The sun hung low over the stronghold as Lü Bu paced along the ramparts, his boots clicking against the stone. The taste of victory still lingered, but the high of conquest was already fading. He had taken the stronghold and proven his might, but now came the real challenge: consolidation.
"System," he muttered under his breath, ignoring the clamor of soldiers below.
"Yes, Host?"
"Show me my updated status."
The translucent screen flickered to life before his eyes, displaying detailed information about his progress.
---
[Status Window]
Name: Lü Bu (Reincarnated: [Name Pending])
Title: Flying General
Rank: Warlord
Territory Controlled: 1 Stronghold, 2 Villages
Troops: 800 Soldiers
Infantry: 450
Archers: 200
Cavalry: 150
Resources:
Food: Moderate (7 Days' Supply)
Weapons: Basic (Adequate for Current Troops)
Gold: Low (Stable 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 (85% Progress).
Bonus Objective: Expand Controlled Territory.
---
Lü Bu studied the screen, his eyes narrowing as he considered his position. His hold on the region was fragile. With only one stronghold and two villages under his control, he lacked the resources to sustain a prolonged campaign. Worse, his troops, though loyal for now, would eventually grow restless if victories didn't continue.
"System," he murmured, "what's my next best move?"
"Recommendation: Expand territory strategically by targeting resource-rich areas or weakly defended settlements. Securing iron, grain, and timber will ensure long-term growth. Recruitment opportunities may also arise through conquest or diplomacy."
Lü Bu smirked. "Diplomacy, huh? Let's see if anyone's willing to listen."
---
That evening, Lü Bu convened his inner circle in the newly secured stronghold. The war room was sparse but functional, with maps and troop rosters scattered across a large wooden table. Zhang Liao stood by his side, his imposing figure lending a quiet confidence to the proceedings. Chen Gong, ever meticulous, studied the maps with an intensity that bordered on obsession.
"My lord," Chen Gong began, straightening, "our scouts have identified several potential targets. The most promising is an iron-producing village to the southeast. Securing it would provide us with the raw materials needed to forge better weapons and armor."
"What defenses are we looking at?" Lü Bu asked, leaning over the map.
Chen Gong tapped the village's location with a thin finger. "They're protected by a mercenary band, roughly two hundred strong. Their leader, Gao Fang, is a veteran fighter with a reputation for brutality. He's managed to keep the villagers loyal through a combination of fear and protection."
Lü Bu frowned. "Two hundred mercenaries won't fall easily. What's our best approach?"
Chen Gong glanced at Zhang Liao, who spoke next.
"We could try intimidation," Zhang Liao said. "Send a message demanding their surrender. If they refuse, we strike swiftly and decisively. The key is to break their morale before they can organize a defense."
"And if intimidation doesn't work?" Lü Bu asked.
"Then we remind them why your name is feared across the land," Chen Gong said with a faint smile.
Lü Bu smirked, tapping the map with his finger. "Prepare the men. We march at dawn."
---
The road to the iron-producing village wound through dense forests and rocky outcroppings. Lü Bu rode at the head of the column, his halberd resting across his saddle. Behind him, his troops marched in disciplined silence, their armor clinking softly with every step.
By midday, they reached the outskirts of the village. Smoke curled from chimneys, and the sound of hammering metal echoed faintly through the air. The village itself was modest, surrounded by a wooden palisade reinforced with iron spikes.
"Chen Gong," Lü Bu called, motioning the strategist forward.
"My lord," Chen Gong replied, riding up beside him.
"Send a messenger to the gate," Lü Bu said. "Offer them a choice: surrender peacefully, or face the consequences."
Chen Gong nodded, signaling to one of the scouts. The man rode ahead, his banner fluttering in the breeze as he approached the village gate.
The response came quickly. Gao Fang himself appeared atop the gate, his armor glinting in the sunlight. He was a burly man with a thick beard and a commanding presence.
"So, the infamous Lü Bu graces my humble village," Gao Fang called, his voice carrying across the field. "What brings the Flying General to my doorstep?"
"Your iron," Lü Bu replied, his tone cold. "Surrender the village and pledge your loyalty, and you'll be spared. Resist, and I'll raze this place to the ground."
Gao Fang laughed, the sound deep and rumbling. "Bold words, but I'm not so easily cowed. My men have fought in more battles than you can count. If you want this village, come and take it!"
Lü Bu's eyes narrowed. "So be it."
---
The assault began at sunrise.
Lü Bu's archers unleashed a volley of arrows, their sharp tips thudding into the wooden palisade and forcing the defenders to take cover. Under the cover of the barrage, the infantry advanced, shields raised as they approached the gate.
"Hold steady!" Zhang Liao roared, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Protect the ram!"
The battering ram struck the gate with a resounding crash, splinters flying as the iron head smashed into the wood. The defenders retaliated with a hail of arrows and rocks, but Lü Bu's men held their ground, their shields forming an unbroken wall.
"System," Lü Bu muttered, his eyes fixed on the gate. "What's the status of the defenders?"
"Enemy morale is faltering. Defensive positions are weakening. Recommended action: Execute a decisive strike to break their resistance."
Lü Bu smirked, gripping his halberd tightly. "Time to end this."
With a roar, he charged forward, his massive frame cutting through the chaos like a blade. His soldiers parted instinctively, making way for their commander as he reached the gate.
With a single, devastating swing of his halberd, Lü Bu struck the gate, the impact echoing like thunder. The wood buckled, and with another strike, it gave way, collapsing in a shower of debris.
"For the Flying General!" one of the soldiers shouted, surging through the breach.
Lü Bu was the first to enter, his halberd carving a path through the defenders who scrambled to block his advance. The mercenaries fought fiercely, their swords and spears flashing in the sunlight, but they were no match for Lü Bu's raw strength and skill.
Gao Fang met him in the center of the village, his massive axe raised.
"You think you can take my village, Lü Bu?" Gao Fang roared, swinging his weapon with all his might.
Lü Bu sidestepped the blow with ease, his halberd flashing in a deadly arc. The blade caught Gao Fang across the chest, tearing through armor and flesh. The mercenary staggered, blood spilling onto the dirt.
"It's over," Lü Bu said coldly, raising his halberd for the final strike.
Gao Fang collapsed to his knees, his weapon slipping from his grasp. "Mercy..." he gasped.
Lü Bu hesitated, his grip tightening on his weapon. For a moment, the battlefield seemed to fade away, replaced by the memories of the countless times Lü Bu had been betrayed in the past.
"Mercy is earned," Lü Bu said finally, lowering his halberd. "Swear loyalty to me, and I'll spare your life."
Gao Fang looked up, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and gratitude. "I swear... I'll serve you, my lord."
"Good," Lü Bu said, turning to his troops. "Secure the village and begin repairs. This is our territory now."
---
The battle for the village was over, but Lü Bu knew the real work was just beginning. With each victory, his power grew—but so did the challenges ahead.
"System," he said quietly as he surveyed the aftermath. "Update my status."
"Sub-objective: Establish Loyalty completed
New sub-objective: Expand Your Army. Progress: 10%. Territory: +1 Village. Morale: High."
Lü Bu smirked. "Good. Let's see how far we can take this."