The aftermath of the battle lingered in the air like the scent of blood on steel. Lü Bu stood amidst the rubble of the broken stronghold, his halberd resting on his shoulder. Around him, his soldiers moved quickly, securing the area, rounding up the surrendered defenders, and patching their own wounds. The battle had been hard-fought, but victory was theirs.
Lü Bu's gaze swept across the stronghold. It was small, its wooden walls charred and its gates splintered, but it had potential. This was no longer enemy territory; it was his.
"System," he muttered under his breath, his voice low enough that none of the soldiers around him could hear. "What's my progress?"
For a moment, there was silence. Then, the mechanical voice responded.
"Congratulations, Host. Objective Conquer a Stronghold complete. Status window updated. Displaying updated information."
Before his eyes, a shimmering screen appeared, translucent and glowing faintly. Though the soldiers around him seemed oblivious, Lü Bu couldn't help but glance around to ensure no one else could see it. Satisfied, he turned his focus back to the display.
---
[Status Window]
Name: Lü Bu (Reincarnated: [Name Pending])
Title: Flying General
Rank: Warlord
Territory Controlled: 1 Stronghold, 2 Villages
Troops: 750 Soldiers
>Infantry: 400
>Archers: 200
>Cavalry: 150
Resources:
>Food: Moderate (5 Days' Supply)
>Weapons: Basic (Adequate for Current Troops)
>Gold: Low (Enough for Short-Term Operations)
Skills:
>Sky Piercer Slash (Active): A devastating strike with a halberd. Deals 150% damage to all enemies within range.
>Command Presence (Passive): Increases morale of nearby troops by 20% during battle.
Objectives:
Primary: Unify the Land.
Sub-objective (Active): Establish Loyalty (70% Progress).
Bonus Objective: Expand Controlled Territory.
System Notes:
Your leadership is improving. Continue to solidify your reputation and inspire loyalty to achieve your goals.
---
Lü Bu studied the window carefully, his eyes narrowing as he absorbed the details. The numbers and resources were a stark reminder of how precarious his position was. One stronghold and a handful of villages weren't enough to sustain a warlord's ambitions.
But the skills intrigued him. The passive boost to morale explained why his troops had rallied so fiercely in the heat of battle. The active skill, Sky Piercer Slash, was equally intriguing. He'd already felt its effects in combat, but seeing it quantified made him wonder how much more he could unlock as he grew stronger.
"System," he said quietly. "Why is my name listed as 'pending'?"
The voice responded immediately. "Host has not yet established a unique identity in this era. Your actions will define how history remembers you."
Lü Bu's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Then let's make sure they remember me as more than just the Flying General."
The screen flickered out, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
---
The process of securing the stronghold was swift. Zhang Liao and Chen Gong proved invaluable, their efficiency in organizing the troops and managing supplies allowing Lü Bu to focus on the larger picture.
By the time the sun set, the stronghold had been transformed. Guards patrolled the repaired walls, fires burned brightly in the courtyard, and the once-defeated defenders had been integrated—or imprisoned, depending on their willingness to cooperate.
In the main hall of the stronghold, Lü Bu convened with his inner circle. Zhang Liao stood at his side, his broad shoulders casting a long shadow in the firelight. Chen Gong, ever composed, spread a map across the table, its surface littered with markers indicating troop positions and territories.
"This stronghold is a start," Lü Bu said, his voice firm. "But it's not enough. We need more land, more resources, and more men if we're going to secure our position."
Chen Gong nodded. "Agreed, my lord. This region is fractured, with many small lords vying for power. If we move quickly, we can consolidate the weaker territories before the larger factions take notice."
"Who controls the land nearest to us?" Lü Bu asked.
Chen Gong tapped the map, pointing to a series of villages to the north. "A minor lord named Wei Liang. His holdings are modest, but his territory includes a key trade route. Securing it would give us a steady flow of resources and increase our strategic value."
"And what's his disposition?"
"Weak-willed," Chen Gong replied. "He relies more on diplomacy than strength, but that makes him unpredictable. He may seek an alliance—or see us as a threat to his fragile position."
Lü Bu's expression hardened. "Then we give him a choice. Submission or annihilation."
Zhang Liao stepped forward, his voice steady. "If we're going to expand, we need to consider our men's morale. They've fought hard, but they'll need time to recover before another campaign."
"Understood," Lü Bu said. "We'll secure our position here first. Make sure the men are well-fed and rested. Once they're ready, we march."
Chen Gong inclined his head. "A wise decision, my lord. I'll oversee the preparations."
---
That night, Lü Bu stood alone on the ramparts, the cool breeze brushing against his face. The stars above were bright, their light untainted by the smoke of war. He gripped his halberd tightly, his mind racing with thoughts of the future.
"System," he murmured, breaking the silence.
"Yes, Host?"
"What happens if I fail? If I lose this land, these men?"
The voice was calm, almost indifferent. "Failure is not an option. Your survival is tied to your success. If you fall, the system will deactivate, and your existence will end."
A chill ran down his spine. "So, no pressure."
"Your progress is promising," the system continued. "But remember: loyalty and strength are fleeting. You must cultivate both if you wish to achieve your goals."
Lü Bu sighed, the weight of his new reality pressing heavily on his shoulders. He hadn't chosen this path, but now that he was on it, he had no intention of turning back.
"If I'm going to do this," he said quietly, "I'll do it my way. Not as a puppet, but as a ruler."
The system offered no response, its silence both comforting and ominous.
---
The next morning, Lü Bu addressed his troops in the courtyard. The men gathered in tight ranks, their armor gleaming in the early sunlight. Though their faces were weary, there was a spark of determination in their eyes—a testament to the progress he'd made in earning their loyalty.
"Men," Lü Bu began, his voice carrying over the crowd. "You've fought hard and bled for this victory. This stronghold is ours because of your strength, your courage, and your loyalty."
A murmur of approval rippled through the ranks.
"But this is only the beginning," he continued. "We stand at the edge of something greater. This land is fractured, its people scattered and desperate. Together, we will bring order to this chaos. We will build a future where strength is more than just a weapon—it's a foundation for unity."
The men cheered, their voices echoing against the walls.
"And to those who stand against us," Lü Bu said, his tone hardening, "they will learn the price of defiance."
The cheers grew louder, the soldiers raising their weapons in salute.
As the crowd dispersed, Zhang Liao approached, a rare smile on his face. "You're winning them over, my lord. Keep this up, and they'll follow you to the ends of the earth."
Lü Bu smirked. "Good. Because that's exactly where we're going."