Desolate Era - Book 4, Chapter 1 - His Waiting

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.

It’s the era of Transmigration.

I wanted to possess a body of a rich young lady in a Rofan childcare novel, and live while receiving lots of love.

No. 1 to be avoided!

No. 1 in frustrating the reader!

I possessed someone inside an infinite return novel called: Return Until the World is Saved.

Forget being a young lady from a prominent family, I will soon be ruined because the survival difficulty of the original work is S-Class.

I became an extra. Ellet, the young daughter of a servant in the Count’s manor.

We are poor, but it’s a happy life between a kind brother and a good father.

I’ve got a best friend I’ve never made before because I was always busy.

Even the gods of the Transmigration Management Bureau are openly fond of me.

I’m living a life full of confidence.

On top of that, I accidentally bought the ‘After-Life Insurance’ full package just before my death.

I leveled up with the high-speed growth buff, and diligently destroyed the original plot.

Thanks to plenty of special privileges, I came to give satisfaction for all the frustrated readers of the original work.

“You wiped your face with your dirty hands.”

“…….”

“Don’t be surprised. It’s because I have an obligation to be kind.”

And then, there’s the protagonist who is still nothing more than a handsome push over, Thesilid.

‘Why is he being this crafty with me?’

Thousands of years ago, a small planet collided with Earth and destroyed the world. In five days, ninety percent of humans had been wiped out, leaving behind the last ten percent to earnestly struggle on death’s door.

Jinyu was one of those people who survived. Due to a special heredity trait, he could understand beast language. After the apocalyptic disasters, Jinyu had been living for a month with the few small beast brothers that he’d subdued. Previously, Jinyu had thought that he would live like that until he died. Yet, inexplicably, one day he opened his eyes to find that he was in a monstrous, lawless world that was full of vitality and life.

Jinyu’s transmigration into the future let him skip over almost one hundred thousand years. In the year 106825, beasts rule the galaxies and ‘pure’ humans are extinct. As the one and only ‘pure’ human left in the entire universe, Jinyu braves this new chaotic world to find a place for himself and thus begins to work at Beast Store number 138.

- Description from Novelupdates

Zane was just a working-class adult with a passion for one thing—Cursed Bloodline Online, the once-revolutionary game that had faded into obscurity. After six long years of grinding, he was finally on the verge of ascension—until everything changed.His bloodline suddenly reset.The world itself changed immediately after.And without warning, everyone between the ages of sixteen to thirty vanished—pulled into the game’s world.Now trapped in the Realm of Bloodlines, Zane finds himself different from the others. While most awaken standard paths to power, he inherits a hidden Bloodline Class—the Cursed Bloodline of the Vampire Progenitor, the same bloodline that mysteriously appeared on his account just moments before the transfer.Alone, hunted, and feared as one of the last of a forgotten, despised race, Zane must fight to survive. To grow stronger before the world turns on him. To uncover the secrets of his cursed identity. And to discover what force brought them all into this deadly game.Slowly but surely, he forgets himself from the past, overtaken by the life of the body he now inhabits and the mysteries that surround it, becoming the very thing that caused the gods to curse his race in the first place.