They're connected for sure, but I noticed how their personalities are different in 41. MC in chapter 1 is like the typical returnee-out-for-revenge MC, while in the recent updates he's more like his seasoned mercenary self from the future. Anyway, that circle back was ლ(´ڡ`ლ).
guys read chapter 1 after reading chapter 41, it's connected ლ(´ڡ`ლ)