The Hero Returns - Chapter 4

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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In order to take away her father’s shares, her husband colluded with her bestfriend to set her up. A divorce was thrown at her face and she was forced out of the house.

Four years later, she returned with an adorable treasure. With his hands wrapped around her waist, her baby son said, “Mommy, I heard that it’s the trend now to have a godfather. You wait, I’ll find one to support you!”

A few days later, her son brought back a super handsome guy who looked exactly like him.

“Mommy, don’t worry, I’ve checked. Dad ranks first on the world’s richest list and is able to deal with all kinds of disapproval!” Her son said confidently.

Cheng Liyue: “…”

Looking at the startled woman, Gong Yexiao coldly threw out a paternity test, “Woman, when did you steal my seed?”

Cheng Liyue was furious. Which bastard was it who slept with her four years ago but did not assume responsibility for it?

- Description from Novelupdates

Yu Shanshan, who has been tyrannical and lawless for 20 years, suffered retribution at the age of 21. She changed from a little ballet princess of 45 kg to a poor and fat one of 90 kg.. Apparently, eating was the most important thing in her life. Her success in losing weight was far away.

However, one day, the father of her child who had disappeared for four years came back. From then on, Yu Shanshan was forced to embark on a diet that was worse than death.

- Description from Novelupdates

For others, apocalypse means running away, killing zombies and upgrading.

For Shi Lingxi, it means not only running away, fighting zombies, and upgrading but also public display of affection!!!

It’s not that he is weird, but that he has a weird system that requires him and his forcibly bound target to reach a certain love index of sprinkling dogfood. In order to survive in the apocalypse days, he can’t not do it.

Shi Lingxi: Dear Lou Yuan, come here, muah~~

Lou Yuan: Muah~~

Shi Lingxi: What’s wrong with showing my love for Lou Yuan? Hmph.

This is a sweet story where Xiao shou seduces the Xiao gong and they sprinkle dog-food together.

- Description from Novelupdates