The First King of Beasts - Chapter 9 Taming Exercise

An AI calling itself Schema has assimilated earth into its system. As a consequence, everyone gained access to status screens, power-ups, and skills. This AI turned these concepts from fiction to fact. It's easy to become intoxicated with leveling up and becoming stronger. To some, it's too good to be true like living out a dream.

For Daniel, however, it's closer to a nightmare.

He's in a bit of a predicament. Cracks in our dimensional fabric have unleashed terrifying beasts from dark, abyssal places. Schema organizes these cracks into dungeons, giving the native species of the planet a chance to fight back. Daniel finds himself trapped in one of these dungeons. Not long after, he discovers there's only one way out.

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 a time when the Divine Prefectures of the East Sea were in great disarray, Emperor Ye Qing and Donghuang the Great appeared to save the day. Under their rule, the prefectures united and all nations as well as their kings have been controlled. However, the legend of these two great heroes becomes altered when Emperor Ye Qing’s name is wiped from the history books after his sudden death. All statues and images of him were destroyed and his name a taboo. Only the legend of Donghuang the Great shall live on.

Fifteen years later, a young man by the name of Ye Futian begins his journey in search for his true identity. The legend of Futian was going to be one for the history books.

As a real young master of a wealthy family who was taken away by mistake, Chen Mo has never understood why it was him who was lost outside for seventeen years, and everyone still liked the fake young master Yang Shule, so he fought hard to fight, to grab, and to rob. In the end, his parents hated him, he was abandoned by his relatives and friends, and he died unexpectedly. So after rebirth, Chen Mo thought it over. Laughing makes you ten years younger, and going to bed early can help you live till old age. Not long after returning home, his biological parents asked him: “Chen Mo, do you think your brother… Can he still live with us now?” Chen Mo said sincerely: “As long as you are happy.” Aunts and uncles praised the fake young master during festivals. Chen Mo drank the wolfberry and red dates mixed soup and nodded repeatedly: “Yes, you have good taste.” The people around him openly and secretly compared the two of them, mocking him for not being worthy of the identity of a real young master of a wealthy family. Chen Mo slept soundly while soaking his feet in medicinal water: “Isn’t this a fact? Just keep talking about it, you can even go out on the streets with a loudspeaker.” Others: “…” Later, people found out that this real young master picked up by a wealthy family is best at three things. Eating, sleeping, and being gay. Not only is he gay, he also dumped the excellent student in his grade, who was the childhood sweetheart of the fake young master. Chen Mo felt extremely wronged. Xi Siyan, the cold-faced devil, didn’t like him in his previous life. How did these people came to think that he dumped him. “How about I explain it for you?” Chen Mo tried one day. The person leaning against the wall looked down at him and raised his eyebrows: “What do you want to explain?” “You, Xi Siyan, will have nothing to do with me, Chen Mo, in this life, the next life, and another next life.” The person in front of him kissed him with his hands in his pockets, and said coldly: “Now I do.” Chen Mo was shocked; Xi Siyan! You dog forced me !