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


Tianshui. An important city south of Jie Ting, just passed the Wei River. It was a city known for its fertile soil, and it was that reason it became a popular place for farmers to settle there and try to make a living. Thus, when the news arrived two armies were approaching from two sides, the panic started. A panic their arable lands would be trampled. A worry their effort to start over was for nothing. A fear they would die in the crossfire of two clashing armies.

''Do not worry about your land. The fight will never reach your homes,'' Brian assured the farmers we came to plead for their safety. ''Please return to your homes and wait until this battle is over.''

''Thank you, my lord! You are so kind! We won't forget your kindness!'' Could be heard in the thankful reactions of plenty as the farmers continued to bow while running back to their homes.

Lu Su smiled as he commented from a bit further away, ''It seems our lord is quite loved by the people. I only hope we can keep that promise.''

''Isn't that the job of us strategists?'' Li Ru asked grinningly. ''I am certain with the two of us, we can turn the tide of battle in our favor despite the number disadvantages while making certain the land will not suffer from it.''

''I do not doubt that. The enemy may have monsters in their ranks, but we have monsters on our own as well,'' Lu Su responded as his gaze shifted from his newest lord to his former lord, Sun Shang Xiang, Lian Shi, and the officers who had beaten him before.

''Do not underestimate our enemy,'' Brian responded as he walked to the two strategists. ''Liu Shan has two strategists who are both talented enough to turn the tide of battle in their favor any given moment. Under no circumstances, underestimate our enemy.''

''Do not worry, milord. I have learned from my mistakes,'' Lu Su smiled, hinting their own battle. ''This will be a tough battle, but we should be able to pull through it.''

''Do you have a plan, Lu Su?'' Sun Quan asked hopefully.

Lu Su nodded as he answered, ''Yes but I'll explain it at the war council. For now, please save your energy for the battle, Lord Sun Quan.''

Sun Quan smiled as he answered, ''I am no longer your lord, Lu Su. We are equals on the battlefield, so please treat me like one.''

''I'll try. For now, let's set up camp and prepare for a battle yet to come.'' The strategist suggested.

The late afternoon turned to dusk, and darkness began to shroud the battlefield in ominous darkness. Soldiers prepared themselves for a battle to yet to come by sharpening their weapons, motivating each other, and by sharing stories to ease the pressure, all while waiting for their superiors to exit the commander's tent and tell them what to do.

''Here is a map of the battlefield. The blue dots are our forces, and the red dots are the known enemy locations.'' Lu Su opened the council. ''As you can see, their forces are spread equally across the battlefield, thus making it more difficult for us to put a dent into it. Further, it is said the officer Zhao Yun is on the front guard on the east, and I am certain the strategist Jiang Wei is waiting for us to go through the canyon. There is a path to the west, but I expect the enemy knows about it as well and is prepared for an assault from there.''

''No real weak points to exploit. We leave ourselves open if we try to make a dent into the frontline.'' Li Ru added.

''Maybe we don't have to,'' Brian responded. The others looked confused as they shifted their eyes on their lord while Brian walked to the map and said, ''The officers of Shu are known for their honor and their will to protect their lord.'' At least in the game, that is, He added internally. ''If I can defeat Zhao Yun in a one-on-one duel and capture him or force him to retreat, we have an opening to exploit. The bases on the east are forced to either attack us head-on or fall back into defense.''

The others looked with wide-open eyes at how their lord was secretly a strategist as well. But Brian wasn't done yet as he answered, ''Although I doubt they believe Zhao Yun could lose, it would be a strategist's job to make uncertainty as minimal as possible. Thus, I believe they have an ambush planned at the bottom of the hill, in the south-eastern base. That way, they can perform a pincer attack on our attacking forces or threaten our main camp.''

Lu Su suddenly realized there was an opening as he followed up, ''We attack the east base and force their ambush to come out. Then, we ambush them in return, claiming the foot of the hill and dropping their morale.''

''Also, we set a defensive parameter at the west. I am certain the moment we attack the east, they will counter us from the west. We need to be ready for that,'' Brian ordered. "We push them back if they do so, and take the high ground from two sides in one go so that we can push through the center. While we attack the middle, we'll have an ambush unit move in on Nan'an and Ainding castle. The moment we have taken the cliffs, our main unit pushes in to capture the central garrison, and force both castles to react. While we fend off the enemy, the ambush units attack from behind, and capture the bases.''

Brian had been in thought the whole time, the battle happening in his mind like it was done in the older games with T-cubes. Only when the battle was done in his mind, he returned to earth, only to see the flabbergasted and amazed gazes starring at him. ''That's amazing, my lord. How did you strategize that plan so quickly?'' Li Ru asked in awe.

''Perhaps it is a strategy, but I am counting on you two if something goes wrong. I might be good at devising it, but I am not sure how I can control the flow of the battle while fighting. Take over command in this battlefield, and bring us victory.''

''We will, my lord.'' Lu Su and Li Ru responded before they set the tasks and prepared for the battle yet to come.


It was a cloudless morning as the sun shone brightly onto the fields of Tianshui. If one would believe in faith such as Liu Shan, it was a sign they would win this battle. Not that he doubted his army or his officers, but that bit additional belief made him feel they would truly defeat their opponent. He just hoped it would be a quick victory, for he didn't like unnecessary bloodshed.

''Lord Liu Shan. We are ready to begin,'' Hou Jun informed, the high morale clearly visible on his face.

''Very good. Just be careful out there.'' The young lord wished sincerely.

''Do not worry, Lord Liu Shan. We will make a quick end in this battle.'' Xing Cai's responded confidently as pointed her sword forward and ordered, ''Go and bring us victory!''

~Eastern base, on top of the cliffs.~

''Lord Fa Zheng! Lady Xing Cai gave the command to attack!'' A soldier reported.

''Glad to hear that. Let's get started.'' he responded before he turned to a messenger and ordered, ''Tell the diversion squad to move.'' As the messenger rode away on his horse, Fa Zheng looked from the cliff to the enemy base in the distance, wondering what the opponent would be up to. There was little movement to be seen, but his eyes caught on a horse riding toward the western flank. ''To easy,'' he commented before turned his eyes back to the path.

~Western South base.~

''Master Jiang Wei! An enemy officer is approaching the western base!'' A soldier reported.

''Just as predicted! Wait until the signal and be prepared to attack!'' the young strategist ordered.

~Western base.~

''Master Zhao Yun! There is an enemy charging the base! I..It is the enemy commander!'' A lookout soldier reported shocked. The enemy commander? Although master Fa Zheng's suspension was true, why does this sound too good to be true?. But the true shocker came when the lookout reported. ''He is alone?!''

Before Zhao Yun could wonder why, a voice echoed over the base's walls. ''This is Lord Brian Miller, the commander of your enemy! I came here to make an offer. Will you listen to my offer, or are we going to do this the hard way?''

''Open the gates!'' Zhao Yun ordered before he added, ''Prepare for combat, but do not engage!'' The large wooden doors opened with difficulty, leaving a curved line behind in the soil. Brian stepped off his horse, caressed it softly on the head, and walked into the base alone.

The enemy commander smiled as he said, ''I am glad you took me up for the offer. Anyway, I don't like unnecessary bloodshed, so here is my offer. I request a duel with you, Zhao Yun. If I win, you will leave this base alone and return at your lord's side.''

Before a soldier could retort how that was ridiculous, Zhao Yun stopped any responses with a raised hand as he asked, ''What do we get if I beat you?'' while thinking, How does he know who I am?

''Then you would have beaten the enemy commander... so you would have won the battle... I thought that was kinda obvious.'' Brian answered obviously.

Zhao Yun did not have to think any longer as he raised his spear from the ground, moved it spinning between his hands, and ended in a duel stance. ''I must rise to the challenge or be disgraced.''

Brian stepped into a duel stance as well, both his twin axes Sun & Moon aimed at the sky. Brian gazed his eye on the side at the soldiers who were still prepared to attack any given moment. ''I like to remind you this duel is between us. If anyone, either from your side, or mine interrupts, the offer is off the table.''

Zhao Yun nodded and commanded, ''Men, at ease! My spear shall vanquish our lord's enemies!''

The soldiers did as instructed as they rested their weapons and stepped back, giving the duelers the space they needed. ''You can do it, master Zhao Yun!'' ''Defeat him in the name our Lord!'' ''There is no way master Zhao Yun could possibly lose!'' Echoed through the air.

However, despite those spirit-lifting words, Zhao Yun did not act arrogantly. What is this feeling? He wondered as his body was trembling from anticipation. I can't underestimate this man! He thought as he charged forward.

*Clang!* His charge was parried by a single ax, and the second one was already moving in on his shoulder. A twist of his spear back blocked the hold before the sharp ends of his opponent could reach its target.

A diagonal strike followed but was redirected, and immediately countered by a sideways upward slash. Raising his foot to block the hilt before the axe reached him, he used the commander's strength to jump backward and gain some distance. ''Amazing... He is keeping up with master Zhao Yun...''

''Is he really the enemy commander...? What a monster...'' Another soldier voiced as this time Brian charged in. One strike after another was blocked impressively by Zhao Yun, but even the famous Shu officer showed trouble keeping those blocks up.

Zhao Yun quickly realized he could not stay on the defensive, and after a quick backstep to dodge a horizontal assault, he used his momentum to slam his spear down from above onto the officer's head. *Clang!* a cross of the two axes blocked the spear from coming down and stopped Zhao Yun's movements completely. A quick kick to the stomach sent him flying several feet, crashing into the wall if it wasn't for his quick thinking to stop his momentum with his spear.

''It can't be?! Master Zhao Yun took a hit...'' Could be heard in the base, yet it did not matter to the duelist. Words of shock, fear, and resentment echoed through the base but vanished in the air just as quickly. Even though he took a heavy kick to the stomach, Zhao Yun's eyes got eyes concluded his opponent had not considered himself victorious yet. He is not dropping his guard. He is giving everything he got in this battle. I relish the challenge! He answered internally. What happened after silenced the base for a solid minute.

It was a split second, the words, ''Fear the dragon's roar!'' echoing in the air before an ear-deafening ring of two heavy metals shook the air itself, a sudden burst of wind pushing everyone on their feet as it caused a dust cloud to arise. When the dust set down, the end result was as clear as the sky. Zhao Yun sat on his behind, his spear lying at the side as he looked at the axe pointing towards his chest. ''Master Zhao Yun!?'' a soldier shouted as he charged in instinctively.

''Don't!'' Zhao Yun shouted, but he was too late. However, before the soldier could pin the enemy commander on his spear, an axe stopped him in his track.

Brian's glare was as threatening as the thunderstorms of the previous days, and it paralyzed the terrified soldier instantly. Softly, yet sternly, he asked, ''You dare to interrupt a sacred duel like this, and risk the lives of all your companions, just to have a shot at me? I should have decapitated on the spot for being so stupid. Stand down while you have the chance, or death is something you will long for.''

The soldier dropped his spear as he regretted his action immediately. Brian put his axe down as he shifted his eyes back on Zhao Yun and asked, ''Do you want to continue this duel, or do you admit defeat?''

''I'll admit I lost this duel. However, neither my heart nor my spear have been broken! We shall meet again!'' he answered as he called his troops with him, and retreated with his life intact.

~South Western base.~

''Forward! We must capture that enemy main base for lord Liu Shan!'' Jiang Wei ordered. Two of his soldiers opened the gate, and seconds later, they all charged through the open doors.

However, just as they passed the safe zones of their base, a sudden enemy group advanced from the side, their red-clothed leader shouting, ''Charge! Run them through in an instant!''

''An ambush?! Here?! Impossible!'' Jiang Wei voiced his shock. However, he shook his head and he commanded, ''Stand firm, men! We'll stop them!''

''Not on my watch! Let's go, brother!'' Another voice shouted from the other side. It was another ambush group, this time led by a young female warrior.

''Another ambush?! Did they predict my attack?!'' Jiang Wei wondered out loud, standing powerless as his group was about to be overrun by two charging groups.

~Eastern side of Brian's main camp.~

''Move in! We have to draw their attention and provoke us to attack them!'' An unknown soldier commanded.

''But sir, there is no one in sight! This way, we will reach the enemy main camp.'' Another soldier responded carefully.

''Then we will burn it and demoralize the enemy entirely!'' The soldier in charge responded overconfident as he continued to charge. That confidence quickly dropped when the loud noise of a horn echoed through the air. ''What was that?!''

Suddenly, a hidden group of soldiers appeared from a small hill, their longbows and crossbows in the ready to fire. ''Fire!'' A female officer commanded, her own crossbow shooting with exact precision into a soldier's forehead.

~On the eastern cliff.~

''Master Fa Zheng! The diversion group has been wiped out!'' a soldier reported urgently.

The slick-back strategist looked intrigued as he said, ''I wonder if they predicted my plan, or just put a precaution there for good measure.''

Just as he was about to give another command, another soldier came running, kneeled on the ground, and reported, ''Master Zhao Yun has been defeated and had to retreat! We lost the eastern base!''

''Master Zhao Yun had to retreat? I don't like how things are going. Tell master Meng Da and Li Hui to hold a defense line. Sent word out to lord Liu Shan for reinforcements.'' Fa Zheng ordered.

''Yes sir!'' the messenger responded before he ran as quickly as possible back to the Tianshui castle. However, another messenger came running, did a similar routine, and reported, ''Master, Fa Zheng! Master Jiang Wei's ambush was ambushed and he is captured!''

''What?! They saw through master Jiang Wei's ambush as well?! Who is this enemy, and how are they outsmarting us so easily? I will not be able to rest with ease until I have avenged this humiliation.''

His dark-brown eyes looked over the cliff, his mind repeatedly trying to decipher what the enemy would do next. How can I turn the battle around? If they defeated master Zhao Yun, they must have a very capable officer in their rank. Perhaps if we could isolate them, and pick them off, we should be able to turn the tide of battle. The eastern path should be safe for now, and master Meng Da and Li Hui should be able to hold out the western forts until reinforcements arrive. However, now that the western path is open, there is a risk for an attack on Nan'an and Tiashui from behind.

Just as he thought of a new plan, a fourth messenger came running, performed another kneeling ritual, and reported, ''Master Fa Zheng! The enemy has broken through the western bases! They are charging on in us as we speak!''

''Fall back to Anding castle! We will settle this battle another time.'' Fa Zheng ordered, still wondering how the enemy could gain so much ground on them in just a single morning. Just as he was about to get on his horse, he heard the sound of screaming men. His eyes fell on a single warrior approaching him from the front on a horse, in the back a group of soldiers following him in his track.

''I...Its the enemy commander?!'' A soldier shouted in fear.

So that is the enemy commander. I am not certain why he would engage the enemy alone, but he is a fool for charging in alone. I am going to enjoy this. ''Men, prepare a defensive line! We'll kill the enemy commander right here!''

An arrow flew past his head, hitting one of his men in the back of the head. ''I do not allow that! '' A female voice shouted as her men stepped in front of her, prepared to protect their lady with their death.

''You've got guts to ambush me like this. I'll enjoy paying you back in kind.''

''There will be no paying back today. There is no reason for any further bloodshed. Surrender now, and I'll let you live.'' the enemy commander ordered as he held his axes in the ready.


Brian gazed from the cliffs towards the three castles that were still belonging to the enemy forces. Checking the map of the battlefield and the morale bar in the right corner of his HUD, he could conclude his plan was successful. Although Zhao Yun had retreated to Tianshui, it had delivered a dent in the morale of the enemy. Luckily, he was just in time to counter his Musou with one of his own and was strong enough to come out victorious in their clash.

After that, he just charged through while the messages in his HUD kept him updated on the battlefield. The successful ambush and capture of Jiang Wei by Sun Quan and Sun Shang Xiang. The defensive ambush on the diversion group by Lian Shi, and the discovery of ambush units by the Zhu brothers. Lu Su ordering the forces to advance from the paths to take the cliffs while he received a warning a messenger was sent to call for reinforcements, which he took care of easily. Lastly, Li Ru giving the order to move up from the valley when the cliffs were taking over, while Bo Zheng and Yan Zheng were moving in position.

''Lord Brian. We are ready to resume the attack on your orders.'' Lu Su informed, standing just diagonal behind him. Not only Lu Su stood behind him, as also the former Wu officers, his first in-field ally and some of his finest soldiers stood there, all waiting for his final command.

Brian took a deep breath, stared one last time at the battlefield in front of him, and said as determinant as he could, ''Let's end this battle swiftly. Lu Su, commence the attack.''

''Very well, my lord.'' Lu Su responded with a smile before pointing his rake forward. ''All units! Commence the attack!'' he ordered with a loud and clear voice.

Brian did not waste any time himself as he let himself fall off the cliff and ran almost vertically on the cliff's wall. Nearing the ground, he used every bit of strength to jump horizontally, changing the gravitational force he had gained into a different vector. With a roll, he stood up and ran forward, his two axes ready to wreak havoc on the enemy frontline.

He did not know how, but his officers had quickly joined his side even despite his inhuman act and assisted him greatly in clearly the enemy in front of him. Lian Shi rapidly fired her crossbow upon the enemy archers as she ran forward, and Sun Quan proved Brian's near-death experience at their battle was not just a fluke. With a fierceness that could be only described as a burning tiger, he slashed his enemy down.

A group of mobile officers moved in on him, but they were not prepared for what was about to come. ''Let's do this, Lord Brian!'' Sun Shang Xiang said as she charged alongside.

''I am counting on you!'' Brian replied before he held his axes crossed in front of him, and started his Musou. Without even realizing it, his two axes moved through his fingers with incredible agility, cutting through his enemy like two rampaging tornadoes. The young tigress jumped on his back to use him as a launchpad, landed behind the group, and decapitated one soldier after another with the sharp edges of her wheels.

The number in his kill count continued to rise each passing minute, already passing the eight-hundred when he arrived at the first central base. ''We don't let you pass us so easily!'' The base captain of the base shouted as he tried to rally. He realized too late he could do nothing to stop their momentum. Messages of the battle continued to appear in his HUD, each message shifting the morale bar in his favor. But this moment would shift the morale bar completely in his favor.

An enormous group of soldiers had waited for the commander's arrival in the central base, easily numbering in the hundreds. But Brian had a secret as well. A burning gold aura surrounded him as he activated his Rage mode, and without wasting a second of that precious strength, he shouted, ''Here I come!''

With incredible strength and agility, his blades crossed through his enemies like butter, each second of his rampage lowering the courage of his enemies. His Rage Musou lasted ten seconds. With one last slam to the ground, he sent the last surviving enemies flying against the walls of the base. Then, there was silence.

Regaining his senses when that rage mode ended, he let out a deep breath as he stood up again. His eyes slowly shifted to his surroundings, to the countless bodies that lay on the side of the base, flowing blood coloring the soil red. The opposing army had around 10000 soldiers at the start, meaning Brian had killed just a little more than one-tenth of the enemy soldiers on his own. I am sorry. May your sacrifices did not go in vain. Brian thought regretfully.

''Well done, my lord. We have conquered the central base.'' Li Ru's voice reached his ears a moment later as the noises of battle began to die down. ''We are ready for the final step.''

''This battle had cost enough people's lives. It is time to finish this. Do it.'' Brian ordered.

''Very well, my lord,'' The strategist acknowledged before he turned to the present officers and commanded, ''Master Sun Quan, Lady Sun, go and attack Ainding castle. Master Zhu Zhi, Master Zhu Tan, Master Zhang Jun, go and attack Nan'an castle.''

''In the meantime, we'll order the engineers to construct us a battle ram to break open Tianshui castle's doors.'' Lu Su added as he had joined their side. ''This battle will be decided before the evening falls.''

''That I hope. Enough blood has been spilled today. It is time to end this.'' Brian responded as he just hoped those images were not going to haunt him in the night. Feeling the aftereffects of the battle slowly crawling up, he knew he had to finish this battle quickly.

Unlike in the game, his overall health was not only determined by the number of hits he took. Hunger and tiredness played a significant role as well, making the fact food could restore his health suddenly very logical. Although the former was not necessary, there were rare occasions his body asked for nutrients.

There was one problem though. Although the two castles fell quite easily thanks to overwhelming force and two-side offense the enemy was not expecting, the same could not be said about Tiansui castle. Zhao Yun and Xing Cai were still there, and if he had to judge the upcoming battle by the morale bar, he could conclude they were not going down without a fight. Just as expected, the moment the two castles fell, and the ram was moving into position in front of the castles, the two officers jumped off the base's wall.

''Our duty is to protect this base! You shall not go past me without a fight!'' Zhao Yun shouted as he rallied, a familiar red aura surrounding him.

''If you want to pass, you must face me! I must give it my all!'' Xing Cai shouted as she rallied as well, a similar red aura surrounding her.

Before one could charge forward and fall victim to the two officers, Brian stepped forward, his eyes locked on both of them. With his two axes in his hand, he answered their roars, ''I see your spirit has stayed strong despite the flow of a battle going against you. To such strong spirits, I can only answer in kind. I challenge both of you to a duel!''

Before Xing Cai could even respond, Zhao Yun warned, ''Xing Cai, do not underestimate that man. If we do, we have no chance to beat him.''

''Understood, master Zhao Yun,'' Xing Cai acknowledged as she raised her sword and shield. ''We'll accept your challenge!''

The battle of Tianshui. The battle where a force of approximately four-thousand soldiers took on an army of ten-thousand soldiers and came out victorious. Word would spread about the tactics that were used, and the perfectly-timed strategies performed by the smaller force to turn the tide in their favor. However, nothing of those rumors would come close to the stories about that duel.

Some would say the ground trembled the whole fight as if an earthquake raged under them. Others would say they witnessed a green dragon emerge on one side, and on the other side, an enormous white tortoise emerged before the battle of the beasts began. Yet others would speak of tornadoes of wind and fire dancing fiercely against each other. Whatever or whoever would speak of that duel, they would all agree on one thing: It was a duel worthy to be called a Duel of the Three Kingdoms.

The precision of the parried attacks. The near-perfect teamwork of the two famous Shu officers against the unknown lord. The strength displayed that silenced any other sound, not even a bird daring to chirp as the sound of clashing metals continued to be the only sound on the battlefield.

Soldiers from both sides were amazed and paralyzed by the duel, not daring to make a move or even speak. Each thrust, attack, parry, dodge, block, and hit would be another point in respect the duelists gained from their allies, and by their enemies. There was no grudge. There was no anger. This was a duel as perfect as it should have been, even if it was a two-vs-one.

It was sudden, but the ending was just as legendary. Some would say the words, ''Fear the Dragon's Roar!'' and ''Charge!'' echoed through the air. However, none knew for certain as they were immediately silenced by an ear-deafening explosion of clashing metals. As the dust began to settle, the end result was as clear as day. Although the lord bled from his head and shoulder, he still stood tall. His two duelists, however, lay against with their backs against Tianshui's outer walls, both officers out cold.

''Lord Brian won!'' Echoed on the battlefield, his forces roaring as if they hadn't spoken in days.

''Charge the castle! Subdue the enemy! If they surrender, keep them alive!'' Lu Su ordered, the forces charging in on the castle. No soldier died after that duel though, as Liu Shan quickly surrounded after that fight.

It was the last thing Brian noticed in his HUD as he fell down on a knee, the supporting axe the only reason he had not fallen completely down. His healthbar was deeply in the red, perfectly illustrating how his body felt. His head hurt, his shoulder felt numb, and he was certain he was about to pass out from exhaustion.

''Lord Brian! Stay awake, my lord!'' he heard, yet it was the last clear voice he heard as the other voices drifted away, just as his conscious.


Dusk had settled on the lands of Tian Shui as order and peace had returned. Farmers who were hiding for the battle earlier had returned as well, and upon discovering the young lord had kept his promise, vowed their loyalty to him. But although there was reason to celebrate, the camp was awfully quiet.

Brian's mind woke up to that silence, but his body wasn't as willing to wake up as well. His eyes felt heavy, his head was bursting, and a sharp pain pierced through his shoulder. ''How is he doing?'' A familiar voice asked concerned.

''He is going to be alright. The wounds weren't as deep as expected, so they should heal quickly.'' The doctor answered. ''He does require enough rest and energy to heal though. His body feels strained as if he has been under a lot of pressure. He should come to his senses any second.'' You are not wrong about that, Doc... Brian thought as decided to stay unconscious a minute longer.

''Thank you, doctor. Let me escort you to the other patients.'' Sun Quan offered as Brian felt the flap of his tent open by the sudden, and close as well.

''Leave this to me, lady Sun. I will tell you immediately when he wakes up.'' Lian Shi whispered softly.

''Okay. Thank you, Lian Shi. Please inform me immediately when he wakes up.'' Sun Shang Xiang responded as she stood up and walked out of the tent, her heart still beating rapidly out of worry.

Lian Shi nodded as she kept her gaze on the leaving girl, only shifting her eyes back on her unconscious lord when the flap of the tent closed. ''I hope I can report to her as quickly as possible,'' she started with a hopeful smile. A warm welcome touch suddenly caressed his hand as she continued, ''Perhaps you are not aware of what you have done for us, but we are all grateful to you. We attacked your land out of greed, but you defeated us and took us under your wing without hesitation.'' A short silence could be heard before she whispered almost saddened, ''Perhaps you may know, perhaps you may not, but I am a relative from Bu Zhi. That makes me part of the Bu family, the family who was known as the traitors of their people.''

''I was brought in by lord Sun Quan as a bodyguard for my strength and my beauty and have served him loyally ever since.'' he felt a gentle squeeze in his hand as she continued, ''But then I met you. You accepted me instantly, and you accepted more than just my strength and beauty. You are a wonderful person. I just fear you are overdoing it. If you are feeling down or stressed, rest your head on my pillows. I'll stay with you all night if it will bring you some rest.''

Maximum friendship reached! Lian Shi gained the support skill Rouse Assault. Appeared in Brian's HUD, alongside some other minor things he could not pay attention to right now. How am I supposed to wake up after that?! Brian thought. The answer came from Lian Shi herself as she said, ''Now, please stop pretending to be asleep, and open your eyes.''

''You knew?'' He asked whispery as he slowly opened his eyes and noticed a red color in her eyes. She has been crying.

''Your eyebrow twitched when the doctor said you were going to be fine. Lucky for you, lord Sun Quan and lady Sun did not notice. How are you feeling?'' she asked.

''As if I been hit by an elephant...'' Brian mumbled. ''I had not expected those two to be that strong. Where are they now?''

''They are waiting for your verdict in the southern base.'' Lian Shi answered softly before she caressed his face and whispered, ''Please take some rest first. I don't want you to overdo it.''

''I'll just have to accept your offer then,'' Brian responded, a serious nervous expression on his face. He was never the smooth-talker, and although he had some relationship experience, he wasn't exactly experienced in the aspects of a relationship. Thus, his words were inexperienced but honest as he asked, ''Can you stay by my side tonight, Lian Shi? I might be able to rest easier with you laying beside me.''

Lian Shi looked momentarily perplexed before a healthy blush appeared on her face as she smiled and answered, ''I will, my lord.''

''Thank you. Now, let's greet everyone while I still have the strength to do so.'' Brian said as he pushed himself upward, and realized just how much he had pushed his body in the battle. His leg muscles were sore as if he had just run the marathon, and his abbs were complaining just as heavily, although he wasn't sure if it was really were his abdomen muscles or just his stomach protesting out loud.

Not that he had much time to wonder as the whole camp greeted him with overwhelming happiness. Sun Shang Xiang already called him a jerk as she hugged him tightly. Sun Quan greeted him with a brotherly pat on the shoulder. Lu Su and Li Ru bowed, while his longest officers stepped forward with a bottle and said, ''You must be starving, lord Brian. Come and drink on our victory!''

''We saved you some meat and bread, my lord!'' the soldier he regularly trained with said.

''Don't mind if I do. I am starving.'' Brian responded smilingly. It had been one of the few times his soldiers had seen him in eat, and realizing he ate just as savage as they did, their respect grew even larger. The postponed celebration eventually started, the roars, shouts, and celebrations hearable all over town. But Brian's evening wasn't all fun at all.

Arriving at the base that was used as a momentary prison with a group of trustworthy bodyguards, Brian walked and stopped just in front of Liu Shan. ''Good evening, sir Brian. How may I help you?'' the young lord asked as if nothing had happened. Brian grabbed his axes from his back, momentarily startling the Shu troops and officers who were watching him, planted them in the ground, sat down as he ignored the question, and said, ''I hope my soldiers have treated you well in my absence.''

''They have, thank you. Although it is a bit cramped, your men have treated us kindly and have even nursed my wounded soldiers,'' The young lord responded smilingly.

Brian had to admit he could not read the careless expression of his interlocutor. Although Liu Shan was known as a coward in the older games, the latest ones illustrated him as a lord who understood he was fighting a losing battle and surrendered while he still had the freedom to do so. ''I am glad to hear that. I like to talk.'' Brian started.

''About what?'' He asked curiously.

Brian looked difficult as he answered, ''I am not certain. Before this battle, I took it upon myself to learn about your officers.'' Turning his eyes on the devious strategist, he said, ''Master Fa Zheng. A devious man who is known as a strategist to be feared. A man who holds a grudge even after in the afterlife, but also a man who will hold true who he is indebted to.''

''It seems my reputation precedes me.'' Fa Zheng responded in kind, a devious smile on his face.

Brian ignored it as he turned to the next officer and said, ''Master Jiang Wei. The prodigy of Zhuge Liang. A master strategist who wants nothing else but help his lord to create a land of benevolence.''

Jiang Wei looked shocked as he asked, ''How do you know that?'' Because you can't shut up about it in-game, imbecile.

However, Brian wasn't in the mood to answer that question out loud as he turned to Xing Cai and said, ''Lady Xing Cai. The daughter of the famous Zhang Fei. A warrior in heart and body, and a quick learner on the battlefield.'' The young lady looked impressed but did not answer, unlike the former defeated officers. ''Although I knew all that, I must say I underestimated your strength. Thank you for showing my shortcomings.''

Lastly, he shifted to Zhao Yun and said, ''Master Zhao Yun. A soldier who is said to be the embodiment of commitment, honor, and honesty. As I expected, those words were no lie.'' The officer bowed politely but did not say anything. Brian smiled before he turned to Liu Shan and said, ''However, despite my investigations, I couldn't find anything about you, Lord Liu Shan. As I am a curious man, I wondered if you would accept the offer to join my side with your followers, and tell me more about yourself in my quest of ambition?''

His followers' eyes were wide open from shock as they did not believe what they just heard. Liu Shan himself looked calmly intrigued as he asked, ''What is your ambition?''

Brian smiled as he answered, ''To create a land where the poor do not have to worry about surviving another day. I seek a land that will grab hold of its own future, and helps it guide the right way. For that, I need the strength to protect, the wisdom to teach, and the will to improve. Would you stand by my side and help me realize that ambition, lord Liu Shan?''

Liu Shan smiled as he answered, ''Your words are as wise as master Zhuge Liang's, yet I feel the honesty of my father in there as well. You speak of Virtue and Benelevence without even using those words, and you truly have the respect and love of your followers. It would be my honor to join you.''

''Then I shall follow you as well. May my spear clear a path for your ambition, lord Brian!'' Zhao Yun announced as he bowed to his new lord.

''So you would place me in your debt rather than kill me...? Interesting, I shall enjoy serving you.'' Fa Zheng said with his familiar devious smile as he bowed as well.

''I know when I am bested. From here on out, I am no longer an officer of Shu. Allow me to stand alongside you, lord Brian.'' Jiang Wei said as well as he bowed.

''I may not be much of a help, but if you allow me to join you, I will give it my all for you.'' Xing Cai ended as she bowed as well. The remaining prisoners followed their example, all of them showing their new loyalty towards the former student.


It was always a strange feeling; sharing a feast for a victory with your former enemy. Yet, that was what happened when Brian buried the hatchet between the two armies and increased his force with two-thousand additional men.

As evening turned to night, the feast began to die down, and the soldiers returned happily drunk or sober to their tents. Brian himself did not feel the effects of alcohol due to whatever immunity the world had given him, but he felt the effect of a long and busy day. I need some sleep... He thought tiredly as he was already near his own tent. However, just as he saw it, he saw two familiar figures standing there as well.

Lian Shi was giving him a warm smile as it seemed she hadn't drunk anything. Her companion, on the other hand, had been drinking a bit too much. ''Youuu..Jerk... Why did you let us wait so long?'' Sun Shang asked as she walked closer. ''You h..have to get some rest, you dummy...''

''My apologies, my lord. I am afraid she partied a little too hard after seeing you safe and sound.'' Lian Shi apologized.

Her concern changed to a smile though as she saw his expression change to a smile as well as he responded, ''Don't be. It is refreshing. But I think it is better if we bring her back to her tent before she does something she regrets.''

''Please don't! I..I want to stay by your side tonight.'' Sun Shang Xiang pleaded, her behavior making a complete turn. Lian Shi looked surprised, just as Brian when she grabbed his hands and asked, ''Am..am I just a friend to you? Please, tell me your true feelings. I really like you!''

Maximum friendship reached! Sun Shang Xiang gained support skill Rouse-Assault. Appeared in Brian's HUD. ''Lady Sun.'' Lian Shi whispered happily, glad to see her lady speak such beautiful words. Not that Brian was paying attention, as his mind had been hit by a second critical hit in a battle that was not even fought with weapons.

A second crit...!? He thought as he tried to regain control of his cool. I will not let you win that easily.

No matter what Sun Shang Xiang had prepared herself for, it was not enough for the counterattack from the one she liked. With a gentle hand, Brian touched the side of her face, raised it facing his own, slowly moved closer and whispered, ''Here is your answer.'' Before he kissed her fully on the lips.

Later that night, Brian lay in his bed, his tired mind not realizing how lucky he was with Lian Shi watching over him from his right, and Sun Shang Xiang sleeping peacefully next to him, happy failing asleep after her first kiss had been taken. His mind quickly fell into a slumber after that, the last thing on his mind the soft blessing of his situation.


Author notes:

This chapter was the battle of Tianshui, originally the battle where Zhuge Liang met Jiang Wei. It fitted the map of ancient China once again, thus I thought it was a good next duel.

The bonds you can achieve with playable characters, and the dialogue that comes along with it, is one of the reasons I started to write this story. Know that most of the increased events are dialogue they actually used in the game. Lian Shi was one of my favorite ones out there, but there are many more that are just as amazing.

To be clear, nothing M-rated happened in that last scene. Perhaps I may write some of that stuff, but I like to take my time for it and make their bond as real for the reader as it is in the story.

That was it for chapter 6, and I hope to see you in the next one. Beyor out!