Avoid the Protagonist - Chapter 72: An ‘Emergency’

Zhou Peng accidentally travels through time, finding himself in a weakened and sickly body with a shattered dantian, unable to cultivate qigong. Fortunately, the heavens show mercy by bestowing upon him an upgrade system.A waste? That's all in the past...Leveling up by slaying monsters, effortless and hassle-free, he no longer has to worry about cultivating.Killing monsters grants upgrades, and so does killing people. In the eyes of others, the awe-inspiring and prestigious sect masters are nothing but shining golden bosses in his sight...With the ability to upgrade, who am I afraid of? When so-called geniuses encounter roadblocks and fail to breakthrough, all I need to do is slay a few more beastly demons. Of course, sect heads, sect masters, realm lords... are even better.For the sake of my path to divinity, offer up your lives!

“Who would have thought that one ordinary review could instantly fuck your life? Definitely not me”******Luke was your average teenage boy—with an unhealthy obsession for light novels.After finishing a new read titled “The Hero’s Obsessed Harem,” he jumped online to post a review. His biggest issue? The so-called “hero” kept stealing other men’s love interests, and somehow, the story praised him for it.Right after posting the review, he got an odd reply from the author:“You think my book is flawed? I’ll make you regret that.”Luke brushed it off as a salty writer who couldn’t handle criticism—until everything went dark.The next time he opened his eyes, he was in the body of Riven Von Grave, the fourth son of the low-ranking Grave baron family—an irrelevant extra in The Hero’s Obsessed Harem. Riven was a forgotten character, engaged to three duke’s daughters since childhood, only for all three to abandon him for the so-called hero. And to make matters worse, he was fated to die in a war against demons—utterly forgotten.But Luke isn’t having any of it.Screw fate.Screw the plot.And most of all, screw the author who threw him into this mess.Armed with a mysterious system and pure spite, Riven is going to rewrite his destiny, and win back his fiancées as well.But with every change Riven makes, he changes the story, and pulls a calamity bigger than the demons toward them. What will he do when he realizes the impending doom, will he be able to fix his own mistakes?

Su Ming obtained the full occupation system, omniscient and omnipotent, and accepted ten apprentices on the mountain according to the system tasks.

Ten years later, the system can finally let him go down the mountain.

Only then did he discover;

His eldest apprentice became an urban killer

The second apprentice is the richest man in the world,

The three apprentices are the Huaxia Soldiers

……

- Description from novelbuddy

I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay Down My Gun is a Korean web novel that immerses readers in a complex world where the protagonist, after returning from another realm, faces challenges that prevent them from abandoning their role as a warrior. The story intricately weaves elements of fantasy and sci-fi with a strong psychological undercurrent, exploring themes of identity and duty. In this gripping narrative, the protagonist is forced to confront the harsh realities of war and survival in a world that seems familiar yet is fraught with new dangers. Despite having the chance to return to a peaceful life, the protagonist finds themselves unable to lay down their weapon, suggesting a deep internal conflict and a sense of responsibility towards the battles they must still face​​​​. Why Read It: **1. A Unique Blend of Genres: The novel skillfully combines elements of action, adventure, fantasy, and mecha, offering a refreshing take on the traditional isekai (another world) genre. The mecha and sci-fi components add a layer of technological intrigue, making it appealing to fans of futuristic storytelling​​. **2. Psychological Depth: At its core, the story delves into the psychological struggles of its protagonist. The exploration of identity, post-war trauma, and the moral dilemmas of warfare provides depth and complexity, making it more than just a typical action narrative. This focus on character development and internal conflict resonates with readers who appreciate stories with emotional and psychological substance​​. **3. Rich World-Building: The novel is known for its expansive world-building, which blends modern-day elements with fantastical and sci-fi settings. The detailed environment and intricate plotlines create a captivating backdrop for the protagonist’s journey, engaging readers with its vivid and immersive universe​​​​. **4. Engaging Plot: With over 651 chapters and counting, the novel offers an extensive and engaging storyline that keeps readers hooked. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists, strategic battles, and complex character interactions, ensuring that there is never a dull moment​​. Reception and Popularity: I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay Down My Gun has gained a substantial following among fans of Korean web novels. Its blend of action, fantasy, and psychological themes appeals to a wide audience, from those who enjoy fast-paced adventures to those who prefer more introspective tales. Although still ongoing, the novel has already completed its first part and several side stories, providing a satisfying yet evolving reading experience​​. Conclusion: This novel is a must-read for fans of isekai stories who are looking for something with more depth and complexity. Its exploration of post-war realities and the psychological impact of conflict offers a thought-provoking take on the genre. Whether you're drawn to epic battles, intricate plots, or character-driven narratives, I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay Down My Gun promises an unforgettable literary journey.