Mushoku Tensei - Volume 18 Chapter 5 — Tristina

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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Chu Yang, the Ninth Master of the Nine Tribulations Sword, sacrificed almost everything he had for the sake of improving his martial arts, including the love of his life. After spending three years locating the fifth fragment of the Nine Tribulations Sword, he was ambushed by all sides at that very place. Mortally injured with no means of escape, Chu Yang executed a sacrificial technique by plunging the Nine Tribulations Sword into his very own heart. “With the blood of my heart, ten thousand tribulations will collapse!”

After witnessing the death of all his ambushers, Chu Yang’s vision began to darken. At a distance, moments before his death, he saw the mastermind who had plotted his downfall — Mo Tian Ji. With that, his eyes finally closed.

However, with a start, Chu Yang once again awoke to find that he had returned to when he was sixteen years of age! Furthermore, the Sword Spirit of the Nine Tribulations Sword now resided within his Dantian, the energy center of his body! From that very moment, Chu Yang would then begin to right all of his past regrets, and carve his very own legend by fulfilling his destiny as the final Master of the Nine Tribulations Sword, and defeating the Heavenly Devils beyond the realm of the Nine Heavens Continent.

- Description from novelupdates

Achieving the power to create virtual worlds.

To expand his world, he needs to devour other worlds.

As such, the world ushered in the most greedy, sly and terrifying existence in the world ——— The Gamer

- Description from Novelupdates

Transmigrated into a world where spiritual artifacts are a part of everyone!In this world, beasts run rampant, mysteries abound, and humanity is on the brink of extinction. After a century of struggle, a developed system of power has emerged!After reaching adulthood, women awaken into spiritual artifact forms like knives, guns, swords, and halberds... possessing earth-shattering power!Men awaken to spiritual artifact spaces, forming contracts and becoming summoners.When the two combine, they can unleash power several times greater than their own.Xiao Zhan awakened with an SSS-level summoner talent but was abandoned by his girlfriend due to unforeseen circumstances. However, he was fortunate to be noticed and picked by another school beauty!Yet, Xiao Zhan discovered that his luck wasn't just limited to that...