Disclaimer: I do now own Dynasty Warriors. Koei. Inc. owns the Dynasty Warriors franchise.


Brian sat on the deck of his ship, the rhythmic lapping of the river against the hull and the cool evening breeze making for a rare moment of reflection. The recent string of battles—pushing Wen Cang's forces out of Xia Kou, capturing Jangxia, driving Lu Xun's troops from Wu Lin, and eventually defeating them at Chi Bi—had been brief but intense. Yet, as victorious as Brian was, his mind wasn't focused on the battlefield or his conquests. Instead, it lingered on the conversation that followed the aftermath of those victories, a moment of connection amidst the chaos of war.

He thought back to that open field prison conversation, where the defeated forces of Wu and Wei were kept in a secured area, separated by fences and guards. He assumed soldiers who stood opposed just days ago would not find peace held together, thus this was the best option Brian could think of. Especially since he wanted to recruit these officers as quickly as possible.

He decided to try his luck first with Lu Xun since he knew their characters from other games a bit better. The pupil of Lu Meng, and a genius in his own right.

Lu Xun was sitting cross-legged, his gaze focused on Brian. Zhou Tai, Ding Feng, Han Dang, and Zhu Ran were all nearby, their eyes subtly shifting to him and his entourage. Especially the entourage had to take them by surprise since it was Lu Meng and Sun Quan Brian had taken alongside him.

Brian stopped in front of Lu Xun and sat down. It was a confusing act for Lu Xun's forces, and even the young prodigy had trouble understanding if he hadn't heard the rumors. An unknown lord of a distant town one day stood up and tackled the chaos head-on. In not even two years, he had done what no other man had done before. Lu Xun had heard of the after-battle fights, where Brian had recruited his former enemies into his army in a similar setting. The strangest rumor was that there had never been a betrayal in Brian's ranks, despite his army not only consisting of arch-enemies but characters that were well-known for their lack of loyalty. However, unlike them, Lu Xun wasn't easily converted.

Brian looked at the group seated before him, his eyes locking onto each officer with a calm but piercing gaze. The tension between them was palpable, but he was here for more than just negotiations; he was here to understand them, to see past their roles as opponents on the battlefield. His approach was different, one rooted in respect rather than domination.

"I am a well-informed man," Brian began, his voice steady but without arrogance. "Lu Xun, they say you are a brilliant tactician, a man who sees solutions others can't even fathom. You are a prodigy under Lu Meng, capable of turning the tide of battle with nothing but a few well-placed strategies."

Lu Xun's eyes narrowed slightly, unsure whether this was flattery or an attempt to manipulate him, but he remained silent, his mind already calculating.

"And Zhou Tai," Brian continued, turning his attention to the stoic warrior. "Known for your unbreakable loyalty, for standing in the way of death itself to protect Sun Quan. Your scars—each one earned, not through recklessness, but through unwavering courage."

Zhou Tai shifted slightly, acknowledging the words but keeping his emotions guarded.

"Ding Feng, the common soldier who rose through the ranks, fighting not just with skill but with the kind of determination that makes even the strongest enemies falter. You have a mind for strategy that rivals the best, and you're no stranger to taking bold risks."

Ding Feng's expression didn't change, but there was a flicker of respect in his eyes. He hadn't expected someone like Brian to know so much about him.

"Han Dang," Brian said, his voice softening as he addressed the veteran. "A man of experience, someone who's seen countless battles, someone who knows what it means to fight for family, for legacy. Your loyalty to the Sun family runs deep, and you've passed that down to the soldiers who follow you."

Han Dang gave a small nod, recognizing the truth in Brian's words. He had been loyal to the Sun family for generations, and that loyalty was part of who he was.

"Zhu Ran," Brian continued, meeting the young general's gaze. "Reliable, skilled, and always in the right place at the right time. You've defended your people with a calm head and steady hand, and that's why they trust you with their lives."

Zhu Ran shifted uncomfortably but appreciated the acknowledgment. He wasn't often one for attention, but Brian's words struck a chord.

Brian leaned back slightly, his eyes sweeping over the group. "But is that all there is to you? Is that all you wish to be known for?" His voice softened, the air around him almost inviting them to open up. "I know your strengths, your reputations. I know the roles you play on the battlefield. But tell me—what are your dreams, your ambitions? Why do you fight?"

The officers exchanged glances, unsure how to respond. This wasn't the usual approach from a conqueror or an enemy. Brian wasn't questioning their loyalty or their skill; he was asking about something deeper, something more personal.

Lu Xun broke the silence, his voice careful. "You know much about us, Lord Brian. You speak of our strengths, our roles. But what difference does it make to you what our dreams or ambitions are?"

Brian smiled slightly, not surprised by the hesitation. "It makes all the difference. I'm not just here to conquer land or defeat enemies. I'm building something that lasts. To do that, I need more than warriors—I need men and women with vision, with something to fight for beyond just orders from their lord."

Zhou Tai's eyes darkened slightly, as if considering the weight of Brian's words. "We fight for Wu. We fight for our people, our land."

"I respect that," Brian said sincerely. "But what if you could fight for something even greater? What if you could help shape the future, not just of your land, but of the world we're all part of? What do you truly desire for yourselves, for your people, beyond this endless cycle of war?"

Ding Feng crossed his arms, his voice low but curious. "And what would you have us do, Lord Brian? Abandon what we've fought for?"

Brian shook his head. "No. I would never ask you to abandon your loyalty. But I am asking you to think beyond the battlefield. To consider what kind of world you want to leave behind when the fighting is over."

Zhu Ran looked up, his brow furrowed. "And what kind of world do you envision?"

Brian leaned forward, his tone more earnest. "A world where men of strength and vision come together to build something better than what we've known. A world where we use our skills, our knowledge, not just to win battles, but to improve the lives of those who follow us. I'm not asking you to betray your ideals—I'm asking you to think bigger than any single battle, any single victory."

The officers were silent, each processing Brian's words in their own way. He wasn't offering them easy answers or a simple path to power. He was offering them a chance to be part of something greater, something that would outlast any one of them.

Lu Xun's voice broke the silence again. "You speak of unity, of building a future. But why should we trust you? How do we know your vision is any better than what we fight for now?"

Brian met Lu Xun's gaze with a calm intensity. "You don't. Not yet. Trust isn't something that can be given in a single conversation. But what I offer is a chance—a chance to use your talents, and your dreams, to shape something new. I don't expect loyalty without reason. I expect you to see for yourselves what kind of leader I am, and to make your own decisions based on that."

Zhou Tai, who had been silent until now, spoke up, his voice measured. "And if we say no? What then?"

Brian's smile thinned, becoming more serious but never losing its warmth. "Then you become my prisoners," he said plainly, without malice. "I don't mistreat those I capture, as you've likely heard, but that's not the point. The truth is, we're all part of something bigger than our own loyalties now. I've been tasked with uniting this land under the Emperor's banner. It's a mission that must be completed, and I will see it through."

Zhou Tai's expression remained neutral, but the weight of Brian's words hung between them.

Brian continued, his tone softening. "The question isn't just why you should agree, but what is there to lose by joining me? Your loyalty to Wu, to your land, that's something I respect deeply. But think about it—would your loyalty mean less if you helped bring peace and stability to this fractured world? Is continuing the cycle of war and division really what any of us want for our future?"

Lu Xun's eyes narrowed in thought. "You speak of unity as if it's inevitable, but men have fought over this land for generations. Why should we believe your vision is different? What makes you any better than the other lords who claim to fight for peace?"

Brian's gaze shifted to Lu Xun, and he met the young strategist's question head-on. "I'm not asking you to believe in my vision blindly. I'm asking you to think about your own. You're all men of incredible talent, and the fact is, this cycle of war only continues because each faction believes they're the ones who deserve to rule. But we know where that road leads—endless battles, more suffering, and in the end, no one wins."

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "What I offer is a chance to be part of something that transcends personal ambition. It's not about me or even about the Emperor—it's about creating a world where future generations don't have to live through the chaos we've seen. A world where your strengths are used not just to fight but to build."

Brian leaned forward slightly, his tone growing more intense. "I've seen enough bloodshed, enough lives lost. What I want to know is this: are you content to keep fighting for the sake of fighting, or do you want to be remembered as men who helped shape a future where war isn't the only path forward?"

Zhu Ran, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up. "And if we join you, what guarantee do we have that things will truly change? That we won't just be trading one ruler for another?"

Brian's gaze softened as he considered Zhu Ran's words. "There are no guarantees in life, and I won't lie to you and pretend otherwise. But what I can promise is this: I will never ask you to fight for something meaningless. I will ask you to use your talents to make this vision a reality, and I will ensure that your skills, your values, are not wasted."

He stood up, his posture strong but open, as he addressed the group once more. "In the end, the choice is yours. You can choose to resist, to remain prisoners in a war that will continue to tear this land apart. Or you can join me, knowing that you're fighting for something bigger than any one kingdom. The future I'm building won't be easy, but it will be one worth fighting for."

Zhou Tai's eyes flickered with thought, and the silence among the officers deepened. It wasn't a threat—it was a challenge. And Brian's message was clear: they could either stand against him and remain trapped in a world that only knew conflict, or they could take a chance and be part of something that had the potential to break the cycle.

Brian didn't press them further. He had said what needed to be said, and now it was up to them to decide. But he wasn't done yet.

As Brian stood up and began to walk away, Sun Quan and Lu Meng followed closely behind him. The cool evening breeze rustled their robes as they made their way toward the next field, where another group of officers awaited. For a moment, there was silence between them, the weight of the conversation still hanging in the air.

Sun Quan, walking beside Brian with an easy, confident stride, glanced over at him with a grin. "It never ceases to amaze me how you do that," he remarked, his voice light with admiration. "You don't just defeat them—you make them want to follow you. Watching it unfold each time is… well, it's almost like watching an artist at work."

Brian smiled but remained silent, his mind still focused on the task ahead. Sun Quan chuckled, clearly enjoying the moment. "You know, I never thought I'd enjoy seeing men from Wu consider joining another cause. But here we are, and I can't help but think that you really are shaping something much bigger than I could have imagined."

Lu Meng, walking a step behind, was more reserved. His eyes shifted between Brian and Sun Quan, taking in the ease with which Sun Quan admired Brian's ability to sway even former enemies. It was something that didn't come naturally to Lu Meng.

He cleared his throat slightly before speaking, his tone measured. "It's... different, seeing men like Lu Xun, Zhou Tai, and the others given a choice like that. I'm used to thinking that potential threats must be dealt with swiftly, and decisively. But here you are, turning them into allies."

There was a slight pause as Lu Meng glanced back at the field where the Wu officers sat, deep in thought. He let out a slow breath. "I admit, it feels strange. I've been taught that an iron fist is necessary to keep control. To offer them a place in your ranks after defeating them... it's new to me. But..." He hesitated, his voice softening slightly, "I'm glad that wasn't the path today. Despite everything, I still respect Lu Xun and the others. I'd rather see them standing beside us than lying dead on the battlefield."

Brian nodded but didn't say much, understanding the weight of Lu Meng's words. Lu Meng was a man who had always believed in decisiveness, in eliminating threats to maintain order. Yet here he was, admitting that perhaps there was another way—a way that Brian had shown him.

Sun Quan, still smiling, clapped a hand on Lu Meng's shoulder. "That's the beauty of it, Lu Meng. Brian's not about breaking men down or eliminating them. He builds them up, even if they were once enemies. And the best part is—he doesn't have to lose good people in the process. It's a different kind of strength."

Lu Meng remained thoughtful, his eyes watching Brian, who was already looking ahead to the next conversation. It was clear that Brian had a unique way of uniting people—something that went beyond battlefield victories. And for the first time in a long while, Lu Meng wondered if perhaps there was more to leadership than just an iron fist.

Brian remained seated on the deck of his ship, the cool breeze and the rhythmic lapping of the river providing a soothing backdrop to his thoughts. After reflecting on his conversation with Lu Xun and the officers of Wu, his mind drifted to the recent recruitment of Wen Cang and his officers from Wei. While recruiting the Wu officers had been more diplomatic and careful, Wen Cang's group had presented a different challenge.

Rebellion had been the defining trait of Wen Cang and his father, Wen Qin. Their fierce desire for independence, for resisting the powers that sought to control them, had driven them onto the battlefield. But rebellion, as Brian understood, was often a mask for something deeper—frustration, perhaps, or a desire for change that had no clear direction. Wen Cang's defiance was not rooted in any grand vision, but in resisting for the sake of resistance. It was a rebellion that, while passionate, lacked focus. Brian had seen that clearly and had tried to steer that raw energy into something more purposeful, something that could serve a greater cause rather than dissipate in a futile attempt at freedom without direction.

Deng Ai had been different. His loyalty to his former leaders was unquestionable, but Brian had quickly realized that Deng Ai's true allegiance lay elsewhere. His loyalty was to innovation, to progress, to his ideas of what the future should look like. Deng Ai was a man who thrived on challenges, and on pushing the boundaries of what was possible. His loyalty to a divided land was a mere stepping stone to something greater. Brian had recognized this immediately—Deng Ai's mind was constantly at work, not on the present, but on the future. But Brian had challenged him, subtly forcing Deng Ai to confront what that future would look like. Was it just military innovation, or could it be something more? Something that shaped the very structure of society?

Zhong Hui had been perhaps the most transparent in his ambition. He craved power, recognition, and control. Yet, for all his grasping, Brian had sensed a lack of clarity in what he truly wanted to achieve. Power for power's sake was a dangerous thing, and Brian had pressed him on this. He hadn't needed to say much—just a few pointed questions, forcing Zhong Hui to consider what he would do with power if he obtained it. Zhong Hui's grasp had always been too high, reaching for something without knowing how to wield it. And while his ambition had been admirable in its intensity, it was directionless. Brian had left him with questions, ones that Zhong Hui would need to answer for himself if he ever hoped to lead in any meaningful way.

Zhuge Dan had been the hardest to crack. His pride in his family name and legacy was palpable, almost suffocating. But pride in a name was not enough. Zhuge Dan's reliance on his family's reputation left a gaping hole where his ambition should have been. He carried the weight of his lineage, but without a vision of his own, without a concrete goal to work toward, that weight would eventually crush him. Brian had pointed that out, without needing to say it outright. A name was only as strong as the person who bore it, and Zhuge Dan had yet to prove that he could stand on his own. Brian had planted the seeds of doubt—had forced Zhuge Dan to think about his legacy, not just in terms of his family, but in terms of his own accomplishments.

In each of them—Wen Cang, Deng Ai, Zhong Hui, and Zhuge Dan—Brian had seen the potential. But potential alone was not enough. It had to be shaped, molded, and given purpose. Rebellion had to be directed, ambition had to be clarified, loyalty had to be redefined, and pride had to be earned. These men weren't just soldiers—they were pieces of a larger puzzle that Brian was trying to assemble. A unified land under a banner that wasn't driven by ambition or rebellion alone, but by purpose.

Brian exhaled softly, his thoughts lingering on those officers as the ship sailed forward, cutting through the river quietly. The defeated officers had quickly agreed to join his ranks. Their initial hesitation had faded, and Brian knew their doubtful vision could not stand against his unbroken determination and will. But he did not have the luxury to savor the victory. There was too much at stake.

He had come a long way, but his path was far from over. Jangxia was secure, and the cities of San Jiang Kou, Wu Chang, Huang Zhou, Zhan Chun, Jiu Jiang, and Hu Kou had been conquered. Brian had already set up trade routes and secured supply lines that would keep his forces well-fed and equipped while laying the groundwork for an economic system that would flourish beyond the war. These foundations, though fragile, were vital to ensuring the stability of his growing empire. The deals he had brokered with local leaders were holding for now, and the territories enjoyed a fragile peace, but Brian knew better than to be complacent.

The next phase of his campaign would push him to his limits. He Fei loomed large on the horizon, a fortress of immense strategic importance. He knew well that Zhang Liao was waiting for him there, a mighty officer who had once defended the city against Sun Quan and his vastly larger army. Zhang Liao's reputation as a fierce warrior, one who could turn the tide of battle with his strength, skill, and unwavering loyalty, made him a formidable obstacle. Brian couldn't afford to underestimate him.

But Zhang Liao was not the only challenge. Before Brian could reach He Fei, other cities were standing in his way—Hu Ling, San Shan, Wu Hu, Mu Xi, Wu Xu Wu, and Chao Xian. Each of these places would pose its unique threats, and none would surrender easily. Every city represented not only a military challenge but a logistical one as well. His carefully constructed supply lines would be tested as the campaign pushed further eastward, stretching thinner with each passing day. The flow of provisions, reinforcements, and information would become more difficult to maintain the further they marched from their established bases.

Brian would have to rely on the trust he had built with his officers and the strength of the alliances and agreements he had painstakingly brokered with local leaders. These bonds, forged in battle and diplomacy, would be the lifeline of his campaign. But even trust had limits when supply lines were cut, or when the rigors of war weighed too heavily on soldiers who had already fought countless battles.

His thoughts drifted back to the academy in Jin Cheng, where he had tapped into the secret level-up assistance—an edge that had allowed him to survive the ever-increasing difficulty of the campaign. Without it, he knew he wouldn't have made it this far. The battle difficulty multiplier had risen five times its starting level, and every engagement was more intense than the last. He could feel the weight of the campaign wearing down his officers and soldiers alike. They had fought hard and made significant progress, but the physical and mental strain was undeniable.

Yet, despite the fatigue, Brian knew they were all aware of one thing: they were getting closer. The land was slowly but surely coming under one banner, his banner. The dream of a unified land under the Emperor's name was no longer just an ambition—it was becoming a reality. But the cost was high, and the road ahead remained perilous.

As the ship moved steadily toward the next phase of his campaign, Brian steeled himself for what was to come. There was no turning back now. The time for rest would come later. For now, the only thing that mattered was the path forward, and the challenges that awaited him on the way to He Fei.


Brian felt the oppressive heat weighing down on him as he stood on the shore of Lake Chao. The air was thick and humid, making every breath feel labored, and he could see the exhaustion already settling in among his troops. The scorching sun was relentless, and Brian knew that if they didn't act quickly, the heat would take a toll on their strength before the real battle even began.

"Set up camp," Pang Tong commanded calmly, his sharp mind already working to combat the sweltering conditions. Zhuge Liang, standing nearby, nodded in agreement.

"We need large canvases set up to create shade," Zhuge Liang added, his voice measured and deliberate. "Ensure that water stations are available at every corner of the camp."

Brian, feeling the heat even through his armor, made a decision. He began removing his armor and upper garments, revealing his muscular and toned physique—one that had grown more defined with each level he had gained. His body was not bulky like that of a brute, but honed like that of a fighter, trained for speed and precision. As he moved to help his soldiers set up the camp, he ensured that everyone had enough water to drink, personally handing out flasks and checking in on his men.

Sun Shangxiang, ever playful, caught sight of Brian and couldn't resist teasing him with a flirtatious smile. "Trying to show off, my lord?" she called, her eyes gleaming as she admired him from a distance.

Lianshi, standing nearby, found herself equally affected by the sight, trying to maintain her composure in the heat. She fanned herself lightly but couldn't hide the slight blush creeping up her cheeks as she stole glances at Brian. Even in this unbearable weather, the sight of him was enough to make her heart race.

Brian, catching Sun Shangxiang's playful gaze, smirked but remained focused on the task at hand. He made his way over to one of the sorceresses, who was working on keeping the boats moving with magic. Her eyes widened when she saw him approaching, clearly flustered by the sight of his bare chest.

"My lord," she stammered, trying to avert her eyes from his toned physique. "I-Is there something you need?"

Brian, noticing her discomfort but too focused on the situation to be affected, asked, "Is it possible to use magic to create ice or fresh water? The heat is unbearable, and we need every edge we can get."

The sorceress swallowed, trying to regain her composure. "We're already pushing our limits, my lord, using magic to maneuver the boats. We would need more… devotion to the heavens for such a task."

Brian nodded, understanding the strain they were under. "Set up a ritual in the shade. Let anyone who wishes to pray do so. We'll gather the strength we need together."

As more of Brian's ships arrived, Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong coordinated the setup of the camp, transforming the area into a secure stronghold. Large canvases were erected to provide shade for the soldiers, and the camp was designed to protect the ships and ensure that fresh water was always available. Despite the oppressive heat, the soldiers worked quickly and efficiently, driven by Brian's unwavering leadership and the knowledge that the battle ahead would be one of their toughest yet.

With the camp taking shape, Brian could feel the tension in the air as they prepared for the inevitable clash at He Fei. His mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming battle, but for now, his focus remained on keeping his army hydrated, cool, and ready.


Dark clouds in the distance were slowly swallowing the sun, and a faint breeze began to stir the still air, offering only a moment's relief from the oppressive heat. Brian took a deep breath, the weight of the upcoming battle heavy on his mind. Yet, there was no panic in the camp. His men had prepared for this.

As the ships reached the shore of Lake Chao, the air became cooler, a sign that a storm was brewing. The vast open land before them had to be transformed into a fortress—something that could serve as their main headquarters for the coming battles.

The strategists, each with their own expertise, moved with swift precision.

Zhuge Liang was the first to act, his commands clear and deliberate. "Set the tents in rows, ensure proper spacing between them for mobility, and supplies in the rear near the shore!" His eyes scanned the landscape, planning for what was needed. Soldiers obeyed without hesitation, setting up tents in perfect formation, ensuring that the heart of their camp could handle movement and remain organized during an attack.

Pang Tong, with his keen eye for defense, focused on securing the perimeter. "Build a wooden wall! I want sharp stakes on the outside and watchtowers at every key point." Soldiers and engineers worked together, pulling wood from the ships and the nearby forest, raising walls that would serve as the first line of defense. The barricades and towers came together rapidly under his direction, a testament to their efficiency.

Xu Shu, practical and ever focused on readiness, directed the deployment of their siege units. "Catapults to the back, juggernauts ready to move on command. Position them for quick use if needed." The massive machines, symbols of their strength, were stationed in key positions behind the walls. Secure, but ready to be unleashed should they face an attack.

Fa Zheng led the charge in setting up traps and forward defenses. "Dig pits, cover them, and position spikes in any clear paths. I want any enemy cavalry to think twice before approaching." His men set to work, creating hidden death traps just beyond the walls, their movements quick and coordinated.

Sima Yi stepped off the ship, his sharp eyes noting the dark clouds gathering above. "Prepare for the storm," he said, his voice calm. "Set additional guy ropes, and reinforce the tents with iron pegs. Use the large canvases to create shaded areas." His attention to detail ensured that no tent would collapse in the storm, and the canvases would give them some reprieve from both rain and sun.

Always mindful of the logistics and the animals, Jia Xu directed his men to set up a shelter for the war beasts. "Find a place to keep them calm. They need space and cover from the weather." His men quickly erected a stable area for the beasts, ensuring they wouldn't be spooked by the storm or the chaos of the camp.

Finally, Chen Gong, ever the tactician, sent out scouts to map the area. "I want every hidden path and ambush spot marked. We need options if this turns into a long siege." His scouts spread out, charting the terrain for any advantage they could use in the upcoming battles.


Meanwhile, Brian was in the thick of it, helping where needed, hauling supplies, and making sure his men had enough water. Lianshi, ever by his side, handed him his shirt with a worried expression. "Put this back on before you catch a cold when the storm hits," she said, her cheeks slightly flushed as Brian grinned but complied. Nearby, Shangxiang glanced his way with a teasing smile, her admiration for him clear, while soldiers worked swiftly around them.

The ritual space, set up by the sorceress, had already drawn in several soldiers. They knelt, praying not only for their survival but for peace—the peace Brian sought to bring to this fractured land.

As the final preparations fell into place, more ships arrived, unloading additional supplies and troops. Brian watched as his camp took shape—a wooden fortress rising from the banks of Lake Chao. His strategists, ever efficient, had orchestrated the creation of not just a safe landing point, but a true stronghold. One that could withstand both the coming storm and any attack that might follow.


The storm outside the tent was relentless. Rain lashed down in torrents, pounding against the fabric with a ferocity that echoed across the camp. Each drop was like the beat of a drum, a reminder that the forces of nature were just as unforgiving as the battles they faced. Thunder boomed overhead, rolling across the darkened sky, while jagged bolts of lightning lit up the heavens in violent flashes. Brian counted the seconds between the flash and the rumble, his instincts sharp—five seconds, then four, then three. The storm was closing in.

The wind howled through the camp, rattling tents and tugging at the ropes and pegs that held them in place. But Brian's forces were prepared. Large canvases stretched across the camp to provide extra shelter, reinforced with iron tent pegs driven deep into the ground. The barricades they'd hastily erected served not only as a defense against a potential ambush but as a break against the wind. Every detail had been thought out, every possibility accounted for. His strategists, Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, and Sima Yi, had ensured that the camp would endure the worst of the storm. Now, all Brian could do was wait.

Inside his tent, the air was warmer, though still heavy with the humidity that preceded the storm. The scent of wet earth seeped through the thick canvas walls. The fire in the center flickered weakly, struggling against the gusts of wind that slipped in. Brian sat on a simple blanket laid on the ground, his armor and weapons close at hand—always within reach. He had discarded the heavy metal plates for now, as had the women who accompanied him.

Shangxiang reclined nearby, her long hair cascading over her shoulder as she watched the storm outside with a quiet intensity. Lianshi sat close to the fire, gently rubbing her feet after a long day on the march. Cai Wenji sat with her legs curled benath her, gazing pensively at the storm. Xingcai leaned back against a wooden crate, her eyes half-closed in a rare moment of relaxation. Wang Yi was laying down, her body resting after the intense scout mission she was part of. She was smiling, perfectly at ease despite nature's wrath close by.

Brian's mind churned, even as he appeared calm. Zhang Liao would not let this storm be wasted. It was the perfect cover for an attack, the kind of chaos that could be exploited if one knew how. And Zhang Liao—famed for his tactical brilliance—surely did. Brian anticipated that as soon as the storm passed, an attack would come. Few would expect such a move right after the skies cleared, but Brian did. He knew they were in the eye of the storm, both in nature and in war. For now, however, all he could do was wait.

Feeling bored, he shifted to the women beside him. The women who stayed by his side, and helped him heal when he needed it the most. Brian's heart had been captivated by their unwavering loyalty, love, and care. Thus, seeing Lianshi rubbing her feet with a painful expression, he couldn't help but return the favor.

''Let me help you,'' he offered softly as he sat alongside her and reached for her foot. As a practiced professional, his hands began to knead her foot. Brian had quickly found a tension point under her foot, and he didn't have to guess which muscle it was.

"You don't have to," she murmured, though she didn't pull away.

"I want to," Brian replied, his focus intent. Although he admired her feet and calves, his focus was truly to make her feel good. He followed the tense muscles from the ankle's outside to the calve's lateral side. Lianshi let out a brief confirmation of pain, meaning Brian had found the culprit.

Shangxiang, who had shifted her attention to her lover, was looking with a mixture of envy and amazement. ''You are working so precisely. Did you learn this from that sage as well?'' She questioned. Brian showed a smile as he was reminded of their first conversation. They were on opposite sides only twenty months ago; now, she was his wife. It almost felt surreal.

''Partially. I had some discussions with Huo Ta regarding the anatomy of the body.'' Brian explained as he continued his craft, his voice soft but speaking with a bit of passion. It was enough to draw the attention of the other women.

''What was the discussion about?'' Lianshi asked as she tried to ignore the bits of sharp pain from her muscles. She had read books about massaging, but even with the bit of practice she had gained, she had never felt it this sharply. Strangely enough, it felt good as if it was a pain that was needed to recover.

Brian continued to work with care, his hands moving expertly along Lianshi's calf as he spoke. "Huo Ta and I talked about how muscles coordinate with each other, and how they need to balance strength with endurance. Every muscle in your body is connected to others, working together to keep your joints in the right path. If one muscle loses endurance or starts to overwork, it throws everything else off. That's when you feel pain, like this."

Lianshi winced slightly as Brian pressed into a knot of tension. "I can definitely feel it now," she admitted, though there was a hint of satisfaction in her voice. The relief that followed the brief pain was undeniable, like a weight lifting from her leg. "It's like you're resetting my whole leg."

Brian smiled, continuing his explanation. "That's because muscles, especially ones like this—the lateral stabilizer—play a key role in stabilizing your foot and ankle. When it's overworked, it pulls the entire area out of alignment. You may not notice it at first, but if left unchecked, it can cause all kinds of issues. The tension builds up, and other muscles compensate until it's all out of sync."

Shangxiang, who had been listening intently, shifted closer, her playful demeanor replaced with genuine interest. "So, it's not just about strength. It's about balance?"

Brian nodded, meeting her gaze. "Exactly. You need strength to move and endurance to keep everything working together. But when one muscle starts working harder than it should—like Lianshi's stabilizer here—you get disbalance. The other muscles try to help, but that just causes more tension and fatigue."

Cai Wenji, who had been sitting quietly, tilted her head in thought. "Is that why sometimes, after long days of marching, my shoulders feel tight even though I haven't done much with them?"

Brian turned toward her, gently nodding. "Yes, that's part of it. Your shoulders and back muscles are probably compensating for the strain on your legs or hips. Your body's always trying to adapt, but without proper recovery or balance, it just creates more tension. That's why massaging or stretching after battle or marching is so important."

Lianshi's face softened, the previous tension in her expression fading as Brian's hands found and released another tight muscle. "So, how do you know exactly where to press?" she asked, genuinely curious. "It's like you're feeling the tension."

Brian's focus remained on her leg as he answered. "I can feel the difference in the muscle. When it's relaxed, it should feel soft, like it's not resisting. But if it's tense, it's harder, almost like it's pushing back. That's when I know it's working too hard, or it's holding on to stress. You can tell the difference between a relaxed muscle and one that's overworking."

Xingcai, who had been resting with her eyes half-closed, opened them and glanced over at Brian. "It's like you're diagnosing the problem through touch. You really know the body well."

Brian chuckled softly, his hands continuing their rhythmic motion. "It's a lot of practice, really. Once you understand how the muscles work together, it's easier to figure out what's wrong. You learn to feel for the areas that are under too much stress."

Shangxiang's eyes glinted with admiration, watching Brian's hands move with such precision. "You're full of surprises," she murmured with a playful smile. "I didn't expect you to know so much about this."

Brian smiled back at her. "It's just part of knowing how to keep yourself in good shape. You can't rely on strength alone. You need to understand your body if you want to stay in top form, especially in battles."

Lianshi's breath steadied as Brian worked, the sharpness of the pain fading as her muscles began to relax under his careful touch. "I never thought a massage could hurt this much and feel this good at the same time," she murmured, half in awe.

"That's the tension leaving," Brian said, his voice soft. "Sometimes the pain is necessary for recovery. But once it's gone, you'll feel the difference."

The tent was now filled with calm energy, the storm outside forgotten for the moment as Brian's women listened to his explanations with a mix of fascination and admiration. Shangxiang leaned back, stretching out her legs in front of her as she watched Lianshi's obvious relief.

"You really are good with your hands," Shangxiang teased, though her eyes sparkled with affection. "Do you ever get tired?"

Brian smirked, not breaking his focus. "Not when it comes to helping you all feel better."

The other women exchanged glances, clearly intrigued by the attention Brian was giving to this seemingly simple task. Wang Yi, lying nearby, watched him with a soft smile. "You've always been one to care for others, haven't you?" she remarked, her tone warm.

Brian shrugged modestly, finishing up on Lianshi's leg. "It's just who I am. I've always believed that if you can help, you should. Especially when it's the people you care about."

Lianshi sat up, flexing her foot and calf with a look of amazement. "I feel like I could run for miles now," she said, half-joking.

Brian grinned, leaning back slightly. "Don't push yourself too hard just yet. Give your muscles time to recover."

Shangxiang stretched her legs, her expression shifting from playful to sincere. "So, what's next? You've helped Lianshi. Who's next on your list?" She raised an eyebrow, her gaze dropping to her own feet with an expectant grin.

Brian chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, alright," he said with a sigh of mock defeat. "But you're all going to owe me after this."

As he moved over to Shangxiang, the storm outside continued to rage, but within the tent, there was only warmth, laughter, and the quiet peace of being together. Even amid war, in the eye of the storm, they found moments like this—moments where the burdens of battle and leadership could be set aside, even if only for a while.


The camp had started to breathe a sigh of relief as the storm subsided. Soldiers sat by the fires, exchanging weary smiles and the occasional jest as the tension from the storm's fury slowly eased. The crackling of the fire mingled with the distant sounds of animals settling down, and for a moment, everything seemed almost normal.

A new soldier, recruited at Xiangyang, looked remarkably at ease as he sat at the campfire. A bit of meat was roasting on a stick above the flame. The savory scent wafted in the damp air, providing a brief respite after the storm's turbulence.

"To think we weathered that storm without much trouble. Lord Brian is something else," he remarked, a touch of awe in his voice.

Another, a veteran from the earlier campaigns, grinned at the remark. "That's Lord Brian for you. The man isn't like these times' rulers. He's... something more," the soldier added, gazing toward their leader, who stood at another fire, seemingly lost in thought.

"Tell me about it," another experienced soldier agreed. "The stories you hear don't even scratch the surface. I remember back when he..."

Suddenly, a wolf's howl pierced the camp, low and haunting. The sound came from the rear, where Brian's beasts were stationed. The veterans stiffened. Their casual chatter died, their expressions sharpening as understanding dawned. This was no ordinary sound. It was Brian's wolf.

Eyes turned toward their lord, and in an instant, the shift in atmosphere was palpable.

Brian had been standing, staring past the fire as if seeing something beyond the horizon. His posture, which once seemed relaxed, had become unnervingly still—too still. It was a look the veterans knew well. The entire mood of the camp transformed in that moment. Silence fell like a shroud, tension building with each passing second.

"What's going on?" the new soldier whispered, but no one answered him.

Fa Zheng, Zhuge Liang, and Sima Yi, who had been calmly playing a game moments earlier, looked up simultaneously. Their faces turned serious, eyes widening with realization. They moved without hesitation, waking nearby soldiers with deliberate calm, their hands signaling immediate alert.

Then, it happened.

Brian's eyes snapped toward the wooden walls at the edge of the camp. His hand moved swiftly to the halberd on his back, the weapon gleaming in the fading light. His grip was tight, his focus absolute. In the span of seconds, a quiet whistle escaped his lips, and like clockwork, his beasts answered.

Azeil and Kato, his two massive tigers, charged from the shadows of the camp, their powerful forms cutting through the ranks of soldiers, stopping only when they reached Brian's side. Four wolves, their eyes glowing in the firelight, followed close behind, flanking him. Bruno, the bear, stirred from his usual resting place, his hulking form lumbering into position without hesitation. Even Vijay, the massive elephant, moved with surprising agility, its great bulk navigating through tents and men until it stood steadfast behind its master.

Lu Bu emerged from his tent, his eyes gleaming with battle-hunger, as if he sensed the shift in the air. Dian Wei followed, his imposing figure radiating readiness for violence. Wei Yan was close behind, a feral grin spreading across his face, his wild nature attuned to the coming clash.

The new soldier blinked in astonishment. Not a single word had been spoken. No formal orders given. Yet the camp had come alive, soldiers, beasts, and officers all moving as though Brian's mere presence was command enough.

Then, with a sudden burst of speed, Brian acted.

Without warning, he sprinted toward the wooden wall. His movement was a blur, swift and controlled, his powerful legs launching him upward, using the barricade like a springboard. The soldiers could only watch in awe as he soared over the top, his halberd already in motion, his beasts following close behind.

There, just beyond the walls, Zhang Liao and his forces had begun their approach, hidden in the remnants of the storm's darkness. But they had been seen.

And now, they would face Brian.


Zhang Liao crouched low, peering through the thick undergrowth that separated his forces from Brian's camp. The storm had finally begun to die down, leaving behind a thick, oppressive humidity that clung to everything it touched. The rain had masked their approach well, and the howling wind had been a perfect cover for the movement of his troops. He had timed everything precisely, banking on the fact that Brian's soldiers would be exhausted, lulled into a false sense of security by the storm's passing.

He could see the faint flicker of campfires ahead, dancing in the night as Brian's camp came into view. The wooden barricades that lined the perimeter were impressive, constructed hastily yet with a kind of precision that Zhang Liao grudgingly admired. The fortress was formidable, but not impregnable. He could see where the defenses could be breached, and he knew exactly how to exploit those weaknesses.

"This will be swift," he murmured to himself, signaling to his officers, Xu Huang and Man Chong, who crouched nearby. Their eyes were sharp with anticipation, their grips on their weapons steady.

"We move on my signal," Zhang Liao whispered, his voice low, barely audible above the occasional rustle of wind and leaves.

As they prepared to move, a low, eerie sound cut through the night air—a distant howl that seemed to echo from deep within the camp. Zhang Liao's eyes narrowed. It wasn't a typical night sound. It felt off—like an animal sensing something in the dark.

His soldiers froze, unsure of what the howl signified. Zhang Liao motioned for them to remain still, but his instincts sharpened. He gazed at the camp again. Nothing seemed to have changed. The soldiers sat by their fires, the outlines of their figures faint in the flickering light. But something else lingered, something he couldn't quite place.

The calm was unnerving.

From his vantage point, Zhang Liao saw the fortifications. Large wooden barricades, catapults placed strategically behind the walls, and even a few siege units. They were prepared for more than a storm—they were ready for an attack. His grip on his weapon tightened. Brian's forces were not to be underestimated, but Zhang Liao trusted his own skills. He knew how to slip past the toughest defenses, how to break the enemy's spirit before they could rally.

The howl came again, this time followed by a deep rumbling sound, almost like the earth itself had shifted. His soldiers exchanged uneasy glances, but Zhang Liao didn't flinch. He had fought in countless battles, and he wasn't about to let strange noises shake his resolve.

Without warning, a massive shape moved along the barricade—quick, fluid, and silent. Zhang Liao's eyes caught the brief silhouette as something leaped from the ground, its form barely visible in the dark. His heart pounded. He strained to see, but before he could fully register what was happening, a shadow was hurtling toward him.

A man, armed with a halberd, descended from the sky like a lightning strike, his figure barely a blur against the dark backdrop. Zhang Liao's mind raced as he raised his weapon, instinctively trying to block the attack. But the speed of the figure, the precision—this was no ordinary opponent.

Just as the figure landed, the moonlight broke through the storm clouds for a brief second, illuminating the warrior's face.

Brian.

The realization hit Zhang Liao like a physical blow. He had miscalculated. This wasn't some delayed reaction from a camp caught off guard. Brian had known. He had been prepared. And now, instead of an ambush, Zhang Liao found himself face-to-face with the very man he had hoped to catch by surprise.

There was no time to think. Brian's halberd swung toward him with deadly precision, and Zhang Liao knew, in that split second, that this battle had already taken a different turn.


The clash between Brian and Zhang Liao was swift and powerful. Sparks flew as their weapons met with a force that sent shockwaves through the surrounding air. Zhang Liao's eyes widened, not with fear, but with a sharpened understanding—this was no ordinary foe. Brian's strikes were calculated, every move deliberate, his expression focused yet calm. For a brief moment, the legendary warrior of Wei locked eyes with the man who had united so many under his banner.

Zhang Liao knew that if this fight dragged on, the ambush he had so meticulously planned would fail spectacularly.

Around them, the sounds of battle were everywhere. Brian's forces had reacted quickly—fire arrows blazed through the night, lighting up the battlefield, and the steady thud of catapults shook the ground as boulders hurled through the air, crashing into the retreating ambush units.

Xu Huang, fighting his way through the chaos, found himself face-to-face with Lu Bu. The ground beneath them seemed to quake as the two titans met. Xu Huang, stoic and focused, swung his axe in powerful arcs, each strike aimed to hold Lu Bu at bay. But Lu Bu, grinning with unrestrained joy, pushed back, his halberd moving with brutal speed. They clashed, the sound of metal reverberating across the battlefield.

Not far off, Man Chong was desperately trying to hold the line, his forces already buckling under the weight of Dian Wei's relentless assault. Dian Wei moved like a force of nature, every swing of his massive weapon cutting down soldiers and breaking through defenses. Man Chong's expression was tense, his mind racing as he tried to maintain control of his men, ordering them to retreat while fending off the unstoppable juggernaut that was Dian Wei.

The new recruit watched the chaos unfold, eyes wide with awe and terror. Around him, experienced soldiers barked commands, holding their formation as they launched volleys of fire arrows and catapult shots. He could see the desperation in the enemy ranks as they tried to pull back under Zhang Liao's command.

"We're not letting them crush us!" the veteran beside him shouted, loosing another arrow. "Stay sharp, they're retreating, but they'll bite if we push too hard!"

Zhang Liao, still locked in combat with Brian, knew that prolonging this battle would spell disaster. He could feel the shift—their ambush had failed. His forces, though still fighting, were outmatched by Brian's swift and brutal response. They were being cut off by well-timed fire from the catapults and the relentless onslaught of Brian's elite units.

With a quick glance, Zhang Liao saw his men faltering, retreating under the barrage of arrows and boulders. Xu Huang and Man Chong were barely holding their positions. A decision had to be made.

"We retreat! Fall back!" Zhang Liao roared, his voice carrying over the battlefield. His forces, trained and disciplined, began to pull back in unison, but not without resistance.

Wei Yan, moving like a shadow in the chaos, was terrifying the retreating soldiers. His wild, feral grin and unpredictable strikes left Zhang Liao's men scrambling to escape his blade. Every slash seemed to come from nowhere, cutting down those too slow to move. The new soldier saw Wei Yan's terrifying presence from afar, the way the enemy fled in fear, and it sent a chill down his spine.

Brian, sensing Zhang Liao's decision to pull back, wasted no time. He whistled sharply, and his elite forces moved swiftly. His tigers leapt into action, not to attack, but to herd the enemy forces in a controlled retreat, ensuring Zhang Liao's men could leave without too much bloodshed. Brian's mind was already working—there was no need to overextend and risk his own forces in a reckless pursuit.

Lu Bu, hearing Zhang Liao's retreat, gave one final, powerful swing at Xu Huang, forcing the Wei general to step back. "Next time," Lu Bu growled, his eyes blazing with the thrill of the fight, but Xu Huang was already retreating, his face set with determination.

Though eager to finish Man Chong, Dian Wei obeyed Brian's unspoken command. Man Chong, bloodied but not broken, gave a quick salute to his retreating men, ensuring their safety even as Dian Wei pushed them back.

Brian stood tall, his halberd resting on his shoulder as Zhang Liao and his officers retreated into the dark. The battle was over, but the war was far from decided.

Still shaking with adrenaline, the recruit looked to the veteran beside him. "Did we win?"

The veteran grinned, his face smeared with dirt and sweat. "Not yet. But we live to fight another day. And with Lord Brian, that's all we need."

As the fires began to die down and the enemy disappeared into the night, Brian's forces regrouped, their victory clear but not absolute. Zhang Liao had pulled back, but the battle for He Fei was far from over.


Zhang Liao rode swiftly under the darkened skies, the steady rhythm of hooves pounding against the earth barely audible over the roar of the storm's tailwinds. His face was set in a grim expression, though his mind churned with thoughts of the encounter he had just survived. The rain had eased by now, but the oppressive weight of failure clung to his soldiers as they moved toward the safety of He Fei Castle.

Beside him rode Xu Huang, his face equally impassive, though Zhang Liao could sense the frustration gnawing at him. Behind them, Man Chong's unit limped along, visibly shaken after the brief but intense clash with Brian's forces. Even though they had managed to retreat in good order, the sting of defeat was undeniable.

When they neared the gates of He Fei, Zhang Liao finally allowed himself a breath of relief. The fortress loomed large, its stone walls an imposing defense against any who dared approach. But inside, the mood would be tense. His commanders would expect an explanation, and his men—proud and loyal—had seen their plans unravel.

As they entered the castle, Zhang Liao dismounted, taking a moment to compose himself. His armor was soaked, though he barely noticed the discomfort. His mind was already racing, replaying the moment of their failed ambush over and over. The wooden walls and barricades around Brian's camp had seemed like a simple challenge, but the speed with which Brian had reacted, leaping from the barricade as if he had expected them all along—it was almost unnatural.

"Brian…" Zhang Liao muttered under his breath. He had heard tales of this man, but witnessing his strength and decisiveness firsthand had been something else entirely. This wasn't an ordinary warlord; this was a force of nature in human form.

Xu Huang came to stand beside him, his voice low. "We underestimated him."

Zhang Liao nodded. "Indeed. His forces were ready—too ready. He anticipated our every move."

"And the beasts," Xu Huang added. "He's not just leading men. Those animals, they fight like they're part of the army."

Zhang Liao clenched his jaw. The memory of Brian's wolves and tigers charging into battle was still fresh. They had fought with terrifying precision as if they knew exactly where to strike. And then there was Brian himself—his leap over the walls, halberd in hand, coming down on them with the fury of a storm. The clash with Brian had been brief, but it was enough to tell Zhang Liao one thing: this was not a battle they could win easily.

Man Chong approached, his expression pale from the encounter with Dian Wei. "We should've pressed harder," he said, though there was doubt in his voice.

Zhang Liao shook his head. "No. Any further, and we'd have been surrounded. Brian's strategy is more than brute force—he outmaneuvers. He allowed us to retreat. That in itself is a warning."

Man Chong's eyes widened, and Xu Huang nodded in agreement. "He didn't want to destroy us," Xu Huang said slowly, "but he made it clear he could have."

Zhang Liao remained silent for a moment, his gaze drifting toward the castle's gates. "Brian doesn't fight like a man trying to conquer. He fights like someone who's already won." That was the most unsettling part—Brian didn't need to crush them. He had allowed them to retreat, and in doing so, had shown them that he had nothing to fear from their forces.

"We regroup," Zhang Liao finally said, his voice firm. "He Fei is our stronghold, and we will defend it. But this man—Brian—is not to be underestimated again. We prepare for his next move, and we must be ready."

The officers exchanged glances, the weight of Zhang Liao's words sinking in. Brian's forces were coming, and they would not be easy to stop.


Brian stirred awake before dawn, the dim light of the fading storm barely filtering through the canvas of the tent. His body was still tired, the battle and the storm from the previous night having drained much of his energy, but his mind was sharp. Only a few hours of rest, but that was all he needed. He blinked his eyes open, adjusting to the soft light inside the tent.

Next to him, the gentle breathing of his concubines and his wife brought a rare moment of peace to the otherwise chaotic world he led. Sun Shangxiang was curled up by his side, her arm draped over his chest, her face peaceful in sleep. Lianshi lay near the edge of the blanket, her hand resting delicately on her abdomen. Wang Yi had her back to him, the slight rise and fall of her shoulders showing the deep rest she had finally earned. Cai Wenji was wrapped up in a thick blanket, the faint hum of a lullaby still echoing softly from her lips, even in slumber. Xingcai had moved closer to him in her sleep, her warrior's instincts momentarily relaxed.

Brian felt a deep affection for each of them, an emotional bond that had only grown stronger over time. He gently shifted, making sure not to disturb their rest. They had been through just as much as he had, and the brief moment of calm after the battle was something they all deserved.

He slipped out of bed as silently as he could, grabbing his shirt and pulling it on. His armor lay neatly by the entrance, but for now, he left it. Today, there would be time to plan before the next fight. He paused for a moment, looking back at the sleeping forms of the women he loved. A soft smile touched his lips. Then, without a sound, he stepped outside the tent.

The camp was still quiet, the early dawn casting a soft, pale light over the sprawling encampment. The storm had passed, and though the ground was damp, the air had a fresh, clean quality to it. The wooden walls and barricades stood strong, the camp a testament to the efficiency of his men and his strategists. Despite the recent chaos, the atmosphere felt almost serene in the calm after the storm.

Brian walked toward the campfire where a few soldiers had already begun preparing breakfast. The scent of cooked meat and bread wafted through the air, mixing with the coolness of the morning. One of the soldiers noticed him approaching and immediately stood up straighter, saluting.

"Morning, Lord Brian," the soldier greeted him, his voice respectful but casual.

Brian nodded in acknowledgment, taking a seat by the fire. "Morning," he replied, reaching for a piece of bread and some dried meat. It was simple fare, but the warmth of the food was welcome after the storm's chill.

As he ate, his thoughts drifted toward the day ahead. He had been up long before dawn, mapping out the next steps, knowing that Zhang Liao wouldn't be idle. The ambush from last night had been a clear warning, but Brian knew it wasn't the last challenge they'd face. He glanced around the camp, where a few early risers were already beginning their morning routines. He could feel the undercurrent of readiness among his troops.

The calm was deceptive, he knew. He had only a small window before the storm of battle would return. But for now, he allowed himself this brief moment of quiet, enjoying the stillness before the day would demand his attention again.


The storm had passed, leaving behind a crisp, cool breeze and the soft, golden light of early dawn. Brian sat by a small fire, savoring a quiet meal. The tension of the previous night had eased, but the anticipation of the next battle lingered in the air. His plate was simple—bread, some dried meat, and a cup of warm tea. There was something peaceful about the moment, a rare lull in the chaos of war.

As Brian chewed thoughtfully, Sima Yi approached, his face calm but ever analytical. Behind him, Fa Zheng strode over, his sharp eyes glancing around the camp, already assessing the next move. Both men took their places near Brian, the warmth of the fire welcomed after the cold night.

Sima Yi was the first to break the silence. "It's almost amusing how closely the current situation aligns with our predictions from the war council a few months ago," he remarked dryly, his gaze fixed on the horizon where He Fei loomed in the distance.

Fa Zheng chuckled, sitting down across from Brian. "Almost to the letter. We had anticipated Zhang Liao retreating to He Fei, raising the bridge, and forcing us into the cliffs. It seems he followed the script perfectly."

Brian grinned between bites of his meal. "Teamwork makes the dream work, after all."

Sima Yi raised an eyebrow, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Dream work indeed. It's fortunate we planned for the siege bridges. Zhang Liao expects us to take the bait, to walk blindly into his ambush along the cliffs."

Fa Zheng nodded, his expression one of calm confidence. "But we're prepared. The engineers are already making final checks on the siege bridges. They'll be ready by dawn's light."

Brian took a sip of his tea, leaning back slightly. "Zhang Liao's not the type to make mistakes. He'll have contingencies. But when we roll out those bridges, it'll be too late for him to adjust."

Fa Zheng smirked. "It's quite satisfying, really. We've had the upper hand from the start, and he doesn't even know it yet."

Brian chuckled softly, his mind briefly flashing back to the war council months ago. He, Sima Yi, Fa Zheng, Zhuge Liang, and the others had meticulously planned every detail. The siege, the defensive maneuvers, the supply lines, and the use of terrain—it had all been laid out. It was a rare thing in war for so much to go according to plan.

"Remember when Pang Tong argued for a direct assault?" Fa Zheng grinned, recalling the lively debate. "He wanted to bypass the cliffs entirely, but I convinced him to wait. Now, we don't need to sacrifice men just to prove a point."

Sima Yi shrugged, clearly unbothered by the past disagreement. "Pang Tong's impatience sometimes serves him well, but in this case, patience won the day."

Brian wiped his hands and placed his plate aside. "Patience, teamwork, and the right strategy."

Just then, Zhuge Liang appeared, stepping lightly towards the fire. His serene expression reflected the peace of the moment, though his mind was undoubtedly already focused on the battle ahead. He gave a nod to Brian before settling down beside the others.

"We're ready?" Zhuge Liang asked softly, as though he already knew the answer.

"More than ready," Sima Yi answered, gesturing toward the camp where soldiers were slowly stirring, preparing for the day ahead.

Brian leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a more serious tone. "Zhang Liao has positioned himself well, but this battle is already won. The siege bridges will give us the advantage, but we can't get cocky. He's not going to give us the castle easily."

Zhuge Liang gave a knowing smile. "He'll fight tooth and nail, but the battle has already tipped in our favor."

The men sat silently for a moment, the fire crackling between them. There was a shared understanding—an unspoken camaraderie built through the trials of war. This wasn't just a battle of weapons but of minds. And in that arena, Brian and his strategists were already winning.

Brian stood, brushing crumbs from his tunic. "Alright, let's get moving. Zhang Liao won't wait forever."

As Brian gathered his armor, the strategists rose as well, the moment of calm passing as they prepared for the day's battle. Despite the looming conflict, there was quiet confidence among them. The plan was set, and the pieces were in motion. All that was left was execution.

And Brian, as always, was ready.


He Fei Castle loomed over the battlefield, its massive walls towering on the hill like a silent sentinel, daring any would-be attackers to breach its gates. For the untrained eye, the sight alone could have been enough to break morale. The enemy's siege defenses—ballistae and catapults—were lined across the castle walls, their imposing forms ready to rain destruction on anyone foolish enough to approach. Behind the battlements, archers were already nocking arrows, their movements swift and disciplined.

The raised bridge in the middle of the river added another layer of protection, cutting off what would have been the most direct route to the castle. The west cliff, narrow and perilous, was the only way left, but it was clearly a death trap, a place where Zhang Liao's forces could easily funnel and destroy any army that dared attempt passage.

Brian surveyed the battlefield from atop Shadow Runner, his keen eyes absorbing every detail. His gamer instincts kicked in for a brief moment, urging him to think about what traps Zhang Liao could have prepared at the cliff. But he quickly shook the thought away—he didn't need to find out firsthand.

The sound of wood creaking under the strain of ropes and pulleys filled the air as Brian's siege units positioned their catapults along the riverbanks. The soldiers manning them worked with practiced ease, and soon the deadly projectiles were launched, arcing high into the sky before slamming into Zhang Liao's frontline forces with devastating impact.

As expected, Zhang Liao's soldiers retreated slightly, falling back toward the castle for cover. That was Brian's signal. His elite archers—led by Xiahou Yuan and Huang Zhong—stepped forward, loosing volleys of arrows with pinpoint accuracy. The cover fire was perfect, suppressing the enemy archers and leaving them little opportunity to return fire.

Brian allowed a small grin. It was a game of chess, and so far, every piece moved according to his predictions.

From the safety of the castle gates, Zhang Liao's men watched the siege unfold. They seemed confident at first, knowing the only path forward was the deadly west cliff. But then, a sight none of them had expected appeared from behind Brian's forces—siege bridges, rolling forward, piece by piece. The soldiers' confidence faltered, and confusion spread like wildfire. Panic soon followed.

In moments, the bridges stretched across the river, providing Brian's forces a direct path to the castle walls. Archers and catapults continued their suppressive fire, covering the soldiers as they marched forward. There was no hesitation, no fear. Brian's forces moved like a well-oiled machine, pushing ever closer to the fortress.

Far on the western cliff, Xiahou Ba and Guo Huai heard the news. Alarmed at the failure of their ambush, they made the call to move their forces in a desperate attempt to flank Brian's advancing army. But Brian had anticipated this move.

Charging out from the ranks of the cavalry, Ma Chao and Ma Dai led their Liang riders in a thundering interception. The clash of steel and cries of battle filled the air as the cavalry slammed into Xiahou Ba's forces. Zhao Yun, always graceful in battle, and Xiahou Dun, fierce as ever, joined the fray, cutting through the enemy with precision and fury. The ambush had been neutralized before it could even truly begin.

Back at the castle walls, the exchange of fire continued. Brian's archers, led by Xiahou Yuan and Huang Zhong, kept constant pressure on Zhang Liao's forces, their arrows striking down any who dared peek from behind cover. Meanwhile, Brian's catapults were relentless, launching boulder after boulder into the castle defenses. The combined force was suffocating Zhang Liao's men, giving Brian's forces the upper hand.

On the frontlines, Zhang Liao's commanders—Man Chong, Jiang Ji, Xue Ti, Zhang Hu, and Xu Huang—fought valiantly to hold the line. But they were met by a force like no other. Lu Bu, halberd spinning like a whirlwind of death, led the charge. Beside him, his daughter, Lu Lingqi, moved with the same ferocity, cutting down soldiers with ruthless efficiency. Guan Yu, his Green Dragon Crescent Blade a blur, fought shoulder to shoulder with Zhang Fei, whose raw power overwhelmed anyone in his path. Dian Wei, the human juggernaut, and Wei Yan, feral and unstoppable, tore through the enemy ranks with wild abandon.

Brian watched the chaos unfold from his position atop Shadow Runner. His forces were gaining ground, and the castle was within reach. With a swift command, he spurred his horse forward, charging toward the gates of He Fei Castle. The sound of his mount's hooves thundered against the ground as he made his way to the fortress, the sight of his approach sending ripples of fear through the remaining enemy soldiers.

He closed in on the gates, pulling back on Shadow Runner's reins as he neared the castle walls. Dismounting in a fluid motion, Brian stood before the massive gate, his eyes narrowing.

The archers and catapults stationed atop the walls couldn't fire now—he was too close. Zhang Liao's men could only watch in stunned silence as Brian unsheathed his halberd and stared at the gates.

With one powerful swing of his fist, Brian slammed it into the wooden gates. The impact reverberated through the entire structure, the very walls of He Fei trembling with each hit. The soldiers inside the castle felt the shockwave, their eyes widening as the gates rattled under Brian's relentless blows.

Thud.* The gate groaned under the force, the sound rumbling across the battlefield like distant thunder.

Thud.* Another strike—stronger this time—sent shockwaves through the wooden beams, causing the entire fortress to quiver as if bracing for the inevitable.

Brian's assault was relentless, his fists crashing into the gate with a power that seemed to defy human limits. Each blow reverberated across the land, as though the very earth beneath the castle felt the weight of his determination.

Splinters began to fly. The thick, reinforced wood—crafted to withstand siege weaponry—now buckled under his sheer will.

He didn't falter. With every strike, the mighty gates of He Fei cracked a little more, as if surrendering to an unstoppable force. The soldiers within could only watch in awe, their confidence crumbling with each blow, knowing that once those gates fell, the entire fortress would follow.

Brian's final strike came down like the judgment of the heavens themselves, echoing far beyond the castle walls.

Boom.* Once thought unbreakable, the gates shuddered violently as if the world's weight bore down upon them. He Fei was on the verge of collapse, and Brian was poised to storm through. Victory loomed just beyond the next swing.


The gate groaned once more, but this time it gave in.

With a deafening crash, the massive wooden barrier splintered and fell, sending shards flying in every direction. Dust rose as the once-mighty gates of He Fei Castle crumbled before Brian's relentless assault. His forces surged forward without hesitation. Catapults were seized, archers picked off from their towers, and the soldiers inside the castle scrambled in disarray.

Despite the chaos and the clear defeat, one man stood firm—Zhang Liao. His eyes blazed with determination, refusing to abandon his post even as his comrades fell around him. He was a warrior who knew the honor of battle, and he would not allow He Fei to fall without standing against its attacker.

Brian stepped forward, his hands bloodied and bruised from battering down the gates, but he didn't flinch. His gaze locked onto Zhang Liao, and for a brief moment, the battlefield seemed to quiet, as if the very air between them stilled in anticipation of their final clash.

Zhang Liao's eyes narrowed. "You've come this far," he muttered. "But I won't allow you to take He Fei so easily."

Brian didn't respond with words. He simply closed his eyes, feeling the pulse of his heart as it synced with the rhythm of the battle. His breathing slowed, his mind sharpening with deadly focus. The pain in his hands—dull now, irrelevant—was nothing compared to what came next.

As his body tensed, a familiar rush of power flooded through him. Rage Mode activated. Muscles swelled, reflexes heightened, and time seemed to stretch as his speed and strength doubled. The ground beneath him cracked as his feet pushed off, launching him at Zhang Liao with blinding speed.

Zhang Liao reacted swiftly, raising his twin axes to block Brian's initial strike, but the sheer force behind the blow sent him skidding back across the stone floor. His stance held firm, though his arms trembled from the impact.

Brian's movements were a blur. He darted around Zhang Liao, his blows relentless, every punch and kick faster and more powerful than the last. Zhang Liao parried where he could, but each defense cost him more ground, and more strength. The difference in power became clear—Brian, in this moment, was beyond human.

Zhang Liao's twin axes clashed against Brian's halberd with a resounding force, sparks flying with each strike. He fought with the ferocity of a cornered lion, his strikes fast and precise, but Brian was unyielding, meeting every blow with equal strength. The battle raged, each movement a testament to their skill, but the outcome was quickly becoming clear.

In a sudden twist, Brian knocked one of Zhang Liao's axes from his grip, sending it spinning through the air. Zhang Liao hesitated for a split second, his gaze flicking to his lost weapon, but he pressed on. With one axe left in hand, he charged again, desperate to keep the fight alive.

Brian moved swiftly, his halberd cutting through the air with precision. Another quick parry and the second axe flew from Zhang Liao's hand, leaving him defenseless. The sheer force of the disarm sent Zhang Liao stumbling back, his chest heaving as he tried to regain his balance.

For a moment, he hesitated, his eyes flicking between Brian and the battlefield around them. The castle was falling, his men were being overrun, and his strength was failing. Yet, he refused to yield. With a growl, he pushed forward, his fists clenched, ready to fight barehanded if it came to that.

But before Zhang Liao could make another move, Brian raised his halberd, the sharp edge of the blade stopping inches from Zhang Liao's chest. The warrior froze, staring down at the weapon pointed at him, his breath ragged.

"It's over," Brian said, his voice steady but commanding. There was no malice in his words, only a firm recognition that the battle had come to its inevitable end.

Zhang Liao's fists slowly unclenched, the fight draining from his body. He stood tall, still defiant, but the fire in his eyes dimmed. He knew it was over. His men were captured, the castle was lost, and he was at the mercy of the man who had bested him.

Brian lowered his halberd, stepping back to give Zhang Liao a moment of dignity in his defeat. There was no need for further violence, no need for humiliation. The battle had been fought, and both warriors understood its end.

Brian turned to his soldiers, his voice carrying across the battlefield. "Take him into custody. Treat him with the respect he deserves. His men, too. They fought well."

Zhang Liao, though defeated, nodded in silent acknowledgment of Brian's honor, his respect for the victorious lord growing as he was led away by Brian's men. The battle for He Fei was over, and Zhang Liao had fought until the very end, but even he could see the strength and integrity of the man who now held the castle.

The dust from the battle had barely settled when the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the castle courtyard. Brian, still catching his breath from the confrontation with Zhang Liao, turned to see a familiar figure striding toward him, a confident grin on his face.

It was Lu Bu.

Even after the intense battle and his skirmish with Xu Huang, there was still a fire in Lu Bu's eyes that hadn't dimmed. His halberd rested across his shoulders, his posture relaxed but eager.

"Brian!" Lu Bu called, his voice booming with excitement. "That fight was hardly enough to satisfy me. The battle's done, but my blood's still pumping. How about it? You and me. One more duel. No stakes, just a match between warriors."

Brian raised an eyebrow, already knowing that Lu Bu's thirst for combat was different than most. While most men would have been exhausted, Lu Bu thrived in moments like these, using combat as a release—a way to vent stress and unleash his restless energy.

For a moment, Brian considered refusing. But as he watched the gleam in Lu Bu's eyes, he understood that this was more than just a request for a fight. It was how Lu Bu processed everything—his way of making sense of the world, especially after the chaos of battle. A grin slowly crept onto Brian's face as he pulled his halberd from his back.

"Alright, Lu Bu. Let's see if you've still got it."

A ripple of excitement passed through the nearby soldiers as they realized what was about to happen. A match between two of the most powerful warriors in the land wasn't something you saw every day. They quickly gathered around, forming a loose circle, giving the two men enough space to duel.

Lu Bu's grin widened as he swung his halberd into a ready position. "Good. I needed this."

Brian settled into his stance, his mind sharpening with focus. There was no need for any more words.

Without warning, Lu Bu lunged forward, his halberd cutting through the air with a fierce speed. Brian met the strike head-on, their weapons clashing with a resounding crash that reverberated through the courtyard. The sheer power behind Lu Bu's strike forced Brian to dig in, but he held firm, pushing back with equal strength.

For the next few minutes, the two warriors exchanged blow after blow. Lu Bu fought with unrestrained aggression, his strikes heavy and wild, each one intended to push Brian to his limits. But Brian, calm and precise, matched him, his movements fluid and controlled, like a dancer weaving through chaos.

Lu Bu's laughter echoed with each clash, the stress of the previous battle seemingly evaporating with every swing. His attacks became even more ferocious as the fight dragged on, but Brian didn't falter. He could sense Lu Bu's need to push beyond, to feel the edge of his limits, and Brian was determined to give him that.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of back-and-forth, Brian found his opening. With a deft maneuver, he sidestepped one of Lu Bu's powerful swings, spinning his halberd in a wide arc. The movement disarmed Lu Bu, sending his weapon flying across the courtyard. In the same fluid motion, Brian swept his leg out, knocking Lu Bu off his feet and pinning him to the ground with the butt of his halberd.

Lu Bu stared up at Brian, his chest heaving from exertion, but instead of anger or frustration, a wide grin spread across his face.

"Ha! You've still got it," Lu Bu said, clearly satisfied despite being pinned down.

Brian grinned back, offering his hand. "Always, Lu Bu."

With a hearty laugh, Lu Bu accepted the hand and pulled himself to his feet. Despite the duel, there was no animosity between them—just the shared understanding of two warriors who had tested their strength against one another.

"That's what I needed," Lu Bu said, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the weight of the previous battles. "I feel refreshed."

Brian gave him a nod. "Glad I could help."

As the soldiers dispersed, the tension in the air seemed to lift. The battle for He Fei was over, and now, so was the duel between the two mightiest warriors. Both Brian and Lu Bu felt a sense of release, not just from the battle, but from the weight of everything that had come before it.


The humid air seemed to cling to everything, making even the lightest fabric feel heavy. The battle of men was over, but the battle against the heavens remained—a duel not easily won. Rain had subsided, but the thick heat lingered, bringing with it a sticky discomfort. Brian flexed his bandaged hand, feeling the dull, throbbing pain as the nurse tightened the last strip of cloth. It wasn't a serious injury, but the impact of punching through a solid gate left its mark.

The hospital tent was filled with the sounds of soldiers recuperating, yet the atmosphere remained light-hearted, despite the suffering. Laughter and banter mingled with the occasional grunt of pain as wounds were treated and sutures stitched.

"Another legend to add to the lord called Brian Miller," a veteran soldier joked as he winced under the needle, trying his best to stay still while his wound was sutured.

"Breaking a castle gate with his bare fists! Only Lord Brian could do something like that," another soldier said with wide-eyed admiration before yelping as the nurse pressed a bit too hard. "Gods, that hurts! Couldn't you show a little mercy?"

The nurse smiled, a mix of amusement and determination in her eyes. "Healing's never without a bit of pain," she replied, moving on with her work.

Brian chuckled softly at the exchange. There was always that particular kind of banter in the camp—a way for the men to cope with their injuries and the trials they'd faced in battle. And while the scars on his hand were superficial, the strength of his army—its bond—was anything but.

The soldiers around him spoke of the battle like it was already history like they'd witnessed some myth being created before their eyes. "Lord Brian," they kept saying, but to him, he was just Brian—a man with a mission. He rubbed his temples, knowing that what lay ahead still demanded more strength than even the legends they liked to attribute to him.

Zhang Liao waited.


The sun stood high on the horizon, exerting its monopoly over a vast expanse of blue sky. Brian had hoped for a bit of rain on this sweltering day, but no such relief came. Fortunately, many of his soldiers had offered prayers after the battle, summoning magic from the heavens to provide ice and fresh water. The camp thrived, despite the heat.

When Brian arrived at the open prison fields, he wasn't surprised to see that the captured enemy troops were well-provisioned. Guards moved efficiently among the ranks, offering water to Zhang Liao's men. Shade, though limited, had been given to those most in need, and the atmosphere—though filled with uncertainty—was calm.

Brian walked across the field with purpose, Cao Cao and Xiahou Dun at his sides. Zhang Liao's officers were gathered around their leader, sitting in neat rows, battered but unbroken. Their gazes followed Brian's every step, sharp and calculating, even in defeat. Brian came to a halt in front of Zhang Liao and, without ceremony, sat down on the dusty ground.

Zhang Liao looked up at him, intrigued, unsure of what to make of this man who had led such a powerful force. He had seen beasts, the tamed animals under Brian's command, walking peacefully among the soldiers. He had marveled at the siege units—mighty engines of war unlike any he'd encountered. And then there were the officers themselves. Legendary figures like Lu Bu, Guan Yu, Dian Wei, Sun Quan, and Cao Cao stood by Brian's side with loyalty and ease. Even more remarkable were the sorceresses, weaving their magic for practical use, conjuring water and ice from thin air to ensure the well-being of his men.

Zhang Liao had fought for lords who were strong, some who were wise, but none quite like Brian. A leader like him should have had factions crumbling beneath his feet, yet he had united the unlikeliest of warriors. It defied explanation, and yet... here they were.

His thoughts were interrupted as Brian's voice broke the silence. "You're deep in thought," Brian observed, his tone even, almost casual. "What is it that's on your mind?"

Zhang Liao met his gaze, weighing the situation, the man, and his words. He had fought many battles and served many masters, but in this moment, he felt something shift—an understanding of why those who came before him had chosen to stand by this man.

Zhang Liao narrowed his eyes slightly, studying Brian's expression. The calmness in his voice, the relaxed posture, none of it screamed conqueror. Instead, it reminded Zhang Liao of someone who sought understanding, not domination. It was unnerving, in a way, to face a man so sure of himself yet so free of arrogance.

"I've seen many lords," Zhang Liao began, his voice steady. "But none like you."

Brian's lips curled into a faint smile. "And why is that?"

Zhang Liao's eyes drifted to the soldiers around him, his men who had once fought with fierce loyalty but now sat in the custody of an enemy that didn't feel like one. He thought about the beasts Brian commanded, the legendary warriors who had bent the knee to him, and the strange, otherworldly powers he had witnessed on the battlefield.

"A lord who unites beasts and men, who carries warriors like Lu Bu, Sun Quan, and Guan Yu by his side. A lord who brings not only strength but care to his enemies." He paused, his voice lowering slightly. "It defies everything I've known."

Brian's smile didn't falter. He leaned forward slightly, resting his arms on his knees. "And yet here we are. You've seen my army, my people, my way of doing things. But that's not what really weighs on your mind, is it?"

Zhang Liao remained silent for a moment, then nodded slowly. "You could have forced us to join you—threatened, tortured, or executed those who refused. And yet, you sit here... expecting me to make the choice willingly."

Brian's eyes met Zhang Liao's, steady and unblinking. "Because loyalty built on fear is fragile. You know that better than most. What I offer is not submission, but a chance to fight for something greater than one's own pride or ambition. You've seen what's out there—the chaos, the division. That won't last. And I have no intention of letting this land fall to pieces under another petty warlord's reign."

Cao Cao, silent until now, watched the exchange with a mixture of curiosity and admiration. He had seen this play out before—Brian's calm yet commanding presence always found a way to draw men in.

Zhang Liao let out a quiet breath, glancing at his officers, all of whom sat quietly, listening. There was no denying Brian's words held truth. The thought of fighting for a purpose beyond mere survival or loyalty to a lord who had already lost his grip on the land was appealing, even to men like him.

"You believe you can unite the land?" Zhang Liao asked, his voice betraying no emotion.

Brian nodded, his expression resolute. "I don't just believe it. I'm doing it."

For a moment, Zhang Liao said nothing, his mind turning over the possibilities, weighing the consequences. He wasn't a man who bent easily, but he wasn't a fool, either. The strength of Brian's army, the unity he had fostered, was undeniable.

"And what of my men?" Zhang Liao finally asked. "What happens to them if I join you?"

Brian's gaze softened. "They will be treated as my own. Fed, healed, respected. No different from any other soldier under my command. They'll fight for a cause that matters."

Zhang Liao turned to look at his officers. Some were beaten, others still nursing injuries, but their eyes shone with a quiet resilience. And then, without hesitation, Zhang Liao stood up, his voice clear.

"Then we will fight for you, Lord Brian. Not because we've been defeated, but because we believe in what you're building."

His officers followed suit, standing alongside him with the same determination in their eyes.

Brian smiled, standing as well. "You'll see that you've made the right choice. Welcome to the ranks."

There was no dramatic pause, no hesitation in Zhang Liao's decision. In the face of what Brian had shown him, his choice was clear. Zhang Liao understood now—it wasn't just Brian's strength that had conquered so many. It was his will, his vision for a united land, and the undeniable respect he showed even to those who once stood against him.


Brian stood on the deck of his ship, his gaze locked on the hazy outline of Heng Jiang on the horizon. The steady wind, skillfully guided by the sorceresses, filled the sails and drove the fleet forward at a pace faster than nature alone would allow. The soft rush of the river against the hull usually brought Brian a sense of calm, but today it did little to ease the growing tension in his chest. Something was off.

The scouts sent by his strategists had returned with nothing but strange reports—towns abandoned, streets eerily empty. No signs of life, no sign of battle. Just silence. His in-game menu didn't show any active battlefields, which meant none of these locations were currently a threat. Yet, Brian couldn't shake the feeling that something larger was at play, lurking beyond the peaceful facade of empty streets and quiet docks.

He raised his hand to signal the flag bearer, who quickly relayed his command to the other ships. With swift precision, the fleet adjusted course and glided into the docks of Heng Jiang.

As the ships were moored, Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi approached him. The quiet stillness of the docks was palpable as they stood alongside Brian, surveying the empty city.

"There's not a soul to be found. Where is everyone?" Sima Yi's voice cut through the silence, his eyes scanning the deserted streets beyond.

"No wonder the scouts were unsettled." Zhuge Liang added, his fan lightly tapping against his palm, his brow furrowed as he observed the unnatural stillness. "This isn't normal."

Brian's gaze swept over the docks once more before he spoke. "We need to be thorough. Let the soldiers search the city. It's likely everything of value is gone, but we might find something left behind." He paused, his instincts whispering that they were missing something. "And set up checkpoints here. We'll need to secure the supply lines as we move forward."

As Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi moved to carry out the orders, Brian remained still, the weight of the unease sitting heavy in his chest. He couldn't place it yet, but something was amiss.

As the soldiers disembarked from the ships and spread out into the empty streets of Heng Jiang, the eerie silence settled over them like a shroud. No sound of market chatter, no children laughing, no smoke rising from hearths. The city was completely abandoned. The wooden docks creaked under the weight of the soldiers, but there was no other sound, only the distant hum of wind and the steady lapping of water against the boats.

Brian stood at the edge of the dock, his eyes scanning the abandoned streets, trying to make sense of it all. He had expected some resistance—at least signs of life. But there was nothing. Even the animals were gone.

Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi remained close, both men as baffled as Brian. Zhuge Liang, always one to think several steps ahead, was deep in thought, his fan slowly moving back and forth as he observed the stillness. "This isn't just a retreat," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "It feels... staged. Controlled. They knew we were coming, and they wanted us to see this."

Sima Yi nodded in agreement, his sharp eyes flicking to the shadows. "Indeed. It's as if they've erased themselves from the map. No traces, no stragglers. They didn't flee in panic; they left with purpose."

Brian didn't respond immediately, his mind working through the implications. If this was a tactic, where were they? What were they planning? His instinct told him something was coming, but he still couldn't place it.

"Send a small unit to set up a checkpoint here," Brian finally said. "We'll leave enough men to secure the docks and make sure our supply line holds."

Zhuge Liang gave a curt nod and signaled the orders, while Sima Yi kept his eyes on the empty streets. "Every location we've passed has been like this. What could they be planning?" Sima Yi mused, though Brian knew the man was already developing his own theories.

"I don't know," Brian replied, tension lacing his voice, "but I'll find out soon enough."

As the soldiers moved to sweep through the city, they began finding signs of a deliberate evacuation. Market stalls stood empty, but there were no signs of a hasty retreat—no overturned carts, no broken goods. The streets were eerily clean, as if they had prepared for Brian's arrival far in advance. Brian's suspicion grew with each passing minute.

"Whoever's behind this," Brian thought, They want to lure us in. But why?

A sudden gust of wind picked up, sending dust swirling through the air. Brian watched as his soldiers finished their sweep of the area. Nothing of value remained. Everything of importance had been taken.

As the troops regrouped, one of the scouts approached Brian, bowing respectfully before delivering his report. "My lord, the city is completely abandoned. We found no traps or signs of a struggle. But there are tracks—fresh ones—leading toward the mountains. Whoever left here did so recently."

Brian's jaw tightened. "They're pulling us somewhere. They want us to chase them."

Zhuge Liang's gaze narrowed. "This feels like a larger ploy. They've left no resistance behind, yet they're clearly prepared. Guangling and Wujun must be fortified, waiting for our next move."

"We'll follow the tracks for now," Brian said, turning back toward his strategists. "But we won't walk into their trap blindly. Keep the men prepared. If they're gathering forces, it means they know we're coming—and we need to be one step ahead."

As the soldiers continued to move cautiously through the streets, Brian stood still for a moment, his mind churning. Something about the whole situation gnawed at him, a feeling that this wasn't just a retreat. They were leading him somewhere, but where?

He couldn't shake the thought that his enemies had already planned for this moment, that everything was a setup. And if that was true, Brian knew he would need more than brute force to overcome whatever was waiting for him.


The evening air was thick with humidity as Brian's fleet approached the shores of Dan Du. The crimson hues of the setting sun stretched long shadows over the water, blending with the quiet hum of cicadas that seemed to amplify the eerie silence. The day had been long, but dusk brought little relief. Instead, it seemed to thicken the air with a growing tension.

Brian stood at the bow of his ship, eyes on the river, but his thoughts far away. The silence of the towns they'd passed gnawed at him. Places that should have been bustling with life now lay abandoned, ghostly, devoid of any sign of movement. It was as if the land itself had been emptied of breath, and that emptiness felt like a warning. He just couldn't picture how or when the danger would reveal itself.

As the fleet docked at the unnervingly silent harbor, his soldiers began to spread out, setting up camp near the deserted town. Under the command of his officers, scouts had already confirmed that no one remained in the city. No resistance, no signs of a fight. Just emptiness.

As his men worked, Brian's in-game menu flashed to life, pulling his attention away from the unsettling quiet. His brow furrowed as he opened it, scanning the new information with a practiced eye. Two battlefields had appeared on the screen, marked with ominous red text — Guangling and Wu Jun. His gaze lingered on the numbers flashing beside them: 9.4 times the normal difficulty. He inhaled slowly, the weight of that number settling heavily on him. It was a silent but unmistakable warning that something formidable lay ahead.

As Brian processed the ominous shift in difficulty, the sound of hooves broke through the relative quiet. He glanced up, his instincts already on high alert. A scout rode hard through the camp, the urgency of his approach clear. Soldiers parted, making way for the rider as he galloped toward Brian, stopping just short of him in a spray of dirt.

The man, breathless and covered in the dust of the road, dismounted swiftly, his face tense with the gravity of the news he carried. He dropped to one knee, his voice steady despite his exhaustion.

"My lord," the scout panted, "we've received reports from the front. The armies at Guangling and Wu Jun—both have amassed close to 100,000 soldiers. They've fortified every stronghold and are fully prepared for a siege."

The words rippled through the camp like a chill wind. Soldiers exchanged uneasy glances, their earlier calm now fractured by the sheer scale of the forces arrayed against them. But Brian's expression remained unchanged, his mind already piecing together the next steps. The magnitude of the report wasn't a surprise—it simply confirmed what his instincts had already told him.

He turned to the scout and nodded. "You've done well. Go and rest. You'll be needed soon enough."

The scout rose, saluted, and quickly disappeared into the camp, leaving Brian standing alone once more. The weight of what was coming pressed heavier than the humid air around him. His eyes drifted to the darkening horizon.

100,000 soldiers at each location. It would be the greatest challenge his army had faced, and victory would demand everything they had.


The night, typically a refuge for rest, had become a hive of activity. As Brian walked through the heart of Dan Du, the camp pulsed with the relentless energy of men hard at work. The steady thrum of hammers striking wood, the crackling of torches burning bright, and the hum of focused conversation filled the air. Sleep, it seemed, was not on the agenda for anyone tonight.

Soldiers moved with purpose, transforming the abandoned town into a formidable fortress. The once silent streets were now lined with barricades, watchtowers rising against the night sky, and the constant activity of men laying down wooden walls to protect them from whatever lay ahead. Houses that had been long deserted were now rest points for supplies and soldiers alike. The men worked swiftly but carefully, driven by a shared sense of urgency. This would be their stronghold, a base to face the coming storm.

Scattered throughout the camp, the ritual places glowed softly with the magic of the sorceresses, their quiet incantations helping to speed the construction and keep the men supplied with fresh water. The mystical energies not only accelerated the construction but also maintained the morale of the troops. Even in the deep night, there was no shortage of light, the sorceresses casting their ethereal glow over the camp, illuminating the arriving ships and guiding them safely to the docks.

Brian continued his silent walk, his mind racing even as the physical preparations were nearly complete. The eerie calm that had settled over the land earlier now seemed distant, replaced by the organized chaos of war preparations. Yet, amidst all this, Brian knew they were still on the edge of something much larger.

He stopped at the center of the camp, watching as more ships docked, their sails catching the faint glow of the magical light. Torches lined the shore, guiding them in. The final ships carried the last of his officers, and soon they would gather to discuss the monumental task that lay ahead.

Guangling and Wu Jun awaited him, each defended by armies of 100,000 strong, led by some of the most formidable commanders in the land. Brian had always been a man of action, but this time, he would need every ounce of strategy his officers could offer. He couldn't afford a mistake, not now.

Brian's gaze remained steady on the horizon as the officers began to arrive. The night was still young, and there was much to discuss. He knew that what they would decide tonight could change the tide of the campaign. Each move would have to be calculated, and every step would have to be taken with precision.

The time for talk was coming. The night wouldn't be quiet for much longer.


One week later. Guangling.

The news arrived like a hammer blow.

Wang Yuanji stood by the large table at the center of the war room, her fingers pressed against its surface as she stared at the maps of Guangling. The walls of the fortress were thick, but even within their protection, she could feel the tension building as reports filtered in.

Brian's army, 70,000 strong, was advancing on their position. And unlike most opponents, he was no ordinary commander. His movements were precise, his forces coordinated in ways that seemed unnatural. Each city and fortress they had hoped to slow him with had fallen like dominoes.

Wang Yuanji's brow furrowed as she heard the bickering voices of Sima Shi and Sima Zhao from the adjacent room. It had been like this for weeks. The two brothers were too consumed with their rivalry, their sharp tongues and egos constantly clashing. While they should have been uniting to face Brian, they were locked in their own personal war.

With a sigh, Wang Yuanji raised her eyes to the officers assembled in the war room.

"Sima Shi and Sima Zhao won't be leading this fight," she stated coldly, her voice slicing through the tense silence. "We cannot afford their distractions. We will hold the command together."

Jia Chong nodded, his eyes narrowed in thought. "Brian's forces will likely hit the southern flank first. That's his direct route into Guangling. The fortifications along the cliffs are our best defense."

Wang Chen, Hu Fen, Sima Wang, and Zhuge Xu exchanged looks of concern. They had all heard the stories of how Brian overpowered defenses that were considered impenetrable. His army wasn't just vast—it was experienced, and there was an unpredictability to his strategies that set him apart from others they had faced.

"And what of our men on the high ground?" Zhuge Xu asked. "We've placed catapults and ballistae up there. We can rain destruction down on them before they reach the fortresses."

Wang Yuanji's gaze shifted to the maps. "It won't be enough. Not against him."

Her words hung in the air, heavy with the grim reality of their situation. She knew Brian wasn't the type to walk into a trap. His strategies were unconventional, and their traditional defenses, no matter how well prepared, might not hold.

"But we do have one advantage," she continued, her eyes steely with determination. "We know the terrain better than he does. He will have to traverse the cliffs or face our fortresses head-on. If we position our forces correctly, we can isolate parts of his army and deal with them one by one."

There was a murmur of agreement from the officers, but beneath it lay an undercurrent of doubt. They had seen Brian's campaign, had heard the stories of his victories.

"Sima Shi and Sima Zhao need to be kept out of this as much as possible," Wang Yuanji added, almost as an afterthought. "Their bickering will get us all killed."

Jia Chong sighed. "Keeping them out of command is one thing, but how do we stop them from undermining us at every turn?"

Wang Yuanji's eyes hardened. "Leave that to me. I'll manage them. Focus on fortifying the high ground and reinforcing the defenses at the southern fortress. We need to be ready when he arrives."

The officers nodded, each understanding the weight of the task ahead. Wang Yuanji stepped away from the table, her thoughts a swirl of strategy and concern. This was more than just a battle; this was the future of their land.

The sun was setting on Guangling, but there would be no rest for its defenders.


The council room inside Guangling's central fortress was dimly lit, with a map of the surrounding area laid out on the large wooden table. The officers had gathered, their faces illuminated by the flickering light of oil lamps, but the tension in the room was thick, palpable. Outside, the fortifications were being reinforced, soldiers prepared for a siege like none they had faced before.

Wang Yuanji sat at the head of the table, her normally composed expression faltering for just a moment as she absentmindedly brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. It was a subtle sign of the stress weighing on her—something only those who knew her well would recognize.

"Three paths," she murmured, her eyes scanning the map. "The south, through the forests, leads to the high ground where the catapults and ballistae are stationed. The north takes them down to the rear of our camp, and the middle... straight to the cliff with the fortress. A traditional approach, but..."

"It's the one they'll expect us to guard most heavily," Hu Fen interjected, his voice bold, though his hand fidgeted with the hilt of his sword as if itching for battle. "That middle path is the obvious choice for a direct assault, but it's a death trap with the fortresses along the way."

Wang Chen, standing to the side, turned a small ball over in his hands, his fingers moving deftly in a practiced rhythm. It was his way of relieving tension, though his mind never strayed far from strategy. "You're right, Hu Fen. But it's Brian. He doesn't seem the type to go for obvious routes. He's unpredictable—some of the rumors we've heard confirm as much."

"Rumors won't save us," Jia Chong said, his voice steady and measured. "We need facts. What do we know about Brian's forces?"

Zhuge Xu leaned forward, his eyes sharp and calculating as always. "Siege units. Massive ones. They can breach walls that would normally take days to break. He's been using them to devastating effect. Then there are his beasts—the Nanmen warriors command elephants, tigers, wolves, even falcons. They'll tear through our defenses if we're not careful. And let's not forget the magic his sorceresses wield. They can manipulate weather, create barriers, and summon fresh water from nothing."

Sima Zhao, who had been leaning back in his chair, shifted uncomfortably. He had been unusually quiet during the meeting, his irritation with his brother Sima Shi simmering beneath the surface. "Magic," he scoffed, "but Brian himself doesn't use it in combat. I heard he relies more on brute strength, his weapons, and... well, his beasts. Isn't that strange?"

Wang Yuanji's eyes narrowed in thought as she processed the information. "It's not strange. It's strategy. He keeps the focus on his army, his officers, and his war machines while holding back his true power. He has powerful officers who seem to command as much respect as he does—Lu Bu, Dian Wei, Guan Yu, and Zhuge Liang. If these men follow him, we should be cautious."

"Don't forget about Sima Yi," Jia Chong said quietly, glancing at the others. "Lord Sima Yi... and his wife, Lady Zhang Chunhua. They're part of his army now. That alone gives Brian's forces another level of legitimacy and tactical prowess."

A chill seemed to pass through the room at the mention of Sima Yi's name, as though his reputation alone were enough to strike fear. Sima Shi, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "Our father always knew how to pick the winning side," he muttered, his voice carrying a hint of bitterness. "But it doesn't matter. We can still defeat them."

Wang Yuanji brushed her hair back again, a sign that her mind was racing. "We have the high ground and the fortresses, but Brian's forces are numerous. His beasts and siege units will test our defenses, and his officers are legendary. However, if we can predict his strategy—if we know where he'll strike—we can still hold him off."

Hu Fen slapped the table with his hand. "Let them come through the middle, then. We'll tear them apart with our fortresses and weapons. We'll make sure that path is a gauntlet of death for his soldiers."

Wang Chen's ball stopped in mid-roll as he spoke. "But the southern path is where the real threat lies. If Brian takes the forest route, they'll reach the high ground where the catapults and ballistae are stationed. We need to make sure that position is fortified and guarded properly."

Sima Wang nodded, his voice calm amidst the tension. "Then we should prepare ambushes along the southern path. If they come through the forest, we'll bleed them dry before they reach the high ground."

Zhuge Xu added, "We'll also need to reinforce the northern path. Two fortresses lie in the way, but they could still use that route to hit us from behind. We can't afford to be flanked."

The room was silent for a moment as Wang Yuanji absorbed the information. She felt the weight of command pressing down on her shoulders, but she couldn't afford to show hesitation. She brushed her hair behind her ear once more and stood.

"Here's what we'll do," she said, her voice clear and commanding. "We'll fortify the middle path heavily. We'll make sure Hu Fen's forces are stationed there to defend the fortresses and the cliff. Wang Chen, Jia Chong, and Sima Wang, I need you to set ambushes in the southern forest. Reinforce the high ground and make sure the catapults and ballistae are ready. Zhuge Xu, I want your units guarding the northern path. Use the two fortresses as choke points, but prepare for a retreat if necessary."

She paused, her gaze falling on Sima Shi and Sima Zhao, the two brothers who had been at odds for as long as anyone could remember. "And you two—put your rivalry aside for now. We need every advantage we can get, and that means working together."

Sima Shi and Sima Zhao exchanged glances, their expressions tense, but they nodded in unison. For now, at least, their family squabbles would have to wait.

Wang Yuanji turned back to the map, her fingers tracing the paths leading to Guangling's fortress. "Brian is coming. But we are ready."


Wang Yuanji moved silently through the fortress at Guangling, her steps light but deliberate as she checked the fortifications and catapults stationed on the high ground. The cool night air should have offered some reprieve, but the tension in the camp was palpable, and even the distant hum of cicadas couldn't calm the storm brewing inside her.

Her fingers absently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, a nervous habit she didn't often display, especially in front of her soldiers. But tonight was different. The rumors that had circulated about Brian's forces were unsettling, even for someone as composed as her. Siege units, beasts tamed from the Nanman, sorceresses wielding magic… and the man himself, Brian Miller. Who is he, really?

Wang Yuanji couldn't help but let her thoughts drift. Her mentor, Lord Sima Yi, had once been her guiding force in the art of war, the strategist who could outthink any opponent. But that was before the fracture, before Sima Shi and Sima Zhao had turned on each other, tearing apart what Sima Yi had built. After that, she had heard little of her old master. What news reached her ears was… strange.

It was said that Lord Sima Yi had joined Brian after being defeated at Wu Zhang Plains alongside Zhuge Liang. That much, she knew. But the details were hazy. Sima Yi, the man who had laughed at the ambitions of lesser lords, the man who had never bowed to anyone, had joined the ranks of a man not even from this land. And yet, there were rumors—rumors that Sima Yi, of all people, had been seen laughing, joyful, almost energetic in Brian's camp.

She didn't understand it. What had Brian done to change him? The Sima Yi she knew was cunning, cold, and calculating. He wasn't the kind of man who found joy in anything but victory, and even then, his victories were often celebrated in quiet satisfaction. The idea that Sima Yi could laugh with such abandon under Brian's leadership was baffling. What did Brian say to him? What could have possibly been offered that Sima Yi would follow a man so willingly?

She felt a knot tightening in her stomach. She had seen Sima Yi during his darker days, just after the fracture. He had been a shadow of himself, burdened by the chaos his family had wrought. Had he ever truly recovered from that? The rumors painted a different picture now. He had found something—or perhaps someone—that had given him a new purpose. But what was it?

As she walked past a group of soldiers preparing the catapults, she allowed her mind to wander deeper into the possibilities. Brian. A name that had become a symbol of power, unity, and relentless ambition. She had never met him in person, but the stories were impossible to ignore. He had done what no warlord had before—unite not just territories, but people. Warriors who should have never fought side by side now served under his banner, from Lu Bu to Cao Cao's finest generals. Even the mystical forces of nature and magic seemed to bend to his will. How had he done it?

Wang Yuanji found herself wondering, What would have happened if I had been in his ranks from the start? What might she have learned? What might she have become?

Her admiration for Brian's accomplishments was unexpected, and it caught her off guard. She was supposed to be focusing on the battle ahead, on defending this fortress against his army. But there was something about him—about the way he commanded not just respect, but loyalty—that made her pause.

Would I have been stronger by his side?

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a soldier reporting in, detailing the preparations for the defense of the southern path. The forests there would provide good cover, but they also made it a dangerous route to guard. She nodded absentmindedly as she listened, her mind still on Brian.

Lord Sima Yi had been her mentor, yes, but he was also a man she had admired deeply. To see him join another so willingly, so easily—it was hard not to wonder what Brian possessed that could inspire such loyalty.

She had never seen Sima Yi since the fracture, never heard his voice again. But the rumors of his newfound joy haunted her. What had changed? What expression did he wear now when he spoke of his new lord? Was there admiration there, or something deeper?

With a sigh, Wang Yuanji pushed those thoughts aside, at least for the moment. There was no room for uncertainty. The enemy was coming, and she had to focus on the battle at hand. And yet, even as she turned her attention back to the fortifications, she couldn't shake the thought: What kind of man is Brian, to have swayed Sima Yi? To have united so many under one banner?

As she moved toward the wall, looking out over the terrain where Brian's army would soon march, a strange sense of anticipation settled over her. She was meant to fight him tomorrow, but the question that lingered in her mind was, Would she one day fight with him instead?

With that final thought, she took one more look at the soldiers below, steeling herself for the battle ahead. But even as she did, she couldn't deny the growing curiosity in her heart.


Wang Yuanji stood by the massive ballistae, her hands resting gently on the wooden frame as she surveyed the battlefield below. From her position on the high ground, she had a clear view of the plains, where the campfires of Brian's forces flickered in the distance. The fortress she defended felt secure, strong even, but there was a tension in the air that she couldn't quite shake.

The sky was growing lighter as dawn approached, casting a pale hue over the sprawling landscape. The calm before the storm. In the distance, she could see the mass of Brian's forces, though it wasn't just the size of the army that caught her attention. It was the sheer variety. Officers of all factions stood united under his banner, from towering figures like Guan Yu and Lu Bu to cunning strategists like Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi. The diversity of his officers gave Brian an aura of command that felt more imposing than any single warrior.

A falcon's screech tore through the silence. Wang Yuanji looked up, spotting two birds of prey circling high above the battlefield, their sharp eyes taking in the scene just as she did. She couldn't help but feel as though they were a sign, an omen of something to come. Her hand instinctively went to brush a stray lock of hair behind her ear, a habit she had developed when she was on edge.

Brian didn't look intimidating at first glance. Not like Lu Bu, who towered over the men around him, or Guan Yu, whose presence alone could send shivers down the spine of any veteran. But something about Brian was different. Wang Yuanji couldn't put her finger on it, but as she scanned the figures standing beside him, all with a casual air about them, she knew that these were no ordinary officers. They weren't just warriors and strategists—they were loyal, they were united, and they were dangerous.

She clenched her jaw, the feeling in her gut worsening. She had always trusted her instincts, and today, they screamed at her.

"Why are they so calm?" she muttered to herself. Her gaze swept back to Brian, standing at the head of his forces, commanding the attention of legends like Lu Bu and Sima Yi without even raising his voice. It was unnatural, and it made her blood run cold.

"Lady Yuanji?" Jia Chong's voice startled her out of her thoughts.

"I'm fine," she replied, though she didn't feel it. "Ready the catapults. We'll strike first, catch them off guard."

"Yes, my lady," he nodded, moving to relay her orders.

Despite her command, she felt something gnawing at her. They had the high ground, superior defenses, and greater numbers, yet something felt wrong. As if Brian had already accounted for everything. She glanced back toward the horizon, where Brian's forces were arrayed with precision. Even the beasts under his command—wolves, tigers, and elephants—stood poised, ready, as if they were part of a perfectly orchestrated plan. The sight of his forces sent a chill down her spine.

Wang Yuanji's pulse quickened as the first volley of catapults was fired. The massive rocks arced through the sky, their descent aimed squarely at the advancing ranks of Brian's forces. The battle had begun, and the clashing of steel, the distant cries of war, filled the air.

Yet something was wrong.

Her eyes darted across the battlefield, searching for signs of chaos or retreat among Brian's troops. Instead, they moved with eerie coordination. The siege engines, once her greatest defense, seemed almost ineffective against the oncoming storm. Shields were raised at just the right moments, blocking debris from the catapults. His forces advanced like clockwork, their precision unnerving.

"Another miss!" one of the ballista commanders shouted in frustration, his voice carrying over the battlefield. Wang Yuanji's heart sank. She had expected at least some resistance, but the speed and efficiency with which Brian's forces dismantled their defenses felt unreal.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw him—Brian, riding on his black steed, Shadow Runner, cutting through her forces like a lightning bolt. The black horse moved as though it were part of the shadows, swift and nearly impossible to track. Brian sat atop it, his halberd gleaming in the dim light of dawn. Each strike of his weapon seemed to cleave through the air, sending another group of her soldiers sprawling to the ground.

"He's... he's untouchable," Wang Yuanji muttered under her breath. Her siege units, trained to take down large masses, couldn't seem to land a hit on him. He moved through the battlefield with an almost preternatural speed, weaving through the chaos like a force of nature.

A messenger ran up to her, breathless, eyes wide with panic. "My lady! The western fortresses have fallen! Brian's siege units have already breached the defenses!"

Her heart raced. Already?

As she absorbed the information, another messenger appeared. "Lady Yuanji! The central path has been overrun! The enemy siege machines are too strong—our ballistae and catapults can't keep up!"

"Impossible..." she whispered, her mind spinning. How had he managed to dismantle her defenses so swiftly? She had prepared for this battle meticulously. Every step, every fortification, had been planned. And yet, here he was, tearing through her forces like they were nothing.

From her vantage point, she could see Brian riding towards the heart of her forces. Shadow Runner's hooves pounded the earth with thunderous force, while Brian swung his halberd with deadly precision, cleaving through anyone who dared to approach him. His momentum was relentless, his army advancing behind him like a tide that could not be stopped.

Another messenger approached, fear etched across his face. "The southern flank, my lady. It's collapsing. We've lost control of the forest, and the enemy is advancing toward the high ground."

Wang Yuanji clenched her fists, nails biting into her palms. How could this be happening?

She looked again at Brian, who was now at the center of the battlefield, surrounded by his officers and legendary warriors. Lu Bu, Guan Yu, and Xiahou Dun were all close by, ensuring his path was clear. The sight of them, united and unyielding, sent another chill down her spine.

No matter how many soldiers she sent, no matter how many fortresses she had constructed, Brian's army remained unphased, as if they were toying with the very laws of war. For every strike her forces made, Brian's troops had a counter, and when one fortress fell, another group of his elite forces took their place, advancing with precision and strategy.

"Lady Yuanji!" Another messenger burst forth, his voice desperate. "The siege defenses have been breached! The enemy is closing in on the southern catapults!"

Her breath caught in her throat. Brian had calculated everything. He had known exactly how to dismantle her army, and now he was coming for the heart of her defenses. There was no stopping him.

Wang Yuanji's hand shook as she brushed her hair back again, her mind reeling. Brian wasn't just a warrior—he was a master tactician. His forces weren't just soldiers—they were a united force, loyal to him in ways she had never seen before.

"How...?" she whispered, staring at the man who seemed to defy all logic. "How can we stand against him?"

The battle was slipping from her grasp, and all she could do was watch as Brian's army tore through her lines with ruthless efficiency.

Wang Yuanji's heart sank as another report reached her, the words almost too painful to hear. "Lady Yuanji! Sima Zhao has been defeated! The southern path is lost!"

The messenger's voice trembled with fear as he delivered the news. Sima Zhao, her proud and headstrong companion, had fallen. The southern path, which they had counted on to hold their ground, was overrun. Her forces were being pushed back faster than she could comprehend.

"Where is Sima Shi?" she asked, her voice strained.

Before the messenger could respond, another rider came galloping towards her. His armor was dented, and his face was pale with exhaustion. "Lady Yuanji! Sima Shi has been defeated as well! The central path is crumbling, and enemy forces are closing in on our rear!"

Wang Yuanji's mind spun. Both Sima brothers, skilled in battle and always at each other's throats, had fallen. Her defenses were collapsing at every point, and the battlefield was ablaze with chaos.

"How did it come to this?" she whispered to herself, feeling the weight of failure settle heavily on her shoulders. It wasn't just the Sima brothers—ambushes she had meticulously planned had been thwarted by counter-ambushes, Brian's forces always one step ahead. Their fire attacks had struck her fortifications with terrifying precision, setting key points ablaze. Her once-proud stronghold was being reduced to ashes before her very eyes.

She turned to look at her remaining forces. The catapults still stood, but they were surrounded, their operators struggling to fend off the relentless assault from Brian's army. Her siege units, once the pride of her defense, had become nothing more than sitting targets.

Another rumble in the distance shook the ground, followed by the unmistakable roar of flames. A wave of heat hit her as more fire arrows rained down on her forces, setting yet another section of their fortifications aflame.

"Lady Yuanji, we must retreat!" one of her officers urged, desperation in his eyes. "We can't hold them any longer!"

Wang Yuanji stood frozen, watching as Brian's army closed in from every side. Her carefully laid plans, her defenses, her soldiers—all crumbling like sand in the face of a relentless tide. She couldn't deny it any longer. They were losing, and there was nothing she could do to stop it.

A sudden shift in the atmosphere drew her attention. She looked out across the battlefield and saw him. Brian, standing at the head of his forces, his black steed Shadow Runner carrying him forward with an air of finality. His halberd gleamed in the firelight, and behind him marched a massive wave of soldiers. His officers stood at his side—Lu Bu, Guan Yu, Dian Wei, and so many more. Legends that had once stood as pillars of strength for their factions now stood united under Brian's banner.

And now, he was coming for her.

Wang Yuanji's heart pounded in her chest as Brian rode forward, his army at his back. He stopped just short of her position, his figure towering in the flickering light of the flames that surrounded them. She could feel his gaze on her, even from a distance, and for the first time, she felt the full weight of what she was up against.

"Lady Wang Yuanji," Brian's voice carried over the battlefield, calm but firm. "It's over."

She swallowed, her throat dry as she stared down at him. The battle was lost, and they both knew it. Her forces were in tatters, her defenses shattered. There was nothing left to fight with.

Brian pointed his halberd towards her, but it wasn't a threat—it was a gesture of finality. "Surrender, and no more lives need to be lost."

Wang Yuanji stood motionless, her hands gripping the edge of the ballista as she watched him. Behind him, his army waited, ready to strike at his command. She glanced back at her soldiers, their faces weary, their spirits broken. There was no point in continuing. She knew what she had to do.

Taking a deep breath, Wang Yuanji nodded. "I surrender," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Brian lowered his halberd, a gesture of respect. The battle was over.


Wang Yuanji sat in the open field, the weight of defeat pressing heavily on her shoulders. The grass beneath her was soft, but it may as well have been stone for how comfortless she felt. All around her, the once proud officers and soldiers of her army sat silently, their faces mirroring her disbelief. The guards stationed around them were disciplined, their expressions neutral, though Wang Yuanji could sense the flicker of curiosity in their eyes. Perhaps it was the first time they'd seen such renowned officers in such a state, or maybe it was the calm and orderly nature of their captivity. Either way, the contrast between her broken forces and Brian's army couldn't be starker.

Medics moved calmly between the prisoners, tending to the wounds of her men, both officers and common soldiers alike. It was strange how well they were being treated. She had expected harsher conditions, but instead, the enemy's medics worked with care, their touch gentle despite the tense situation. Both male and female medics seemed to be part of the operation, tending to each person with the same focus, and without bias.

But none of this could settle the storm in her chest. Wang Yuanji was still trembling, her hands shaking in her lap as her heart raced in an erratic rhythm. Her composure, usually unshakable, was in tatters. Every breath felt like a struggle as the events of the battle replayed in her mind—Brian's army, their flawless coordination, the effortless way they cut through her defenses like a blade through silk. She had lost before the battle had even truly begun, and that realization crushed her spirit.

Across from her, Sima Shi and Sima Zhao sat in a strange contrast. Both of them, though defeated, wore expressions of irritation rather than despair. Their bodies were bandaged from top to bottom, a sight that would have been almost comical if not for the seriousness of their injuries. Sima Zhao, who normally would have been bickering or shouting about the defeat, sat quietly, a scowl etched on his face as he fiddled with the edge of his bandage. Sima Shi, stoic as ever, though visibly exhausted, leaned back slightly, his eyes darting around the camp. He didn't look as broken as she felt, but she could see the same defeat weighing down on him.

She clenched her fists, trying to regain her composure, but it was futile. Her mind kept returning to the moment when she saw Brian, standing there after the battle, surrounded by his officers—Lu Bu, Guan Yu, Sima Yi, Zhuge Liang—all these legendary figures standing under his command as if they had always belonged there. How had he managed it? What was it about this young lord that allowed him to accomplish what no one else could?

A medic stopped beside her, gently examining a cut on her arm. Wang Yuanji barely noticed, her mind spiraling in circles. How did he defeat us so easily? She couldn't shake the thought. Her heart refused to calm, her mind filled with the echo of Brian's demand for surrender. It hadn't been a shout or a boastful claim—it was simply the truth, stated clearly and with a kind of strength she couldn't deny.

Wang Yuanji remained seated in the open field, her mind swirling with thoughts she couldn't calm. She watched as the medics finished their work, tending to the last of her soldiers before moving on to other parts of the camp. Even in defeat, they had been treated with a surprising amount of care, their wounds tended with precision and no hint of malice. It was strange—comforting, yet unsettling at the same time.

The evening air was thick with the smell of smoke, and she glanced toward the large fire blazing in the distance. Bodies of fallen soldiers were being burned, a sight that weighed heavily on her heart. The flickering light illuminated the camp, casting long shadows that danced across the field where she and her officers sat. Dinner had been distributed among the prisoners; simple food, but nourishing. Her soldiers ate in silence, their spirits broken, their gazes focused on nothing in particular. The contrast between their current state and the calm discipline of Brian's forces was a stark reminder of how decisively they had been defeated.

Dusk slowly fell over the camp, the sky painted in shades of violet and orange. As the last of the sunlight faded, she saw movement in the distance. Brian was approaching, flanked by Sima Yi and Zhang Chunhua. Her heart skipped a beat, the sight of the trio setting off a wave of unease she couldn't suppress. Sima Yi was smiling—smiling in a way that she had never seen him do in all the time she had known him. And Zhang Chunhua, always composed and calculating, walked with an air of quiet confidence. There was something strange about it all.

Why do they look so...content? Wang Yuanji thought, her pulse quickening.

Her gaze flicked toward the guards standing nearby. Even they seemed more intrigued, their eyes following Brian with a sense of expectancy as if this was a moment they had been waiting for. She had no idea why, but there was a palpable shift in the air. It was as though everyone around her knew something she didn't—something that made them watch Brian with a mixture of awe and anticipation.

Brian stopped in front of her, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence between them stretched, thick with unspoken words. Then, with a relaxed smile, Brian sat down, crossing his legs in front of her. His casual demeanor caught her off guard, and despite the knot of anxiety in her chest, she couldn't help but feel an odd sense of relief.

"I'll admit," Brian said with a soft chuckle, breaking the silence, "you had me worried for a moment. Throwing that many soldiers at me like that, I thought I was in for a long day."

His tone was light, almost joking, as if they were old friends discussing a simple skirmish rather than a full-scale battle. Wang Yuanji blinked, her mind reeling from the sudden shift in the atmosphere. She had expected a stern lecture or even an interrogation. But this? She didn't know how to react.

Wang Yuanji blinked, still processing Brian's lighthearted tone, when she heard a sharp intake of breath beside her. It was Sima Shi, his usually stoic face betraying a flicker of irritation. His eyes, though bandaged, were sharp enough to express the frustration that weighed on him. He cleared his throat as if to compose himself.

"You knew we had the advantage in numbers," Sima Shi finally said, his voice tight but controlled. "Yet it was as if you anticipated every move. How? You've led men from all factions, but this was not a typical army. You moved faster than any of us could predict."

Brian met Sima Shi's gaze calmly, his expression softening as he listened to the question. The frustration in Sima Shi's voice was understandable—it echoed the confusion of every officer present.

"You're right," Brian began, his tone steady, "you had the numbers. But numbers don't win battles. You should know that better than anyone else."

Sima Shi's brow furrowed, though he stayed silent, clearly trying to work through the reasoning behind Brian's words. Sima Zhao, sitting beside him, looked between the two, his expression as irritated as ever.

"Then what wins them, if not strength in numbers?" Sima Zhao interjected, his voice carrying a sharp edge.

Brian's eyes shifted toward Sima Zhao, and he smiled faintly. "Don't try to get the easy answers. You're smarter than that."

Sima Zhao's scowl deepened, but he didn't respond. He knew what Brian was doing, pushing him to think more deeply rather than accepting a simple explanation. Brian let the moment linger before continuing.

"It's purpose," Brian said, "and belief. Your soldiers were fighting because they had to, not because they wanted to. They weren't unified. Some fought for survival, others for pride, others simply because they feared the consequences of not fighting. But my men? They fight for something bigger than themselves. That's what makes them stronger."

Jia Chong, who had been quiet up to this point, crossed his arms. "Are you saying we lacked purpose? That we didn't believe in our cause?"

"No," Brian replied, his voice calm but firm. "But your forces were divided. Ambition, pride, and fear split you apart. Some fought to protect, others fought for personal gain, and some fought because they had no choice. But my forces fight as one, with one goal in mind. It's not just about winning—it's about building a future they believe in."

Wang Yuanji, who had been listening intently, finally spoke, her voice softer but filled with curiosity. "And what is that future? You've united so many under your banner—warriors, strategists, even those once called enemies. But how do you keep them loyal? What makes them stay?"

Brian's gaze softened further as he turned to Wang Yuanji, his eyes thoughtful but with a hint of challenge. Instead of answering her question directly, he posed one of his own, his voice calm but probing.

"What about you?" he asked, leaning forward slightly. "What are you fighting for? What is it that you desire?"

The question caught Wang Yuanji off guard. She opened her mouth to respond but found herself hesitating. She had fought for so many reasons—duty, loyalty to her family, to protect the state of Jin, to uphold the legacy of her house. But in that moment, under Brian's piercing gaze, she found herself questioning it all. What was her purpose, beyond the duties thrust upon her?

Brian didn't press her. He waited, allowing the weight of the question to sink in. Around them, the other officers shifted slightly, clearly feeling the ripple of unease his question had created. It wasn't just directed at Wang Yuanji; it was aimed at all of them.

Sima Shi's eyes flickered with curiosity, though he said nothing. Jia Chong frowned, looking down at his hands as if deep in thought. Even Sima Zhao, always quick with a retort, remained silent, his gaze fixed on Brian, as though daring him to ask the same of him.

Wang Yuanji finally spoke, her voice quieter than before, almost uncertain. "I...fight for my family. For the legacy of my house."

Brian nodded slowly, but his expression had no sense of finality as if he expected more. "That's noble," he said, "but is that truly what drives you? Or is that just what you've been told to protect?"

Her heart raced, and she suddenly found it hard to meet his eyes. Was that all there was to her ambition? She had always believed in the importance of her family's legacy, but had she ever stopped to think about what she wanted?

The silence stretched as Brian let his question hang in the air, not just for Wang Yuanji, but for every officer in attendance.

Sima Zhao broke the silence first, his tone laced with his usual indifference. "Honestly? I just want to live a comfortable life. Rule over a peaceful land, have everything I need handed to me. No fighting, no responsibilities beyond the occasional decision—just easy living." He stretched his legs out, his expression as relaxed as his words. "If I can get to a point where I'm not constantly worried about the next battle or who's plotting against me, then I've won, haven't I?"

Brian's gaze flickered toward Sima Zhao, a faint smile playing on his lips. "So, you fight for an easy life. A noble goal in its own way, but have you ever wondered what happens when that ease becomes complacency? What happens to a ruler when they no longer care about the challenges of their people?"

Sima Zhao waved a hand dismissively, his scowl returning. "Let me worry about that when I get there."

Next to him, Sima Shi shifted, his expression thoughtful but far more serious than his younger brother's. "I fight for control," he said bluntly, his sharp eyes meeting Brian's without hesitation. "To rule the land, to shape it as I see fit. Power isn't something you're given; it's something you take. My ambition is to control everything, to bring order by force if necessary. Without strength, without a single vision at the top, everything falls into chaos."

Brian regarded Sima Shi for a moment, nodding slightly. "Order through control... and what then? After you have the power, after you've shaped everything according to your will, what's left?"

Sima Shi frowned, his silence speaking volumes. Brian let the question hang in the air for a moment before turning his attention to the others.

Jia Chong, who had been staring at the ground thoughtfully, finally looked up. "I fight for the stability of my house, the safety of those I care about. If the state falls into ruin, if we lose our place in the world, then everything I've worked for is gone." His voice was practical, without the ambition of Sima Shi or the laziness of Sima Zhao. "I want to preserve what we have."

Brian nodded. "Preservation, then. An admirable goal, but preservation alone doesn't move the world forward. What happens when stability becomes stagnation?"

Wang Chen, who had been silent throughout the conversation, spoke up next. "I fight because I believe that without strong leadership, the land will never truly prosper. A leader should inspire, but they should also be feared. That's how you keep the peace." He crossed his arms, his gaze shifting between Brian and the other officers. "Without fear, there's chaos."

Brian's expression didn't change, though his eyes flickered with something deeper. "Fear can keep people in line, yes. But for how long? And at what cost? Do you believe fear alone is what builds a lasting peace?"

Sima Wang leaned forward slightly, his voice quieter but filled with a firm conviction. "I believe in loyalty and duty to those above me. I fight because it's my responsibility, my duty to uphold the principles I was raised with. But I've always wondered—what happens when the rulers themselves aren't worthy of loyalty? What do you do then?"

Brian's smile returned, this time softer, as he regarded Sima Wang. "An important question, indeed. One that I think everyone in this field should consider carefully."

The silence stretched for a moment, thick with the weight of Brian's words. Wang Yuanji's heart raced again as she listened to her fellow officers lay out their ambitions, their fears, and their motivations. But Brian's responses unsettled her, not because they were dismissive, but because they forced her—and everyone around them—to think beyond the surface of what they were fighting for.

Finally, it was Zhuge Xu who broke the tension with a sigh. "You make it sound as if we're thinking too small. Like we're all stuck in the mud while you're up in the clouds with your grand ideas."

Brian chuckled softly. "Maybe you are thinking too small. Maybe you've limited yourselves by the walls you've built around your ambitions."

Zhuge Xu shrugged, but there was a glimmer of interest in his eyes now. "And what about you, then? What do you fight for? You've challenged us all, so what's your grand plan, Brian?"

The question hung in the air for a moment, and all eyes turned toward Brian, waiting for his response. Brian's expression shifted, his casual demeanor giving way to something more intense, more alive. He leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with energy that seemed to pulse through him.

"I fight for more than power, more than stability or comfort," Brian began, his voice low but growing with each word. "I fight to transform this land into something that the world has never seen. To take what we know of culture, technology, and the heavens and push it beyond the limits of our understanding."

Brian's eyes burned with a passion that seemed to radiate from him, his voice growing stronger as he leaned into his vision for the future.

"Why settle for mediocrity when we can reach for something extraordinary? Think about it—why limit ourselves to what we already know when there's so much more out there to discover? Imagine bringing things to this land that no one here has even dreamed of."

He paused for a moment, his eyes flickering with excitement. "Cheese, for instance. The way it can be crafted, aged, perfected. Or sushi—the way you can take something as simple as fish and rice and turn it into a delicacy that speaks to the soul. Not just freshwater fish, but octopus, squid, shrimp—creatures from the sea that can be prepared in ways that make them more than just food. They become art."

Wang Yuanji's heart pounded as she listened, transfixed by the vividness of his words. Brian's voice grew stronger as he spoke.

"Smoked meats, vegetables that last longer, fish prepared with techniques this land has never seen. The possibilities are endless! Imagine food that sustains but also inspires—something people can share, that brings them together not just to fill their bellies but to experience something new. Food, culture, it's all connected! And I'm not talking about just surviving; I'm talking about thriving."

Brian couldn't contain himself, standing up with energy coursing through him, his hands gesturing animatedly as he paced before his captives. The atmosphere around them seemed to change, the air almost vibrating with his enthusiasm.

"And magic—why do we use it for war, when it could be used to shape the land? Imagine using magic to create fertile soil, perfect for farming! Or to draw fresh water where there's none. No more droughts, no more suffering! Magic to create heat, to turn empty lands into hot springs or saunas, places of relaxation and healing. We could make ice to preserve food that would otherwise spoil! Imagine curing meat in ways that preserve flavor for months, or keeping delicate crops fresh for longer periods."

Wang Yuanji's breath caught in her throat. Her entire world was being turned upside down by this young lord. She couldn't stop her eyes from following his every movement, her mind racing with the possibilities he painted.

"And technology," Brian continued, his voice filled with determination, "why be slaves to the wind or tides when we can shape them? Imagine moving across the waters, not dependent on where the wind blows. Or creating fire on command—not just for cooking or warmth, but to power new ideas! We can unlock the secrets of the heavens, we can understand how things work at their core and then use that understanding to create a world beyond anything that's come before!"

He stopped pacing, turning to face his audience with a blazing intensity in his eyes. "We can change everything. We can create a world that isn't ruled by fear, or by war, but by growth, knowledge, and creativity. What's the point of fighting for a throne or land if you don't do something with it once you have it?"

The soldiers and officers around him were frozen in place, mesmerized by the sheer force of Brian's will. Even the guards, once indifferent, now stood with rapt attention, their curiosity turning into something far deeper—admiration.

Brian let out a breath as if releasing the weight of his words. "You all fight for something—family, ambition, survival. But why think so small? Why limit yourselves to power, when you could change the very fabric of the world?"

Wang Yuanji felt her heart race even faster, her chest tightening with a mixture of fear and excitement. She had never imagined anything like this. Could it be possible? Could this young lord, this man who had defeated her and her forces so thoroughly, truly create the world he envisioned? For the first time, she began to wonder if perhaps he could.

Sima Shi, Sima Zhao, Jia Chong, and the others sat in silence, the weight of Brian's vision pressing down on them. None of them spoke, none of them dared to, for they were all caught in the energy that Brian had unleashed. The world, as they had known it, suddenly felt so small, so limited. And for the first time, they saw a glimpse of something far grander.

Brian stood there, his presence commanding yet welcoming, his passion clear for all to see. He wasn't just a warrior. He wasn't just a ruler. He was something else entirely—a man with a vision that transcended the battlefield.

And in that moment, even Wang Yuanji felt the first stirrings of something she hadn't expected: hope.


As the army pressed forward, the steady rhythm of hooves and the occasional clank of armor filled the air, creating a soft and familiar backdrop. The sun hung low, casting long, golden shadows over the road ahead. It should have been a time of heightened tension, with the final battle looming on the horizon, but the atmosphere among Brian's forces was strangely calm. Perhaps it was the knowledge that they had come this far, that victory was within reach. Or maybe, Brian thought, it was simply fatigue.

His eyes wandered across his soldiers—veterans of countless battles, officers who had fought alongside him for months. He could see the weariness etched into their faces, their bodies worn from the long campaign, though their morale remained surprisingly high. It was a miracle, really, how they had managed to sustain such spirits with so little loss. Starting with an army of 270,000, Brian had fortified conquered towns and recruited many former enemies. His ranks now swelled to over 350,000, yet they had lost only 3,000 throughout the entire campaign. It was a number he took pride in. His army had become a well-oiled machine, powered by remarkable strategists and a shared sense of purpose.

Still, his mind wandered to the next challenge: Wu Jun, and the man who stood between him and the end of this war—Sun Jian. The thought made Brian's chest tighten. This was not just any battle; it was the final one. And, perhaps more importantly, he would be facing his father-in-law.

The thought of meeting Sun Jian filled him with mixed emotions. On one hand, Brian knew his strength, his achievements, and how far he had come. But on the other, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of doubt. Would Sun Jian accept him as family, or would he demand proof of his worth? Would he challenge Brian, test his strength, or judge him for what he had become? And more importantly, what did Sun Shangxiang think? She had been by his side throughout this journey, but deep down, he wondered if she was truly proud of the man he had become.

As if sensing his unease, Sun Shangxiang, riding beside him on her horse, slowed her pace. She shifted slightly in the saddle, her usual boundless energy seemingly dimmed. After a few moments, she pulled up alongside him, her voice carrying a softness that was rare for her.

"Mind if I ride with you for a bit, dummy?" she asked, a teasing smile on her lips. "I'm just... a little tired."

Brian, caught off guard by her request, quickly pulled Shadow Runner to a halt and extended his hand. Without hesitation, she took it, and he helped her up onto his horse. Once she settled behind him, her arms wrapped around his waist, her hold gentle but close. The gesture felt different today—more intimate, more... tender. Brian wasn't used to this kind of closeness from her, but it felt comforting in a way he couldn't quite explain.

"You think this is because we're about to face your father?" he asked lightly, trying to make sense of her sudden exhaustion.

A soft chuckle escaped her, though her voice carried a different warmth this time. "Maybe," she murmured. "Facing him will be... interesting." Her arms tightened around him slightly, a subtle sign of affection she didn't usually show so openly.

Shadow Runner, sensing the change in his rider's demeanor, flicked his ears and snorted, as if picking up on something that Brian couldn't quite place. The two tigers, Azeil and Kato, who usually prowled alongside the horse with sharp focus, momentarily wavered, their heads tilting as they glanced at Sun Shangxiang. Bruno the bear, lumbering further behind, lifted his head and sniffed the air, almost as if detecting something new. Even Vijay, the elephant, seemed to slow his pace, his trunk swaying in a different rhythm as he lumbered behind the army.

Brian glanced over his shoulder, noticing the odd behavior of the animals but brushing it off. "Looks like Shadow Runner and the others are acting strange around you," he remarked. "Maybe they're just as nervous about this as you are."

Sun Shangxiang offered a faint smile, though she said nothing, resting her head against his back. From a distance, Zhang Chunhua and Lianshi exchanged knowing looks, small smiles tugging at their lips. They knew. Xingcai, riding between them, shifted in her saddle, her normally determined expression softened by fatigue, though she kept it hidden well. There was a sense of understanding among the women—one that Brian, still unaware, would eventually come to realize.

Brian's attention turned back to the road ahead, the final steps of their journey laid out before them. His mind was already racing, strategizing for the upcoming battle, but a strange sense of warmth lingered in his chest, though he couldn't quite place why.

The end of the campaign was in sight. Sun Jian was the last opponent standing in his way. But as they approached the final stretch, surrounded by those who had fought by his side through it all, Brian felt the weight of what they had built together. This wasn't just about uniting the land—it was about the future they were creating. And though he didn't know it yet, that future held more than just the end of a campaign.