While everyone is Cultivating, I am playing an RPG game - Chapter 18 - Betrayal

She, the top goddess in the showbiz, officially announced her marriage, with her husband's identity remaining a mystery.One day, a news story went viral claiming that she was seen entering a villa with a strange man in the midnight and didn't leave until morning.Someone recognized the man as a financial tycoon, who is mysterious and low-key, and no one dares to offend him.That day, she clarified the rumors during a live broadcast, “It's all rumors. Please don't misunderstand. We are just friends.”Just then, he himself stepped up and said, “That's right. We're just friends for now.”...Everyone knew that their marriage was just a commercial arrangement devoid of any real emotion; otherwise, he wouldn't have left his wife to go abroad for two years right after their wedding.Just when everyone was waiting for their divorce, a secretly shot video suddenly went viral online.In the courtyard, the man who was always casual, proud, and superior, knelt on one knee in a pious posture, massaging the woman's ankle. His low and sexy voice captivated everyone watching the video as he said, “Sweetie, would you like to remarry me?”Damn! It's so sweet!

Luo Lan traveled to the world of pirates, but the golden finger cheated him, it seemed useless.

Fortunately, I met Luffy at the beginning, and I planned to hang out in the hat group and wait for the finale.

But what he didn’t know was that after reading his comics…

Luffy frantically racked up experience in the comics and awakened Nika form ahead of time!

Zoro had just finished his duel with Sasaki Kojiro in the morning, and he fought Kenpachi again in the afternoon!

Sanji hangs out with guys with thick eyebrows all day long, shouting about youth, passion and so on~

Usopp asked the two Wang Yue to create a shallow sword, awakening the bow and killing star!

Chopper gathered the power of the twelve beasts to prove that I am not the weakest fruit of everyone!

Robin’s thousand hands formed a seal at the same time, and told you what is the spiral pill washing the ground!

…

When the top war comes, the *hat group makes a strong debut and shocks the world! !

- Description from novelbuddy

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.

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.