Infinity, The Arcade Age

Late into the night, under the cover of shadows, the camp gates stood guarded by a haphazard mix of soldiers. Among them were Qin Ming and Ghost Lady, blending in perfectly as remnants of a patrol team that had allegedly been ambushed by enemy forces.

Their story wasn't entirely a fabrication. After all, their uniforms and intelligence had been looted directly off the very soldiers they'd taken down.

Leaning on a battered spear, Qin Ming gazed at the night sky, occasionally glancing at the disheveled soldiers around him. His low voice broke the silence as he turned to Ghost Lady.

"Are we seriously going to find one of those Zhao brothers like this? Feels like our plan might be off the rails."

Ghost Lady, propping herself up on her spear as well, rolled her eyes.

"And what's your big idea? Charge into the camp and lop their heads off before walking out like a damn hero? You think you're Guan Yu or Zhao Yun?"

"Not quite," Qin Ming retorted with a smirk. "Guan Yu's strong, sure, but I doubt he'd manage to kill me easily either. We're just different kinds of monsters."

"Ah, of course! You're the great Hyena, thick-skinned and brain-dead! Naturally, even heroes like Guan Yu couldn't outlast your resilience!"

"Why are you always so irritable? What's your problem with me?"

"My problem?" Ghost Lady hissed, her voice rising. "My problem is that I'm here scheming and plotting, while you're standing around daydreaming about legs and cleavage! Honestly, having you as a partner is worse than dealing with the enemy!"

"Fine, then! Next world, we go our separate ways. You think I want to team up with you again?!"

"Good! I'd rather team up with a monkey than keep working with you!"

Their spat quickly escalated, with the pair grabbing at each other's collars and helmets, drawing the attention of the surrounding soldiers. Those who had been bored and half-asleep now perked up, eagerly watching the commotion unfold.

Amidst the chaos, the thunder of galloping hooves suddenly echoed in the distance.

The tension snapped like a bowstring. Qin Ming and Ghost Lady froze mid-scuffle, their heads whipping toward the sound.

From the darkness, a single rider emerged, galloping at full speed toward the gates. Behind him, an entire squad of cavalry thundered in pursuit, their armor unmistakably bearing the insignia of the Shu army.

At their forefront rode a bald warrior wielding a Han straight sword. His imposing figure made it clear—this was Wei Yan himself, one of the game's unlisted "Five Tiger Generals."

"Fire!"

At Wei Yan's command, his troops released a volley of arrows. Screams erupted as the arrows struck the unprepared defenders. Some soldiers scrambled forward in a desperate attempt to hold the line, while others discarded their weapons and fled outright.

Chaos erupted at the gate.

The rider at the forefront, carrying a tattered Wei banner, cried out as he approached.

"I'm with General Li Dian! I have urgent orders! Help me!"

Seeing the desperate figure barreling toward them, Qin Ming snatched up his spear. With a practiced movement, he swept low, smashing it into the horse's legs.

The horse collapsed with a resounding thud, sending the rider flying into the mass of defenders.

Nearby soldiers barely had time to react before the Shu cavalry closed in, loosing another rain of arrows.

However, Qin Ming, standing his ground, let the projectiles clatter harmlessly against his body.

"Don't chase them!" he barked, waving a hand to stop Ghost Lady from retaliating. "They're technically our own. No need to kill Wei Yan's men just to keep up appearances."

Ghost Lady nodded reluctantly, lowering her guns.

Before she could reply, a sudden whistling sound cut through the air.

An arrow embedded itself squarely in Qin Ming's shoulder.

"You son of a—!" Qin Ming roared, snapping the shaft and glaring at the distant figure of Wei Yan.

Even as the Shu general retreated with his troops, he had the gall to turn around and fire one last shot, a smug grin visible even from a distance.

Enraged, Qin Ming yanked his revolver from its holster and unleashed a hail of bullets, emptying the chamber in a frenzy of wild shots. When the ammunition ran out, he grabbed a nearby spear and hurled it with all his might.

The weapon flew like a missile, piercing through one of Wei Yan's unfortunate soldiers and unhorsing him.

The surrounding soldiers, who had been watching the scene unfold in stunned silence, exchanged nervous glances.

This no-name soldier had just taken down a Shu rider in full retreat. Alone.

What kind of lunatic did that? Was he not afraid that Wei Yan might turn around and strike him down? Even their own commander, General Xiahou Dun, wouldn't have dared such a brazen stunt.

One thing was clear: this foolhardy soldier was no ordinary conscript.

(End of Chapter)