Fantasy Simulator - Chapter 40: Invitation

After a shocking reincarnation, our hero opens her eyes to a new (and messy) world the last thing she remembers is reading Lady Viper’s Vow, a dark fantasy novel about a cruel, misunderstood villainess and her path of doom. But when our protagonist finds herself reborn right in the heart of an attack, she’s moments away from a second, way-too-soon death. Just as she’s about to face the end, a mysterious “system” pops up with a single mission: Level Up or Die Trying. It’s bossy, snarky, and her new best friend. As she levels up into a borderline-cheater powerhouse, she discovers her fate isn’t to be a hero, a princess, or even a sorceress, but to protect the one person no one ever expected her to side with: the villainess herself.

In the first episode, Little Palace Maid Lian Hua, holding tea leaves, thought to curry favor with Zhaoyi. The Emperor intercepted her halfway, and before she could react, he hijacked her tea leaves, leaving her bewildered.In the second episode, she wanted to curry favor with the Noble Consort. During the Noble Consort's birthday feast, she hadn't even presented the meticulously prepared tea leaves before the Emperor seized them, leaving her aggrieved.In the third episode, she had just sneaked out with the Palace Maids to pick bamboo shoots, planning to go back and cook something delicious when the Emperor burst out of nowhere wanting to freeload a meal. If it wasn't tasty, he would punish her, she managed to barely pass muster by exerting all her energy. Before she could feel relieved, the Emperor told her he was also staying to sleep!This time, he was thoroughly taking advantage of her, enjoying free food and lodging without the slightest intention of rewarding her.At night, the more she thought about it, the more aggrieved she felt. All the silver she had saved up in earlier years had been used to sustain the Emperor. Now that the money was gone, she feared being punished for not being able to support him in the future. The more she thought, the sadder she got, her tears plopping down, which woke the Emperor sleeping beside her.In a flurry, the Emperor consoled her, “There, there, don't cry, don't cry. I haven't even had time to reward you, how could I punish you!”After much consoling, and finally with his promise to provide for her sustenance, she turned her tears into laughter.The Emperor breathed a sigh of relief. This Little Concubine would need to be favored properly from now on—he dared not make her cry again.→→【This story has concluded, thank you for reading】→→New book recommendation:“Consort of the Roll-Royce is Here, Run!”—It's a good read! Please add it to your favorites.

A world with magic, mythical creatures, mystical herbs, labyrinths, and treasures.A world where the strongest adventurers get to be the ones to enjoy fame and riches.A world where various rankings decide your worth.This is the world where Shye Crowley and his sister were born.As the children of two fairly known diamond-ranked adventurers, Shye and his sister, Maia, enjoyed a prosperous lifestyle.Unfortunately, after departing for a mithril-ranked quest in hopes of ranking up, their parents couldn’t return.Years passed and life went downhill fast for the siblings.Fortunately, a fateful encounter bestows him a system that could change their fate.

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.