The Runic Alchemist - Chapter 4: Engagement

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.

Imagination is always pleasant, but reality is cruel. I just wanted a simple life but why am I always getting into trouble?

The Master of the Tai Yi Sect, Patriarch Xu Yi shattered the void, causing the entire sect to travel through to the interstellar era.

On the deserted planet, the disciples discover a new world:

The eldest senior brother, who specialized in forging, fell in love with mech building. The second senior brother found that alchemy could also be manufactured on an assembly line; The third senior brother fell in love with live broadcasting and was addicted to the Internet; The old Master Xu Yi cracked his whip and urged the disciples, ‘This world is so rich in spiritual energy, how dare you not cultivate properly?’

In the Immortal Cultivation Realm, Junior Sister Sa Sa, who had no spiritual root and powerful spiritual sea, was finally no longer distressed by her inability to cultivate: ‘Mech’s are really powerful!’
Double standard — Xu Yi: … Study it. Isn’t it just mechs, Sa Sa should have one too.

A little bumpkin from a deserted star came to the Federation’s First Academy.

Sa Sa, ‘Wow, the internet is awesome! Mech’s are awesome! Technology is awesome!’
‘You don’t need to cultivate to become strong in the interstellar world, I really love love love it.’

Students from prominent and powerful backgrounds scoffed, ‘Where did the bumpkin come from? Is there something wrong with the admissions system?’
They had no idea that the anchor who exploded onto the internet had a great relationship with the little bumpkin.

Sa Sa: ‘Third Senior Brother is secretly on the internet again!’

The elixir that the little bumpkin usually took and hard to find, the spirit sea boosting pills with no side effects, was actually worth a thousand bucks?

Sa Sa, ‘Second Senior Brother makes the most delicious sweet pills!’

The mech that the little bumpkin casually pulled out was actually the upgraded version of the mech that everyone was fighting over?!

Sa Sa, ‘Eldest Senior Brother will definitely save the best for me!’

The whole planet was abuzz: ‘What kind of divine institution was Tai Yi? How do I get in? Waiting online for a reply!’

- Description from Novelupdates

After dying, you wake up and realize you've been reincarnated as a background character who is judged as human trash.The decision to change your destiny comes instantly.Discovering that your identity isn't as simple as you thought, you feel favored by the heavens when you manage to become a powerful character.Katase: You won't fool me. I'll expose you for the pervert you are.Murayama: ...Thank you for saving us.Issei: Motohama, what happened to you? How are you so powerful?Rias: If you join my peerage, I wouldn't mind being yours.Sona: You beat me in the game. That means you're now my fiancé.Yasaka: Honey, Kuno wants a little brother.Kaori Houjou: Shinji-kun, let's go on an adventure.Kaede Kazama: Shinji-kun, thank you for saving me from that ball.Rie Sawada: Shinji-kun, I'll wait for you. You'll be my future husband, fufufufu...Changing known history and taking it in a direction not even his eyes could perceive, he didn't stop no matter what. Not even the other world was safe from his clutches.Lexia Von Arselia: My hero, and my future husband...Shinji advances without stopping.“I, Shinji Motohama, swear here and now that I will reach the top of both worlds.”