The theme of legacy also exists. The retired hero wants to leave a positive mark on the world. He might train a new generation of heroes or complete a final mission that will be remembered. For instance, an old superhero might pass on his powers or knowledge to a young protégé, ensuring that his heroic values are carried on.
One common theme is the struggle to adapt to normal life. After being a hero with a lot of action and excitement, the retired hero often finds it hard to fit into a normal, quiet life.
One common theme is nostalgia. Retired heroes often look back on their glory days with a mix of pride and longing. For example, they might remember a big battle they won or a great rescue mission.
One common theme is redemption. The demon king, after a life of doing evil, now tries to make up for his past mistakes. For example, in many novels, he might help the weak or fight against other evil forces that are a threat to the world he now wants to protect.
One common theme is the struggle between the past and the present. The retired agent often has to come to terms with their former life of secrecy and danger while trying to build a new, romantic relationship in the present.
Danger is another theme. Even though they are retired, their past often catches up with them, and this brings a sense of danger into the romance. The lovers may find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy or being targeted by former enemies, which adds an exciting and sometimes tense element to the relationship. It's like in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' where Lisbeth Salander, a character with a past full of mystery, gets involved in dangerous situations while also having a relationship with Mikael Blomkvist.
The theme of change is also prevalent. His entire lifestyle, values, and relationships change. He might go from being feared to being respected or befriended. There is also often a theme of secrecy. He has to keep his past a secret in some cases, which adds an element of suspense to the story. He may struggle with when and how to reveal his true identity, especially when he starts to care about the people in his new life.
Another theme is the bond formed through shared experiences. Sometimes the love interest has some connection to the military as well, like being a military family member or having worked with the military. This shared understanding of military life deepens their connection in the romance, as seen in novels like 'Connected by the Military Past'.
A third common theme is the contrast between the military world and the small - town life. The retired soldier has to navigate the more laid - back and often gossip - filled small - town environment while still holding on to his military values. This can create interesting situations in the romance, like when the soldier's strict sense of honor clashes with the more flexible social norms of the town.
Another theme is redemption. Many retired martial artists in these novels have made mistakes or have a dark past in their martial arts careers. They use their retired life to atone for their actions, either by helping others or by facing their past demons. For instance, a character might have killed unjustly in the past and now tries to save lives in his retirement.
One popular retired hero web novel could be 'The Retired Hero's New Life'. In this type of novel, the retired hero often has to adjust to a normal life after a life of adventure. They might face challenges like dealing with past enemies who still hold grudges or finding a new purpose in a world that has moved on without them.