Darkstone Code - Chapter 867 - 865: Devil in Heaven

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 .

Qin Zhaoyue, a hundred-year-old Soul cultivator and famous artifact refiner, dies and transmigrates into a body of 16-year-old Xi Zhaoyue, who was killed on her wedding day.

The unlucky previous owner of the body was an illegitimate daughter of an influential family and was forced to live her whole life in the orphanage. However, at the age of 16, her Guide glands were awakened and as fate willed it, Xi Zhaoyue happened to have the highest compatibility with the youngest, bravest, most handsome Major General of the Empire, a dream husband of the whole Outer Space! Finally, a loving family she so longed for was within her reach… Yet, at the wedding ceremony, her Mental sea was invaded and she died.

Once Zhaoyue figured out the situation she landed herself in, she vowed: she wouldn’t be a proud and self-respecting cultivator, if she didn’t strive for independence, for the right to live the life freely! Cultivate, refine, get stronger! Become your own person!

- Description from Novelupdates

This crossing is so strange, death crossing, game crossing, etc. are probably barely acceptable, but why can you cross even if the fish tank is broken?

and actually passed through the magic tree in “OVERLORD” that is said to be able to destroy the world?

No! It is sad enough to regenerate into a plant. The protagonist, Ainz Ur Gong, the undead king, has also accepted the adventurer’s guild mission and wants to kill me!

I want to change my destiny! Live! I want to-surrender!

Ainz: Since he has accepted the job commission from the Adventurer’s Guild, deliberate failure is detrimental to the prestige of Ainz Ul Christine (the “surrender” button has been deducted)

actually died as soon as he crossed, but there is still a chance to return~ from the beginning of the magic tree to this world.

I must change my destiny this time! Live!

- Description from novelbuddy

Living an unfulfilled life, Zack Gray meets an untimely end–that is, until he’s given a second chance, in a new world, under a new name: “Leon Schoeller.” Heir to the Schoeller Estate, a powerful and prestigious noble family, a life of luxury surrounded by maids and butlers of elite skills of their own awaits the reborn man.[Lord System Activated.]In addition to being blessed with a genius mind and magical talent, the [Lord System] grants Leon supernatural abilities, from empowering his servants, conquering beasts, and even manipulating his mansion.However, as gifted as he finds himself, the world around him is full of lurking threats, forcing him to level up if he expects to keep his cozy life intact.