with grand dreams. He had just started college and was brimming with hope for a bright future, but a rather unfortunate food poisoning ’incident’ soon turned his life from bad to worse. He experienced a social death! Out of the blue, a mysterious girl’s voice echoed in his head: [Ding! Fate has aligned, and your woeful destiny with women has reached the heavens! You have been granted the Ultimate Harem System!!!] Hugo’s listless eyes widened. Had he finally received his own cheat code? Was it time for him to ascend to the heavens in a single leap and start attracting women left and right? The mysterious voice spoke again: [Ding! Initialising Death mission... Seduce a 7+ woman within one month or die!] Hugo blinked, his jaw dropping. “Wait, what? Seduce a 7+ woman or die? What kind of medieval torture is this? I can’t even seduce my reflection!” After taking a minute to calm down, he realised it wasn’t as bad as he thought. “In the worst case, I can burrow some money and get a pro-” [No pay pigging] Hugo realised he was soon going to experience a real death! This system was out for his blood! [Tick tock, Romeo. Time’s wasting…] “I’m gonna die!” Join Hugo on a captivating, deadly journey filled with debauchery, womanising, and thrilling level-ups as he rises above all and becomes a Supreme Casanova! If he doesn’t die first, that is…

Within the red tent, under the passionate eyes of the man on top, she was forced to make love and three thousand black strands turned to white.