Infinity, The Arcade Age

Luring Li Dian out of his camp and assassinating him was far from a simple task.

Li Dian was a renowned scholar-general in the Wei army, known for his cautious and defensive nature. Coaxing such a vigilant opponent out of his fortified position was akin to asking a tortoise to abandon its shell—a near-impossible feat.

And did Qin Ming and Ghost Lady have a flawless plan for this daunting mission? Absolutely not.

Yet, they had signed the military pledge without hesitation. Why? Because to them, it was a low-risk, high-reward gamble.

If they succeeded, they would earn accolades as cunning strategists.

If they failed? Well, they would likely fail the promotion mission anyway, and worrying about Guan Yu's reprimands would be the least of their concerns. After all, what adventurer would willingly return to face punishment for a failed task?

Near the outskirts of Li Dian's camp, Qin Ming and Ghost Lady crouched in a dense thicket, observing the enemy through a pair of binoculars.

These weren't ordinary binoculars, either—they were one of Ghost Lady's prized tools.

Name: Desert Commando Tactical Binoculars (Desert Commando World)

Category: Special Equipment (Ordinary Silver Story Equipment)

Requirements: None

Effects:

Scans target attributes (adventurers excluded).

Radar Tracking (Locks onto a target, allowing for approximate directional tracking via a built-in radar compass).

Description: Not only useful for reconnaissance, but also for, ahem, spying. And once it locks onto you? Good luck shaking it off.

In contrast to Qin Ming's Dino Shades, which were tailored for short-range observation, the binoculars excelled in long-distance surveillance. Each tool had its strengths, but in this scenario, the binoculars were indispensable.

Adjusting the focus, Ghost Lady and Qin Ming observed Li Dian's camp meticulously.

The scene before them painted a picture of absolute impenetrability.

Li Dian's army had transformed their camp into a fortress. Every approach was covered, every entrance guarded, and watchtowers dotted the perimeter.

Even a seasoned commander would struggle to find a flaw in such a defense. For Qin Ming, a battle tactics novice, the camp was nothing short of an insurmountable wall.

Sighing in frustration, Ghost Lady lowered the binoculars and slumped against a nearby rock.

"What now? There's no way we're getting in there!"

Sitting beside her, Qin Ming rubbed his temples and offered a measured response.

"There are two options as I see it."

"Which are?"

"First, we find the remaining four of the Five Tiger Generals and their forces.

Guan Yu managed to gather over a hundred soldiers. The others should have similar numbers. If we unite their troops, that's at least 400 or 500 men.

With their combined might and the Five Generals leading the charge, we might just be able to breach the camp.

I suspect this is the fallback solution the Nightmare Space intended."

Qin Ming paused, his expression growing darker.

"But there's a huge risk.

The first and second acts of Dynasty Warriors 2 are interconnected. Li Dian's vanguard army of 3,000 is backed by Xiahou Dun's main force of 20,000 stationed at Bowang Slope.

If we can't take Li Dian quickly and word reaches Xiahou Dun, he'll send reinforcements.

When that happens, we're dead. Not even the Five Tiger Generals could save us."

Ghost Lady's face turned pale as she nodded in agreement.

"You're right. That's a huge problem. I've already confirmed Xiahou Dun's main force is just beyond Bowang Slope, less than 30 miles away.

There's even a long bridge connecting their camps. If he gets word, his cavalry could reach us in no time!"

With reinforcements a looming threat, a direct assault was out of the question.

Eliminating the first option, Ghost Lady turned back to Qin Ming.

"What's your second plan?"

"We attack Xiahou Dun instead."

"Attack Xiahou Dun?"

"Exactly. Xiahou Dun is the commander-in-chief and one of Cao Cao's most trusted generals.

If we strike at him or his close aides, Li Dian won't be able to sit idly by.

He may be a defensive strategist, but he won't risk Xiahou Dun's safety.

We create the illusion of danger, and he'll be forced to react."

Using a stick, Qin Ming drew a rough map in the dirt. Pointing to the bridge connecting the two camps, he continued:

"Li Dian may suspect us, but Xiahou Dun doesn't.

We exploit this by targeting Xiahou Dun's key subordinates—kill them, create chaos, and send their severed heads as a warning.

Li Dian will have no choice but to send reinforcements.

Once he's on the move, we ambush him."

Nodding in understanding, Ghost Lady asked cautiously:

"How do we pick our targets?"

"Simple—who are Xiahou Dun's closest aides?"

Ghost Lady's eyes lit up as she responded without hesitation.

"The Zhao Brothers! Xiahou Dun's famous bodyguards!

There are five of them—hulking brutes built like bears. You'd recognize them immediately: they're the ones who charge at you shoulder-first or lock you in bone-crushing bear hugs!"

At her vivid description, Qin Ming's eyes widened, and his expression darkened with a flicker of rage.

"Ah, those muscle-bound thugs who gang up on you?

Perfect. Let's start by taking them out!"

With their plan set, the two adventurers quickly retreated to prepare.

Meanwhile, back in Li Dian's camp, the general himself was busy sealing a letter.

Handing it to a courier, his expression was grave as he spoke.

"Deliver this to General Xiahou Dun immediately.

Tell him to reinforce his defenses and stay vigilant.

So long as we hold our positions, the enemy will eventually crumble without supplies.

Time is on our side."

"Yes, sir!"

(End of Chapter)