Disclaimer: I do not own Dynasty Warriors. Dynasty Warriors is owned by their respective owners.
The morning was accompanied by the welcoming noise of a bustling town. The gatherers worked in night and day shifts, ensuring a constant supply line of clay. Mi Tong had a gift for creating efficient schedules, and Bo Zhang motivated his men to handle the heavy lifting. "I don't want to owe you a debt, so we'll take care of the heavy lifting," he had said after his wounds were treated.
Bo Zhang, before leaving for the battlefield, gathered his men. "Keep working hard while I'm away, and when we return, we'll bring more supplies and good news," he promised, his words igniting a spark of determination among the workers.
The duo of father and daughter continued to fabricate bricks and had already requested Delan for additional materials to increase production. The first pathway from Brian's house to the town had been renovated, and now, the main path of the town was following suit. The people in his town sure could work quickly.
To keep the morale high, Li Mei, the teahouse lady, frequently visited the workers with fresh tea. "Here, take a break and enjoy some tea," she offered kindly. The bandits, now workers, accepted the tea with gratitude, slowly realizing that they were being treated as valuable members of the community. This simple gesture bridged a gap, showing them that they could be more than just outcasts.
The prison grounds slowly began to empty as the prisoners became soldiers or workers in the hope of earning their freedom and a better future. For those who still could not acknowledge the lord's rule, working on the plantation became the routine of the day. The plantation focused on easy-to-grow crops like potatoes and cabbages, which were vital for sustaining the growing population. The prisoners, although initially reluctant, found a sense of purpose in their work, contributing to the town's prosperity.
Brian himself was not there to see it all happen. With the best army his land could offer, together with several officers and soldiers who followed his command, he rode forward to the battlefield.
Brian Miller's Stats.
- lvl 14.
- Lv. 7 Leadership.
- Lv. 12 Bodyguards.
Mi Tong (Special skill: Gather supplies)
Yan Zhang (Special skill: Ambush)
Zhang Jun (Special skill: Allied Defense)
- Skills equipped: Attack boost +4, Defense boost +3, Musou Springs +2, Havoc +3.
- Animal equipped: Mahogany.
- Weapons equipped: First slot:
Sky Piercer, Heaven attribute (Level 3 weapon Halberd).
Second slot: Blade of Light, Earth attribute (Level 3 weapon General sword).
A week after the Emperor's arrival, Brian and his officers prepared for the upcoming battle. The night was calm, but the air was thick with anticipation. According to Mi Tong, their armies would meet in the mountain lands of Jieting, confirming why it was called the Battle of Jieting in Brian's HUD. Unfortunately, Sun Quan had reached the high ground first. As the moon settled on a cloudless night, Brian held a council in the main base of operations at the base of the mountain.
Torches flickered around the camp, casting dancing shadows on the tents. Soldiers moved with purpose, sharpening weapons, and whispering strategies. The smell of cooking fires mingled with the cool mountain air, creating a sense of camaraderie among the troops. Brian looked over his officers, their faces illuminated by the firelight.
"It doesn't look good. The enemy outnumbers us greatly, and they have barricaded the entrances of the mountain," Mi Tong explained, his voice steady but his eyes showing concern. The map spread out before them detailed the formidable enemy positions.
"Lu Su is showing us why he earned the title of Sun Quan's strategist," Li Ru commented, impressed. "We are already at a disadvantage before the battle starts." His tone carried a mix of admiration and frustration.
Some optimist you are, Brian thought but never voiced. Instead, he looked at the drawn map of the area and asked, "Is there no way around it? There must be a blind spot somewhere." His finger traced the lines of the mountain, seeking any overlooked detail.
"There is," came an unexpected answer from the former bandit leader. "There is a hidden passage to the west of the mountain base. It should be safe enough to use," Bo Zhang answered, a confident smirk on his face.
"How are you so certain it is safe?" Brian asked curiously, leaning in closer.
"Because I have used that path many times, sir," Bo Zhang answered confidently. "It is a steep path, but it will bring you to the top of the mountain. You should be able to attack them from the back."
Brian turned to his new strategist and asked, "So, could that be a plan, Li Ru? Sneaking to the summit from the path and attacking them from behind?"
The strategist looked intrigued. "Perhaps it could work, but we can't rely solely on that. If we want to make this strategy work, we need to draw their attention. If we take the foothold of the mountain and follow with an assault from the eastern path, that should be enough to divert their attention." That's more like it, Brian thought.
"There is a problem, though," Li Ru continued, his brow furrowed.
"Which is?" Brian asked, suspecting he knew the answer.
Li Ru pointed at the foothold of the mountain on the map. "The bases here are guarded by well-known officers. I heard that Sun Tai, Zhuge Ke, and Sun Shangxiang are in charge of protecting these areas." He pointed to the base on top of the mountain and continued, "Also, although I don't think they expect an attack from the summit, I am certain they have an officer waiting in case there is one. It could be Zhu Huan or Quan Zong. Lu Su will be watching from the cliffside, and Lianshi is Sun Quan's personal bodyguard. If we want to defeat them, we need to attack from all sides simultaneously."
Brian nodded, absorbing the information. He looked around at his officers, seeing determination and resolve in their eyes. This was their moment. "Got it. Then this will be the strategy."
As they finalized their plans, Brian couldn't help but feel the weight of the upcoming battle. The lives of his men, the future of his town, and his own destiny all hung in the balance. But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand. The Battle of Jieting would be a defining moment, and he was determined to emerge victorious.
The next morning.
The view was as beautiful as it was mighty at Sun Quan's main base. The young tiger looked over the land, only a few rocks blocking the view to the enemy stronghold. The landscape was vast and varied, with rolling hills leading to the base of the mountain where their enemy was stationed. The early morning sun cast long shadows, creating a serene yet ominous atmosphere. At his side stood a young black-haired woman and an older, tall wise man.
"Are we ready, Lu Su?" Sun Quan asked, a smile of eagerness visible on his visage.
"The preparations are ready, milord," Lu Su answered calmly, his voice steady and confident. "We are ready to begin."
"Then let's go! Let's show them the burning fire of Wu!" the younger tiger commanded triumphantly, his voice echoing across the hills.
At the foothold of the mountain.
"Lady Sun, we have received orders to press the attack!" a messenger reported as he kneeled in front of the younger sister of the Sun family. The encampment was bustling with activity, soldiers sharpening their weapons, and preparing for the battle ahead.
A grin spread across her face, and without wasting a second, she grabbed her wheels and responded, "Then we shall do that! Men, let's..."
"Enemy incoming!" a sudden shout from the lookout interrupted. The soldiers, who had just woken up and were still stretching in the morning sun, suddenly jumped up in shock and instantly prepared themselves for battle. The campsite, once filled with the sounds of morning routines, was now a flurry of urgent movements and clanking armor. The enemy is attacking us despite the disadvantage? Why would they do that? Sun Shangxiang wondered as another soldier asked, "How many are attacking us?"
The lookout soldier looked confused as he answered, "There is a small army in the back, but the enemy commander is attacking alone!"
The enemy commander?! she thought, eyes wide, before commanding, "Bring me my horse! I'll end this battle immediately!"
"We can't allow that, Lady Sun!" Zhuge Ke responded, standing alongside Sun Tai. "We need you here to defend the base. Let us take care of this."
"No way! You two can stick around here; I am going to fight!" she responded as a soldier brought her horse, and she rode out of the base.
"Men, follow her! Do not let her fight alone!" Zhuge Ke ordered. Seeing a group of men following her, the strategist turned to Sun Tai and asked with a smile, "She will never change, will she?"
"No, I am afraid not," the older warrior answered with a wry smile. "But that's why the men love and follow her. Anyway, let's prepare for the attack once this is finished. I doubt that the enemy commander is truly that foolish to challenge Lady Sun when he realizes how strong she is."
On the battlefield.
Her horse pushed forward with all its might through the wildlands of Jieting. The terrain was rugged and unforgiving, with jagged rocks and patches of tall grass obscuring the path. She noticed her men riding towards her from the back but paid no attention to them. Her target was in front of her, not even a hundred meters away. Once she was near him, she stood up on her riding horse, jumped, and made a front flip, landing deftly in front of the enemy commander.
"That was quite the entrance. Lady Sun Shangxiang, I assume," the young commander started politely, his voice carrying over the din of the battlefield.
"You know my name, and you still don't run away? Interesting," she responded, grabbing her wheels in each hand. "I'm not sure if you are overconfident or just foolish, but I will give you a chance. Surrender or be defeated, and we'll see what happens after that," she offered, her eyes glinting with determination.
Grabbing the halberd from his back, the enemy commander smiled. "I'm afraid you forgot a third option. I'll defeat you here, and your fate lies in my hands. How does that sound?" His tone was calm yet filled with an underlying challenge.
"You think you can win against us?" Sun Shangxiang asked skeptically before bursting into laughter. Gesturing for her soldiers to stop moving forward, she continued, "Very well. I'll show you myself how unmatched you are in this battle. I challenge you to a duel!"
"Challenge accepted. Come at me," Brian responded, his stance firm and ready.
Her body launched forward on those words, and without any mercy, her wheels slammed forward into the commander's Sky Piercer. The force of the attack sent shockwaves through the ground, but she quickly realized he had not moved an inch after that assault. More importantly, he had stopped her attack completely without any sign of difficulty.
Her wheels danced gracefully as if they were part of her body, assaulting her enemy's defenses with each step. Each movement was a blur, her wheels spinning and striking with deadly precision. But no matter how much strength she put into her attacks, he didn't even flinch. Jumping back from her position, she said, "I admit you are pretty strong. What's your name?"
"Thank you. My name is Brian Miller," Brian answered before rolling his shoulder. "Thank you for the warm-up. Let's get serious now."
"Fine with me!" Sun Shangxiang answered as she charged forward again. As a true dual-wielder, there was no rest or pause between her offensive. Her wheels became a whirlwind of steel, slicing through the air with relentless fury. But the commander wasn't wavering in the slightest. Then it suddenly happened.
His halberd pulled the Wind Wheel out of her left hand, and with a twist of his halberd, her opponent pulled both the wheel away from her and slammed her chest with the rear end of his halberd at the same time. He moved into a fake punch, and just as he predicted, the young tigress leaned back and tried to kick his chest.
Checkmate, Brian thought as he dodged the kick, grabbed her ankle, swung around to increase momentum, and threw her into the air. He jumped up, held his halberd in a downward slash stance, and slammed Sun Shangxiang into the ground hard enough for a dust cloud to appear. The impact shook the ground, sending ripples through the dirt and scattering loose stones.
She blocked it, he concluded as he felt the resistance of steel on the other side of his weapon. He jumped back, grabbed the Wind Wheel, and threw it onto the ground near his opponent.
"W...Why would you give it back to me?" Sun Shangxiang asked, confused, her stance clearly affected by their previous clash.
"This is a duel between warriors, and as I see it, it is far from over," Brian answered as he prepared himself for the third round. His stance was unwavering, his eyes focused intently on his opponent.
He is strong... I can't hold back anymore. As quick as she could, she jumped up, grabbed the bow from her back, pulled it as tightly as she could, and released the arrow before she fell down again. Just as the arrow was about to hit, a gust of wind flew her way, stopping her arrow mid-air, and struck her in the air. It was then she knew she had lost, as a shallow cut began to show on her chest. But she wouldn't go down without a fight.
Landing on the ground, she rolled back on her feet, ran forward, jumped up, and assaulted Brian with a fury of kicks. Each kick was powerful and precise, aimed to break through his defenses. Although her kicks landed a few times, it was not enough to break through the commander's defenses. As she fell down, she tried to slam him down with her wheels, yet it was in vain. With tremendous power, Brian continued to deflect her wheels before he dashed forward, grabbed her head, and slammed her into the ground.
Bases at the foothold.
"What do you mean, Lady Sun has been defeated?! There is no way she could lose!" Zhuge Ke responded angrily. The base was in a state of turmoil, with soldiers running to and fro, preparing for the imminent attack. The walls, hastily reinforced, still showed signs of the previous skirmishes.
"What about the soldiers who were assisting her?!" Sun Tai added, his voice laced with concern.
"They have been defeated as well, sir!" the soldier reported fearfully, his voice trembling.
The strategist clenched his fist and shouted, "Dammit! We have to get her back! We'll attack immediately!"
However, a shout from the distance stopped him in his tracks, followed by a report from the lookout. "We're under attack! The East base has been captured by the enemy!"
"What?! We have to get it back as quickly as possible!" Zhuge Ke ordered, his mind racing through strategies to counter the sudden offensive.
However, before they could, another report echoed through the air. "The enemy commander is advancing towards us from the front! Another attack?!" The tension in the air was palpable, as soldiers readied their weapons and braced for the next wave of assault.
Headquarters of Sun Quan's Forces.
"To think the enemy commander would come out himself. That was not something I was anticipating," Lu Su commented, impressed by the audacity of their foe. The headquarters, nestled in a defensible position on the mountainside, was bustling with activity as officers and soldiers alike prepared for the conflict.
"And to think he would be strong enough to best Lady Sun in a duel. I have underestimated him," he added calmly, his analytical mind already formulating a new strategy.
"How are we losing ground so quickly? Didn't we have an advantage, Lu Su?" Sun Quan asked, the eagerness from before slowly being replaced by worry. His young face showed determination, but there was a hint of uncertainty in his eyes.
"The enemy is putting up quite the resistance. However, do not worry, Lord Sun Quan. It is the job of the strategist to have a backup plan," the slick-black-haired strategist answered, his confidence unwavering. "As long as we stay on this mountain, we have the advantage. The only way for them to take this position is a frontal assault or an attack from the eastern path. Since that is the logical step to take, they will use the path and fall straight into an ambush."
"Worry not, my lord," Lianshi comforted, her voice steady and reassuring. "We will defeat them and free Lady Sun Shangxiang as quickly as possible."
Yan Zhang and Bo Zhang were moving up according to plan. The foothold was captured. The east group had just been ambushed. Seems everything is going to plan, Brian concluded as he stood in the middle of the recently-captured base, his eyes scanning the battlefield map in his HUD.
Zhuge Ke, Sun Shangxiang, and Sun Tai had been captured, and around fifty enemy soldiers surrendered rather than die to the quickly changed odds. Around 125 soldiers did not have that choice, and that was only Brian's count. But he could not worry about such things when the battle wasn't over. With a simple gesture, he summoned a messenger. "My Lord, what can I help you with?"
"Tell Ding Mao to assist Zhang Jun's group. Also, inform him that reinforcements are on their way," Brian ordered calmly, his voice carrying the weight of command.
"Yes, sir," the young messenger acknowledged, grabbing his horse and riding forward.
His eyes shifted back to the map in his HUD as he gazed over the battlefield and the morale bar that was growing in his favor. The digital overlay gave him a strategic advantage, allowing him to see the broader picture and make informed decisions.
"Does he often space out like that?" a soldier asked, confused, a bit further away.
"He does it often, but I doubt he is spacing out. Look at those serious eyes," another soldier answered, impressed by their commander's focus.
"The rumors say he has some way to look onto the battle when he does that. There is always an important strategic decision after those moments," a third soldier explained, adding a sense of mystique to Brian's abilities.
"Really? I am curious about what that strategy could be this time?" the first soldier wondered. "I mean, we captured the foothold bases, but the enemy still has the high ground."
A prisoner overheard their conversation and started to laugh mockingly. "Oh please! You might have defeated us, but there is no way you can best Lord Sun Quan! You might as well...?!"
A spear interrupted his talk as it flew past his face, nearly scraping his ear as it struck the wooden wall of the base. Brian's glare was as deadly as that spear as he approached the inexperienced soldier and said, "The moment you surrendered to us, you gave up your right to speak. Continue to belittle us, and you will personally experience that death can be a blessing."
"Do not dare to hurt him, you asshole!" Sun Shangxiang shouted angrily, her voice carrying across the base, filled with a mix of defiance and concern for her comrade.
A tiny grin appeared on Brian's face as he turned around and ordered, "Mi Tong, can you provide me a private tent in the base for tonight? It seems I need to make an example. Please make sure it is as soundproof as possible."
"Yes, sir," Mi Tong responded as a shock appeared on the prisoners' faces, as well as the Wu tigress.
Brian wasn't done yet as he turned to the guards and ordered, "Bring her away! Complete isolation should 'teach' her properly."
As the guards picked up a restrained Sun Shangxiang and guided her to another base, the other prisoners shouted angrily, "Let her go, you monster! She didn't do anyth—"
Brian's cold gaze silenced them. "Silence! With each word you utter, her punishment will increase. If you truly follow that woman, silence yourselves now," Brian ordered. He then added, "No one is to touch her, understood? Isolation means she is to be left entirely alone."
"Yes, my lord," the guards responded in unison, ensuring the prisoners' fear and compliance.
As Sun Shangxiang was taken away, the other prisoners were left with a chilling silence, understanding the severity of their situation.
Brian whistled for his horse, the mighty beast instantly responding as it ran towards its master. Brian ran to the exit, his horse catching up from behind him. When he was in range, he grabbed the harness of the horse, pulled himself on top of his beast, and rode forward.
The soldiers around him watched in awe, their eyes wide with amazement. One of the younger soldiers couldn't help but exclaim, "Did you see that? He mounted his horse without even slowing down!"
Another soldier, a seasoned veteran, nodded in admiration. "I've never seen anything like it. The man moves with the confidence of a true leader."
"That's our lord for you," a third soldier chimed in, his voice filled with pride. "He leads us into battle and shows no fear."
The display of skill and bravery rallied the troops even more. They tightened their grips on their weapons, their morale soaring. "For Lord Brian!" one soldier shouted, raising his sword high.
"For Lord Brian!" the others echoed, their voices uniting in a powerful chant.
As Brian rode forward, he could hear the rallying cries of his soldiers behind him. A small smile played on his lips, knowing that their spirits were high and their loyalty unwavering. The battlefield was calling, and with his men at his back, he felt ready to face any challenge that lay ahead.
The messenger had reached Ding Mao's troops, and the giant officer was ready to wreak havoc among the enemy ranks. Brian would arrive not much later, completely flipping the tables on the enemy ambush.
The sky began to turn dark, and with it, torches began to brighten, casting flickering shadows against the rugged landscape. The summit base was clearly displayed in the darkness of the evening, its guards patrolling with a sense of overconfidence. "Seems to be another peaceful night," a soldier commented, his voice carrying a note of boredom.
"I am not sure if I am happy or sad about that," the other guard responded, adjusting his helmet. "I mean, why do we even need to guard this area? It's not like the enemy can attack from this side." He shifted his weight and continued, "Anyway, can you believe Lady Sun has been defeated? The only ones who have defeated her before are her older brothers."
"Yeah, I was kinda shocked about it as well. To think the enemy would defeat her and thwart Master Lu Su's strategy that easily."
"That's all they are going to win, though. Master Lu Su is one of Wu's best strategists. An unknown lord without a big name is no match against that man."
The wind blew harshly through the path, making the base's walls creak, and their overconfident laughter filled the air, masking the subtle sounds of approaching danger.
Clattering. The guards looked up in confusion as the taller one asked, "What was that?"
"Probably the wind. Don't be so uptight. It is not like the...?!"
Those words were his last as a dagger silently pierced his neck. The other guard, now panicking, was silenced just in time by a sword through his throat. Their bodies slumped to the ground without a sound.
"Quickly! Bring the ladders!" Bo Zhang whispered urgently, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of alarm. Ten men emerged from their hiding spots behind the rocks, carrying two wooden improvised ladders. They placed them as perfectly as they could against the base's walls. "Yan, take the left. Don't let them see you until we start our assault."
"Yes, sir," the son responded, his voice steady as he began to climb up the ladder.
He pulled himself onto the base's platform, gazing over the area to ensure they hadn't been spotted. "Hurry, we don't have much time!" he commanded to the awaiting troops below.
One after another, the troops stepped onto the platform, moving with the silence and precision of shadows. A guard on patrol came by, his footsteps echoing in the still night. Before he could react, he was silenced by a swift strike. The infiltrating soldiers slipped through the small base, stealing weapons left and right, their movements practiced and efficient. There were a few close calls, the tension palpable as they narrowly avoided detection, but their tactic eventually succeeded without further trouble.
When the moment of attack finally came, no blood was shed. The element of surprise was on their side. Even the mighty Zhu Huan, known for his strength and bravery, had to surrender when three spears were aimed at his throat and chest. His eyes flickered with a mix of defiance and resignation as he dropped his weapon.
Bo Zhang stepped forward, his voice low and commanding. "We have taken this base. Surrender now, and no harm will come to you."
Zhu Huan nodded slowly, signaling his men to lay down their arms. The base was theirs, and the path to victory was clearer than ever.
Brian's main base of operations.
The day had been busy as Brian's forces had scored an overwhelming victory on the first day. The foothold was taken, the ambush on the east path was defeated with minimal losses, and just now, his forces had successfully taken over the summit base.
Content with today's results, Brian walked towards his personal tent for the final act of the day. Mi Tong had done a splendid job setting up a big enough tent and isolating it well. Now, nobody would know what his true plan was with the Princess of Wu. His men had been grinning from ear to ear about the speculations, but he wouldn't let them know a single thing.
Opening the big flap of the tent, his eyes gazed over the impressive insides. You really overdid yourself, Mi Tong, he thought as he looked at the comfortable pillows and sleeping bags laying on the floor. The interior was illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns, casting a warm, inviting light that contrasted sharply with the cold reality of the battle outside. And on one of the plush sleeping bags, Sun Shangxiang lay, her feet and hands tied up as her mouth was sealed. With a mixture of fear and anger, she kept her glare on Brian.
Her green eyes stared at him with burning fury, quite fitting with her short height and her nickname. She didn't look as ladylike as some of the other women he had met, but in some way, that was quite refreshing. Her short brown hair fitted her eyes well, and her looks were nothing to sneeze at either. Her legs were feminine yet muscular, and her arms were similar. If Brian had been an indecent man, surely what was going to happen next was something along the lines of what his men were picturing.
"Well, this was not part of the plan. First, let's get this away," he started as he grabbed the end of the piece of cloth sealing her mouth and pulled it off.
The princess bit her teeth in a moment of pain but closed her mouth just as quickly. Brian smiled as he sat down opposite her and continued, "Playing the tough girl, huh? I kinda like that. Who taught you to be tough?"
"Shut up and get this over with already, asshole," she snorted back. She was not expecting what came after that.
Instead of being mad or doing just that, Brian smiled happily as he leaned back and responded, "Finally! Bloody hell, that feels good. Do it one more time!"
The young girl looked confused as she asked, "Do what again?"
"Hm, not getting it a second time. Not important. You didn't answer my question yet. Who taught you to be tough? Was it your father? One of your brothers?" he asked, hoping to get the same response.
"Why do you wanna know that, prick?" she asked rudely. Again, a response came she was not expecting.
Brian leaned back as he smiled and exclaimed, "Yes. Finally, someone who just insults me! It is so annoying to be called 'lord' all the time, you know?" he commented happily.
Sun Shangxiang looked confused but curious as well as she asked, "You don't like it to be called 'lord'?"
"Of course, I don't like it! Do you really think a guy who goes headfirst into battle wants to be called 'lord' all the time? It is so annoying," he complained. "No one acts naturally because they are afraid to offend me."
A momentary relief went through Sun Shangxiang's mind as she impulsively responded, "Yes, absolutely! I mean, how difficult is it just to be honest?" Before she realized her outburst and held back again.
"No, no, no, please don't do that! We had a moment there. I was enjoying the conversation," Brian said worriedly.
"We did not have a moment. Besides, the only reason you are here is to know how to beat my brother or to use me. In either situation, I have nothing to say to you, bastard!"
Brian smiled again but for a different reason this time. He looked into her eyes as he responded, "You are wrong there. Firstly, this battle is already decided." Sun Shangxiang looked confused, so Brian explained his conclusion. "My forces just took the summit of the base, and now have a perfect vantage point to attack from. We captured the eastern path and the foothold of the mountain. Do you really think your brother can withstand a pincer attack from three angles?"
The young tigress looked shocked, but Brian wasn't done yet. "Secondly, you looked absolutely amazing, but I am not the kind of man who takes a woman's body without taking her heart. I was just here to get insulted like no tomorrow while breaking the spirits of your men. Kill two birds with one stone, so to speak."
The princess regained her cool as she realized the genius of his plan. With a tone of defeat in her voice, she asked, "What are you planning to do with us after this battle?"
Brian raised an eyebrow as he answered, "To be fair, I have no idea. I just responded to your march on my borders. I was hoping you guys could serve under me and help me realize my ambition."
"Your ambition?" the young girl asked, intrigued. "What is it?"
"If you must know, I have been asked to restore peace to the land. Although that is still my plan, I feel we need something stronger to keep that peace restored. Thus, I want to elevate this land to a country to be envious of, where people can live without worrying if they have something to eat the next day."
"Like that's ever gonna work. Perhaps you can beat us, but there are many stronger fighters out there." A grin appeared on her face though as she added, "But I'll make a deal with you. If you beat my brother, I'll join your side."
Brian looked skeptical as he asked, "Why the change of heart?"
The young girl smiled as she answered, "It sounds like a fun adventure. Besides, if I have to choose to serve you or leave my fate completely in your hands as a prisoner, I'd rather choose the former. And you sound like a pretty cool guy..." She mumbled under her breath, hoping it hadn't reached his ears.
From bastard to cool guy. That's new, he thought as he tried to mask that he didn't hear it. At that moment, a sharp pain pierced through his shoulder, and with a painful smile, he commented, "You pack quite the punch. My shoulder is still reminded of your barrage of kicks."
"I could say the same. To think you would slam me into the ground... You really are merciless," she responded with a smile as she brushed some of her hair away. "Thank you for that. I am glad you didn't hold back on me, despite me being a woman."
"It was a battle between warriors. Gender should not matter in those battles," he responded. He leaned forward, to Sun's surprise, as he added, "But since we are no longer in battle, let me look at your wound. It's the least I can do."
Before the young girl could answer, Brian was already beside her, looking closely at the wound on her head. "If you offer your help, you should at least give the choice of declining it..." she mumbled, yet did not move away.
"My apologies. Luckily, the wound doesn't seem to be too big or infected. A few days should be enough for it to be completely healed," Brian reported.
The young girl looked perplexed as she asked, "How do you know that?"
His eyes shot open as he realized that knowledge from his previous life, from one of his studies to be precise. Shit, how am I going to explain this? "I learned it from a sage in our town when I was little. I spent quite some time with him until he left the village," he made up.
Sun Shangxiang's green-yellowish eyes suddenly looked very interested as she asked, "Really? That's so cool. If it is not too much to ask, could you check my shoulder as well? Your attack was kinda difficult to block..."
"Sure," Brian responded. Although he acted as he normally would around a patient, he wasn't sure if this was truly an act of help, or if she was hitting on him. Quickly, he discovered the former was at least true as he felt several muscles tense at the back of her shoulder. "Seems your muscles have tensed a bit too much after taking my attacks. Two days of rest should be enough to heal it. I'll ask the guards to take it easy on you during the day. At night, you can stay here."
"Is there a reason for this sudden generosity?" she asked curiously.
Brian stood up as he answered, "Yes, there is. Although they will listen to my command, these battles and these times of turmoil cause my soldiers a lot of stress. I think they can resist their urge to vent it off with violence, but I doubt they will be able to resist their sexual urges. As long as you stay here, you should be safe from that."
Sun Shangxiang's eyes widened from shock before she looked at the ground and responded in a whisper, "Thank you for your consideration. I hadn't thought of that..."
Brian smiled before he said, "No worries. Now, are you comfortable, or do you need something more to sleep? I can't release the restraints for obvious reasons, but there is no reason to sleep uncomfortably here just because of them."
"I am fine. Thank you and good night, you bastard," she smiled before she lay down and quickly fell asleep.
Sun Quan's Camp - The Next Morning.
His army was bigger. His strategists were more famous for their strategies. His officers were capable individuals who could turn the tide of the battle. He had an almost impregnable defense that would not fall to a simple attack. And yet, Sun Quan could only wonder what had happened the following morning as he heard the summit base had been taken over, and the enemy had him surrounded from three sides.
How did it come to this? Sun Quan thought, frustration and disbelief clouding his mind as he paced back and forth in his tent. His once confident demeanor now showed signs of worry and desperation.
"We have to get control of the battlefield again. Prepare the ballista. We should be able to hold them off from the eastern side. Lianshi, assist the frontline," Lu Su ordered, his voice calm yet urgent. "My lord, we'll have to be ready to engage from the back."
"I understand, Lu Su. Please lead us to victory," Sun Quan acknowledged, trying to regain his composure as he prepared to follow the strategist. However, before he could, a loud agitation could be heard and seen, and not much later, a messenger burst into the tent, out of breath and wide-eyed.
"The walls have been breached! The enemy is storming in!" he reported frantically.
"I'll hold them off! Lu Su, protect Lord Sun Quan!" Lianshi commanded, determination etched on her face as she ran to the front, her heart pounding with the urgency of the situation.
Lu Su confirmed her request with a nod as he brought their lord to the back, while Lianshi continued to sprint forward. Sooner than expected, the enemy appeared in her sight, and she quickly concluded her allies could not stop them. Her eyes noticed a soldier charging her own, and in a split second, she drew her crossbow and shot an arrow perfectly between his eyes. "Lady Lianshi! We are glad you're here. We can't hold the line for long!" a soldier cried out, relief evident in his voice.
"I'll assist you. Everyone that is still able to fight, form a defensive wall at the top. Do not let them reach Lord Sun Quan!" she commanded as she ran forward, her voice filled with authority and confidence.
"Of course, my lady! Good luck!" the soldier responded before rallying the troops.
Lianshi didn't listen as her senses were too focused on the battle sounds. The clash of steel, the cries of the wounded, and the heavy thud of bodies hitting the ground filled the air. Another enemy soldier appeared in her vision, and with a quick arrow, she shot him down before he could finish one of her allies. Two more soldiers stood in the distance, but with a miraculous double-shot, she shot both of them down simultaneously. "Stand tall! We will not be defeated here!" she rallied, her voice cutting through the chaos.
Unfortunately, it was in vain when a new face stepped through the gates. By his armor and his halberd, she could conclude he was an important asset of the enemy army. She did not even have to think as her hand moved automatically, and the arrow shot forward.
*Clang* He blocked it?! she thought in shock as the warrior did not even look fazed by the attack. "It's the enemy commander...?!"
"What is he doing here?!" one of her soldiers exclaimed, panic creeping into his voice.
"He defeated Lady Sun and broke through the walls singlehandedly! We... we don't stand a chance against him!" another soldier added, fear evident in his tone.
The young commander walked forward, blocking two more arrows from Lianshi with his sword in the process. Two soldiers charged in with their spears as she shot another one, but Brian twisted to the ground, cutting the two attackers down and dodging the arrow in the process. With a smile on his face, he stood up and said, "You are really merciless. Let me guess; you are Lady Lianshi?"
Without a second warning, she fired two more arrows as she angrily asked, "What have you done to Lady Sun Shangxiang?!"
"She is safe. Are you gonna fire more of those arrows or are we done now?" the commander asked, annoyed. Three arrows followed, each arrow perfectly parried. "Okay, the hard way it is then," he answered himself as he made his way towards her, his eyes locked onto hers with a mix of determination and annoyance.
"Do not let him past! Defend Lady Lianshi!" a soldier commanded as he charged forward and instantly paid the price for it. More soldiers pressed the attack and fell trying to stop the commander. He is unstoppable, she thought, her heart pounding as she realized the gravity of the situation.
As he came in range to attack her, he stopped and asked, "Are we done already, or do you want to continue this fight?"
Lianshi smiled uncomfortably as she answered, "Hehe... Please take it easy on me, okay?" she said, trying to mask her fear with a feeble attempt at humor.
A single movement forced both officers to move. Lianshi loaded her weapon as she jumped to dodge an incoming attack, and while upside down in the air, shot an arrow. It pierced Brian's right shoulder but, luckily, missed all vital points. A second and third arrow followed, but those were successfully dodged. Ignoring the pain, Brian charged in, avoided the fourth arrow by a hair, and punched the archeress just below the chin. As expected, the punch to the nerve instantly caused her to pass out, her body crumpling to the ground.
"My lord! Are you alright?" a soldier asked, concerned.
To his shock, Brian pulled the arrow out of his shoulder as he responded, "Yeah, it didn't hit anything vital. Let's move! We have a battle to win!" he said, his voice filled with unwavering resolve as he prepared to lead his troops to victory.
Sun Quan's Main Base.
"I surrender. You have bested me in this fight," Sun Quan conceded, kneeling on the ground with a sword aimed at his head, his weapon out of reach. His shoulders slumped, and his once confident gaze now held a mixture of defeat and respect. Two soldiers instantly came running to put him in custody, their expressions a mix of relief and wariness.
"Treat him with care," Brian ordered, his voice firm but respectful, as he grabbed the sword from the ground. He turned his eyes on his soldiers, their faces showing the exhaustion and relief of hard-fought victory. "We have won this battle! As of today, I claim the land of Jieting as my own!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the battlefield.
Cheers erupted from his men, their voices filled with triumph and pride. It was a grandiose victory, with minimal losses for Brian's army. However, this victory had come at a cost. The counter of his kill streak had passed the four hundred mark, and his health bar was in the red, a stark reminder of the toll the battle had taken on him.
As the surviving Wu forces were brought back to the main camp, Brian fell to his knee, using his sword for support, blood seeping out from the large diagonal cut from his shoulder to his hip. Warning: Health critically low, his HUD flashed.
"My lord! What's wrong?!" Li Ru asked worriedly, rushing to his side, his eyes wide with concern.
"Nothing... Just a small flesh wound," Brian answered, trying to sound reassuring. Although that was mostly true, the tiredness of the last two days did not help. I am about to pass out... Brian thought, his vision starting to blur. Just then, someone grabbed his hand and lifted him up.
"Walk with me, sir. When we are back, you can take some rest," Bo Zhang whispered, his tone both respectful and firm as he carried most of his lord's weight. Maximum friendship reached! Bo Zhang gained the Support skill Assistance Healing! appeared in Brian's HUD.
Are you for real...? Brian thought in tired surprise as he read the message. To think he would be the first who would acknowledge me... Miracles do happen...
"Let me help you as well, my lord!" Yan Zhang said, his voice filled with loyalty and determination, as he grabbed the other arm and placed it on his opposite shoulder. Maximum friendship reached! Yan Zhang gained the Support skill Assistance Protect! appeared in Brian's HUD.
With a group of loyal soldiers and officers alongside him, he eventually reached his main camp. The sight of their combined strength and unity filled Brian with a renewed sense of hope and determination. Seeing both his health bar return to yellow and feeling his energy return, he walked up to the middle of the camp, standing tall despite his injuries.
He raised his fist in the air and addressed his men. "Today, we have achieved a great victory! This battle marks not just a win over Sun Quan, but a step towards the peace and unity we all strive for. Our goal is not just to conquer, but to create a land where our people can live without fear, where prosperity and justice reign. We are the force that can make this dream a reality!"
His officers and soldiers raised their fists or roared in approval, echoing his claim. The sound was deafening, a powerful testament to their loyalty and morale. It was a beautiful sight, a moment of unity and triumph that would be remembered. Even Sun Quan, now a prisoner, was mesmerized by the display of camaraderie and strength among Brian's forces.
Suddenly, a voice called out from the crowd. "As promised, I pledge my loyalty to you now, you dummy!" Sun Shangxiang came running, her face lit up with relief and determination. She hugged her brother tightly before turning to face Brian with a grin.
Brian's soldiers looked confused, but Brian showed a big grin and welcomed her. Lianshi, Lu Su, and the other captured officers looked equally puzzled.
Brian then turned to Sun Quan, his expression firm yet respectful. "Sun Quan, I offer you a chance to join us. Together, we can unite this land and bring peace to our people. Your strength and wisdom would be invaluable in achieving this vision. What say you?"
Sun Quan looked at his sister, seeing the sincerity and resolve in her eyes. He then turned back to Brian, a hint of respect and acceptance forming in his expression. "Very well. I will join your cause. For the sake of our people and the future we all desire."
With that, the battle of Jieting ended. It marked the start of Brian's legacy to unite the land.
Battle Report of Jieting:
Victory!
Results:
- Enemy defeated: 459.
- Gold acquired: 200.
- Exp acquired: 1646.
Gold:
- Reward: 1500.
- Difficulty bonus: 35.
- Total gold: 1535.
Exp:
- Difficulty bonus: 20.
- To next level: 1224.
Brian Miller: Lv. 15 level up!
Leadership: lv. 31 level up!
New allies gained: Sun Tai, Quan Zong, Zhuge Ke, Zhu Huan, Lu Su, Lian Shi, Sun Shang Xiang, Sun Quan.
Author notes:
And that was chapter 4 of A Game of Ambition. I hope you enjoyed it all.
This was the battle of Jieting, historically a battle between the Late Wei and Shu, with the (dynasty warriors) famous act of Ma Su's failed strategy. I used the Dynasty Warriors 8 map for this battle, so you can check it out if you like. Jieting was the closest location I could find that fitted with the position of the Yellow River, thus it was the perfect battlefield to start a duel battle.
Please leave a review of your thoughts. Did you enjoy it or not, and why did or didn't you enjoy it? I value all feedback.
That was everything I wanted to say. Have a great day and hope to see you legends in the next one! Beyor out!