The camp stirred before the first light of dawn, a cacophony of murmurs, the clink of armor, and the muted rustling of canvas as soldiers prepared for the day ahead. Exhaustion hung heavy in the air, but there was a fragile spark of determination—one that Lü Bu, or the man now inhabiting him, intended to stoke into a roaring fire.
From the raised platform at the camp's center, he surveyed the scene. The faces below were wary, some even fearful, their eyes darting toward him and away again. He could sense it: doubt. These men followed him because they had no other choice, not out of love or loyalty. If he didn't act soon, that doubt would fester into rebellion.
"System," he muttered, his voice low enough to avoid drawing attention. "If I'm supposed to unify this land, I need more than brute force. I need these men to trust me. Got any wisdom for that?"
The mechanical voice answered promptly, as cold and clinical as ever.
"Sub-objective in progress: Establish Loyalty. Suggested course of action: Inspire your troops by demonstrating leadership, fairness, and unmatched martial prowess. Supplement with acts of diplomacy or decisive justice as needed."
He huffed, gripping the halberd tightly. "Unmatched martial prowess? That's all you think I've got? These men need more than a flashy battle. They need a reason to believe in me."
The system remained silent, and he took it as an acknowledgment of his point—or maybe just indifference.
The arrival of Chen Gong interrupted his thoughts. The strategist approached with his usual composed demeanor, a leather scroll clutched in his hands. He bowed briefly before speaking.
"My lord," Chen Gong began, "I've compiled a list of nearby villages and towns. Most are small and unlikely to resist if we approach peacefully. However, one settlement to the east is under the protection of a rival warlord. Its resources would be invaluable, but taking it would likely provoke retaliation."
Lü Bu studied the map that Chen Gong unfurled before him. The rival warlord's territory was marked with bold strokes, a stark reminder of how fractured this land was.
"And what's our current standing?" he asked, his voice calm but firm.
Chen Gong hesitated. "We have enough supplies for three days, perhaps four if we ration strictly. The men are weary and demoralized. A decisive victory—or an act of mercy—could turn the tide in our favor. Conversely, an unwise move could spell disaster."
Lü Bu leaned over the map, his sharp gaze fixed on the village in question. It was tempting. The promise of food and resources could sustain his forces and buy him much-needed time. But the risk of retaliation loomed large.
"Tell the men we march by midday," he said finally, his tone brooking no argument. "But not to the eastern settlement. We'll head south, to the unprotected villages."
Chen Gong blinked, clearly surprised. "My lord, the resources there are scarce. It may not be enough to sustain us for long."
"It's not about what they have," Lü Bu replied, straightening. "It's about what we can build. If we show mercy and diplomacy now, we gain allies. If we go east, we make enemies. The long game is what matters."
For a moment, Chen Gong simply stared, his shrewd eyes calculating. Then he bowed. "As you command, my lord."
---
The march southward was uneventful at first. The soldiers trudged along the uneven dirt roads in relative silence, their faces drawn with fatigue. Lü Bu led from the front, his towering presence a constant reminder of the power he wielded.
By late afternoon, the first village came into view. It was a humble cluster of wooden homes surrounded by fields of rice and wheat. Smoke curled lazily from a handful of chimneys, and a few villagers tended to their crops, oblivious to the approaching army.
"Hold position," Lü Bu commanded, raising a hand. The soldiers halted, their armor clinking softly.
Chen Gong stepped up beside him, his brow furrowed. "What are your orders, my lord? Shall we send a detachment to secure the village?"
"No," Lü Bu said, his gaze fixed on the scene ahead. "We go as a group. But weapons stay sheathed. These people aren't our enemies."
The soldiers exchanged uneasy glances, but they obeyed. As the army moved forward, the villagers finally noticed their approach. Cries of alarm rang out, and people scrambled to hide behind doors and shutters.
When they reached the center of the village, Lü Bu dismounted, his heavy boots thudding against the packed earth. He approached an elderly man who stood trembling at the edge of the square, a rusted hoe clutched tightly in his hands.
"We mean no harm," Lü Bu said, his voice steady but loud enough for all to hear. "We are soldiers, yes, but we are not here to take what you cannot give. My men are hungry, and we seek only enough food to sustain us for a few days."
The old man's eyes widened, his grip on the hoe faltering. "Y-you're not here to raid us?"
Lü Bu shook his head. "Raiding only breeds hatred. I'd rather have your trust than your fear."
Slowly, the tension in the square began to ease. A few villagers emerged cautiously from their homes, their faces still wary but less panicked.
One of the women stepped forward, her hands clasped tightly. "If... if we give you food, what guarantee do we have that you'll leave us in peace?"
Lü Bu met her gaze. "My word. I'll take nothing you can't spare, and I'll see that no harm comes to you or your people."
The woman hesitated, then nodded. She turned to the others and began barking orders. Within minutes, the villagers were gathering sacks of rice, bundles of vegetables, and dried meats.
Lü Bu watched the process, a small sense of satisfaction settling over him. These people had every reason to distrust him, yet they were willing to extend a fragile hand of cooperation.
When the supplies were loaded onto the soldiers' carts, he addressed the villagers once more.
"You have my thanks," he said. "If any harm comes to you in the future, send word, and I will see to your protection."
The villagers murmured amongst themselves, their expressions a mixture of confusion and cautious hope.
As the army prepared to leave, Chen Gong approached, his expression unreadable. "That was a gamble, my lord. A raiding party would have been far quicker."
"Quick doesn't win wars," Lü Bu replied, mounting his horse. "We're building something bigger than that."
---
By the time they returned to camp, the soldiers' mood had shifted. Though they were still tired, there was a spark of pride in their steps—a sense that they were part of something greater.
As they unloaded the supplies, Lü Bu addressed them, his voice carrying over the din.
"This is what we fight for!" he shouted, gesturing to the food and provisions. "Not plunder, not mindless destruction, but the chance to create a land where strength and honor mean something. Those who follow me will share in this vision. Those who betray it will fall."
The men erupted into cheers, their voices echoing through the camp.
Chen Gong watched from the sidelines, his arms crossed. "You may have won their loyalty today, my lord. But tomorrow will bring new challenges."
Lü Bu turned to him, a faint smile on his lips. "Then we'll face them together."