The Nonconformity: I Am an Anomaly - Chapter 19: Tactical Slaughter

Claire receives a strange dream the night before her 18th birthday, an unknown goddess offers her power as her paladin. This power comes with a “gift” Claire was not ready for, but if it means getting her brother back, then she'll master it. Join Claire and her party as they navigate adventuring, fighting against tyranny, and the gifts the goddess bestowed them.

In a world where power defines worth and survival is a privilege earned through strength, Ronan was just another broken soul—bullied, beaten, and forgotten.Until he snapped.[System Activated][You have acquired an S-Class Ability: Starflame][Extreme rage and deep-seated hatred detected][You have obtained the unique skill: Devil’s Covenant]Once a victim, Ronan begins to rise—with a system by his side that grants him power through every action.When he cooks:[Skill Acquired: Home Cook]When he reads:[Skill Acquired: Speed Reading]When he fights:[Skill Acquired: Vital Strike]And these skills?They evolve.[Skill Devil's Covenant has upgraded into Devil's Divine Judgement][Skill Speed Reading has upgraded into Hyper Comprehension][Skill Energy Slash has upgraded into Demonic Slash]Every moment, every breath, every choice brings him closer to power.A hero, or a villain?He stands among them.

Aric Valerian, the fourth prince of the Valerian Empire, bears many titles: The Forgotten Prince, The Whore’s Child, The King’s Bastard—names that have been spoken more than his own. Born with a crippling illness and devoid of mana or ki, Aric was a disgrace, scorned by his family and the court. But when the gods cured him and gifted him the strength to fight, Aric dared to hope. He sought glory in battle, only to be betrayed by his brother and sent to die in a hopeless war. In his final moments, as death closed in, a mysterious text appeared before him… [Would you like to change your fate?] After being given another chance, Aric embarks on a ruthless journey to claim absolute sovereignty. [Ki Circulation Mastered: Strength +10] [System Upgrade: Advanced tactical planning unlocked] [Hidden Fortress Established: Stronghold security +15%] The forgotten prince claws his way through the treacherous landscape of imperial politics, he is forced to make impossible choices, each decision pushing him further down a path soaked in blood. He learns that true power demands sacrifice, and the price of vengeance may be his soul.

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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