Disclaimer: I do not own Dynasty Warriors. Dynasty warriors is owned by their respective owners.
Dark clouds hovered high in the sky, for everyone who was even a slight bit of superstitious an omen bad things were underway. With the turmoil in the land growing each day, the townsfolk feared today was the day it would reach their town.
However, as the morning started, so did an unexpected visit from their lord to their town. His sudden appearance eased their restlessness. Brian rode on his horse for a second conservative day through the main streets, his advisor at his side. ''Good morning, Lord Brian!'' Random citizens welcomed, unlike the day before.
Brian returned the welcomes with a warm response and continued to ride through town, all the way to a certain house in the outskirts of his town. One of the few constructors of the town lived there, and it was now more than ever Brian required his assistance.
He knocked on the door, and a few seconds later, an older man answered his call. ''I have nothing...?!'' the man started, only to realize it was not a mere businessman standing at his doorsteps. ''My apologies, milord!'' he instantly apologized as he bowed deeply.
''That is not needed. Is this the Jong Residence?'' Brian asked politely.
''Yes, it is. I am Jong Go. What can I do for you, milord?'' Go Jong asked.
Brian looked at the sky as he answered, ''It seems like it is going to rain soon, so could you let us in? I have something to ask you.''
''Of course, milord! Please come in.'' Jong Go immediately responded, letting Brian and Delan in his small home. ''Can I offer you some tea, or anything else?''
''I do not need anything,'' Brian responded. As Feng didn't require anything as well, Go sat down. Before he could start, Brian asked, ''According to my advisor, you are one of the best constructors in town. Is that true?''
Jong Go smiled as he answered, ''I am sorry but I don't think I can answer that, milord. If one would call himself the best, would he truly be the best? I am an experienced architect though.''
Brian smiled as he responded, ''That is a perfect answer. I have a job for you if you are willing to take it.''
''Always. What can I help you with?'' the architect answered almost instantly, his posture changing to an intrigued one. I got his attention. Perfect. Now just trying to keep it. Just as Brian wanted to tell his request, a girl of his former age walked in. She had dark short hair, wearing old common Chinese clothing, and had a quite hostile gaze. She wasn't beautiful or pretty in the slightest, but what drew Brian's gaze was the pencil-like instrument laying on the top of her right ear.
''Who are you?'' She asked rudely as she stared at the two men, not recognizing her lord, nor trying to be polite in the slightest.
''Chen!'' Jong Go tried to silence, fearing the offer he was about to get would be no longer valid. Feng wanted to move but Brian just smiled as he did not mind the rudeness. It was refreshing in comparison to all the polite Lords he had received. Instead, he caught on the small instrument in her hands and answered, ''A potential customer to your father's services. My name is Brian Miller, Miss Jong.'' The girl's eyes shot open from instant shock, realizing she had badmouthed the lord of her land, and her body instantly tensed up. However, Brian kept his smile as he asked, ''Excuse me for asking but are you a draftsman by any chance?''
''Ye..Yes.., my lord..'' The girl stuttered in fear.
Ah, come on. Please don't do that. Brian thought disappointingly. The father looked fearful, and the daughter looked still frightened when Brian finally eased their worry as he said, ''Let me guess. You taught your daughter how to draw in order to help you in the business. Am I wrong?'' Jong Go hesitantly nodded his head. ''Perfect. Then take a seat and listen to my request, miss Jong.'' Go looked strictly to the side, ordering his daughter to sit down immediately with his eyes alone. The girl did not even hesitate as she quickly walked forward and sat down in the politest and courteous way possible. ''For my request, I have plans to reconstruct the town. The streets, the houses, the plaza, I want everything restored to as good as new. Can you do it, Mister Jong?''
The architect looked worried as he answered, ''It is a big project, milord... Even if I had the manpower for this job, I do not have the resources for it.''
Brian did not even waver as he responded, ''That's not a problem. I will provide you with the resources you need and the manpower you need. In exchange, restore this town to a place we can be proud of.''
The man nodded as he felt his confidence grow and responded, ''Very well, milord. You can count on me.''
Brian's mansion was surprisingly large. It had to be three times the size of the constructor's house if not more if Brian had to guess from the outside alone, and it showed on the inside as well. The Emporer had taken a position on the East of his house, but even with those three rooms occupied, Brian had still plenty of space to live in.
At this very moment, he found himself in a medium-sized room used for small gatherings and meetings. It was there he stood, watching the different maps Mi Tong had gathered over the course of the night and the early morning. ''My apologies for the long delay, Lord Brian. My informant network is not what it used to be,'' the man apologized.
Brian looked over the maps of various grounds, including his very own town, a map of ancient China, and the map of the surroundings resources and enemies. Not what it was used to be...? How enormous is that informant network of yours?!'' He thought shocked.
''You have done well,'' Brian responded, trying to hide the shock from his expression. He looked at the marker that indicated their town on the large map, indicating they were on the northwest side of ancient china, near the Yellow River in the province of Yong. He looked at the other pins on the map and asked, ''What are these?''
''Future threats, My lord.'' the knight answered he pointed a bit further to the side and said, ''The warlord Sun Quan is currently stationed here. He is the son of the famous Sun Jian and younger brother of the infamous Sun Ce of Wu.'' Mi Tong pointed to the next marker as he continued, ''In the south of the Ji Province, the nobility Yuan Shao rules, and further north, strong warlords like Dong Zhou and wizards live.'' Wizards? They must be Zuo Ci and Zhang Jiao. Continuing west he added, ''In the Yu province, the warlord Cao Cao is ruling with an iron fist, and further down south, the mighty warrior Lu Bu resides.''
Brian looked unaffected as he asked, ''What about the provinces Yu, Jing, Qing, Yang, Yan, and Liang?''
Mi Tong looked perplexed and amazed those big names meant nothing to his lord. ''R..right! Yu is currently under the rule of Sima Yi, Jing is under control of the virtuous Liu Bei, and Liang is where the wild king Meng Huo rules. I have no information on the provinces Yang, Yan, and Qing.'' So many famous names dropped in just a few minutes...
''That doesn't matter. Since those are too far away, for the time being, we should work on our surroundings. Good work, Mi Tong.''
The knight bowed with a smile. He shifted to another map and said, ''Very well. If I can you to give a piece of advice...''
''We should be focusing our attention to unite the province of Yong, starting with the north. That way, we can focus our efforts on one side instead of being cautious of our flanks when we proceed to conquer the south,'' Brian filled in, understanding the knight perfectly.
''Yes, you are right, my lord,'' Mi Tong responded. Although there was a relief in his voice, there was a slight irritation in the response as well.
''My apologies. It was not my intention to interrupt you.'' Seeing a slight change in Mi Tong's expression, he shifted his eyes on the map of his nearby surroundings and asked, ''What are these blue markers?''
''Those are imported resource locations. To the north of this village lies the Yellow River. The surrounding areas are filled with strong trees and plenty of wildlife. It should help us keep the production of food. Here to the east is a cave used to find the stone that can be used to develop the town. To the east, there is a mineral mine famous for its treasures,'' Mi Tong answered, a proud tone in his voice hearable.
Can you be any more obvious in your pride? Brian thought annoyed as he kept his gaze on the maps. He wanted to comment on it when the door of the room opened up, and a shockingly-worried Delan stepped in. ''My Lord! We have a problem!''
''What is it, Delan?'' Brian asked surprisingly calm, now knowing the board pieces of the game.
''We received word there is a bandit group nearby! The farmers from Enkuma are already heading to our town to seek protection, but I am not sure if they will arrive here in time...'' The advisor answered worriedly.
A message appeared in Brian's HUD, indicating a battle was activated. Unconventional Battle. A battle of defense, in which fame can be easily earned. There are reports Bo Zhang is participating in this battle. the student read internally. Bo Zhang? One of the Yellow Turban rebellious? But Zhang Jaio is on the other side of the country? Well, I can't worry about that now. Let's get this started!
With an iron-steeled expression, he shifted his eyes on his advisor and asked, ''Where are they?''
''To the north! My lord, what are...'' Delan asked worriedly, yet had no time to fully ask that question.
''Delan, prepare my horse. I am going to pay those bandits a visit,'' Brian commanded as he walked out of the meeting room, pulled four pieces of armor on him, which were his skills, grabbed his strongest swords from the wall, and walked outside.
''My lord!'' Mi Tong shouted as he rushed to him with armor and spear in the ready. A few more less-armored knights appeared at their side as if they were all ready to assist in battle. ''Let us join you!'' Oh yeah... he was assigned as my bodyguard... What a bother.
''Very well. Follow me and do not hold back,'' Brian answered as he took the harness of his horse, and rode towards the battlefield.
The sounds of four hove firmly planted on the ground. The strong pressure of the wind generated by the insane agility of the mighty beast. The exhausted faces of people who stopped after seeing the group of knights charging forward after escaping the group of bandits near their town. Those were all minor details that kept Brian's mind occupied as he rode forward.
''My lord! What's the plan?'' Mi tong asked as he rode his horse swiftly alongside his new boss.
''Charge in and strike before they know what hit them. Make them surrender as quickly as possible,'' Brian commanded calmly. That calmness was only possible because he could see the upcoming as a game. A game that he needed to finish. Just as he wondered where the bandits could be after another five minutes passed, it was preciously that reason that helped him.
A map of the battlefield entered his HUD, complete with the blue dots indicating his allies, and red indicating his enemies. This makes things easier. A piece of music familiar to him suddenly joined in, as an indication the battle had started. Is this...The Yellow Turban OST? It was at that moment a new message appeared. Zhang Jun is isolated. Zhang Jun is in trouble. Assist him at once!
Just as he was wondering how he should tell the others, he noticed a young man with a short-sword running at him, shouting ''Please! Please, save master Zhang Jun! He is trying to keep the bandits occupied, but he is in danger!''
Brian wasted little time, let his body act automatically as he leaned almost horizontally on his horse, pulled the young man from the ground, threw him on the back of his saddle, turned back in a normal rider's position, and asked, ''Where is he?''
Wow. He is amazing. Mi Tong thought impressed as he rode behind his lord. I didn't know he could do that. Perhaps he truly can reunite the land. That was only a small portion of Brian's strength, all received from the fact he was supposed to be a protagonist. But Mi Tong would later learn that was nothing to the true strength of the young lord.
''Behind that gate!'' The young man guided. ''We have to hurry!'' Brian already knew that, but it made much more sense to ask directions than just head straight for the location.
As he entered the gate, his goal was in sight. A small battle, where at least thirty men surrounded a smaller group, with in the middle a wounded allied officer, judging from his blue healthbar and name. An enemy officer stood in that circle as well, with a familiar name; Yan Zheng.
''Master Zhang Jun!'' the young man behind Brian shouted. ''We came back to save you!''
''Charge! Do not let them retreat!'' Mi Tong commanded as he rode forward, his knights following him in his charge. The horses rode through the crowd, pushing the bandits aside as they reached the wounded soldiers. Just as Brian predicted after testing it the day before, his body acted automatically on his thoughts and his first movement. Fluently and almost perfect, he jumped off his riding horse, rolled forward on his feet, and instantly stood in the unfamiliar stance of battle readiness.
''What's going on?!'' One of the bandits shouted.
''Who cares?! Kill that bastard!'' Another bandit responded as he charged in with a sword on Brian. He was never prepared for the consequences.
A sidestep, a diagonal slash with his sword, and the unnamed bandit fell down lifelessly. ''Wha...What just happened...?''
''Stand back, men! He is mine!'' Yan Zheng shouted as he turned to the lord and said, ''I'm going to have your head!''
I can't waste any time on this guy. Let's get this over with! Brian thought as charged forward, the officer not expecting that as he tried to get in a defensive stance. It failed as Brian's sword clashed against its curved sword, and swept it upward. Another slash cleaved through the chest armor and clothes but missed the sub-leaders skin just by an inch.
In less than a minute, the bandits who were causing havoc were submitted, their leader Yan Zheng lying on the ground, a shock visible on his face as he realized the knight had not killed him despite having the capabilities to do so. The way he nonchalantly used his weapon to disarm him. The way his expression didn't even change as if he wasn't even looking forward to their battle. ''Wh..who are you?'' Yan Zheng asked.
''My name is Brian Miller. I am the lord of these lands.'' He answered calmly before he added, ''I do not like unnecessary bloodshed. Tell your men to surrender, and I will keep them alive.'' Looking at the dead man laying on the ground, he added, ''Come with me with intent to kill, and I will not hesitate to defend myself.''
His stare was intense, but his eyes were honest. His blade was ready, but not aimed at any of his men. This man... Yan Zheng thought as he finally said, ''Very well. I accept my defeat. Do as you please with me.''
It was at that moment another message appeared in front of him. Rescued Zhang Jun! Gained 250 fame! ''Mi Tong. Bring these bandits to our town. Threat them with care.'' A new message appeared a second later, indicating the battle was far from over. Peasants are under attack by bandits! Save the peasants!
A scream of help could be heard in the distance, and it was more than enough reason for Brian to react to it. A whistle was all he needed, as his horse ran back to him. With an almost impossible motion, he grabbed the harness and pulled himself on the running horse. ''Lord Brian?!'' Mi Tong shouted.
''I will take care of the remaining bandits. Escort the prisoners back to the town,'' he commanded as he rode forward.
''Please...'' A woman pleaded as she looked terrified at the armored men from the ground, protecting her child from danger. ''Let us go...''
''Can't do that, love! We need to earn some money, and you two are just some merchandise we need. Now, when is that annoying bastard coming already?'' The bandit leader asked as he looked to the side. Don't tell me he got beaten by that stupid knight. A grin escaped his lips as he thought, That would be hilarious.
As he continued to smile at the prospect of that arrogant guy losing to a mere knight, the woman's terrifying gaze continued to check her situation. Her child was cowering behind her, not able to stand up and run away with all the bandits there. Other women, children, and some men were captured as well, and one wrong move would be the end of them. The situation looked hopeless.
It was that reason her body stiffened even further when the sound of an approaching horse could be heard. ''Finally, that took them long enough. Now, let...?!''
Just before the bandit leader could react to the unexpected knight, the horse rode past him, and a blade cut his head clean off. The other bandits momentarily stiffed from shock, and the knight took immediate advantage of it. His blade danced mercilessly against the group of bandits, sparing none of who dared to hold a weapon. It was over before it even began.
As the bandits lay on the ground, cuts deep enough to have ended with a swift death, the mysterious knight shifted to the shocked woman and said, ''It is safe now. Are you alright?''
The realization came quicker than expected, and as soon as the strength in her body returned, she stood and answered, ''Y..yes! Thank you! Who are you?''
The black-haired knight's eyes were kind and honest as he answered, ''I am Brian Miller, the lord of these lands. I came as soon as I heard these bandits caused trouble for my people.'' A new message popped up, showing he had again acquired 250 fame. ''If you please excuse me, I have one more thing to do.''
As he whistled his horse to him and rode away towards the last enemy officer, a new hope started to arise inside the people who watched him leave.
~Thirty minutes later.~
A spear danced between his hands, its user locking his eyes on the sudden intruder. Apart from the armor, the man didn't look special at all. It was a normal guy with a simple one-handed sword. If that all was true, why did Bo Zhang feel so anxious?
If the rumors were true, this man had been the reason for the bandits to fail their attempt to earn money. And now that same man stood before them, leaving nothing behind but fresh corpses. ''I don't know who you are, but you'll soon regret coming out here alone!'' Bo Zhang mocked before he charged in with his spear.
He was quick, and although the mysterious knight blocked his spear multiple times, that first charge had Bo Zhang's victory assured. ''What are you waiting for? Stab him!'' the bandit leader commanded his followers. However, before his men could attack, something happened he had not anticipated, nor believed was possible.
It was as if the air momentarily stood still before a lighting quick slash cut straight through the air, sending four bandits behind the mysterious knight crashing into the cave's wall lifelessly. The wind pressure was enough to blow the other bandits and Bo Zhang to the ground, and the mysterious knight did not waste any time as he pointed his sword to the bandit leader's neck and demanded, ''Submit. Enough blood has been spilled today.''
''Who do you think you are to make demands?! You came to attack us!'' Bo Zhang tried to accuse.
''I am Lord Brian Miller, the lord of these lands. As the lord of my land, it is my responsibility to keep my people safe.'' Suddenly, the eyes of the bandits grew with a mix of shock and opportunity. ''If you wish to break that peace by attacking them, I will cut you down. Now, stay down and submit, or die.''
A greedy bandit decided not to listen and screamed as he charged forward with his sword. A sidestep, a vertical downward slash, and the man screamed out in pain as he fell on his knees, his weapon and dismembered arm falling on the ground next to him. ''That was your only warning.''
Victory!
Results:
- Enemies defeated: 76.
- Gold Acquired: 0.
- Exp acquired: 476.
Gold:
- Reward: 1000.
- Difficulty bonus: 30.
- Total gold: 1030.
Exp:
- Difficulty Bonus: 16.
- To Next level: 212.
Brian Miller: lv. 3. Level up!
Leadership: lv. 4. Level up!
A summary of the previous battle was displayed in Brian's HUD as he entered his town, many of the townspeople looking at him with new expressions. Amazed was the overall emotion, although some of them showed a small bit of anxiousness as well.
''My lord! I am glad to see you alright,'' Delan said as he hasted to his lord's side. ''You are alright, right?''
''I am fine, Delan. Where are Mi Tong and the prisoners?'' He asked as he tried not to talk about the damage he had received during the battle.
Luckily, the advisor did not ask any more questions as he answered, ''They are in the prison on the northeast of the town, my lord. I'll find the most suitable punishment for those criminals as quickly as possible.''
''There is no need. Bring me to the prison,'' Brian ordered calmly.
The advisor looked momentarily confused but did not dare to doubt his lord's orders as he responded, ''Very well, sir. This way.''
~Fifteen minutes later~
The prison of his town was as small as he had pictured, and it was barely big enough for the bandits who were captured near the town of Enkuma. Brian's gaze rested upon the bandits, who were already put to work on the fields of the farm. Although they wore iron chains around their ankles, Brian could deduce the guards treated the criminals with care.
''Milord. What can I help you with?'' The prison warden asked, looking slightly worried for the sudden visit of his lord.
''I came to see the prisoners. Di Ma, can you bring both bandit leaders to me?'' Brian asked friendly.
The bald prison warden looked hesitantly as he answered, ''I think that is possible. If you may forgive my boldness, what do you need those prisoners for? If this is about their punishment, I...''
''Join me, and see for yourself,'' Brian answered as he walked into the headed for the area of interrogation, and waited for the two prisoners to arrive. He didn't have to wait long as the two bandit leaders appeared in less than five minutes, guided by a group of guards. Their shackles were attached to an iron ring in the middle of the area, making certain do could not do anything threatening to the interlocutor.
''Please take a seat,'' Brian offered. ''We have much to discuss.''
Bo Zhang let out a snort as he questioned, ''Discussed? What is there to discuss with you?''
The guards already wanted to punish him for his behavior, only for Brian to raise his hand signaling them to stop. His gaze shifted to Yan Zheng, and by the silence and the thoughtful expression, his curiosity got triggered. Eventually, the man looked up and asked, ''Although I doubt I am much use to you, what do you want to know?''
Bo Zhang's eyes widened, but before he could furiously react on his subordinate, a spear separated them. With a hateful look, the man shifted his glare back on Brian, noticed the gesture for that act, and growled, ''You...!''
''Let me ask you a question. What do you value the most in this world?'' Brian asked, ignoring the glare of Bo Zhang.
The loud bandit leader grinned as he answered, ''What is that for a stupid question? Money, of course!'' Predictable. You really don't think things through, do you?
The more thoughtful bandit leader gave it a moment of thought and answered, ''Freedom.'' An American... Well, at least he thinks before answering.
Bo Zhang laughed mockingly as he repeated, ''Freedom? What good is that?''
Brian smiled as well, but not in a way that could be interrupted as insulting. ''Shall we test it?'' he asked as he pulled a bag of gold out of pocket and said, ''This is 200 gold. From this moment on it is yours.'' He lay it in front of Bo Zhang, just far away enough for the prisoner not able to reach it. ''If you continue to do a good job, you can earn more than this. Fail at your work, and you get paid nothing.'' Switching his attention to one of the guards, he pointed at Yan Zheng and ordered, ''Free this man's hands.''
An expression of greed suddenly turned to shock, and one of confusion changed to shocking happiness. As the guard opened the handcuffs, Brian said, ''From this day on, you can earn your freedom back. Each day you do a good job, you earn the freedom to walk through this town and enjoy its facilities. Each day you slack off, these prison grounds are the only thing you see.''
''What's this for bullshit, you bastard?!'' Bo Zhang growled as he tried to grab the money, yet could not reach it.
''Don't worry,'' Brian answered calmly. ''The money is yours. It is just, you don't have the freedom to spend it. Your money will be kept safely in a deposit until you are free.'' Switching his eyes back on the wise one of the two, he said, ''You may have the freedom to walk where you can, but you lack everything else.''
Bo Zhang just growled, annoyed, and humiliated, but Yan Zhang was different. With wondering eyes, as if he tried to understand the situation, he asked, ''What was the right answer to this question?''
''There is none. For everything you would have chosen, you had to give something up in return. Don't try to be greedy and think you can get everything you want, and just be content with what you can get,'' Brian answered. It was a lesson he was teaching them, one that was necessary for his plan.
''Easy for you to say, you rich bastard! Sitting there all high and mighty!''
''And yet, I fight a couple of bandits instead of enjoying the riches you desire,'' Brian retorted, his patience running low. ''If you wish to die so quickly, please continue with the lack of manners. In the land I am trying to create, there is no place for imbeciles like you.'' One quick move and a sword pointing just in front of his chest. ''Just say the word, and I will send you to the afterlife.''
Brian's eyes glared at him with an unknown fury. Bo Zhang's expression turned to one of freight, and any words he was about to retort could not leave his mouth for a reason unknown. Yan Zhang tried to ignore it as he asked, ''What is this world you are trying to create, sir?''
Brian's turned back to normal as he answered, ''A land where we do not have to be afraid if we can eat tonight or tomorrow. A land where opportunities are taken and prosperity is ruled not only by the riches but also by the poor. A land with equal opportunities, where name and rank matter little.''
''Is such a land possible?'' Yan Zhang asked.
''It should be,'' Brian answered. Finally reaching the end of his little lesson, he asked, ''The question remains if you are willing to help me with that task, or not? You have a choice: You either stay my prisoners, work on the fields, and slowly regain your life back in ten to twenty years or you join alongside me to realize this ambition of mine with your talents. What would it be?''
''Talents? We are bandits! We don't have any talent,'' Bo Zhang exclaimed.
Brian looked to the side, where several bandits were cuffed and worked on the fields they were pointed on. ''With someone leading a bunch of renegades like that in succession, I beg the differ. Whatever it is to lead, knowledge of supply and demand, or just how to make them listen, you have gifts. The question is, can you flourish them under my wing, or would you try desperately to return to your life of old?''
''You truly think there is a place in society for bandits like us?'' Yan Zheng asked hopefully. A single nod was all he needed. Bowing his head down, he finally spoke the words Brian was waiting for. ''I hereby pledge my loyalty to you, Lord Brian Miller. Use me as you see fit.''
Brian nodded before he turned to Bo Zheng and asked, ''How about you, Bo Zhang? What is it you truly desire?''
The older bandit grumbled before he answered, ''If you ever mistreat my men, I will come for your head. However, if you truly can change their lives for the better, then please let me accompany you on that path.''