The Novel's Extra - Chapter 27. Mock Dungeon Trial (4)

Suddenly, a huge earthquake occurred all around the globe, throwing everyone into a desolate world.

The humans of the new world were primitive. They lived their lives facing all sorts of dangers every day, from hurricanes to attacks from huge beasts.

The humans that were brought to this world all received a totem and an egg.

Placing the totem on a certain land would turn the place into the person’s new tribe. Everyone could expand their tribes according to their strengths.

The eggs contained various beasts that would grow into humans’ most loyal companions. Humans would have to struggle to live in the desolate world with their companions and protect their own lands.

Just as Ye Chen was about to hatch his egg, he noticed he could read hidden hints.

[Monster Egg: Place a drop of blood to hatch.]

[Hidden Hint: Hatching the egg now will reward you with a Rank E Mutated Beast, Spiny Turtle.]

[Hidden Hint: Hatching the egg in 1 minute will reward you with a Rank D Mutated Beast, Dangkang.]

…

[Monster Egg: Place a drop of blood to hatch.]

[Hidden Hint: Hatching the egg now will reward you with a Rank E Mutated Beast, Yellow Horse.]

[Hidden Hint: Hatching the egg in 30 seconds will reward you with a Rank C Mutated Beast, Tiger Fish.]

[Hidden Hint: Hatching the egg in 60 seconds will reward you with a Rank SSSSS Mutated Beast, Immortal Phoenix.]

…

A few years had passed since then. Ye Chen led a group of Rank SSSSS Mutated Beasts and said confidently, “My success is the result of my hard work!”

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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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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Corporate slave Alexander dies with only one regret—not finishing the fantasy novel in his hands. Fate has a twisted sense of humor when he awakens as Alexander Flamingo, the perverted villain destined to be expelled and killed in that very story!Armed with complete knowledge of the original plot and a mischievous “Harem King System,” Alexander plans to rewrite his fate. No longer the one-dimensional pervert of the novel, he'll use his future knowledge to manipulate heroes, seduce heroines, and rise from disposable villain to the true mastermind of this world.The system grants him power through every relationship he builds—but can this calculating reincarnator use his second chance to avoid his predetermined death and become the ultimate Harem King? One thing's certain: this story won't follow the original script.