I created Magic! - Chapter 97 Art Of War!

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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Crossing to the Naruto World, Uchiha Tonan obtained the ‘Legacy Inheritance System’. As long as the people who acknowledged him died, he could inherit all abilities of the deceased.

Therefore…

“Konoha’s higher-ups mistreated the Uchihas. So, I’ve decided to lead the clan to launch a coup d’état after three years.”

“Ding! Gained Uchiha clan’s acknowledgment.”

Two years later.

“Tonan, this is the evidence of the Uchiha clan’s betrayal. When all is said and done, it’s your clan. So, I want to hear your opinion.”

“I’ll always stand on the village’s side.”

On that fateful night, Tonan stood on the Hokage Rock, coldly watching the Uchihas’ annihilation.

He spread his hands, being grateful to his clansmen’s gifts.

The next day.

“Lord Hokage, I shed blood for Konoha and became the village’s sword. And this was how you treated the meritorious clan.”

“Tonan, didn’t you agree to it!?”

“I don’t know what you are talking about. The fury of clan extermination is irreconcilable. Today, I will destroy the Sarutobi and Shimura clans to appease my clan members’ souls in heaven.”

A high-leveled hunter often puts on a disguise to lower the prey’s guard.

Chen Meilan was reborn, finding herself back in 1988 when she had been abandoned by her nouveau riche ex-husband and was struggling to raise her daughter alone.Her ex-husband had left her with a large courtyard house in the suburbs and a bank balance with four zeros.In her previous life, Chen Meilan’s pride had caused her to lose both of these assets, a decision she later deeply regretted.Yan Zhaocai had just returned from the battlefield, decorated with medals for his valor in the war of self-defense.Yet he voluntarily gave up his honors, transferred back to his hometown, and joined the police force. As soon as he arrived, he received divorce papers from his wife.After reporting to the police station, Yan Zhaocai, with his child in tow, was urgently seeking a place to settle down.Chen Meilan, with her rural household registration, couldn’t legally own the courtyard house given by her ex-husband. She too was in a desperate situation.At this moment, someone brought Yan Zhaocai to meet her.Yan Zhaocai was drawn to the fact that she also had a child. He thought that if he could be accommodating, she wouldn’t mistreat his child.Chen Meilan observed this man in his military uniform, tall and well-built, with a stern face. She remembered that in her previous life, it was his uncompromising integrity at work that had landed the nouveau riche and his mistress in jail after a coal mine collapse.Suddenly, she realized this man was quite a catch. Definitely marriage material!And so, their blissful second marriage began…

Scarlett's world collapses when she is drugged and forced to marry an old, filthy-rich widower with five children.

Trying to escape her seemingly inescapable troubles, she accepts an offer of a one-year contract marriage with a mysterious gentleman. He promises this will get her out of her hostile-arranged marriage problems. She took the offer.

If everything goes well, she will be a free and independent woman in one year...

However, many things take an unexpected turn. The contract marriage made Scarlett's life feel like she was riding a rollercoaster. A mix of exhilaration, dreaded inferno, and joyful heaven.

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Only a crazy person would accept his offer. And right now, she does not fall into that category. Her mind is still sane.

“Please don't get me wrong. I'm just trying to help myself. And at the same time helping you.”

Scarlett was even more confused.

“I know my problem is complicated. But, I think being married to a man I just met, without love, feels weird...” She said.

“This is not a real marriage but a contract marriage that you can set up to your advantage. And also mine.”

Scarlett listened silently; inside, she was shocked and a bit perplexed.

Xander crossed his arms over his chest while looking into Scarlett's eyes. He continued, “As I said before, I will help you, and at the same time, you will help me. I don't need to explain what my problem is. But, I assure you, if you agree to do a contract marriage with me, then your problems will be solved. So what do you think!?”

Scarlett was in no hurry to speak. She slowly raised her head and said, “So I can put any clauses I want in the contract?”

The man nods, saying, “As long as it doesn't hurt me.”

She offered a handshake to Xander, “Okay. You got a deal!”

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