Disclaimer: I do not own Dynasty Warriors. Dynasty Warriors is owned by their respective owners.

A week after the Emporer's arrival.

The morning was accompanied by a welcoming noise of a working town. The gatherers had performed in night & day shifts, making it possible to have a constant supply line of clay. Mi Tong had a gift in making a schedule like that, and Bo Zhang was telling his men to do the heavy lifting. ''I don't want to a debt towards you, so we'll take care of the heavy lifting,'' he had said after his wounds were treated.

The duo of father and daughter and continued to fabricate bricks and had already requested Delan for other materials to increase the rate of production. The first pathway from Brian's house to the town had already been renovated, and now, the main path of the town was following. The people in his town sure could work quickly.

The prison grounds slowly began to deplete as the prisoners became soldiers or workers in the hope to earn their freedom and in the hope of a better future. For the ones who still could not acknowledge the lord's rule was the work on the plantation the routine of the day.

But even though he was their lord, Brian himself was not there to see it all happen. With the best army his land could offer, together with several officers and soldiers who followed his command, he rode forward to the battlefield.

Brian Miller's officer stats.

Lv. 7.

Leadership lv. 12.

Bodyguards: Mi Tong. Special skill: Gather supplies. Yan Zhang. Special skill: Ambush. Zhang Jun. Special skill: Allied Defense.

Skills equipped: Attack boost +4. Defense boost +3. Musou Springs +2. Havoc +3.

Animal equipped: Mahogony.

Weapons equipped: First slot: Sky Piercer, Heaven attribute. (level 3 weapon Halberd). Second slot: Blade of Light, Earth attribute (level 3 weapon General sword).

According to Mi Tong, their armies would meet in the mountain lands of Jieting, confirming why it was called the Battle of Jieting in Brian's HUD. And unlucky for his side, Sun Quan had reached the high ground first. As the moon was settling on this cloudless night, Brian held a council in the main base of operations at the base of the mountain.

''It doesn't look good. The enemy is outnumbering us greatly, and they have barricaded the entrances of the mountain.'' Mi Tong explained. ''If we attack from the front, we will take a decimating loss.''

''Lu Su is showing us why he earned it to be Sun Quan's strategist,'' Li Ru commented impressed. ''We are already at a disadvantage before the battle starts.''

Some optimist you are. Brian thought but never voiced. Instead, he looked at the drawn map of the area and asked, ''Is there no way around it? There must be a blind spot somewhere.''

''There is,'' An unexpected answer came from the former bandit leader. ''There is a hidden passage to the west of mountain base. It should be safe enough to use,'' Bo Zhang answered.

''How are you so certain it is safe?'' Brian asked curiously.

''Because I have used that path many times, sir.'' Bo Zhang answered confidently. ''It is a steep path, but it will bring you to the top of the mountain. You should be able to attack them from the back.''

Brian shifted to his new strategist as he asked, ''So, could that be a plan, Li Ru? Sneaking to the summit from the path and attacking them from behind?''

The strategist looked intrigued as he answered, ''Perhaps it could work, but we can't rely only on that. If we want to make this strategy work, we need to draw their attention. If we take the foothold of the mountain and follow an assault from the eastern path, that should be enough to draw their attention away.'' That's more like it. ''There is a problem though.''

''Which is?'' Brian asked, assumingly knowing the answer.

Li Ru pointed at the foothold of the mountain on the map as he answered, ''The bases here are guarded by well-known officers. I heard that Sun Tai, Zhuge Ke, and Sun Shang Xiang are in charge of protecting these areas.'' He pointed to the base on top of the mountain as he continued, ''Also, Although I don't think they expect an attack from the summit, I am certain they have an officer waiting in case there will come. Assumingly, it is Zhu Huan or Quan Zong. Lu Su will be watching from the cliffside and Lian Shi is Sun Quan's personal bodyguard. If we want to defeat them, we need to attack them from all sides simultaneously.''

''Got it. Then this will be the strategy.''

The view was as beautiful as it was mighty at Sun Quan's main base. The young tiger looked over the land, only a few rocks blocking the view to the enemy stronghold. At his side, a young black-haired woman and an older tall wise man stood.

''Are we ready, Lu Su?'' Sun Quan asked, a smile of eagerness visible on his visage.

''The preparations are ready, milord.'' Lu Su answered calmly. ''We are ready to begin.''

''Then let's go! Let's show them the burning fire of Wu!'' The younger tiger commanded triumphantly.

~At the foothold of the mountain.~

''Lady Sun, We have received orders to press the attack!'' A messenger reported as he kneeled in front of the younger sister of the Sun family.

A grin of a woman who was exciting to finally battle appeared on her face, and without a second to waste, she grabbed her wheels and responded, ''Then we shall do that! Men, Let's...''

''Enemy incoming!'' A sudden shout from the lookout interrupted. The soldiers, who had just woken up and were still stretching to the morning sun suddenly jumped up in shock and instantly prepared themselves for battle. The enemy is attacking us despite the disadvantage? Why would they do that? Sun Shang Xiang wondered as another soldier asked, ''How many are attacking us?''

The lookout soldier looked confused as he answered, ''There is a small army in the back, but the enemy commander is attacking alone!''

The enemy commander?! She thought with wide-open eyes before she commanded, ''Bring me my horse! I'll end this battle immediately!''

''We can't allow that, Lady Sun!'' Zhuge Ke responded as he stood alongside Sun Tai. ''We need you here to defend the base. Let us take care of this.''

''No way! You two can stick around here, I am going to fight!'' She responded as a soldier came with her horse and she rode out of the base.

''Men, follow her! Do not let her fight alone!'' Zhuge Ke ordered. Seeing a group of men following her, the strategist turned to Sun Tai and asked with a smile, ''She will never change, does she?''

''No, I am afraid not.'' The older warrior answered with a wry smile. ''But that's why the men love and follow her. Anyway, let's prepare for the attack once this is finished. I doubt that the enemy commander is truly that foolish to challenge lady Sun when he realized how strong she is.''

~At the battlefield~

Her horse pushed forward with all its might through the wildlands of Jieting. She noticed her men riding towards her from the back, but she paid no attention to them. Her target was in front of her, not even a hundred meters away from her. Once she was near him, she stood up on her riding horse, jumped as she made a front flip, and landed in front of the enemy commander.

''That was quite the entrance. Lady Sun Shang Xiang, I assume.'' The young commander started politely.

''You know my name, and you still don't run away? Interesting,'' She responded as she grabbed her wheels in each hand. ''I am not sure if you are overconfident or just foolish, but I will give you a chance. Surrender or be defeated and we'll see what happens after that,'' She offered.

Grabbing the halberd from his back, the enemy commander smiled as he responded, ''I'm afraid you forgot a third option. I'll defeat you here, and your fate lies in my hand. How does that sound?''

''You think you can win against us?'' Sun Shang Xiang asked skeptically before she burst into laughter. Gesturing her soldiers to stop moving forward, she continued, ''Very well. I'll show you myself how unmatched you are in this battle. I challenge you to a duel!''

''Challenge accepted. Come at me.''

Her body launched forward on those words, and without any mercy, her wheels slammed forward, into the commander's Sky piercer. But she quickly realized he had not moved an inch after that assault, and more importantly, he had stopped her attack completely without any showings of difficulty.

Her wheels danced graciously as if they were part of her body around her, assaulting her enemy's defensives with each step. But no matter how much strength she put in her attacks, he didn't even flinch. Jumping back from her position, she said, ''I admit you are pretty strong. What's your name?''

''Thank you. My name is Brian Miller.'' Brian answered before rolling his shoulder. ''Thank you for the warm-up. Let's get serious now.''

''Fine with me!'' Sun answered as she charged forward again. As a true dual wielder, there was no rest or pause between her offensive. But the commander wasn't wavering in the slightest. Then it suddenly happened.

His halberd pulled the Wind Wheel out of her left hand, and with a twist of his halberd, her opponent pulled both the wheel away from her and slammed her chest with the rear end of his halberd at the same time. He moved into a fake punch, and just as he predicted, the young tigress leaned back and tried to kick his chest.

Checkmate, Brian thought as he dodged the kick, grabbed her ankle, swung around to increase momentum, and threw her in the air. He jumped up, held his halberd in a downward's slash stance, and slammed Sun Shang Xiang into the ground hard enough for a dust cloud to appear.

She blocked it. He concluded as he felt the resistance of steel on the other side of his weapon. He jumped back, grabbed the Wheel of wind, and threw it onto the ground near his opponent. ''W...Why would you give it back to me?'' Sun Shang Xiang asked confused, her stance clearly affected by their previous clash.

''This is a duel between warriors and as I can see it, it is far from over,'' Brian answered as he prepared himself for the third round.

He is strong... I can't hold back anymore. As quick as she could, she jumped up, grabbed the bow from her back, pulled it as tightly as she could, and released the arrow before she fell down again. Just as the arrow was about the hit, a gust of wind flew her way, stopping her arrow mid-air, and struck her in the air. It was that moment she knew she had lost, as a shallow cut began to show on her chest. But she wouldn't go down without a fight.

Landing on the ground, she rolled back on her feet, ran forward, jumped up, and assault Brain with a fury of kicks. Although her kicks landed a few times, it was not enough to break through the commander's defenses. As she fell down, she tried to slam him down with her wheels, yet it was in vain. With tremendous power, Brian continued to slam her wheels away before he dashed forward, grabbed her head, and slammed her into the ground.

~Bases at the foothold.~

''What do you mean, Lady Sun has been defeated?! There is no way she could lose!'' Zhuge Ke responded angrily. ''What about the soldiers who were assisting here?!''

''They have been defeated as well, sir!'' the soldier reported frightful.

The strategist clenched his fist as he shouted, ''Dammit! We have to get her back! We'll attack immediately!''

However, a shout from in the distance stopped him in his tracks, followed by a report from the lookout. ''We're under attack! The East base has been captured by the enemy!''

''What?! We have to get it back as quickly as possible!''

However, before they could, another report echoed through the air. ''The enemy commander is advancing to us from the front!'' Another attack?!

~Headquaters Sun Quan's forces.~

''To think the enemy commander would come out himself. That was not something I was anticipating,'' Lu Su commented impressed. ''And to think he would be strong enough to best lady Sun in a duel. I have underestimated him,'' He added calmly.

''How are we losing ground so quickly? Didn't we have an advantage, Lu Su?'' Sun Quan asked, the eagerness of before slowing beginning to be replaced by worry.

''The enemy is putting up quite the resistance. However, do not worry, Lord Sun Quan. It is the job of the strategist to have a backup plan.'' The slick-black-haired strategist answered. ''As long as we stay on this mountain, we have the advantage. The only way for them to take this position is a frontal assault or an attack from the eastern path. Since that is the logical step to take, they will use the path and fall straight into an ambush.''

''Worry not, my lord,'' Lian Shi comforted. ''We will defeat them and free lady Sun Shang as quickly as possible.''

Yan Zhang and Bo Zhang are moving up according to plan. The foothold is captured. The east group has just been ambushed. Seems everything is going to plan, Brian concluded as he stood in the middle of the recently-captured base.

Zhuge Ke, Sun Shang Xiang, and Sun Tai had been captured and around fifty enemy soldiers rather surrendered than died to the quickly changed odds. Around 125 soldiers did not have that choice, and that was only Brian's count. But he could not worry about such things when the battle wasn't over, and with a simple gesture, I summoned a messenger. ''My Lord, what can I help you with?''

''Tell Ding Mao to assist Zhang Jun's group. Also, tell him reinforcements are on their way,'' Brian ordered calmly.

''Yes sir,'' The young messenger acknowledge as he grabbed his horse and rode forward.

His eyes shifted back to the map in his HUD as he gazed over the battlefield and the morale bar that was growing in his favor. ''Does he often space out like that?'' A soldier asked confused a bit further away.

''He does it often, but I doubt he is spacing out. Look at those serious eyes,'' Another soldier answered impressed.

''The rumors say he has some way to look onto the battle when he is doing that. There is always an important strategic decision after those moments,'' A third soldier explained.

''Really? I am curious about what that strategy could be this time?'' The first soldier wondered. ''I mean, we captured the foothold bases, but the enemy still has the high ground.''

A prisoner heard their conversation and started to laugh mockingly. ''Oh please! You might have defeated us, but there is no way you can best Lord Sun Quan! You might as well...?!''

A spear interrupted his talk as it flew past his face, nearly scraping his ear as it struck the wooden wall of the base. Brian's glare was as deadly as that spear as he approached the inexperienced soldier and said, ''The moment you surrendered to us, you gave up your right to speak. Continue to belittle us, and you will personally experience death can be a blessing.''

''Do not dare to hurt him, you asshole!'' Sun Shang Xiang shouted angrily.

A tiny grin appeared on Brian's face as he turned around and ordered, ''Mi Tong, can you provide me a private tent in the base for tonight? It seems I need to make an example. Please make sure it is as soundproof as possible.''

''Yes, sir.'' Mi Tong responded as a shock appeared on the prisoners' faces, as well as the Wu tigress.

Brian wasn't done yet as he turned to the guards and ordered, ''Bring her away! A moment of isolation should 'train' her properly.''

As the guards picked a restraint Sun Shang Xiang up and guided her to another base, the other prisoners shouted angrily, ''Let her go, you monster! She didn't do anyt...''

''Silence! With each word you utter, her punishment will increase. If you truly follow that woman, silence yourself now,'' Brian ordered before whistling for his horse, the might beast instantly responding as he ran towards its master. Brian ran to the exit, his horse catching up from behind him. When he was in range, he grabbed the harness of the horse, pulled himself on top of his beast, and rode forward.

The messenger had reached Ding Mao's troops, and the giant officer was ready to wreak havoc among the enemy ranks. Brian would arrive not much later, and completely flip the tables on that enemy ambush.

~Late evening on the summit of the mountain.~

The sky began to turn dark, and with it, torches began to brighten. It was because of those torches, the lookout of the summit base was clearly displayed in the darkness of the evening. ''Seems to be another peaceful night,'' A soldier commented.

''I am not sure if I am happy or sad about that,'' The other guard responded. ''I mean, why do we even need to guard this area? It is not like the enemy can attack from this side.'' Changing the topic, he asked, ''Anyway, can you believe lady Sun has been defeated? The only ones who have defeated her before are her older brothers.''

''Yeah, I was kinda shocked about it as well. To think the enemy would defeat her and thwarted Master Lu Su's strategy that easily.''

''That's all they are going to win though. Master Lu Su is one of Wu's best strategists. An unknown lord without a big name is no match against that man.''

The wind blew harshly through the path against the base's walls, and their overconfident laughter filled the rest of the cover that was needed.

*Clattering* The guards looked up in confusion as the tall asked, ''What's was that?''

''Probably the wind. Don't be so uptight. It is not like the...?!'' Those words were his last as a dagger pierced through its neck. The other guard looked panicky alerted but was just in time silenced by a sword through his neck as well.

''Quickly! Bring the ladders!'' Bo Zhang whispered urgently. Ten men appeared from their hiding spots behind the rocks with two wooden improvised ladders and placed them as perfectly as they could at the base's walls. ''Yan, take the left. Don't let them see you until we start our assault.''

''Yes, sir.'' The son responded as he climbed up the stairs.

He pulled himself upon the base's platform, gazed over the area, and commanded to the awaiting troops, ''Hurry, we don't have much time!''

One after another, the troops stepped onto the platform and infiltrated the base successfully. A guard came looking as part of his patrol, but he was silenced before he had seen something. The infiltrating soldiers slipped through the small base, stealing weapons left and right. There were a few close calls, but their tactic eventually succeeded without any trouble. When the moment of attack was finally there, no blood was shed. Even the mighty Zhu Huan had to surrender when three spears were aimed at his throat and chest.

~Brain's main base of operations.~

The day had been busy as Brian's forces had scored an overwhelming victory on the first day. The foothold was taken, the ambush on the east path was defeated with minimal losses, and just now, his forces had successfully taken over the summit base.

Content about today's results, he walked towards his personal tent for the final act of the day. Mi Tong had done a splendid job to set up a big enough tent, and isolated it as well. Now, nobody would know what his true plan was with the Princess of Wu. His men had already been grinning from ear to ear about the speculations, but he wouldn't let them know a single thing.

Opening the big flap of the tent, his eyes gazed over the impressive insides. You really overdid yourself, Mi Tong. He thought as he looked at the comfortable pillows and sleeping bags laying on the floor. And on one of them, Sun Shang Xiang lay, her feet and hands tied up as her mouth was sealed. With a mixture of fear and anger, she kept her glare on Brian.

Her green eyes stared at him with burning fury, quite fitting with her short height and her nickname. She didn't look as ladylike as some of the other women he had met, but in some way, that was quite refreshing. Her short brown hair fitted her eyes well, and her looks were nothing to sneeze at either. Her legs were feminine yet muscular, and her arms were similar. If Brian had been an indecent man, surely what was going to happen next was something along the line of what his men were picturing.

''Well, this was not part of the plan. First, let's get this away.'' He started as he grabbed the end of the piece of paper, and pulled it off.

The princess bit her teeth in a moment of pain but closed her mouth just as quickly. Brian smiled as he said down opposed to her and continued, ''Playing the tough girl, ha. I kinda like that. Who thought you to be tough?''

''Shut up and get this over with already, asshole,'' She snorted back. She was not expecting what came after that.

Instead of being mad or doing just that, Brian smiled happily as he leaned back and responded, ''Finally! Bloody hell, that feels good. Do it one more time!''

The young girl looked confused as she asked, ''Do what again?''

Hm, not getting it a second time. ''Not important. You didn't answer my question yet. Who thought you to be though? Was it your father? One of your brothers?'' he asked in the hope to get the same response.

''Why do you wanna know that, prick?'' She asked rudely. Again, a response came she was not expecting.

Brian leaned back as he smiled and exclaimed, ''Yes. Finally, someone who just insults me! It is so annoying to be called Lord all the time, you know?'' he commented happily.

Sun Shang Xiang looked confused but curious as well as she asked, ''You don't like it to be called lord?''

''Of course I don't like it! Do you really think a guy who goes headfirst into battle wants to be called lord all the time? It is so annoying,'' He complained. ''No one acts naturally because they are afraid to offend me.''

A momentary relief went through Sun Shang Xiang's mind as she impulsively responded, ''Yes, absolutely! I mean, how difficult is it just to be honest?'' Before she realized her outburst and held back again.

''No, no, no, please don't do that! We had a moment there. I was enjoying the conversation,'' Brian said worriedly.

''We did not have a moment. Besides, the only reason you are here is to know how to beat my brother or to use me. In neither situation, I have nothing to say to you, bastard!''

Brain smiled again but for a different reason this time. He looked in their eyes as he responded, ''You are wrong there. Firstly, this battle is already decided.'' Sun Shang Xiang looked confused, so Brian explained his conclusion. ''My forces just took the summit of the base, and now have a perfect vantage point to attack from. We captured the eastern path and the foothold of the mountain. Do you really think your brother can withstand a pincher attack from three angles?''

The young tigress looked shocked, but Brian wasn't done yet. ''Secondly, you looked absolutely amazing, but I am not in the kinda man who takes a woman's body without taking her heart. I was just here to get insulted like no tomorrow while breaking the spirits of your men. Kill two birds with one stone, so to speak.''

The princess regained her cool as she realized the geniuses of his plan. With a tone of defeat in her voice, she asked, ''What are you planning to do with us after this battle?''

Brian raised an eyebrow as he answered, ''To be fair, I have no idea. I just responded to your march on my borders. I was hoping you guys could serve under me and could help me realize my ambition.''

''Your ambition?'' the young girl asked intrigued. ''What is it?''

''If you must know, I have been asked to restore the peace to the land. Although that is still my plan, I feel we need something stronger to keep that peace restored. Thus, I want to elevate this land to a country to be envious of, where people can live without worrying if they have something to eat the next day.''

''Like that's ever gonna work. Perhaps you can beat us, but there are many stronger fighters out there.'' A grin appeared on her face though as she added, ''But I'll make a deal with you. If you beat my brother, I'll join your side.''

Brian looked skeptical as he asked, ''Why the change of heart?''

The young girl smiled as she answered, ''It sounds like a fun adventure. Besides, if I have to choose to serve you or leave my faith completely in your hands as a prisoner, I rather choose the former. And you sound like a pretty cool guy...''She mumbled under her breath, hoping it hadn't reached his ears.

From bastard to cool guy. That's new. He thought as just tried to mask he didn't hear it. It was that moment a sharp pain pierced through his shoulder, and with a painful smile, he commented, ''You pack quite the punch. My shoulder is still reminded of your barrage of kicks.''

''I could say the same. To think you would slam me into the ground... You really are merciless,'' She responded with a smile as brushed some of her hair away. ''Thank you for that. I am glad you didn't hold back on me, despite me being a woman.''

''It was a battle between warriors. Gender should not matter in those battles,'' He responded. He leaned forward, to Sun's surprise, as he added, ''But since we are no longer in battle, let me look at your wound. It's the least I can do.''

Before the young girl could answer, Brian was already beside her, looking closely at the wound on her head. ''If you offer your help, you should at least give the choice of declining it...'' she mumbled, yet did move away.

''My apologies. Luckily, the wound doesn't seem to be too big or infected. A few days should be enough for it to be completely healed,'' Brian reported.

The young girl looked perplexed as she asked, ''How do you know that?''

His eyes shot open as he realized that knowledge from his previous life, from one of his studies to be precise. Shit, how am I going to explain this? ''I learned it from a sage in our town when I was little. I spent quite some time with him until he left the village.'' He made up.

Sun Shang's green-yellowish eyes suddenly looked very interested as she asked, ''Really? That's so cool. If it is not too much to ask, could you check my shoulder as well? Your attack was kinda difficult to block...''

''Sure,'' Brian responded. Although he acted as he normally would do around a patient, he wasn't sure if this was truly an act of help, or if she was hitting on him. Quickly, he discovered the former was at least true as he felt several muscles tensed at the back of her shoulder. ''Seems your muscles have tensed a bit too much after taking my attacks. Two days of rest should be enough to heal it. I'll ask the guards to take it easy on you during the day. At night, you can stay here.''

''Is there a reason for this sudden generosity?'' She asked curiously.

Brian stood up as he answered, ''Yes, there is. Although they will listen to my command, these battles and these times of turmoil cause my soldiers a lot of stress. I think they can resist their urge to vent it off with violence, but I doubt they will be able to resist their sexual urges. As long as you stay here, you should be safe from that.''

Sun Shang Xiang's eyes widened from shock before she looked at the ground and responded in a whisper, ''Thank you for your consideration. I hadn't thought of that...''

Brian smiled before he said, ''No worries. Now, are you comfortable, or do you need something more to sleep? I can't release the restraints for obvious reasons, but there is no reason to sleep uncomfortably here just because of them.''

''I am fine. Thank you and good night, you bastard.'' she smiled before she lay down and quickly fell asleep.

His army was bigger. His strategists were more famous for their strategies. His officers were capable individuals who could turn the tide of the battle. He had an almost impregnable defense that would not fall to a simple attack. And yet, Sun Quan could only wonder what had happened the following morning as he heard the summit base had been taken over, and the enemy had him surrounded from three sides.

''We have to get control of the battlefield again. Prepare the ballista. We should be able to hold them off from the eastern side. Lian Shi, assist the frontline.'' Lu Su ordered. ''My lord, we'll have to be ready for then engage from the back.''

''I understand, Lu Su. Please lead us to victory,'' Sun Quan acknowledged as he was prepared to follow the strategist. However, before he could, a loud agitation could be hearable and seen, and not much later, a messenger reported, ''The walls have been breached! The enemy is storming in!''

''I'll hold them off! Lu Su, protect lord Sun Quan!'' Lian Shi commanded as she ran to the front.

Lu Su confirmed her request as he brought their lord to the back as she continued to run forward. Sooner than expected, the enemy appeared in her eyes, and she quickly concluded her allies could not stop them. Her eyes noticed a soldier charging her own, and in a split second, she drew her crossbow and shot an arrow perfectly between the eyes. ''Lady Lian Shi! We are glad you are. We can't hold the line for long!''

''I'll assist you. Everyone that is still able to fight, form a defensive wall at the top. Do not let them reach Lord Sun Quan!'' She commanded as she ran forward.

''Of course, my lady! Good luck!'' the soldier responded before rallying the troops.

Lian Shi didn't listen as her senses were too focused on the battle sounds. Another enemy soldier appeared in her vision, and with a quick arrow, she shot him down before he could finish one of her allies. Two more soldiers stood in the distance but with a miraculous double-shot, she shot both of them down simultaneously. ''Stand tall! We will not be defeated here!'' She rallied.

Unfortunately, it was in vain when a new face stepped through the gates. By his armor and his halberd, she could conclude he was an important asset of the enemy army. She did not even have to think as her hand moved automatically, and the arrow shot forward.

*Clang* He blocked it?! She thought in shock as the warrior did not even look faced by the attack. ''It's the enemy commander...?!''

''What is he doing here?!''

''He defeated Lady Sun and broke through the walls singlehandedly! We...we don't stand a chance against him!''

The young commander walked forward, blocking two more arrows from Lian Shi with his sword in the process. Two soldiers charged in with their spears as she shot another one, but Brian twisted to the ground, cutting the two attackers down and dodging the arrow in the process. With a smile on his face, he stood up and said, ''You are really merciless. Let me guess; you are lady Lian Shi?''

Without a second warning, she fired two more arrows as she angrily asked, ''What have you done to Lady Sun Shang Xiang?!''

''She is safe. Are you gonna fire more of those arrows or are we done now?'' the commander asked annoyed. Three arrows followed, each arrow perfectly parried. ''Okay, the hard way it is then,'' he answered himself as he made his way towards her.

''Do not let him past! Defend Lady Lian Shi!'' A soldier commanded as he charged forward, and instantly paid the price for it. More soldiers pressed the attack and fell trying to stop the commander. He is unstoppable.

As he came in range to attack her, he stopped and asked, ''Are we done already, or do you want to continue this fight?''

Lian Shi looked smiled uncomfortably as she answered, ''Hehe...Please take it easy on me, okay?''

A single movement forced both officers to move. Lian Shi loaded her weapon as she jumped to dodge an incoming attack, and while upside down in the air, shot an arrow. It pierced Brian's right shoulder, but luckily, missed all vital points. A second and third arrow followed, but those were successfully dodged. Ignoring the pain, Brian charged in, avoided the fourth arrow by a hair, and punched the archeress just below the chin. As expected, the punch to the nerve instantly caused her to pass out.

''My lord! Are you alright?'' a soldier asked concerned.

To his shock, Brian pulled the arrow out of his shoulder as he responded, ''Yeah, it didn't hit anything vital. Let's move!'' We have a battle to win!''

~Sun Quan's main base.~

''I surrender. You have bested me in this fight,'' Sun Quan surrendered with a knee on the ground, a sword aimed at his head as his weapon on the floor out of his reach. Two soldiers instantly came running to put him in custody.

''Treat him with care,'' Brian ordered as he grabbed the sword from the ground, turned his eyes on his soldiers, and shouted, ''We have won this battle! As of today, I claim the land of Jie ting as my own!''

It was a grandiose victory, with minimal losses for Brian's army. However, that could be seen as the counter of his kill streak had passed the four hundred mark and his healthbar was in the red. As the surviving Wu forces were brought back to the main camp, Brian fell to his knee as he used his sword for support, blood seeping out from the large diagonal cut from his shoulder to his hip.

''My lord! What's wrong?!'' Li Ru asked worriedly.

''Nothing... Just a small flesh wound,'' he answered. Although that was mostly true, the tiredness of the last two days did not help. I am about to pass out... Brian thought. Just then, someone grabbed his hand and lifted him up.

''Walk with me, sir. When we are back, you can take some rest,'' Bo Zhang whispered as he carried most of his lord's weight. Maximum friendship reached! Bo Zhang gained the Support skill Assitance Healing! Appeared in Brian's Hud.

Are you for real...? Brian thought in a tired surprise as he read the message. To think he would be the first who would acknowledge me first...Miracles do happen...

''Let me help you as well, My lord!'' Yan Zhang said as he grabbed the other arm and placed it on his opposite shoulder. Maximum friendship reached! Yan Zhang gained the Support skill Assistance Protect!

With a group of loyal soldiers and officers alongside him, he eventually reached his main camp. Seeing both his healthbar return to yellow and feeling his energy return, he walked up to the middle of the camp, only to raise his fist in the air. ''I claim victory in this battle! Let this be an example to the many armies that will threaten this land! We will be victorious!''

His officers and his soldiers raised their fists or roared as an approved responsive to his claim. It was a beautiful sight, and even Sun Quan was mesmerized by those actions. Maximum friendship reached! Mi Tong gained the Support Skill Assistance Discovery!

Battle report:

Victory!

Results:

- Enemy defeated: 459.

- Gold acquired: 200.

- Exp acquired: 1646.

Gold:

- Reward: 1500.

- Difficulty bonus: 35.

- Total gold: 1535.

Exp:

- Difficulty bonus: 20.

- To next level: 1224.

Brian Miller: Lv. 15 level up!

Leadership: lv. 31 level up!

New allies gained: Sun Tai, Quan Zong, Zhuge Ke, Zhu Huan, Lu Su, Lian Shi, Sun Shang Xiang, Sun Quan.

Author notes:

And that was chapter 4 of A Game of Ambition. I hope you enjoyed it all.

This was the battle of Jie ting, historically a battle between the Late Wei and Shu, with the (dynasty warriors) famous act of Ma Su's failed strategy. I used the Dynasty Warriors 8 map for this battle, so you can check it out if you like. Jie Ting was the closest location I could find that fitted with the position of the Yellow River, thus it was the perfect battlefield to start a duel battle.

Please leave a review of your thoughts. Did you enjoy it or not, and why did or didn't you enjoy it? I value all feedback.

That was everything I wanted to say. Have a great day and hope to see you legends in the next one! Beyor out!