Reborn as the Archmage's Rival - Chapter 12: Lunch Rush

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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They had been together since high school. Together, they faced the cold faces of their parents and the satirical or disdainful eyes of others, started a business and experienced all kinds of ups and downs. When their company was on the right track, Zhishu He was asked to give up his career to stay at home, while Wenxu Jiang gradually changed and began to indulge in merry-making. However, Zhishu chose to forgive him. Zhishu got an incurable disease, while Wenxu Jiang was still indifferent. Zhishu still chose to forgive him. Love had become a kind of habit, which was equal to an incurable disease.

In a peaceful sunny day, Zhishu quietly left Wenxu Jiang and the house in which they had lived for a long time without an advance notice.

Soon he was gone. A man with pure spirit and deep love for Wenxu Jiang disappeared from this world forever…

Sometimes love cannot stand the test of time. Someone will not know how to cherish the love until he loses it…

Nine heavens and nine earths, there are many souls.

The strong stand in the nine heavens, like shining stars, while the weak creep on the ground like tiny ants.

The young boy Bai Ye accidentally unlocked the mysterious heavenly soul, cultivated supreme soul skills, guarded the soul and sword, rushed into the nine heavens and swept the stars, and the legend began…

- Description from MTL

He died on the wedding of the girl he had a crush on, after a long and successful career. After convincing Yama to send him back to the world, he decides to fix the areas in which his life went wrong. Realizing the lack of love and romance in his past life, he sets out to conquer the hearts of various women.