Welcome to my story A Game of Ambition. As you read in the summary, this story is about another Isekai in the world of Dynasty Warriors Ambition mode. After replaying Dynasty Warriors 8 XL, I just found the inspiration to write a story about it.
This story is rated M just to make sure I have no restraints. Further, I am Dutch, so my English will not be perfect. If the popularity of this story grows, perhaps I will seek a beta reader, but for now, you will have to do with my English.
I played Dynasty Warriors 2, 5, and 8, and am familiar with the characters and battlefields. Don't expect pinpointed expertise from this story from a historical point.
Without any further ado, please enjoy my story A Game of Ambition.
Disclaimer: I do not own Dynasty Warriors. Dynasty Warriors is owned by its respective owners.
"Can anybody provide me with a decent challenge?"
"Did you just beat another one already?" a shocked voice asked from the other side of the headset.
"Of course, I did. I told you, Lu Bu is broken," a black-haired individual responded cheekily, sitting on the ground of his small apartment. With a press on the L2 button of his controller, an enormous red horse was summoned. With an almost impossible maneuver, the character Brian Miller was controlling jumped on his horse and charged towards his next destination.
The loud taps of heavy rain on the window echoed as background music to the familiar OST of the game. Lightning occasionally brightened his dim room with a flash of light, and the thunder provided yet another background sound.
"This game is pretty decent, but definitely not how it used to be. I remember fearing for my life when playing on hard mode in the earlier games," Brian commented as they won yet another battle.
''I'll have to take your word for it. Anyway, what now? Do we just charge in or do we need to be concerned another flood attack is still going to come?''
"Just charge in and slice away. It can't be simpler than that," Brian answered as he steered Lu Bu to the final castle. On the small mini-map in the right corner, a yellow cursor followed a green cursor until both of them finally saw the cutscene of Lu Bu's demise.
The background mix of thunder and rain slowly died down, but Brian and his friend paid no attention to the changes. Instead, when they were finally done with the campaign, Brian's companion suddenly said, "Oh shit, it's that late already! Brian, I gotta go. I still have that assignment to finish."
Brian smirked as he asked, "Seriously? You still need to finish that? We received that assignment a week ago."
"Oh, fuck off. We can't all be Mister Perfect," the other side retorted before asking, "Can I borrow your notes?"
"Sure. Give me a minute," Brian answered as he paused his game and grabbed his laptop.
A minute later the other side replied, ''I got it, thanks. You're a lifesaver like always. Speak to you tomorrow. Good night!''
"Good night, Mike," Brian responded. A message on his screen informed him player two had left the lobby, but even when the message disappeared, Brian continued to gaze at the spot the message was moments ago. Mister Perfect... Not that bullshit again. I've got my own problems, ass, the student thought before he switched his attention back to the game and continued where he left off.
While Brian finished the hypothetical route of Lu Bu's campaign, the background rain started to grow louder again. Lightning continued to light the room and all its hidden treasures in its glory. A martial arts bag that hadn't been touched in a year lay next to a pile of clothing in the corner of the room. Books on general history, economics, and medical knowledge filled a bookcase, most showing signs of being read a thousand times. This was typical for someone who didn't mind studying but was uncertain about which field to pursue. For a student, the room was quite tidy. Then again, Brian had been a student for quite some time.
An hour passed as the credits rolled down the screen. Lu Bu's story was finally over. The storm raged outside, but Brian paid no attention to it. A little disappointed, he skipped the credit scene. "These games really become easier and easier. I wish they provided more of a challenge..." he sighed. Little did Brian know, that was a wish he would soon regret.
Due to a misclick late in the hour, he scrolled down the starting menu. His eyes curiously checked the screen. "What's this? Ambition mode? Is this similar to Empires?" Brian's interest was piqued as he pressed the New Game button. Fate had a different plan for him, though.
Just as the menu disappeared into a black screen, preparing to start Ambition mode, a heart-shattering quake and a blinding light interrupted everyday life. Brian didn't know it yet, but an overwhelming shock of electricity had already taken his consciousness away.
"Near the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the land was in chaos, and the age was thrust into confusion," a middle-aged man's voice echoed through the emptiness, serious and tinged with despair. "Using this as an opportunity, numerous warlords looked to seize power for themselves."
"Many of them tried to seize the Emperor to use him as a symbol of their power. It would bring a sense of righteousness to their cause and display their ambitions to conquer the land. In this way, the flames of war spread to the capital, and the Emperor was forced to flee with a small contingent of men."
Burning houses, screaming villagers, and relentless battles flashed on a television-like screen, painting a grim picture for anyone willing to look. "In search of someone with the strength to protect him, he continued to wander the land."
"Then, a small kingdom rose up within a nearby land. It was a land too poor to welcome someone as important as the Emperor. In addition, it had few allies to help it and lacked the strength to protect the Emperor." As if filmed by a slow drone during a rough storm, scenes of poverty-stricken streets, hungry children, and dilapidated homes came into view.
"However, if the land were to be developed, and brave officers could be recruited to the cause, then just maybe..." A long silence filled the air, the hopelessness hanging heavily.
The darkness of nothingness slowly turned even darker, while the narrator's voice, now tinged with a faint glimmer of hope, spoke, "In addition, an ambitious officer was beginning a promising career within the land..."
A shimmer of light passed through the silky curtains, the sunrays opening the day with the gift of their warmth. The sunlight reached into the room, perfectly striking the eyes of the sleeping citizen.
His eyebrows tensed as his eyes slowly opened, and other sensations began to arise. An unfamiliar scent hung in the air, and his bed felt unusually soft. His ears did not catch any familiar noises, except the distant sound of the morning market. It was strangely calm. His body felt lighter than before; moving his arms and legs was surprisingly easy. However, these abnormalities were nothing compared to what his eyes witnessed when they finally opened.
The soft bed he lay on was not his own; it was far bigger than any he had ever experienced. It was a four-poster bed, the kind only seen in old movies. His eyes widened at the sight of whitely-stoned, almost marble-like walls. The room was exceptionally clean and organized. Panic began to rise in his chest.
This isn't my room. Where am I? He bolted upright, his breath coming in quick, shallow gasps. He scanned the room, heart pounding in his ears, trying to make sense of his surroundings. Everything was so foreign, so out of place.
"No, no, no... this can't be happening," he muttered, his voice trembling. He pinched himself hard, the sharp pain confirming his fears. This is real. But how?
Several oddly shaped shoes lay on the wooden floor, and when he looked out the window, his eyes widened further at the overwhelming green scenery before him. Tall, long trees stretched far and wide, while a strong, broad river cut the land in two. The sight was both beautiful and terrifying. His thoughts raced back to his small, cluttered apartment, his gaming setup, the comforting hum of modernity. The memory felt like a lifeline slipping from his grasp.
What about my family? My friends? The thought of his parents and friends worrying about his sudden disappearance twisted his stomach into knots. Will they think I ran away? Will they ever find out what happened to me?
Starting his investigation, he searched through the ancient-looking closets and other furniture in the room. No matter how hard he searched or thought, nothing made sense. Each drawer and each wardrobe revealed more anachronistic objects that only deepened his sense of unease. "Why does everything look so...Chinese?" he wondered aloud, his voice barely above a whisper.
Grabbing a kimono-like cloth that miraculously fit him perfectly, he walked to the only door in the room, only to realize it was a sliding door. "Things are getting stranger and stranger," he muttered. His hands trembled slightly as he slid the door open, the unfamiliar texture and sound heightening his anxiety.
Before he could do anything, the door slid open. An older, wise-looking man stood on the other side, his eyes widening when he saw Brian. He instantly bowed and greeted him, "Good morning, my lord. I hope you slept well." Brian was momentarily perplexed, thinking, Wait, did he just call me 'my lord'? What's going on here? The older man looked surprised not to have received an answer yet, and when he saw the confused expression on his lord's face, he asked, "Are you alright, Lord Brian?"
Play the role. Ask questions later, Brian quickly decided. Shaking his head, he responded, "Yeah... Yes! My apologies. It seems I slept a bit too deeply. I am still a little fuzzy."
The wise man immediately bowed and apologized, "My apologies, my lord! I will immediately arrange a new bed to your liking!"
"That's not necessary," Brian responded immediately, glad the excuse worked as intended. "But I think a moment of fresh air might help me wake up a little."
The man's eyes glinted with a hint of surprise. "That sounds wise, my lord. Please allow me to make the arrangements." Arrangements for going outside? What the heck is going on? "Please eat something first while I prepare the horses."
Strangely enough, food was the last thing on his mind right now. Normally a good breakfast eater, Brian found his usual morning hunger absent. As he walked through the house, he passed a large, ancient mirror. "Huh?" he uttered, glancing at the mirror. His face was his own, yet it was an image he had long forgotten.
Brian had been a student for a long time. Not because he couldn't learn, but due to personal reasons, he could never finish his studies. He was older than most of his classmates, though only slightly. That's why he was so confused to see his 16-year-old face in the mirror. What's more, although the body was his from that time, he didn't remember having such a figure. Where did those abs come from? he wondered, flexing in front of the mirror. Cough!
Brian jumped at the sudden cough and turned to see a woman standing there, her clothing indicating she was of modest means. Though properly dressed, she clearly wasn't well-off. "Your breakfast is ready, my lord," she informed him before walking away.
"Well, that was awkward," Brian thought aloud before heading to the kitchen. He sat at the table and ate. The breakfast wasn't anything fancy, and Brian had expected more given the titles he had received today. But upon reflection, the girl's appearance was a clue that they were not wealthy. Who am I? And where is this place? he wondered before deciding to find some answers.
The only one he could ask was the wise man standing at the entrance of the house, two horses at his side. The old man greeted him once again. "I hope you have eaten well, my lord. I am sorry it took so long. It seems our horses only respond to you."
"Why is that?" Brian asked, confused.
"Well, you are the owner, of course. Are you sure you are feeling well, my lord?" the old man asked. Why do I feel some resentment there?
Brian shook his head. "Yeah, I am just still a little fuzzy. It feels as if I have slept for a very long time and only now have woken up with no memory left."
The older man sighed. "If you are planning to make excuses for forgetting my name, at least come up with a good one. My name is Feng Delan." How can I forget something that I never even knew in the first place? Brian thought but didn't voice. And can you stop with the resentment? What did I do to you to make you so agitated?
"I wish it was an excuse," Brian responded, realizing he was already on the horse. Wait, what? When did I...?
Delan raised an eyebrow before mounting his horse. Without much more to say, he rode forward at a calm pace. Brian instinctively followed. ''Where did I learn how to ride a horse?'' he wondered aloud.
"Your father used to teach you when you were younger, although you quickly surpassed him," Delan answered sadly. "I know it has been three years since his passing in this chaos, but please try to care a bit about your heritage, my lord."
Chaos... a word that tugged on Brian's curiosity. It was a word that was still fresh in his memory. Looking around him, a strange memory started to surface. It can't be...?
"Lord Brian!" Delan shouted, shaking Brian from his thoughts. He realized he was no longer alongside his observer.
A harsh wind blew past his face as his horse galloped forward. Although Brian had never ridden a horse before, he didn't panic. As if he had ridden a thousand times, he leaned forward to minimize the wind resistance and increased the pressure of his calves on the horse's sides.
Delan shouted worriedly from behind, but Brian didn't hear him. He had to confirm his hypothesis: that he had been isekaied into a world he knew. As he reached the town's plaza, his hypothesis seemed correct. Aside from the poorness of ancient China, a name floated above one of the armed soldiers in the back. So it's true. I really isekaied into Dynasty Warriors...
The marketplace was a stark tapestry of sights, sounds, and smells, a testament to the town's struggle. Stalls lined the streets, but they were worn and shabby, selling what little the townspeople could muster—from meager produce to poorly crafted goods. Merchants shouted their wares, their voices tinged with desperation rather than cheer, and townspeople haggled fiercely, not for the best prices, but for something they could afford.
This feels so real. More real than any game I've ever played, Brian thought, his eyes darting from one scene to another, trying to take it all in. He watched as a blacksmith hammered away at a piece of glowing metal, but the rhythm was erratic, his movements lacking energy and precision. The smell of bread wafted from a nearby bakery, but it was faint, as if they were stretching their supplies to make do. Brian's mouth watered involuntarily, a response to the thought of food, though his appetite was absent.
As he rode through the streets, he noticed the faces of the people. They were weary, many with worry lines etched deeply into their skin. Children played in the dirt, their clothes ragged but their spirits seemingly undampened. Brian felt a pang of sympathy and determination swell within him. These people need help. If I'm really here, maybe I can do something.
He stopped at the town square, dismounting and tying his horse to a post. Delan caught up to him, slightly out of breath. "Lord Brian, please don't wander off like that. It's not safe."
Brian turned to face him, a newfound resolve in his eyes. "Delan, I need to understand this place. I need to know what's happening here if I'm going to do anything to help."
Delan seemed taken aback by Brian's sudden assertiveness but nodded. "Very well, my lord. I will accompany you."
They walked through the square, Brian taking in every detail. He saw the dilapidated state of many buildings, the struggle of the merchants, and the desperate looks on some of the faces. It was clear this town had seen better days.
"Tell me about this place, Delan," Brian said, his voice steady.
Delan sighed deeply. "This is Jin Cheng, a small town on the outskirts of the larger territories. We've been hit hard by the chaos that has engulfed the land. Bandits raid us often, and we have little support from the larger cities. The people are struggling to survive."
Brian's heart ached for these people. He knew he had to do something. If this is my new reality, then I need to make the most of it.
"Is there anything we can do to improve the situation?" Brian asked, his mind racing with possibilities.
Delan looked at him with a mix of surprise and hope. "There are many things we need, my lord. Food, security, resources to rebuild. It will not be easy."
Brian nodded, determination hardening his resolve. "Then let's start small. We'll improve what we can, one step at a time. Delan, I need your help to set up the basics first. We can work from there."
Delan bowed, impressed by Brian's quick grasp of the situation. "Yes, my lord. I will assist you in any way I can."
Just as Brian was about to continue his exploration, the sound of a commotion arose from the plaza. People began to gather, murmuring anxiously. Brian's curiosity piqued, and he turned to Delan. "What's happening over there?" he asked.
"I don't know, my lord. However, as the lord of this town, it would be wise for you to know what is going on in your town," Delan suggested with a bit of hope in his voice. I see. It seems I was never a serious lord. No wonder he looked so dissatisfied, especially with the town and people suffering like this, Brian thought.
"You are right. Let's go," Brian responded in kind.
Delan's expression changed to a questioning one. "You want me there as well, my lord?"
"Obviously. You have an eye for what is necessary, Delan. If this is something important, that talent is necessary."
"Very well, my lord. I will accompany you." For the first time since Brian had met the old man, he sounded happy. Was he so moody because I didn't recognize his potential? How much of a prideful toddler can you be? Brian thought with a wry smile.
As they approached the plaza, the crowd parted, revealing a grand yet weathered carriage surrounded by armored guards. The carriage, though ornate, bore signs of having traveled through rough terrain. The soldiers looked tired and anxious, their armor scuffed and their faces lined with fatigue. The townspeople watched in fear and curiosity, whispering among themselves.
A knight in ornate but worn armor stepped forward, his voice carrying over the murmur of the crowd. Above his head, Brian saw his name hanging in bold: Mi Tong. "Citizens of Jin Cheng! At the command of the Emperor, we wish to speak to the lord of these lands! Inform him of our arrival immediately!"
Brian stepped forward confidently, unperturbed by the gravity of the situation. "I am Lord Brian Miller, the ruler of Jin Cheng. Welcome to my town. If you wish to speak to me, please follow me."
Delan glanced at Brian, a mixture of worry and admiration in his eyes. As the entourage moved to follow Brian, he whispered, "Are you sure about this, my lord?"
Brian nodded, maintaining his composure. "I don't have much of a choice. We need to know what they want."
Leading the entourage through the narrow streets, Brian guided them toward his mansion. The guards moved with a disciplined precision despite their exhaustion, ensuring the Emperor's carriage was safely escorted. The townspeople watched in awe and fear, whispering among themselves.
Upon reaching the mansion, Brian gestured for the entourage to enter. "Please, come inside. We will have the privacy we need to discuss matters."
As Brian rode past Delan, he ordered, "Delan, have some guards guard the house. No one is to enter during this meeting unless permitted to enter by the knight in charge."
"Very well, my lord," Delan responded politely before riding to another part of the town.
Although the situation had been tense in town, once arriving at Brian's supposed new home, it turned into a complete theatrical comical play. The knights looked tense, and the Emperor hadn't shown his face as his carriage was carried inside the house as if he was a spoiled princess. As the carriage was placed down, several knights stepped outside to stand on guard.
Delan had returned with a few guards and maidens and entered the house with a polite bow to his master and the Emperor. "Can I offer you anything, Your Highness? Tea? Something to eat?"
A soft bell rang in the air, and Mi Tong said, "He would like some tea." Then he shifted to the lord and continued, "Thank you for quick notice, Lord Brian. I shall not waste your time with unnecessary talk. I assume you are aware of the troubles of your Highness's position and the turmoil of the land. We need help to regain what we have lost, and hereby give you the honor to help us in that noble task."
Brian thanked the maiden for the tea, took a sip, and raised one of his thick black eyebrows. And I am just supposed to accept that? What of that bullshit is an honor? Without wasting anyone's time, he turned to the guard and asked, "What's your name?" despite it clearly floating above his head.
"Mi Tong, sir," Mi Tong answered, confused, before asking, "What has that to do...?"
"With introductions done, as every normal conversation should start with knowing the name of your interlocutor, we can return to the topic at hand." He shifted his eyes to his adviser and said, "Delan, please show Mister Mi Tong around."
The shadow behind the curtain of the Emperor rose, and Mi Tong himself looked conflicted as he asked, "Why do you...?"
Brian didn't waste any time as he answered, "This is a request from the Emperor himself. If it is a request from Your Highness, I will listen to him without any hesitation. However, if he is not willing to ask me for help personally, I am afraid you are wasting your time here." Mi Tong's expression became almost unreadable, and Delan's expression showed clear signs of fear. However, before the man could respond, Brian added, "If you are afraid for Your Highness's safety, you can check my house for weapons, as well as my body." Switching his eyes to the curtain where the Emperor was supposed to be, he said, "What's your response, Your Highness? Would you start a one-on-one conversation with me, or would you seek help from another lord?"
"You!?" Mi Tong growled before the same bell rang again. "Your Highness?" the knight asked as he lay his ear to the curtain and heard a surprising request. "V... very well, Your Highness." He switched his attention to the butler and said in a much more polite way, "Please show me around the house."
As the maidens, Delan, and Mi Tong stepped outside and closed the door behind them, Brian shifted his attention to the curtains after being checked for weapons. The Emperor's arm slowly moved forward, gently pushing the curtain away as he started, "You are a very unusual person, sir Brian. You are the first who dares to make such a request. Why would you make such a request if you know the penalty could be death?"
The Emperor was a young boy, younger than the age of Brian's new body. If he had to guess, he wasn't even thirteen yet spoke so firmly it was as if he was a grown man. Brian smiled as he answered, "If I may be so blunt, Your Highness, your request asked by Mi Tong has a similar ending for me. If I have to put my life on the line for someone, I at least want to hear it from them personally."
The young Emperor looked understanding before he asked, "Does that mean you are willing to help me?"
"Not so quick, Your Highness," Brian countered, feeling the conversation was switching for the better. I have control, and now, it is time to take the reins. "Before I accept your request, I have a question and a request of my own."
The Emperor's blue eyes met Brian's brown eyes, and after a few seconds, he responded, "Very well. What is your question?"
"What do you stand for?"
"Excuse me?" the young Emperor asked, confused.
Brian closed his eyes as he explained, "I do not mind helping you, but I need to know what you would do if you would regain your position. Do you stand for the people, do you strive for a better economy, or is it something else that you want to reach?"
"What does it concern you what I stand for or want?" the Emperor asked, feeling conflicted about continuing the conversation.
"Everything, Your Highness. If I am fighting for you, I will fight with my life on the line. Not only me, but the people who should be under my care are in danger as well, and I do not want them to become a sacrifice if their situation would not change for the better. If you do not know the answer, then what am I supposed to use to persuade the many I have to fight against?"
"You fight for me! That should be sufficient," the young boy answered, showing a fit of anger that finally showed some humanity in his expression.
"If it should, why is the land in turmoil?" The Emperor's eyes opened wide, for he had never met a person who spoke to him in such a manner. Before he could retort, Brian added, "The land is in turmoil because the people don't know who to follow. People need a leader who knows what he wants and knows what his people want. I do not need an answer if you do not have one at the moment, but I expect one at the end of all this."
The Emperor's eyes turned serious as he asked, "And what if it doesn't fit your standards?"
"It doesn't have to fit my standards, as long as it fits the people. If not, you can expect another war to start, and I will not be there to help you again," Brian answered, his words already indicating he was willing to help the Emperor.
Realizing that all too well, the young man closed his eyes, tried to find some inner peace by the looks of it, and focused again. "You made your case clear. Now, what is your request? I can give you everything you desire."
"In that case, I request your absolute trust," Brian answered almost immediately.
"My trust?" the young Emperor repeated, confused. "Why would you request that?"
Brian took a sip of his tea as he answered, "I'll fight for you, but the people will not. The simple truth is, if I succeed in this request you ask of me, the people will follow my word. Although that doesn't sound as threatening at first glance for I follow you, I could give others the idea that I want to take the throne for my own. If you have any doubts about my loyalty, please talk to me instead of taking unnecessary actions that can be regretted. Therefore, I require absolute trust."
The Emperor looked intrigued as if he had learned an important lesson. "I have never given a thought about that. Your words may be blunt, but they carry wisdom. Very well, I will put my trust in you, on my word as the Emperor. I assume you will help me restore this land?" the young boy asked hopefully.
"Yes, I will," Brian answered. It was at that moment that all of his suspicions about where he was were confirmed as a message appeared in his view, as if it was a HUD. Options about his level, health, allies, resources, and more were in plain sight for his eyes alone. So this really is the game. I guess that dream was not a dream back then... just terrific...
The evening sun cast a beautiful orange light over the land as the temperature began to decrease. Most of the merchants had gone home, hoping for better sales the next day, just as most of the other townsfolk had returned home in the hope their houses would survive another day.
Brian was walking back to his house after an afternoon of exploring the town more carefully. With his menu, he could see the special buildings he could use in his mission and those that still required his attention. In particular, the blacksmith, teahouse, and merchant's district needed strengthening. The interface was both a comforting reminder of the familiar game world and a stark contrast to the reality he was now living.
"Yeesh, what did I get myself into..." he complained out loud. "Isekaied into Dynasty Warriors. And it didn't even involve a truck." His joke at least made him smile, but soon he realized there was nothing to laugh about. He was stuck in Dynasty Warriors' Ambition mode without a clear way out. His family, his friends, his studies, his real life—there was no knowing what would come of them or if he could return.
The town was a patchwork of resilience and decay. The streets, though bustling earlier, now lay quiet, with only a few stray dogs and the occasional passerby. The homes were modest, many in need of repair, and the air carried the scent of evening meals being prepared, a blend of hope and survival.
And it wasn't as if this game was going to be kind to his own life. Although his love for role-playing helped him turn an unknown situation into one he could profit from, his lack of fighting capabilities, apart from his boxing hobby, was going to be a problem. Again, that is what he assumed, but when he equipped himself with a simple cutlass, the movement of his limbs almost felt as if he had used it a thousand times. To top it off, those weren't the only surprises that made him wonder what the hell was going on.
How did I get here? Is this a dream? The surreal nature of his predicament gnawed at him. He could recall the storm, the game, and then waking up here. But why? And more importantly, how?
Although he didn't mind eating something, his normal appetite wasn't present. That survival instinct just didn't act the way it should, and neither did the urge to pee. Maybe those aren't present because they are not part of the normal game mode... he reasoned as he walked on the bad infrastructure of his town. His surroundings were surprisingly peaceful, with only a few birds chirping in the distance, making it perfect conditions to set his thoughts straight.
On his way back to the house, where the Emperor was still residing in one of the guest rooms, he encountered the knight Mi Tong. Unlike their previous encounter, when the knight's eyes could burn him with a hateful glare, his gaze this time around was friendly. "Good evening, Lord Brian. My sincere apologies for my behavior this morning. The Emperor has told me everything and has ordered me to assist you to the best of my capabilities. If there is anything you need that I can arrange, do not hesitate to ask."
Talk about a personality change. Why does this feel a little bit too good to be true? Brian thought suspiciously. Normally, if he had distrusted or assumed one of his friends was mad, he would box or wrestle it out, but he doubted he had the equipment for it. Instead, he said, "Walk with me."
"Please lead the way," the knight responded politely, his expression hiding the confusion that began to arise.
Under the rising moon, the former student began, "My apologies as well, Mi Tong. I was rude to you, and it was not my intent to offend you. If you have any resentment towards me, feel free to speak your mind."
Mi Tong looked content as he responded, "Thank you, Lord Brian. That apology means a lot to me." He looked ahead as he continued, "Although it is no excuse, the stress and fear of the past weeks due to the wars have caused me and my men to grow tired and hostile. Your acceptance to help us has given some reassurance."
Brian studied Mi Tong's face, noticing the lines of worry and exhaustion. These men have been through hell. What stories do they carry? "Do you really think you can unite the land?"
"I am not sure, but I promised the Emperor already. I might as well go for it."
Mi Tong shifted his gaze to him and asked, "And how are you going to do that?"
"I have an idea, but I am going to need manpower for it."
Mi Tong bowed deeply as he responded immediately, "We will help with everything we can offer you! What do you need?"
Too easy, Brian thought as he answered, "If we plan to unite the land, we need a solid foundation to work from. First, we unite the surrounding areas and develop the infrastructure and agriculture. I need a map of the country to plan for the future, and a map of our surroundings to plan the upcoming days."
"Very well. Leave it to me!" The knight responded as he bowed and ran towards the house. Switching his eyes to the menu, Brian smiled as he realized he had successfully activated the 'Gather Supplies' skill, and further noticed the bond between him and Mi Tong had slightly increased. That easy? I hope they are all that easy. Although I doubt everything is gonna be that simple... Brian feared as he thought back on every character he knew and had played. If this is truly Dynasty Warriors, would he have to face the scary warriors such as Sun Ce, Zhao Yun, Zhang Liao, and Lu Bu?
There were many officers and lords in ancient China that could be considered a dangerous threat to his conquest. Conquest. He smiled stupidly as he thought back on how he could accept such a ridiculous request so easily and was glad to see that his instincts were right. If he was in actual ancient China, instead of in the game, he would have stood no chance. However, even with the knowledge of how some battles had gone, and the advantage of his instantly learned skills, his quest would not be easy. And there was one last thing that Brian was very thankful for.
He was stuck in a game. Every enemy he killed was not a pang of guilt he would have nightmares about or would affect history. It would probably affect him more than he wished for, but nothing else.
One last smile appeared on his face as he thought, Now I hope the real fights are as easy as the game was. Before he walked to his house for a good night of rest. The answer to that hopeful question had an answer only time could tell.
Author notes:
This was chapter one of A Game of Ambition. I hope you liked it.
I have not much else to say. Feel free to review this story. Feedback is always welcome if you are polite.
That was everything I wanted to say. That was it for the first chapter and I hope to see you all in the second one. Beyor out!