Terry El stood before the towering figure of Gao Shun, his mind racing with possibilities.
"Tell me," Terry began, his voice steady, "in your eyes, who is the true hero of this chaotic world?"
Without hesitation, Gao Shun squared his shoulders and declared, "The Flying General, Lü Bu, Lü Fengxian."
"It's decided, then," Terry murmured, a wave of exhilaration surging through him. Before him stood none other than Gao Shun, the formidable commander of Lü Bu's renowned Invincible Battalion.
"Sit down, Gao Shun," Terry said, gesturing. "I have much to tell you."
Terry spared no detail, recounting the intricacies of this world, its history, and its complexities. He also revealed his own origins, his burdens, and the mission that propelled him forward.
"Do you understand what I've shared with you?" Terry asked, searching Gao Shun's face for a reaction.
"I believe I do, my lord," Gao Shun replied solemnly. For the past six months, he had survived without sustenance, teetering on the edge of disbelief about his own humanity. Now, Terry's revelations filled in the missing pieces. Gao Shun didn't press for details of his past; his composure reflected the resolve of a seasoned general.
"From this day forth, you are the commanding officer of this camp. The soldiers under your watch are yours to train and lead. Let us call this regiment the Invincible Battalion. What do you think?"
A faint tremor ran through Gao Shun's voice as he replied, his eyes misting over. "To name it after my former command… I am honored, my lord. Gao Shun pledges his life and loyalty to you."
Terry smiled warmly. "There's no need for more words. For now, focus on your training. I'll handle matters outside, and I'll instruct the others to leave you undisturbed."
Relief washed over Gao Shun's face. The last thing he needed was interruptions from the restless undead in the vicinity.
After bidding Gao Shun farewell, Terry visited the cemetery to deliver instructions to Yingzi, ensuring peace in the training grounds. Satisfied, he exited the summoning realm and returned to the comforts of his newly acquired mansion. That night, for the first time in ages, he slept soundly, savoring the joys of a life free from hardship.
---
The next morning, Terry stumbled through the sprawling halls of the mansion, needing two full minutes to locate the kitchen. When he arrived, the sight before him soured his mood.
"Chris, why are we still having porridge for breakfast? Can't we have something different?" he complained, spoon in hand.
Chris shot him a withering glare. "Did you give me any gold coins? I don't even have a single copper to my name. This porridge? It's from the leftover rice the previous owners left behind. If not for that, you wouldn't even have this to eat!"
Terry flushed, thoroughly chastened. He emptied the remainder of his coins onto the table, pushing them toward her.
"Wow, now you're talking!" Chris exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she scooped up the coins, her expression one of pure delight.
Terry could only chuckle and shake his head at her unabashed enthusiasm. "Chris, I'll be leaving for a few days. You'll need to stay here and manage things."
Chris froze, her smile vanishing. "Where are you going?"
"To Atar," Terry replied curtly.
"No! Absolutely not!" Chris protested vehemently, her voice rising.
Atar was a distant empire, more than a thousand kilometers away, and once the seat of the fallen Teres Empire where Terry's father had ruled. Now, it was a rising power in the region.
"I must go, Chris," Terry said firmly. "There are too many questions I need answered. If there's even a chance my family survived, I have to find out. Atar is a place I cannot avoid."
Chris knew better than to try to dissuade him further. With a heavy heart, she watched Terry embark on his journey to Atar.
---
The road to Atar wound through endless mountain ranges. Nestled between them lay a small city that marked the border of the empire. Near the outskirts, Terry secretly opened the summoning gate, allowing Gao Shun and his men to step into the world for the first time.
"My lord," Gao Shun remarked, surveying the land, "this realm seems little different from ours."
Terry laughed. "Don't let appearances deceive you, Gao Shun. This world is teeming with magical beasts beyond our wildest imaginings. Take dragons, for instance—they're the apex of all creatures here. You won't find their like on our continent."
"Dragons?" Gao Shun's eyes gleamed. "I would be honored to face one someday."
Terry chuckled again. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. This forest, however, is rich in timber. Find what you need for training, but be cautious. Some of the beasts here, even low-tier ones, can be unpredictable. Avoid provoking them until you understand their habits."
"Understood, my lord," Gao Shun said, saluting before leading his men into the forest.
Satisfied, Terry disguised himself as a commoner, donning plain clothes, and ventured into the heart of Atar. The city was alive with activity: neatly arranged streets flanked by ancient buildings, bustling markets, and children playing merrily in the alleys. Atar had clearly prospered under its current rule.
Terry soon found a modest inn with a tavern on the ground floor. After securing a room, he settled into a quiet corner with a drink, eavesdropping on the patrons' conversations. Yet, despite a day of careful listening, he unearthed no useful information.
The following morning, the tavern was strangely subdued.
"Why's the place so empty?" Terry asked the barkeep.
The man scowled, muttering, "You don't know? Prince Shuk has captured the princess of the old empire. She's being publicly tried for her crimes today. It's a spectacle, but our boss would never let the likes of us attend."
"What did you say?" Terry demanded, his heart hammering. "The princess of the old empire? When does it start?"
"Should've begun by now," the barkeep replied with a shrug.
"Damn it!" Terry spat, bolting from his chair and dashing out of the tavern. The chair clattered to the floor behind him, forgotten.