บท 17: 17
Duke Hyou Observes the Battlefield
Duke Hyou stood at one edge of the Dakan Plains, observing the war-torn battlefield. In the distance, an enormous blaze lit up the sky, intensifying the chaos of war. His eyes were fixed on the site of the flames. Taking a deep breath, he murmured:
"Hoo… A great fire burns over there. Very large! Who lit this massive flame of war?"
The officers beside him struggled to understand why Duke Hyou reacted this way. The unexpected turn of the battle had shocked them as well. The developments coming from Qin's 4th Army were far different from what had been planned.
Shin and Great General Ou Ki
The hill where Kyuu Gen had been slain was now under Qin's control. Upon hearing of their leader's death, the Wei soldiers had begun a complete retreat. This hill had become the focal point of the battle. As Shin wiped his blade clean, a movement above caught his attention. A figure had appeared nearby, accompanied by 3,000 elite soldiers. Shin immediately recognized the figure: the Great General Ou Ki.
Shin called out in surprise:
"Great General Ou Ki! What are you doing here?"
Ou Ki approached Shin with his usual composed demeanor, his voice echoing with that familiar laugh:
"Nfu Kokoko! Young Shin, it has been a while. How have you been?"
Shin, excited by Ou Ki's sudden arrival, puffed out his chest and replied proudly:
"As you can see, I've taken a general's head. If we win this battle, I think I'll become the commander of 300 men! Haha!"
Ou Ki smiled knowingly. He understood the fiery warrior spirit in Shin, but he also pondered what this battle truly meant for him. Taking a deep breath, Ou Ki gazed over the battlefield and said:
"Nfu Kokoko! How interesting… This place looks different than I expected. Normally, Qin soldiers should have been struggling in this 'desert of blood.' But the opposite seems true. It looks like 20,000 Wei soldiers have fallen across the battlefield. Kokoko! Whose plan is this?"
Noticing Ou Ki's curiosity, Shin eagerly answered:
"Of course, it's Zhi Yong's plan! Three months ago, he established his own intelligence unit. From what I understand, he anticipated this battle and studied Wei General Go Kei in detail. But to be honest, I only learned about these death traps when I saw them on the battlefield!"
Ou Ki's expression turned thoughtful, and he nodded.
"Nfu Kokoko! Zhi Yong, is it? That young man had caught my attention before. I didn't think he could create such a comprehensive plan. I'll need to have a long talk with him someday."
The Dialogue Between Shin and Ou Ki
Hearing Ou Ki's words, a faint smile appeared on Shin's face. His expression turned serious as he asked:
"Ou Ki-sama, are you here just to watch this battle, or do you plan to join?"
Ou Ki answered calmly:
"Nfu Kokoko! No, I don't plan to join this battle. We're simply observing. However, watching Qin's young generals showcase their abilities is quite an intriguing experience. And, young Shin, it's entertaining to see you prove yourself in such a war."
Shin appeared slightly frustrated by Ou Ki's words, but he held back and replied:
"If you're just here for entertainment, then you don't understand the importance of this battle!"
Ou Ki, unbothered by Shin's outburst, replied in his calm tone:
"Young Shin, I understand the importance of this war better than you think. But remember, a war is not won by swords alone. You must learn to use your mind and patience."
Shin paused for a moment, trying to grasp the meaning behind Ou Ki's words. Then, he muttered to himself:
"Maybe he's right… But there's no time to think on the battlefield."
Zhi Yong's Plan in Action
Meanwhile, Zhi Yong remained at the center of the battlefield, leading his troops. After the annihilation of 20,000 Wei soldiers, the remaining Wei forces had gone entirely on the defensive. However, Zhi Yong was already thinking about the next move to finish the war completely.
He carefully observed the performances of Shin, Piao, and the troops under his leadership. A thought crossed his mind:
"This victory is only the beginning. If Qin is to hold these lands and claim even more, we must continue creating such intelligent strategies."
He looked out across the battlefield and murmured to himself:
"Shin, you will understand Ou Ki's words one day. But for now, I need you to show the spirit of a warrior."
The First Step of a Great Victory
After his brief exchange with Ou Ki, Shin returned to the battlefield. Ou Ki, still watching from above, continued to observe the young warriors. Standing beside him, Tou quietly turned and asked:
"Sir, what do you think of these young ones?"
Ou Ki smiled in his usual relaxed manner and replied:
"Nfu Kokoko! An interesting group… Young Shin has the courage of a warrior, but he still has much to learn. As for Zhi Yong… I may have bigger plans for him. These young ones could change Qin's future."
The battle on the Dakan Plains marked a significant victory for Qin, but it was only the beginning. The dust and blood of war were mere preparation for Qin's greater ambitions. Ou Ki's words hinted at a new era, opening doors for Shin, Zhi Yong, and the future leaders of Qin
Leaving the Battlefield Behind
We were leaving behind the chaos of the battlefield—the thick dust, the overwhelming smell of blood. I gave the order for my 900 soldiers to retreat. I told them there was no need to chase the 20,000 fleeing Wei soldiers; they would regroup at General Go Kei's main camp. Pursuing them would be no different than digging our own graves.
Gripping my reins tightly, I galloped forward in the direction of our return. My mind was busy assessing the outcomes of this war. Today, for the first time, I was responsible for such massive death. It left me with both a sense of pride and a faint unease. I murmured to myself:
"This is just the beginning. If I am to become a general, I will face greater deaths and even heavier responsibilities. But today's victory showed something: I was born to be a general."
The Weight of War
As I spoke to myself, I realized something—throughout the battle, I had not once relied on my General Aura ability. To lead so many without losses was an achievement of intellect and composure. Yet, I knew this alone wouldn't be enough for the battles ahead. Today, acting wisely had sufficed. But it wouldn't always be this way.
Thoughtfully, I told myself:
"I have lit a great fire of war for Duke Hyou. With this flame, he can reshape the battle. The rest is up to him."
The Return Journey
With my 900-strong unit, we made our way back swiftly but silently. Most of my soldiers were exhausted, yet the morale of victory kept them calm. A few glanced at me from the corners of their eyes—there was admiration there. Their leader had brought them through such a complex battle without losses. I ignored the glances and focused only on the road ahead.
After an hour-long journey, we finally returned to the position under the command of Baku Koshin. A sense of astonishment swept through the army. Most of the soldiers couldn't believe their eyes when they saw how few losses my returning unit had sustained.
Dialogue with Baku Koshin
The moment Baku Koshin saw me, he approached immediately. His stern but curious gaze scrutinized me. "Boy, what have you done? What kind of victory is this?" he asked.
I dismounted my horse and greeted him with a respectful bow.
"Sir, I would prefer to speak after the battle. Our time is limited. We must move the army to the hill where Kyuu Gen fell immediately."
Baku Koshin frowned as he looked at me but also had a trace of admiration in his eyes.
"If you're wrong, I'll make you pay dearly for this. But for now, I'll trust you. Move the army to the hill!"
Moving to the Hill
With the orders given, the 4th Army began moving toward the hill where Kyuu Gen had been slain. The army advanced quickly and carefully. As we neared the hill, Duke Hyou's force of 10,000 men and his elite personal army of 50,000 were preparing for the battle. This massive strength would have a tremendous impact on the battlefield.
As we approached the hill, I knew I would soon encounter General Ou Ki and his right-hand man, Tou. My soldiers, realizing they were about to meet such a legendary general, were excited. Yet internally, I prayed that this meeting wouldn't draw too much attention. We had accomplished a lot today, but attracting too much notice was not always a good thing.
Meeting with Ou Ki
As expected, when we reached the hill, Ou Ki and Tou were waiting for us, along with their elite unit of 3,000 men. The moment I saw them, I rode forward to greet them. Ou Ki, seeing me, let out his familiar laugh.
"Kokoko! Little Viscount Zhi Yong. I see you're up to surprising feats again."
I dismounted and bowed deeply.
"General Ou Ki-sama. Today, we executed a plan that could change the course of this battle. I hope its results will benefit Qin."
Ou Ki, surveying the battlefield, took a deep breath and smiled.
"Kokoko! Truly interesting… Normally, Qin's 4th Army would have long retreated with heavy losses. Yet this scene shows the Wei army has been utterly shattered. This could only be achieved with intelligence. Young Viscount, this was your doing, wasn't it?"
Bowing my head, I replied:
"Yes, General. But this is only the beginning. Under Duke Hyou's leadership, the war will escalate further."
Reuniting with Shin and Piao
At that moment, a familiar voice called out from behind me.
"Zhi Yong! You're finally here!"
It was Shin, of course. He rushed toward me with Piao by his side. Shin's face bore his usual confidence.
"Hey, Zhi Yong! It looks like your plans actually worked. Kyuu Gen is dead, the Wei army is scattered, and we're still alive! Haha!"
Piao approached more seriously and asked:
"Zhi Yong, how long do we plan to stay here? Shouldn't we gather more information before Duke Hyou's forces advance?"
Piao's words were reasonable. But Ou Ki stepped in and spoke:
"No. The time for gathering information has passed. Now is the time for action. Young ones, if you want to win this war, you must display all your courage."
Ou Ki's words had a profound effect on both Shin and Piao. They exchanged glances and nodded. I, on the other hand, knew deep down that this battle was merely a turning point.
Conclusion and Reflections
Upon reaching the hill, we had secured a critical position to steer the battle. Although Wei had suffered significant losses, I knew General Go Kei was still in play. I sensed that Shin, Piao, and the troops under our leadership could change the course of this war. Yet greater challenges lay ahead.
Murmuring to myself, I thought:
"Today I may have drawn attention. But this attention will only pave the way for greater achievements in the future. We will continue to fight for Qin!"
As the Conversation Continued
While we spoke, Duke Hyou's army had begun its advance below. Qin's 10,000 elite soldiers were moving toward the Wei army's left flank. Duke Hyou's distinct, aggressive style ignited the battlefield like a consuming fire. Yet, the strategic intent behind this assault left questions lingering in everyone's minds.
Ou Ki's Curiosity
At that moment, Great General Ou Ki stepped forward, evaluating the situation around him. With a mischievous smile, he turned directly to Baku Koshin:
"Nfu Kokoko! There are about 30,000 soldiers on this hill right now. So why aren't you attacking? Are you content just to watch?"
Baku Koshin responded calmly but respectfully:
"I'm waiting for Major Zhi Yong's signal, General Ou Ki."
Ou Ki raised an eyebrow, his laughter echoing across the hill.
"Nfu Kokoko! I thought you were the commander of the 4th Army? This young man seems to have quite the influence over you."
Baku Koshin coughed lightly and responded to Ou Ki's teasing with a straight face:
"To be honest, this young man is far more capable than I am. And he's not just a major—he holds the title of Viscount. Someone with such a title deserves to be heard."
Ou Ki, clearly intrigued, turned his attention fully to me. His eyes held both curiosity and amusement as he asked:
"Well then, Viscount Zhi Yong, why haven't you launched the attack yet? There must be a reason for keeping such a large force idle, right?"
Zhi Yong's Response
I smiled faintly at Ou Ki's question and replied with a calm demeanor:
"General Ou Ki, the reason is simple. The 20,000 retreating Wei soldiers have yet to fully reposition. Once they engage, Duke Hyou's forces will suddenly find themselves facing 70,000 Wei soldiers. Right now, he's attacking with just 10,000 elite troops. If we time this correctly, we can strike from two directions: Duke Hyou from within, and us from the outside. This will plunge the Wei army into complete chaos."
Ou Ki listened intently, his expression thoughtful before he let out a hearty laugh:
"Nfu Kokoko! Interesting… Such a maneuver would completely shatter Wei's defensive line. But this is a bold plan, Viscount. Even if the 20,000 troops are disorganized, they still pose a significant threat. Have you considered the risk of failure?"
I met his gaze with a confident smile and answered firmly:
"General, the chance of failure is next to none. The Wei army is already in disarray. General Kyuu Gen's death has severely weakened their chain of command. Even if Go Kei tries to reposition the 20,000 troops, they won't organize fast enough. By the time that moment arrives, Duke Hyou's elite forces will have already broken through their lines. That's when we'll strike and end this battle."
Baku Koshin's Reaction
After I finished, Baku Koshin looked at me with slight astonishment. He asked in a measured tone:
"Boy, you speak with such confidence. Are you really so certain that this plan will succeed?"
I nodded resolutely and replied:
"Yes, I am. But this isn't just my victory—it will be the success of the entire 4th Army. If our troops remain disciplined and committed to this plan, this war will end in our favor."
Baku Koshin, seemingly impressed, gave a small nod.
"Very well. I trust you, Viscount Zhi Yong. But remember, if this plan fails, you'll not only risk yourself but all of us."
The Course of the Battle
As I had predicted, Duke Hyou's assault progressed relentlessly. His 10,000 elite troops tore through the Wei army's left flank, quickly unraveling their defensive line. Just as this chaos peaked, the retreating 20,000 Wei soldiers finally reorganized and began their counterattack. The battlefield descended into a storm of utter confusion.
It was then that I gave the command to the 4th Army:
"Prepare yourselves! When the time comes, we will finish this battle!"
Shin and Piao approached me. Shin, ever energetic, grinned and asked:
"So, Zhi Yong, when are we moving out?"
I replied calmly:
"Be patient, Shin. A general must learn to wait for the perfect moment. But don't worry—when that moment comes, we'll all move."
Piao, more composed than Shin, added:
"Zhi Yong is right. There's no use in being impatient. If this plan works, we can crush the Wei army entirely."
Ou Ki's Assessment
As the conversation continued, Ou Ki spoke again:
"Nfu Kokoko! You're a truly fascinating young man, Zhi Yong. But I'll keep watching you closely. If this plan succeeds, I'm certain you're capable of far greater things for Qin's future."
Tou, standing silently beside him, finally spoke up:
"Sir, this young man is indeed impressive. But I'm eager to see how the final stage of this plan unfolds."
Ou Ki smiled slightly at Tou's words and responded:
"Nfu Kokoko! Be patient, Tou. Watching the young ones' brilliance unfold is always a delight."
The Final Preparations
As Wei's 20,000 troops engaged Duke Hyou's forces, our opportunity had arrived. The 4th Army, under my command, stood ready to move. It was time to deliver the decisive blow that would end this battle.
I murmured to myself:
"This isn't just a victory—it's a turning point. A moment that will shape Qin's future."
The Rising Tension of War
As the intensity of the battle grew, Baku Koshin suddenly turned toward me. His face bore a mixture of admiration and the weight of an important decision.
"Well then, if this plan is truly your creation, you should be the one to command this battle, boy," he said, taking a deep breath.
I froze for a moment. These were not the words I expected. Direct command was being handed to me. "What did you say?" I asked, surprised.
Baku Koshin, speaking in his usual stern yet resolute tone, replied:
"You've been right about everything since the start of this war. You should be the one to execute your plan. If you take charge as a commander, the soldiers' morale will soar even higher. I trust you, boy. You have a bright future ahead. Step forward, prove yourself, and show your true potential."
Doubt and Decision
For a brief moment, I hesitated. On one hand, commanding the 4th Army was a golden opportunity to elevate myself within the Qin ranks. On the other hand, it carried immense risk. If the plan failed, I wouldn't just endanger myself—I'd be putting the entire unit at stake.
Yet deep inside, a voice urged me to seize this moment. This wasn't just a battle; it was a chance to prove my abilities and show that I was born to be a general. Bowing my head slightly, I took a deep breath and responded:
"Very well. I accept. I will take command."
System Panel Activation
At that exact moment, the system panel, visible only to me, suddenly appeared. A mechanical voice echoed in my mind:
DING! General Aura Activated!
Effect: Your soldiers will be 100% stronger for one hour.
I felt a surge of energy flow through me. The General Aura ability was a game-changer, a power that could turn this battle completely in our favor. I murmured to myself:
"Perfect! We will win this war, no matter what."
Assuming Command
Gripping my sword tightly, I raised my voice to the army:
"4th Army! Attention! Form into arrowhead formation and prepare for an all-out assault!"
The soldiers sprang into action. Under the influence of General Aura, their movements were sharper, faster, and more coordinated. Even their expressions looked braver, more resolute.
Shin, sitting confidently on his horse next to me, flashed his usual grin.
"Zhi Yong, what now? Are we moving to the second phase of the plan?"
I nodded firmly.
"Yes, Shin. But this victory isn't just ours—it will be a triumph for all of Qin. Let's strike fear into the hearts of the enemy!"
Rallying the Army
I spurred my horse slightly ahead and shouted at the top of my voice to the entire 4th Army:
"4th Army! Today, we stand here to defend Qin's future! Wei may have their strongest generals and soldiers before us, but never forget: We are Qin! Today, we will not just win a battle—we will teach our enemies a lesson they will never forget! At the end of this day, one name will echo across these lands: Qin!"
The soldiers roared in unison:
"QIN! QIN! QIN!"
Their thunderous cry echoed across the battlefield, sending chills through the enemy ranks. Turning back, I addressed Shin and Piao:
"We start now. The plan will unfold perfectly!"
The Assault Begins
With General Aura fueling their strength, the 4th Army surged forward like a tidal wave. Our 30,000 soldiers moved with a speed and power that seemed unmatched, morale at its peak. The plan was simple yet devastating: support Duke Hyou's assault from the outside, hammering the Wei forces like a crushing blow.
When we crashed into the enemy's front lines, chaos erupted. Shin, Piao, and I led from the front, driving our forces forward. Shin's voice rang out as he struck down a Wei soldier with his blade:
"Come on, Zhi Yong! Faster! This is our victory!"
The General Aura coursed through me, and every strike of my sword opened gaps in the enemy's formation. I whispered to myself:
"This is war. This is victory."
Baku Koshin's Reaction
From the rear, Baku Koshin watched the battlefield unfold. His face, filled with astonishment and admiration, betrayed his thoughts. He murmured to himself:
"What is this boy doing? How has he moved the soldiers so quickly? The impact of this assault is far beyond what I expected!"
An excited soldier ran up to him, yelling:
"Commander Koshin! Zhi Yong's unit is tearing through the enemy lines! They're about to link up with Duke Hyou's forces!"
Baku Koshin let out a hearty laugh.
"So it's true. This boy is not just a major. He's a true leader. Today, we're not just fighting a battle—we're writing history."
The Progress of the War
The battle raged on with unprecedented ferocity. The Wei forces, caught between Duke Hyou's elite troops and my 4th Army, began to crumble under the pressure. The retreating 20,000 Wei soldiers found themselves trapped in a deadly pincer, unable to regroup.
As the effects of General Aura began to wane, the soldiers' morale remained sky-high. Their momentum carried us forward, even without the ability's full effect.
"This isn't just a victory," I thought to myself. "We've opened a path to Qin's future. This war marks the beginning of something far greater."
Shin's Spirit
Amid the chaos, Shin rode up to me, his usual boundless energy intact.
"Hey, Zhi Yong! Was it really this easy? I want more fighting!"
I smiled at him, shaking my head.
"Be patient, Shin. Bigger battles await us."
The Dawn of a New Era
As Wei's 20,000 troops faltered and their left flank disintegrated, the outcome was clear. The 4th Army had cemented its place as a force to be reckoned with. This wasn't just a battle won—it was a statement to the world.
I whispered softly, almost to myself:
"This victory will echo through history. Qin's enemies will remember this day as the moment we rose to shape the future of China."
The Battlefield Falls Silent
The battlefield had fallen into an eerie silence. The two great armies stared at each other, holding their breath as they watched the decisive moment unfold. The legendary Wei general Go Kei and Qin's ferocious general Duke Hyou had finally come face-to-face. Both generals had ordered their armies to halt, turning this war into a personal duel.
The Encounter Begins
Duke Hyou advanced confidently on his horse. His broad shoulders and heavy armor made him look like an unstoppable war beast. Opposite him stood Go Kei, whose sharp, calm gaze revealed a refined but deadly presence. Both men exuded the aura of true leaders—commanding not just with their strength but with sheer charisma.
Taking a deep breath, Duke Hyou shouted across the distance:
"Go Kei! The time for reckoning has come. Today, only one of us will walk away alive. Will it be Qin or Wei? The fate of this war will be decided now!"
Go Kei, composed and measured, replied with a quiet confidence:
"Duke Hyou, I've waited years to face a rival like you. But words will not decide the outcome. Our swords will speak for us!"
The Circle Forms
The soldiers from both sides formed a wide circle to witness their leaders' duel. No one dared interfere. Outside the ring, Qin and Wei soldiers watched in silence, their breaths caught in their throats. This was no longer just a duel—it was a battle that would decide the fate of two armies.
Shin and Piao stood at the edge, captivated by the sight. Shin gripped his sword impatiently, whispering:
"What men… They can change the fate of thousands with a single fight."
Piao, calmer, added:
"This is a battle of true leaders. They fight not just with strength, but with the will that inspires entire armies."
The First Strike
Duke Hyou raised his massive sword and spurred his horse forward. Go Kei, in a display of sharp agility, drew his sword and expertly sidestepped Duke Hyou's initial strike. The force of Duke Hyou's sword crashing into the ground sent a cloud of dust billowing into the air.
Go Kei countered swiftly, his blade glancing off Duke Hyou's armor in a light, deliberate strike. It was not meant to harm, but to test and provoke. Go Kei's speed and precision left an impression on the spectators.
Duke Hyou's Counterattack
Unfazed by the small cut, Duke Hyou roared, his massive frame surging forward again.
"So, you're fast, Go Kei! But speed cannot always overcome strength!"
This time, he swung his sword with all his might. Go Kei tried to evade, but his horse stumbled slightly, losing balance for just a moment. Duke Hyou seized the opportunity, bringing his blade down hard at the horse's legs, toppling Go Kei's mount.
Go Kei rolled smoothly as he fell, landing gracefully and raising his sword in a defensive stance.
"A good move, Duke Hyou. But you know I will not fall so easily."
The Dance of Swords
Now both generals stood on foot, their swords clashing with incredible force. Their movements were like a deadly dance, each strike met with a precise parry, each blow fueled by years of experience and power.
Duke Hyou pressed forward relentlessly, his massive strikes forcing Go Kei onto the defensive. Yet Go Kei's agility and elegance allowed him to turn aside each blow with almost unnatural grace.
The Battle Reaches Its Climax
At last, Duke Hyou broke through Go Kei's defenses, landing a blow that cut into Go Kei's shoulder. Go Kei staggered back but managed to recover, breathing heavily. With renewed resolve, he spotted an opening in Duke Hyou's armor and lunged forward.
The strike was aimed at Duke Hyou's chest, but the Qin general raised his blade just in time, deflecting the blow. The force of the parry sent Go Kei sliding backward, his feet digging into the dirt.
The Final Strike
Both men knew the end was near. Go Kei took a deep breath, preparing for one last attack. He launched himself at Duke Hyou with everything he had, his sword flashing toward the general's exposed side.
But Duke Hyou had anticipated this. With a mighty roar, he lifted his massive sword with both hands and swung it down with all his strength. Go Kei tried to dodge, but Duke Hyou's strike was unstoppable. Go Kei's sword shattered on impact, and the force of the blow sent him sprawling to the ground.
Duke Hyou stood over him, placing the blade of his sword at Go Kei's neck. With a steady breath, he declared:
"This war ends today, Go Kei. You may be the pride of Wei, but Qin's strength will always prevail."
Go Kei, his face calm in defeat, bowed his head and closed his eyes.
"I fought to the end. I lost, but I have no regrets," he said quietly, moments before Duke Hyou delivered the final blow.
Victory and Respect
Duke Hyou thrust his sword into the ground, taking a deep breath before shouting to the heavens:
"Victory for Qin!"
The Wei army, now leaderless and demoralized, began to crumble. The Qin soldiers, emboldened by their general's triumph, pressed forward with renewed vigor.
Shin, watching the battle unfold, muttered in awe:
"That's a general. A true warrior."
As I watched this legendary duel, a quiet thought echoed in my mind:
"One day, I too will become a warrior of this caliber. I will lead Qin to become the greatest power in history."
Chaos and Triumph
The Wei army, now leaderless, spiraled into chaos and began a hasty retreat. The Qin army, on the other hand, basked in the glory of their victory. Duke Hyou's defeat of Go Kei had sealed the battle in Qin's favor. As the battlefield slowly settled, the glow of the still-burning flames served as a reminder of the magnitude of this triumph.
Duke Hyou's Gratitude
Through the dust-covered battlefield, Duke Hyou approached me, his heavy armor clinking with each step. His breaths were deep, yet his expression radiated pride and determination. Fixing his intense gaze on me, he let out a booming laugh:
"Young warrior! Today, you lit an inferno for Qin. As the architect of this victory, I owe you my gratitude!"
Those words washed away all the exhaustion of the battle. Resting my sword on the ground, I replied sincerely:
"Thank you for your kind words, General. I only did my duty. If I succeeded, it was an honor for Qin."
Duke Hyou's serious expression softened slightly as he placed a firm hand on my shoulder.
"Did your duty? No, young warrior—you were the spark that allowed us to win this war. Qin needs leaders like you."
His words carried both praise and immense responsibility. I bowed my head silently, expressing my gratitude.
Ou Ki's Observations
From the hill, Great General Ou Ki still observed the battlefield, sitting calmly atop his horse. Beside him stood his loyal aide, Tou, who had quietly taken in every moment of the fight.
Ou Ki, eyes fixed on the fading embers of the battlefield, muttered with a chuckle:
"Nfu, kokoko... That was truly an interesting battle. But what's more intriguing is that boy. Shining alongside Duke Hyou like that, this young one is destined to become a great general. Kokoko…"
Tou nodded thoughtfully.
"Sir, his strategy and poise on the battlefield were exceptional. Once he hones his abilities further, he could become a new star for Qin."
Ou Ki laughed heartily, his voice booming across the hill.
"He won't just be a star, Tou. He'll become a sun! Kokoko... I wonder what kind of battlefield we'll meet him on in the future. The spirit of these young warriors might just change the balance of this world."
The Battlefield Settles
The Qin soldiers began gathering fallen weapons and aiding their wounded comrades. The Wei army had completely crumbled and scattered into retreat. For Qin, this was not just a victory—it was a monumental boost to morale.
Shin approached me, wiping his blood-streaked sword with a grin plastered across his face.
"Hey Zhi Yong! Even Duke Hyou praised you! That's a huge deal! I bet you'll be promoted after this, huh?"
I laughed lightly and replied:
"Perhaps. But this victory wasn't just mine. It was ours, Shin. Without you and Piao, we wouldn't have succeeded as we did."
Shin nodded, his face turning serious for a moment.
"That's true. But you really are different, Zhi Yong. One day, you'll become a great general—I'm sure of it."
Piao's Insight
Piao approached with slow, deliberate steps. His calm expression carried the weight of deep thought. Looking at me, he spoke softly:
"Zhi Yong, this victory is a great gain for Qin. But you know as well as I do that this is only the beginning. Greater battles and tougher opponents lie ahead."
His words were both a warning and a reminder. I nodded firmly and replied:
"Yes, I know, Piao. But what we accomplished today is the foundation for future victories. We'll keep fighting until Qin becomes the greatest power in history."
A faint smile crossed Piao's face as he added:
"I believe it will happen. But first, we all need rest. We've earned it."
Closing the Battle
This victory was more than just a triumph over Wei—it was the beginning of a new era for Qin. For my comrades and me, it marked an important step forward. As we prepared to leave the battlefield, I felt both pride and a deep sense of hope for the future.
Duke Hyou, having regained his breath, turned to address the soldiers. His voice boomed across the field:
"Soldiers! Today, we achieved a great victory. This triumph belongs not only to Qin but to every one of you. I am proud of you all!"
A massive cheer erupted from the Qin soldiers, their cries of victory echoing far into the distance.
A Glimpse of the Future
I whispered to myself as I watched the jubilant scene:
"This is only the beginning. Greater battles and even greater victories await us."
And thus, another glorious chapter in Qin's history had been written. With the light of this victory behind us, we marched forward—toward even greater conquests and toward a future where Qin would stand as the unshakable power of the world.
A Month After the Battle
A month had passed since our victory on the Dakan Plains—a turning point for Qin. That day, we had achieved a triumph that would remain etched in everyone's memory. Now, we were returning to the capital, Xianyang, to receive our rewards. This ceremony would celebrate the achievements of those who contributed to the war effort. The capital was as vibrant and grand as ever. The streets were crowded with citizens carrying flags, their faces glowing with pride and happiness from the victory.
The Magnificence of the Palace
The palace, as always, stood in all its grandeur. Golden-embroidered pillars, massive chandeliers, and vast halls showcased Qin's opulence once again. The strongest figures in Qin had gathered for the ceremony.
Prime Minister Ryu Fui stood at the center of the hall with his commanding presence. Beside him, Sho Hei Kun, one of the palace's key figures, observed the surroundings with a watchful gaze. Sho Bun Kun sat to the right of the throne, directly beside King Ei Sei. Despite his youth, King Ei Sei drew attention with the natural aura of leadership he exuded.
Unfortunately, Ou Ki, one of Qin's former Six Great Generals, was not present at the ceremony. I knew he had retired, but his absence felt like a void during such a glorious moment.
The Ceremony Begins
The ceremony commenced with a grand proclamation. Qin's Chief General, Duke Hyou, was the first to be called to the stage. The speaker detailed his heroics during the war. King Ei Sei presented Duke Hyou with a golden sword and honored him with a promotion. The palace resounded with applause.
Duke Hyou stood on the stage with undeniable charisma. His ferocity and leadership on the battlefield were once again recognized and celebrated.
My Turn to Be Called
After Duke Hyou, it was my turn. The speaker announced my name with a powerful voice:
"Viscount Zhi Yong, the young and talented commander who greatly contributed to Qin's victory on the Dakan Plains with his strategic brilliance!"
The hall fell silent. I walked forward slowly but confidently, each step echoing in the vast chamber. All eyes were on me, particularly Ryu Fui, who watched me intently. The sharp look in the Prime Minister's eyes was not lost on me—it was hard to ignore the pressure it created.
The speaker began to recount my role in the war:
"Viscount Zhi Yong neutralized 20,000 enemy soldiers on the Dakan Plains through meticulous intelligence gathering and strategic traps prepared over ten days. Additionally, he took down Wei General Kyuu Gen, shattering the morale of the enemy army completely."
The words caused a ripple of reaction in the hall. Ministers murmured among themselves, some struggling to comprehend how someone so young had achieved such a feat.
King Ei Sei's Praise
When I reached the stage, King Ei Sei regarded me carefully. With his youthful yet determined gaze, he spoke:
"Zhi Yong, what you have done for Qin is not just a military achievement but a shining example of leadership. A commander as talented as you is invaluable to Qin's future."
I bowed deeply and humbly replied:
"Your Majesty, I have done nothing more than fulfill my duty as a soldier of Qin. This victory is a result of our army's strength and your leadership."
King Ei Sei smiled faintly and continued:
"You have more than fulfilled your duty, which is why I wish to reward you today. From this day forward, you shall serve as the commander of 3,000 soldiers in the Qin army. Additionally, you are awarded 300 gold for your exceptional achievements."
The hall erupted in applause. This was a great honor, but it also added to the weight of responsibility on my shoulders. I bowed once more to thank King Ei Sei and returned to my seat.
Shin Is Recognized
After I had returned to my place, it was Shin's turn. The speaker called his name:
"Young Commander Shin, who personally slew Wei General Kyuu Gen and delivered a resounding victory to the Qin army!"
Shin walked to the stage with his usual energetic and confident stride. A faint smile played on his face, barely concealing his unshakable confidence.
The speaker recounted Shin's achievement, and the hall fell silent once again:
"By killing Wei General Kyuu Gen, Shin not only eliminated a leader but also crushed the morale of the enemy army. This act of heroism will be etched in golden letters in Qin's history."
King Ei Sei turned to Shin and spoke:
"Shin, you are not just a powerful warrior but a symbol of great courage. This courage reflects the very spirit of Qin. From today, you will serve as the commander of 300 soldiers."
Shin grinned broadly, his voice filled with energy as he responded:
"Thank you, Your Majesty! This is just the beginning. One day, I'll become Qin's greatest general!"
A light wave of laughter spread through the hall. Shin's boundless confidence had drawn everyone's attention.
The Ceremony Concludes
The ceremony continued as other commanders received their rewards, but the moments that belonged to Duke Hyou, Shin, and me remained the most talked-about. Throughout the event, Ryu Fui's gaze lingered on me. I could feel it—a sharp and calculating look that hinted at challenges yet to come.
At the ceremony's end, King Ei Sei stood once again and declared loudly:
"Today is a great day for Qin! These heroes will build the future of our kingdom. Before you all, I reaffirm my faith in them. Qin will one day unite all of China!"
His words echoed throughout the hall, met with thunderous applause. Yet beneath the cheering, I knew that for each of us, this was only the beginning. The war had ended, but the true struggle was about to begin.
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