Story of The Ancient Demon King! - Chapter 103: Winds of Light

[WSA 2025 ENTRY]“Seriously? Of all the people I could’ve become, I get stuck as him?”Damien, a shut-in who spends his days cursing his favourite authors for every plot twist he didn’t like, meets his end at the hands of a mysterious woman.Just when he thinks his life is over, Damien wakes up as Alden Draven, an extra character inside his favourite novel.You know, the kind of character who shows up for one chapter, says nothing important, and dies tragically in the background to move the plot forward. Yeah, 'that' guy.And guess what? His death is scheduled to happen in the first few chapters.But just as he resolves to not die and change his fate, he notices something’s off. The plot is... wrong. The characters aren't acting as they were meant to be, and the plot is all messed up.“This wasn’t supposed to happen; the stupid hero was supposed to fail miserably right about now! Is it just me, or did the entire plot get hijacked?” He muttered as it hits him....“F*ck! ”Is there another transmigrator?”And if that wasn’t enough, there's a yandere girl, one of the characters he's meant to interact with, who’s developed an unnatural obsession with him.

Ye Fan was transmigrated to a world where everyone was a beast tamer. As the demonic beasts rampaged around the world, humans were forced to build walls to protect themselves while the beast tamers fought the demonic beasts.

As the day of enrollment got close, Ye Fan only had a pet beast, the Cute Sparrow, with him.

“A Cute Sparrow? Don’t you have a better beast? You’re helpless.”

“That beast’s potential is just too bad. Even if it evolves into an Iron Eagle, it can only reach the Intermediate Grade 1.”

“You’re trying to get into the academy with that? Dream on!”

He was mocked and laughed at, but Ye Fan remained calm as he looked at the system’s menu.

“Hidden evolution path.”

“Divine Path: Infinite evolution potential. King Grade achievable.”

His sparrow started to evolve into a Golden Scale Eagle, then the Illusion Feather, the Nine-heaven Roc, the Flaming Phoenix, and finally, the Garuda.

“The f**k? Are you telling me that’s a Cute Sparrow?”

As a Beta, Ning An’s goal in life was to work hard, make money and get rich. However, his own dear father changed his aspiration and made him become a military academy student. Initially, he wanted to spend his days lazing about. What? The first place in the year gets a generous scholarship? Then staying up to study and train my body is nothing at all! The first place scholarship is definitely mine!

The A in the opposite dorm: So you’re actually an O.

Ning An: Ah?

The A in the opposite dorm: I know. You’re risking it all to prove that an O is not inferior to an A.

Ning An: You know my ass. Laozi is a B.

The A in the opposite dorm: You need to correctly recognise your own gender ah.

Ning An: …. Teacher. Report. I’m afraid this person is stupid.

note: Pretending to be a B’ is 装B (Zhuang B). 装B also means to boast or show off

- Description from Novelupdates

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.