Welcome to A Game of Ambition. As you read in the summary, this story is about another Isekai in the world of Dynasty Warriors ambition mode. After replaying Dynasty Warriors 8 XL, I just found the inspiration to write a story about it.

This story is rated M just to make sure I have no restraints. Further, I am Dutch, so my English will not be perfect. If the popularity of this story grows, perhaps I will seek a beta-reader, but for now, you will have to do with my English.

I played dynasty warriors 2, 5, and 8, and am familiar with the characters and battlefields. Don't expect pinpointed expertise from this story from a historical point.

Without any further ado, enjoy A Game of Ambition.

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


''Can anybody provide me with a decent challenge?!'' A familiar character on a television screen asked loudly, just for the entertainment of the gamer playing him. With a whistle provided by a simple press of the L2 button, the equipped horse appeared out of nowhere and the character grabbed it mid-run to move to the next location.

''You beat another one?'' A question echoed through the headset, the character of the voice still trying to beat a group of mobile commanders.

''Of course, I did. I told you, Lu Bu is overpowered.'' The black-haired adolescent in his student room answered confidently. The light was dimmed, only the TV and the occasional lighting providing the light necessary. The darkness of the late evening hid the presence of the rest of his student's room.

Lightning and thunder continued to shake the heavens as the battle in the virtual world continued on, one officer after another defeated by the hands of their characters. ''This game is pretty cool, but I have to admit the reviews were right. The AI is definitely not as strong as it had been back in the older games.''

''I have to take your word for it.'' The player on the other side responded before he asked, ''Anyway, what now? Do we just charge in or do we need to be concerned about another flood?''

''Just charge in and slice away. It can't be simpler than that,'' Brian replied as he steered Lu Bu towards the final castle, pressing the attack button as he charged forward. A yellow cursor followed his green cursor, and in a mere five minutes, the cutscene of Lu Bu's demise ended.

Thunder and lightning continued to grow stronger, but both Brian and his friend on the other side were not paying attention to it. Instead, after the cutscene ended, Brian's companion noticed the time and said, ''Oh shit. Brian, I have got to go. I still have that assignment to finish.''

''Seriously? We received that assignment a week ago.''

''Oh, fuck off. We can't all be mister perfect.'' the other side retorted before asking, ''Can I borrow your notes?''

''Sure. Give me a minute.'' Brian answered as he grabbed his laptop.

A minute later the other side replied, ''I received it. You're a lifesaver like always. Speak to you tomorrow. Good night!''

''Good night, Mike,'' Brian responded. A message on his screen informed him player two had left the lobby, but even when the message disappeared, Brian continued to gaze at the spot the message was moments ago. Mister perfect... Not that bullshit again. I've got my own problems, ass, the student thought before he switched his attention back on the game and continued where he left off.

With the Lu Bu story mode finished, at least the historical one, the game had brought him back to the starting menu. It was due to scrolling the wrong way, he found a new mode to play. Ambition mode? Wait, is this something like Empires? Interesting. Brian thought as pressed the confirmation button. It was faith that had a different plan in store for him.

Before the thunder could warn him, the lightning had already done its part. A heart-shattering quake, a blinding light, followed by an overwhelming electric shock before everything turned dark.


''Near the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the land was in chaos, and the age was thrust into confusion.'' A perfect narrative voice echoed through the emptiness of nothingness. ''Using this as an opportunity, numerous warlords looked to seize power for themselves.''

''Many of them tried to seize the Emperor in order to him as a symbol of their power. It would bring a sense of righteousness to their cause, as well as display their ambitions to conquer the land. In this way, the flames of war spread to the capital, and the Emperor was forced to flee with a small contingent of men.''

Burning houses, screaming villagers, many battles, and more pictures of war flashed from a television-like screen for anyone that was willing to look. '' In search of somebody with the strength to protect him, he continued to wander the land.''

''Then, a small kingdom rose up within a nearby land. It was a land that was much too poor to be welcoming somebody as important as the Emperor. In addition, it had few allies to help it and it lacked the strength to protect the Emporer.'' As if a slow drone was filming the town in a rough storm, the poorness of the streets came into view.

''However, if the land were to be developed, and brave officers could be recruited to the cause, then just maybe...'' A long silence filled the air.

The nothingness slowly turned dark while the narrator's voice spoke, ''In addition, an ambitious officer was beginning a promising career within the land...''


A shimmer of light passed through the silky curtains, the sunrays opening the day by the gift of their warmth. The sunlight reached all the way into the room, where it perfectly struck the sleeping boy's eyes.

His eyebrows tensed until his eyes slowly opened up and other sensations began to arise from the horizon. An unfamiliar scent hung in the air and his bed felt unfamiliarly soft. His ears did not catch any familiar noise, except the sound of the morning market in the distance. His body felt lighter than before as the act of moving his arm and legs was feeling easier. However, those were nothing compared to what his eyes woke up to.

The bed was soft and king-sized, unlike his own. It was a four-poster bed, only seen in the movies of old. The walls were whitely-stoned, almost marble-like, but just not yet. ''Where am I?'' the boy asked confused just to himself. He stepped out of the bed and saw two oddly shaped shoes on the wooden floor. One more quick gaze over the many decorations and furniture and that question suddenly turned to an almost impossible scenario. I can't be...

The clothes in the closet, which were all perfectly his size for whatever reason that was supposed to be, further confirmed his suspense. Brian quickly picked something comfortable to wear and made his way through the house. But no matter what part of the house, the traces of the civilization he was so used to were not there. This is strange... it can't, can it? I need more evidence!

Just as he was about to open the front door, it was opened by an older man from the outside. The older pair of eyes grew large as he instantly bowed and said, ''Good morning, my lord. I hope you have slept well.'' Did he just say my lord? Brian thought as he too shocked to respond properly. Trying to decipher what was going on, and how to respond, the older man asked, ''Are you alright, my lord?''

Quickly shaken his head, Brian turned his gaze on the older man and said, ''Yes... yes! My apologies. My mind is a bit fuzzy from the good night sleep I had.''

The man immediately bowed as he apologized, ''My apologies, my lord! I will immediately arrange a new bed to the best of your liking!''

''That's not necessary,'' Brian responded immediately, glad the excuse worked as it was intended. ''I believe a trip through the town can help me clear this fuzziness. Could you escort me?''

''It is an honor, my lord! I will bring the horses forward immediately!'' The man answered as he bowed and walked away. Well, that was strange. Brian thought before shifting his eyes to his surroundings. Anyway, it seems so far it is true. To think I would end up in ancient China...

His adviser, who was named Feng Delan he learned through another improvised scheme, quickly returned with two horses, helped Brian on his horse, and rode behind him. Although the college student had never ridden a horse before, it almost felt like second nature to him. It helped the walnut was calm, and listened well to his unspoken commands.

Feeling confident enough in his riding skill, he increased the pressure of his calves int the horse's side. The effect was immediate as his horse increased its speed. ''My lord! Be careful!''

''It will be fine!'' Brian responded smilingly, already enjoying the change of pace. Besides, if he had to explore what he was supposed to be a lord of, he might as well speed the process up. It was a straight path forward, here and there a few houses. He passed a farmer with water buffalo, the former bowing deeply as the large beast was just gazing in the distance. ''Good morning!'' Brian greeted loudly before dashing towards the town on his stead.

Arriving at the town, he slowed his noble beast and continued to a gentle pace. Footsteps of Feng's horse slowly approached his, and with a worried look, the advisor said, ''Lord Brian. You can't just ride away like that.''

The former student ignored that comment as his horse stepped into town. It was your regular small town, with broad streets and tight alleyways, where a few merchants were selling their merchandise. The sound of iron-casting echoed through the streets, and somewhere, fresh tea was served.

However, those were only superficial details. People were thin; their clothes were torn, and the town was too full for its capacity. Delan stopped alongside him and asked, ''Are your memories returning to you, my lord?''

''Slowly, but I think I need to see a bit more to fully clear this haziness. Can you escort me further through the town?'' Before Delan could answer his request, he added, ''And could you please not call me Lord all the time?''

''It will be an honor to guide you.'' Delan answered before he asked, ''If I can't call you my lord, what should I call you?''

''Brian is just fine, Delan,'' Brian answered as his advisor rode in front of him, and they made their way through town.

The town was just as expected as small as it looked like from the outside. The blacksmith was small and decayed, the merchant's zone was almost abandoned, the town's plaza looked empty and even with the delicious scent from the tea, the teahouse was almost-completely empty. ''What happened here?'' Brian asked concerned.

''The consequences of war, I am afraid. Although the town is safe for now, I am not certain for how long it will stay this way.'' Delan answered, a worry in his voice that was as clear as the cloudless sky.

Just as Brian wanted to ask about that, a carriage drove through the town gate, accompanied by a handful of knights. The noises of various merchants died down as the knights rode to the middle of the plaza, and their attention shifted between the carriage and the knight who was clearly in charge of the group. His dark-brown eyes stared strictly and tiredly around him, fitting perfectly with dark hair. With a loud, commanding voice, he declared, ''On the command of the Emporer, we like to speak to the lord of these lands! Inform him of our arrival immediately!''

The atmosphere grew tense, for the Emporer was not a man to be kept waiting. His name was a symbol of power, even in the chaotic times of war. Everyone was tense, except for Brian, who momentarily forgot he was the lord they asked for. What a useless power move... Well, it left its mark for anyone else. I wonder who this lord is supposed to be?

*Delan's coughing.*

Brian looked behind, just to catch his advisor looking at him with a meaningful gaze. Me?! Are you for real? Goddammit. He thought annoyed as he sighed and rode forward. The attention of the crowd shifted from the knight to him, just as the glares of the knights. Trying to play along in whatever this situation was supposed to be, although he had an assumption, he replied, ''Welcome to my lands. I am Lord Brian, the ruler of this land. If you want to speak to me in private, please follow me.''

The head-knight looked momentarily confused before he nodded pleased and ordered his men to follow him with the carriage. Brian rode back, the townspeople finally recognizing him as their lord as they stepped aside, in silent awe or just fear for what the consequences were. As he rode past Delan, he ordered, ''Have some guards guard the house. ''

''Very well, sir.'' He responded politely before riding to another part of the town.


Although the situation had been tense in town, once arriving at Brian's supposed new home, it turned to a complete theatrical comical play. The knights looked tense, and the Emporer hadn't shown his face whatever as his carriage was carried inside the house as if he was a spoiled princess. As the carriage was placed down, several knights stepped outside to stand on guard.

Delan had returned as well as with a few guards and maidens and entered the house with a polite bow to his master and the Emporer. ''Can I offer you anything, your highness? Tea? Something to eat?''

A soft bell rang the air, and the knight said, ''He would like some tea.'' Then he shifted to the lord and started, ''Thank you for quick notice, sir Brian. I shall not waste your time with unnecessary talk. I assume you aware of the troubles of your highness's position and the turmoil of the land. We need help to regain what we have lost, and hereby give you the honor to help us in that noble task.''

Brian thanked the maiden for the tea, took a sip, and raised one of his thick black-haired eyebrows. Are you for real, mate? What of that bullshit is an honor? Without wasting anyone's time, he switched to the guard and asked, ''What's your name?''

''Mi Tong, sir.'' the knight answered confused before asking, ''What has that to do...?''

''With introductions done, as ever normal conversation should start with knowing the name of your interlocutor, we can return to the topic at hand.'' He shifted his eyes on his butler and said, ''Delan, please show mister Mi Tong around.''

The shadow behind the curtain of the Emporer rose, and the knight himself looked conflicted as he asked, ''Why do you...?''

Brian didn't waste any time yet again as he answered, ''This is a request from the Emporer himself. If it is a request from your highness, I will listen to him without any hesitation. However, if he is not willing to ask me for help personally, I am afraid you are wasting your time here.'' The knight's expression became almost unreadable, and his advisor's expression turned to fear. However, before the man could respond, Brian added, ''If you are afraid for your highness's safety, you can check my house for weapons, as well as my body.'' Switching his eyes to the curtain where the Emporer was supposed to be, he said, ''What's your response, your highness? Would you start a one-on-one conversation with me, or would you seek help from another lord?''

''You!?'' Mi Tong growled before the same bell rang again. ''Your highness?'' the knight asked as he lay his ear to the curtain, and heard a surprising request. ''V..very well, your highness.'' He switched his attention to the butler and said in a much more polite way, ''Please show me around the house.''

As the maidens, the advisor, and the knight stepped outside and closed the door behind them, after checking the lord for weapons, Brian shifted his attention to the curtains. The Emporer's arm slowly moved forward, gently pushing the curtain away as he started, ''You are a very unusual person, Sir Brian. You are the first who dares to make such a request. Why would you make such a request if you know the penalty could be death?''

The Emporer was a young boy, younger than the age of Brain's new body. If he had to guess, he wasn't even thirteen yet so spoke so firmly it was as if he was a grown man. Brian smiled as he answered, ''If I may be so blunt, your highness, your request asked by Mi Tong has a similar ending for me. If I have to put my life on the line for someone, I at least want to hear it from them personally.''

The young Emporer looked understandable before he asked, ''Does that mean you are willing to help me?''

''Not so quick, your highness.'' Brian countered, feeling the conversation switching for the better. He had control, and now, it was the time to take the reigns. ''Before I will accept your request, I have a question and a request of my own.''

The Emporer's blue eyes met with Brian's brown eyes, and after a few seconds, he responded, ''Very well. What is your question?''

''What do you stand for?''

''Excuse me?'' The young boy asked confused.

Brian closed his eyes as he explained, ''I do not mind to follow you, but I need to know what you would do if you would regain your position. Do you stand for the people, do you strive for a better economy, or is it something else that you want to reach?''

''What does it concern you what I stand or want?'' The Emporer asked, feeling conflicted to continue the conversation.

''Everything, your highness. If I am fighting for you, I will fight with my life on the line. Not only me, but the people who should be under my care are at danger as well, and I do not want them to become a sacrifice they have risked their lives for if their situation would not change for the better. If you do not know the answer, then what am I supposed to use to persuade the many I have to fight against?''

''You fight for me! That should be sufficiënt.'' The young boy answered, showing a fit of anger that finally showed some humanity in his expression.

''If it should, why is the land in turmoil?'' the Emporer's eyes opened wide, for he had never met a person who was speaking to him in such a manner. Before he could retort though, Brian said, ''The land is in turmoil because the people don't know who to follow. People need a leader that knows what he wants and knows what his people want. I do not need an answer if you do not have one at the moment, but I expect one at the end of all this.''

The Emporer's eyes turned serious as he asked, ''And what if it doesn't fit your standards?''

''It doesn't have to fit my standards, as long as it fits the people. If not, you can expect another war starting, and I will not be there to help you again.'' Brian answered, his words already indicating he was willing to help the Emporer.

Realizing that all too well, the young man closed his eyes, tried to find some inner peace again by the looks of it, and focused again. ''You made your case clear. Now, what is your request? I can give you everything you desire.''

''In that case, I request your absolute trust,'' Brian answered almost immediately.

''My trust?'' The young Emporer repeated confused. ''Why would you request that?''

Brian took a sip of his tea as he answered, ''I'll fight for you, but the people will not. The simple truth is, if I succeed in this request you ask of me, the people would follow my word. Although that doesn't sound as threatening at first glance for I follow you, I could give others the idea that I want to take the throne for my own. If you have any doubts about my loyalty, please talk to me instead of taking unnecessary actions that can be regretted. Therefore, I require absolute trust.''

The Emporer looked intrigued as if he had learned an important lesson. ''I have never given a thought about that. You may be blunt, but you speak wise words. Very well, I will put my trust in you, on my word as the Emporer. I assume you will help me restore this land?'' the young boy asked hopefully.

''Ýes, I will,'' Brian answered. It was that moment, all of his suspensions where he was were confirmed as a message appeared in his view, as if it was HUD. Options about his level, health, allies, resources, and more were in plain sight for his eyes alone. So this really is the game. I guess that dream was not a dream back then... just terrific...


The evening sun shone a beautiful orange light over the lands as the temperature began to decrease. Most of the merchants had gone home to hope for a better sale the next day, just as most of the other townsfolk had returned home in the hope their houses would survive for another day.

Brian was just walking back to his house after an afternoon of exploring the town more carefully. With his menu, he could see the special buildings that he could use in his conquest and the buildings that still required his attention. In particular, it were the blacksmith, teahouse, and merchant's district that required strengthening.

''Yeesh, what did I get myself into...'' he complained to himself alone. ''Isekaied in Dynasty Warriors. And it didn't even involve a truck.'' His joke at least made him smile, but soon he realized, there was nothing to laugh about. It was the dynasty warriors Ambition mode he was stuck in, without a clear way out. His family, his friends, his study, his real-life; there was no knowing what would come of them or if he could return to them.

And it wasn't as if this game was going to be kind to his own life. Although his love for role-playing helped him turn a grim situation into a situation he could profit from, his lack of fighting capabilities, apart from his boxing hobby, was going to be a problem. Again, that is what he assumed but when he equipped himself with a simple cutlass, the movement of limbs almost felt as if he used it a thousand times. To top it off, those weren't the only surprises that made him wonder what the hell was going on.

Although he didn't mind to eat something, the normal appetite he was so known for back home wasn't present. That survival instinct just didn't act the way it should, and neither did the exit he concluded by the lack of peeing urges. Maybe those aren't present, because they are not part of the normal game mode... He tried to reason as he walked on the bad infrastructure of his town. His surroundings were surprisingly peaceful, with only a few birds chirping in the distance, and it were perfect conditions to set his thoughts straight.

On his way back near the house, where the Emporer was still residing in one of the guest rooms, he encountered the knight Mi Tong. Unlike their previous encounter, when the knight's eyes could burn him with a hateful glare, his gaze this time around was friendly. ''Good evening, Lord Brian. My sincere apologies for my behavior this morning. The Emporer has told me everything and has ordered me to assist to the best of my capabilities. If there is anything you need I can arrange, do not feel objected asking.''

Talk about a personality change. Why does this feel a little bit too good to be true? He thought suspiciously. Normally, if he had distrusted or assumed one of his friends was mad, he would box or wrestle it out, but he doubted he had the equipment for it. Instead, he said, ''Walk with me.''

''Please lead the way.'' The knight responded politely, his expression hiding the confusion that began to arise well.

Under the rising moon of the evening, the former student started, ''My apologies as well, Mi Tong. I was rude to you, and it was not my intent to offend you. If you have any resentment towards me, feel free to speak your mind.''

Mi Tong looked content as he responded, ''Thank you, Lord Brian. That apology means a lot to me.'' He looked ahead as he continued, ''Although it is no excuss, the stress and fear of the past weeks due to the wars have caused me and my men to grow tired and hostile. Your acceptance to help us has given some reassurance.'' A silence filled the air until the knight asked, ''Do you really think you can unite the land?''

''I am not sure, but I promised the Emporer already. I might as well go for it.''

Mi Tong shifted his gaze on him and asked, ''And how are you going to do that?''

''I have an idea, but I am going to need manpower for it.''

Mi Tong bowed deeply as he responded immediately, ''We will help! What do you need?''

Too easy. He thought as he answered, ''If we plan to unite the land, we need a solid foundation to work from. First, we unite the surrounding areas and develop the infrastructure. I need a map of the country to plan for the future, and a map of our surroundings to plan the upcoming days.''

''Very well. Leave it to me!'' The knight responded as he bowed and ran towards the house. Switching his eyes on the menu, Brian smiled as he realized he had successfully activated the 'Gather Supplies' skill, and further noticed the bond between him and Mi Tong had slightly increased. That easy? I hope they are all that easy. Although I doubt everything is gonna be that simple... Brian feared as he thought back on every character he knew and had played.

There were many officers and lords in ancient china that could be considered a dangerous threat for his conquest. Conquest. He smiled stupidly as he thought back how he could accept such a ridiculous request so easily and was glad to see that his instincts were right. If he was in actual ancient china, instead of in the game, he would have stood no chance. However, even with the knowledge of how some battles had gone, and the advantage of his instantly learned skills, his quest would not be easy. And there was one last thing that Brian was very thankful for.

He was stuck in a game. Every enemy he killed was not a pang of guilt he would have nightmares off or would affect history. It would probably affect him more than he wished for, but nothing else.

One last smile appeared on his face as he thought, Now I hope the AI is as terrible as it was. Before he walked to his house for a good night of rest. The answer to that hopeful question had an answer only time could tell.


Author notes:

This was chapter one of A Game of Ambition. I hope you liked it.

I have not much else to say. Feel free to review this story. Feedback is always welcome if you are polite.

That was everything I really wanted to see. That was it for the first chapter and I hope to see you all in the second one. Beyor out!