Surprise! The Supposed Talent Show Was Actually–?! - Chapter Ch173.2 - Consciousness Regression

Ever since Arwin was summoned as a child, all he has known is war. And now, to claim the demon queen's life and end the war, he has to kill himself. But, as he deals the final blow to his mortal enemy, the Hero of Mankind is betrayed.Caught in a magical explosion thought to end him, Arwin awakens a month later to find that everyone has already moved on. His [Hero] class has changed to a unique blacksmith class called [The Living Forge] that is empowered by consuming magical items, but some of his old passive [Titles] remain, giving him the power to forge his new future exactly the way he wants to.Arwin isn't going to settle for anything less than completely surpassing the powers he wielded as the Hero.After all, you are what you eat – and Arwin’s diet just became legendary.What to expect: - Item focused crafting story, where a lot of the MC's power comes from his equipment- Mix of crafting & combat as the MC has to get the materials himself. The MC does not spend the whole novel in one room crafting. - No Harem- Strong to Stronger MC- Slow burn revenge with a focus on the MC rebuilding his life and discovering new purpose

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.

After dying on Earth, Liam Porter awakens in Twin Land, a strange world ruled by powerful Spirit Masters.Surrounded by corpses and the wreckage of a destroyed carriage, Liam finds himself wounded—newly arrived in this new world—facing the man responsible for his predecessor’s death.Thrown on an island where he must survive, Liam survives a strange demonic ritual and awakens magical powers.In a world where magic reigns and mystical beings (beasts and monsters) are essential for the growth of the Spirit Masters, Liam will follow a unique path alongside an incubus demon-spirit!To get stronger, he’ll have to conquer women and tame beasts!But not only his captors and the beasts—Spirit Masters’ natural enemies—will stand in his way. He will also have to face the depraved reality in which he finds himself!…“I will become the new Beasts God! Nothing and no one will stop me from achieving my ambition!”Expectations:- Fast pace, particularly at the beginning. A balance between lots of action, kingdom building, slow analysis of the cultivation system and rune creation;- Dark truths of a medieval society;- The MC is a curious earthling with above-average intelligence. He’s not a genius, but he will bring some things from his past life into this world in order to have some advantages (later in the story);- Harem;- Dual cultivation; (it’s the MC’s main cultivation method);- From weak to strong;- Sect building (later in the story).