The camp was alive with a restless energy. Soldiers scurried between tents, their armor clinking softly in the dim firelight. The wounded groaned as makeshift healers applied bandages and splints, while scouts returned with scattered reports of enemy movements.
Lü Bu—or the man now wearing his face—watched it all from the center of the camp, his halberd planted in the ground beside him. It was late, and the moon cast its pale light over the scene, bathing the torn banners and weary soldiers in an otherworldly glow.
This was his reality now. Ancient China, a time of chaos and opportunity. He was standing at the center of it all, armed with power, modern knowledge, and a system that seemed determined to mold him into a conqueror.
But this wasn't just about surviving anymore. He had made up his mind: if he was rewriting history, it wouldn't be as a puppet. It would be as a ruler.
"System," he said softly, his voice carrying only to his own ears. "We need to talk about next steps. What exactly are these 'sub-objectives' you mentioned?"
A faint hum preceded the now-familiar mechanical voice.
"Sub-objective unlocked: Establish Loyalty.
Objective: Solidify the trust and allegiance of key figures within your faction.
Reward: Tactical Insight Boost – Level 1."
He frowned, his gaze sweeping across the camp. Trust and allegiance weren't exactly Lü Bu's strong suits in history. If anything, the man was infamous for betrayal and arrogance, traits that had sealed his doom more than once. If he was going to succeed, he needed to handle this differently.
Before he could dwell on the thought, a voice interrupted him.
"My lord," Chen Gong said, approaching from the shadows. The strategist's sharp eyes gleamed in the firelight as he bowed. "I've compiled the report on our current situation, as you requested."
"Let's hear it," he replied, straightening.
Chen Gong gestured toward a small table set outside the main command tent. The surface was cluttered with maps and scrolls, ink smudging the edges where hurried hands had worked through the night.
"Our forces suffered significant losses in the last engagement," Chen Gong began, his tone measured but grave. "Roughly a third of our men are either dead or too injured to fight. Supplies are running low—food, weapons, and medicine." He paused, glancing up. "If the enemy regroups, we'll be vulnerable."
He took a deep breath, processing the information. "What about morale?"
Chen Gong hesitated. "Morale is... fragile. Your display of strength earlier has inspired the men, but fear lingers. They've seen leaders rise and fall too many times to trust blindly."
"Understandable," he said, leaning over the map. "But fear can be turned into loyalty. We need to act decisively."
Chen Gong arched an eyebrow. "And what do you propose, my lord?"
For a moment, he hesitated. Lü Bu's memories offered little guidance—his strategies were often impulsive, driven by pride and brute strength. But he wasn't just Lü Bu anymore. He had something far more valuable: foresight.
"First, we secure what we need to survive," he said, tapping a finger on a nearby village marked on the map. "There are settlements within reach. If we approach carefully, we can negotiate for supplies—or take what we need without unnecessary bloodshed."
Chen Gong's lips twitched into a faint smile. "You speak with unusual prudence, my lord. This change suits you."
He ignored the comment, his gaze hardening. "Second, we need to consolidate our forces. No more infighting, no more fractured loyalties. From now on, every soldier will know that loyalty to me means survival—and betrayal means annihilation."
The strategist nodded, his expression thoughtful. "A bold plan. But enforcing such unity will require more than words."
"I'm aware," he said, his tone cool. "That's why I'll lead the effort personally. If the men need proof of my commitment, I'll give it to them."
Chen Gong studied him for a long moment, then inclined his head. "Very well, my lord. I will begin preparations immediately."
As the strategist turned to leave, he called after him. "Chen Gong."
The man paused, looking back expectantly.
"You've served me loyally, even when others doubted. That won't be forgotten."
For the briefest moment, Chen Gong's composure faltered, surprise flickering in his eyes. Then he bowed deeply. "Your words honor me, my lord."
When the strategist was gone, he turned back to the map, his thoughts racing. This wasn't going to be easy. Loyalty wasn't earned overnight, and supplies wouldn't materialize out of thin air. But if he was going to rewrite Lü Bu's story, this was where it began.
"System," he murmured, his voice filled with quiet determination. "I'll complete your objectives. But don't think for a second that I'm doing this for you."
The system didn't reply, but he could almost feel its silent presence, watching, waiting.
Straightening, he grabbed his halberd and strode toward the heart of the camp. There was work to be done, and a legacy to forge.