Paintings of Terror - Chapter 34: Toxic Friends

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 .

Bearing the supreme Blood of the Emperor, he unlocked the strongest Emperor's Eye!Martial Technique Copying! Bloodthirsty Frenzy! Seeing through illusions! Memory Reading! Burning World Black Flame! Cloning instant movement! Spatial destruction! Unlimited Vision! Time Stasis!…[Chaos Heavenly Emperor] Ling Feng, “With these eyes, I dare to make heaven and earth tremble!”

For twenty years since his soul had transmigrated, Bailuo thought this was an ordinary world, until one day, a black leather book appeared in his mind.“Is there magic in this world?”Facing Bailuo’s question, his uncle remained unwavering as he said, “No.”“But there are miracles.”“What are miracles?”“A sword that can release flames, a pot that can pour out gold, a beautiful girl grown from a fruit.”The uncle said, “Controlling the mist, bringing the storm, commanding the thunder.”“Magic!”Bailuo raised his hand and pointed, “This is definitely magic!”“No.”His uncle said, “These are truly miracles.”Years later, when Bailuo looked upon the nation he had built with his own hands, that magnificent and majestic sight, he agreed with what his uncle had said all those years ago, “This is a miracle…”

Noboru Chikara is a forsaken prince burdened by neglect and betrayal. Blamed for a devastating attack by his family to protect his siblings, he endures abuse and prejudice from his family and people of his kingdom alike as his family accuses him of being possessed by the very beast that attacked the kingdom. Driven by an unwavering spirit, Noboru sets out to reclaim his birthright and forge a new, uncorrupted kingdom. But when his father commits a heinous act, Noboru's quest takes an unexpected turn, propelling him into a realm beyond imagination. Follow Noboru's journey as he transcends dimensions and becomes the one who bring peace to all dimensions higher or lower and become The God Of Fiction.