This reminds me of a far better executed version of London's "Mole Man" [1]. I think it must've been linked on HN a few months back, but I can't find the link now.
[1]: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2006/aug/08/communities....
[1]: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2006/aug/08/communities....
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Underground_Man_(novel)
Loosely based on John Bentinck, 5th Duke of Portland: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bentinck,_5th_Duke_of_Por...