Vampire's Veil Of Obsession - Chapter 149: His Intentions..

In the year 2050, the world changed drastically when mysterious portals began to randomly appear, bringing with them terrifying monsters dubbed Transcendents and unimaginable dangers. Humanity nearly collapsed entirely, and the survivors took refuge in cities and secure areas, protected by individuals with special abilities called Awakened. These Awakened were the only humans capable of entering the portals and exploring the unknown realms on the other side, in search of resources, treasures, glory, or answers.

Kaito, on the other hand, was just an unhappy young man who found solace in a classic online game called Mortal Tower, where he created an avatar of a powerful and charismatic villain. While many hoped to become Awakened, Kaito believed that even if he lived a million lives, he would never have the fortune to become one. However, one fateful day, fate played a trick on him. He woke up and naturally looked at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, but he could hardly believe what he saw. Kaito strangely resembled his Mortal Tower avatar.

And to make things even better, Kaito somehow inherited the purchasing system from Mortal Tower, which would allow him to buy all kinds of items, from rare abilities to legendary equipment!

Now, Kaito has to deal with his new life in an almost post-apocalyptic world full of opportunities, but also with a new great challenge called Celestial Abode, something even greater than the classic dungeon-crawling portals, something so similar to the early floors of Mortal Tower that it scares him. However, Kaito sets a goal for himself: conquer the top of both worlds, but he doesn't know it will cost him his selflessness.

(Obs: No, he's still not a villain at first. There is a development for him to become a villain.)

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In a world ravaged by fiend beasts and spatial rifts, humans fight back using “”Soul Contracts”” to tame these creatures, turning them into protective spirit animals. Amidst this chaos, Zhou Mu, born with inadequate soul intensity and physical prowess, struggles to become an esteemed Animal Whisperer.With only a low-tier grass snake as his spirit animal and limited chances to pass the Whisperer’s test, Zhou Mu’s future looks bleak. However, an unexpected twist comes with the discovery of a mysterious system that allows him to trade personal attributes for power. As he navigates this new potential, Zhou Mu faces the challenge of overcoming his limitations and rising to power in a world where strength determines one’s fate.

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 a world where strength determines one’s future, William, an orphan with no extraordinary talents, faces a grim destiny—until a brutal attack leaves him clinging to life. Instead of death, he awakens to a mysterious and powerful entity lurking within his mind: the Shadow System, a game-like interface that promises him unimaginable power. But this power comes with dark secrets, and refusing it would mean his death. Forced into a pact with a voice that can hear his every thought, William must navigate a dangerous new reality where shadow abilities and celestial power collide. As he enters the prestigious military academy, his newfound abilities draw both allies and enemies, all while a deadly conspiracy brews in the shadows. With the odds stacked against him, William must unravel the mystery of the Shadow System and decide whether to embrace the darkness within—or be consumed by it. His journey from a bullied outcast to a potential god will challenge not just his survival, but his very humanity. Power always comes at a cost—will William be able to pay the price? “What am I?” William asked the system. The system’s voice echoed in his head, cold and indifferent. “You are nothing.”