Black Iron Magician - Chapter 23: Kidnapping

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.

Four years ago, Mu Xueyi and Zhou Zhenyue broke up.
Four years later, a news exploded in the business world, and President Zhou committed suicide by jumping off the building because he couldn’t let go of his old relationship.
Mu Xueyi thought she didn’t like Zhou Zhenyue, the Zhou family and the Mu family were incompatible business rivals. And when she approached Zhou Zhenyue, she was only forced by her father to be an undercover agent, cooperating with Mu Shi to steal business secrets.
Her father stole the document, and her and Zhou Zhenyue’s fate would naturally come to an end.
But……
It wasn’t until Zhou Zhenyue jumped off the building for her that she suddenly understood why she was so sad after breaking up.
It turned out that she had long liked Zhou Yuyue.
So Mu Xueyi resolutely crashed and died on Zhou Zhenyue’s tombstone.
She originally thought of Jiuquanxia and Zhou Zhenyue saying “I like you” that she never said.
Unexpectedly, I closed my eyes and opened my eyes,
Reborn to a year ago.
That is – the third year of their separation.
? ? ?
She seemed to see God, this bastard, smiling meanly at her:
Dear, your very familiar crematorium is in place~

[Gentle President Attack x Little White Flowers in the Early Stage, Blackening and Crazy Criticism of Beauty in the Late Stage]
-Ending HE
– Suffering from hardships, not slag
-The two heroines are not mine, but they are not perfect saints
– The above attack refers to the character, the essence is mutual attack
– Background default same-sex marriageable
– Anti-theft ratio is 100%

Content tags: Urban love, broken mirror, reunion, love contract, rebirth
Search keywords: protagonist: Zhou Zhenyue, Mu Xueyi ┃ Other:
One-sentence introduction: Running for a while, chasing his wife in the crematorium
Concept: The best way to love someone is sincerity, not deception

- Description from novelbuddy

The blacksmith Anvil created weapons alone in a ruined world.

He came across a community, a hero universe, where there are heroes of every dimension.

All the heroes wanted his weapons,

All the monsters hated him,

All the world blessed his existence

however nobody prevented his death.

Decades later, a dimensional invasion started on earth.

Kang Shin-hyuk, a boy who can’t use mana inherited Anvil’s VIP ID and memories.

What would you do if you were told you only had five years to live?Aster Mistral, suffering from an incurable congenital “disease” that saps life force out of his every breath, decided to fight with all his might. Waking up into the future, 2,500 years later, he embarks on a quest to find a cure for his ailment!“My target! To find the Panacea on the 1,000th floor of the dungeon!”Together with trustworthy allies, he forges a path of blood and corpses, building his foundation and increasing his level! However, he can’t stay in dungeons all the time, as he has a duty to fulfill.“To raise the human DNA average of the world, the government wants my seeds?!”Follow Aster on his laidback journey of fighting monsters, courting girls, escaping adversaries, and discovering secrets about himself!