Once Upon a Time In Hollywood - Chapter 432: negotiation (1)

Fear breaks the boundaries between dreams and reality, and it is impossible to tell which is reality and which is illusory. When the nightmare really comes, no one can be alone.

This is both a danger and an opportunity.

- Description from novelbuddy

David Drinkwater lived his entire career as football's biggest joke.Thirty seven years old, rejected by every major club, and called a “club whore” by fans across Europe, but at Wembley Stadium, in the rain, he finally proved them wrong.Championship playoff final between Millwall and Norwich, and in the 90th minute, he scored the winning goal, then he died.**[Ding. Ding.]****「Host found: David Drinkwater.」****「Synchronisation complete.」**He opens his eyes in an eighteen year old body.Demien Walter, a failed Fiorentina academy prospect and suicide attempt survivor with an overall rating of 48, no team, and no future, but David brought something impossible with him.**[Ding.]****「Ultimate Gacha System activated.」****「Mission: Rise from nothing. Become the greatest footballer in history.」**Training earns points while matches earn rewards, and achievements unlock legendary packs.Every pack opening could change everything, whether through common stat boosts, rare techniques, or epic abilities, yet there's always the ultimate prize.**[Ding.]****「Diamond Pack opened.」****「Congratulations. Andrea Pirlo — Regista Vision obtained. Passing +15. Vision +10. Legendary Trait unlocked: Deep-Lying Playmaker.」**From trialist to conquering the football world, every pack, every point, and every impossible moment building toward football immortality.They called him a failure once, and they called him wasted potential, but now, with forty years of wisdom in an eighteen year old body and a system that rewards every drop of sweat with power, David will rewrite football history.One pack at a time.**Some dreams get a second chance, and some legends get a second life, so this is his.**

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.

An orphaned boy with dreams of making it big through being a blacksmith is given a once in a lifetime chance to succeed when he's taken in by an odd pair - Eggor and Ella. While former teaches him the arts of craft, the latter teaches him the mysticism of cultivation, granting him two paths to tread in this life.