Shadow's Hand - Chapter 23: Manhole Cover

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.

=========================================

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?

……………………………………………………………

Dear readers! Without any ads, maybe you will prefer .

Transmigrating into a world of cultivation, you find yourself at the lowest rung of the sect's hierarchy. Everyone wants to bully you to gain some benefits. Fortunately, there are always a few junior brothers and sisters who are 'generous and understanding', allowing you to improve peacefully and secretly grow stronger. Years later, unbeknownst to anyone, you successfully become a deity within the sect. This day, your master visits you at the sect's request.'The upper echelons of the sect believe you have been diligent and loyal over the years, and though your strength is mediocre, you are an honest person, so they've found a marriage alliance for you.''An alliance marriage?''Not exactly. The other family has a rule: marrying into their family means taking their surname.'Is this... becoming a son-in-law who marries into the wife's family?

Bracelet of Immortality, the mysterious sealed item that needed 26 fragments to completely unseal. Every unsealing giving an incredible power to the user.

First Fragment, the power of Time. Second Fragment, the Power of healing. Third Fragment, the power of...

What happens when Ryder Flynn finds the item inside the first Fully Immersive VRMMO. Why did the item follow him to the real world? Why is the Virtual World so real?

In history, the most notorious Holy Knight! Corrupt Light! Holy Sinner! Blasphemer! The Irreverent! Wright has many well-known titles within the Church of the Holy Light.Angel: “The Goddess tells us to guard against fire, theft, and Wright!”Evil God: “Could you stop targeting me alone when you fleece us?”Evil Dragon: “He not only extorted my money but also abducted my precious daughter!”Devil: “Hell is still too kind and pure for Wright to handle!”Yet this man, whom the Goddess of Holy Light considers a thorn in her side, has become the world's most terrifyingly powerful Holy Knight!!Wright: “Do you believe in the light?”