MTL - The Great Voyage: the Prop Master on the Straw Hat Ship - Chapter 2

In humanity’s final war against the Demon Lord, the strongest heroes fell—not by the enemy’s hand, but by their own, twisted into madness by a cruel illusion. Betrayal. Bloodshed. Despair… and then, silence.Only one person remained: Riley—the weakest warrior of them all. Powerless. Ignored. Forgotten.But he saw through the Demon Lord’s deception. The tyrant was on the brink of death—so weak even a fly could’ve finished him off.And Riley did just that, drawing every last ounce of strength to bite off the demon’s head.Victory? Not quite. A final, desperate strike from the Demon Lord pierced him from behind, killing him instantly.But fate wasn’t done with him yet.Riley awoke ten years in the past—when the online game [Apocalypse] was launched. Before demons descended. Before monsters overran the world.And this time, he wasn’t starting from nothing. He had a decade of experience—and a second chance.Even more shocking, he didn’t awaken his old D-rank Strength Boost talent. This time, he received something far more terrifying: an SSS-Rank Gluttony talent!He could now devour anything—monsters, items, talents, even traits—and gain their power.Ding![You have devoured: Iron Fang Wolf][Acquired: +4 Strength, +2 Agility, Skill: Bite (F-rank)][You have devoured: Goblin ShamanAcquired: +8 Intelligence, Skill: Mana Bolt (E-rank), Talent: Minor Spellcasting Efficiency][You have devoured: Flaming Salamander Drake][Acquired: +22 Endurance, Trait: Dragon’s Resilience, Skill: Flame Breath (C-rank)]Now, there is no demon, no god, no monster who will stand in his way. He will devour everything—and save the world.But the power of Gluttony was a double edged sword. If he wasn’t careful… he could be the one getting consumed.

[Fast Wear + Group Pampering + Gentle Female Lead + Crushing Scum]Su Zhiruan had died unexpectedly and was bound to the Childbirth System. Completing tasks would earn her eternal life and inexhaustible wealth.This sounds great!In her last life, she had no children. After binding with the system, she became blessed with many children and was pampered to the heavens by the male lead!All her children were obedient, sensible, and easy to raise, making her a true bringer of fortune![Scenario One]: Five years into the Emperor's reign, the harem had produced no offspring. After a night of passion with Su Zhiruan, the harem became filled with princes and princesses. The Emperor would dote on them even during court sessions, setting aside his imperial deportment to play with the children and personally teach the princes. His gaze towards Su Zhiruan grew increasingly fervent.“My dear, would you like to be my Empress, and together take care of our children, becoming my wife above all others?”[Scenario Two]: The most mysterious gentleman in the Capital City was rumored to be disabled. Approaching middle age without any descendants, his relatives eyed his fortune and wished him dead daily. Su Zhiruan's arrival utterly dispelled their schemes, as she bore this handsome man a brood of children. When she thought to leave, he held onto her, his normally cold and proud eyes filled with pleading. His voice was deep and low.“Wife, please don't leave me and our children. I beg you.”

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.

As the youngest captain of the league team, Yu Zhaohan knew that if he wanted to establish his prestige, he must establish a stable personality. His eyes were indifferent, he has a cold face, and he always used a full stop when sending messages. Especially in front of Shi Du, the new transfer, who was too much to handle.

Everyone thought Yu Zhaohan is a beautiful and cold flower, and so did Shi Du. He has never been interested in Bking, and he was too lazy to interact with Yu Zhaohan. Until one day, Shi Du ended his vacation early and returned to the base.

He saw Yu Zhaohan wearing a little dinosaur’s plush pajamas, sitting cross-legged on the sofa watching “Ultraman”, battling an unopenable canned fruit, and even using his teeth.

The two looked at each other, and the scene was very awkward.
Yu Zhaohan’s face was still cold, but his ears were red: “It’s a misunderstanding, I’m not a fool.”

“I see.” Shi Du smiled and approached Yu Zhaohan with full aggression, “Then, does the captain need help?”

After the two dated –
Shi Du: “Do you know baby, you don’t need to pretend to be in front of your boyfriend.”

Yu Zhaohan pondered for a long time, then slowly raised his head: “Oh… can that boyfriend touch my head?”

Note: Bking : Something like a “bking” is a king of “装逼“ which is someone who does cool stuff effortlessly or everything they do is unusually “cool”.

- Description from Novelupdates