Infinity, The Arcade Age

he Wei army reward system was starkly different from the Shu army's.

At Shu's camp, loyalty could directly translate into material rewards. But Wei operated on a military meritocracy. Promotions granted specific material perks, with each rank unlocking more powerful gear:

Common Soldier: One white-grade equipment piece (weapon, armor, helmet, or boots).

Ten-man Commander: One green-grade item.

Hundred-man Commander (Centurion): A blue-grade item.

Thousand-man Commander (Vice General): A dim silver-grade equipment piece.

General Token: A regular silver-grade artifact.

Effect: Summons four random Wei soldiers to assist in battle.

Limit: Usable once per world.

Details: Summoned units are randomly assigned classes, with a chance to summon elite units.

This item was a game-changer—potentially summoning elite Tiger-Leopard Riders with attributes rivaling minibosses.

In comparison, Shu's "favor for rewards" system seemed much less disciplined. Wei's rewards were directly tied to ability and rank, embodying their military ethos of rewarding merit.

Now promoted to Centurion, Qin Ming received his first reward: a pair of blue-grade boots.

Attributes: +2 Defense, +2 Agility.

Though modest, it was a step up from nothing.

Three quests opened for Qin Ming, each promising lucrative titles:

Famed in the Army

Objective: Attain the rank of General in the Wei army.

Reward: Wei Army General (Green Title)

+10 Constitution, +10 Spirit.

Courage of Three Armies

Objective: Solo kill a minor Shu boss.

Reward: Vanguard Commander (Green Title)

+10 Strength, +10 Agility.

Cut Down a Tiger at Bo Wang Slope

Objective: Participate in killing a Five Tiger General, landing the final blow.

Reward: Five Elite Generals (Blue Title)

Automatically aligns the wearer with a villainous faction in subsequent worlds.

+100 starting favor with all villainous characters.

The final quest mirrored Shu's "Five Tiger General" title quest, its effects symmetrically opposed. Shu granted early access to the protagonist faction, while Wei propelled players into villainous ranks.

Qin Ming found the parallel intriguing. His dual allegiance now gave him a unique chance to double-dip and pit the factions against each other.

As these thoughts swirled, an unexpected opportunity arose: Zhao Xiong, the second of the Zhao brothers, invited Qin Ming and Ghost Lady for drinks.

Bare-chested and boisterous, Zhao Xiong poured generously from a wine jar, his demeanor exuding a hearty charm. But to Qin Ming, something about his enthusiasm felt... off.

Why would such a high-ranking officer bother with a mere Centurion?

"Brother Hyena, why so stiff?" Zhao Xiong chuckled, pouring yet another cup. "You're in my camp now—relax!"

"Zhao General, you're far too kind," Qin Ming replied, stopping him mid-pour.

"If there's something you need from us, just say the word. No need for all this."

Zhao Xiong paused, his grin fading slightly. He set down the wine jar and met Qin Ming's gaze.

"I won't lie, Hyena. I don't need anything from you. I just enjoy good company."

"Then why the feast?"

"Because I see potential in you!" Zhao Xiong laughed heartily. "You've got guts—rare in this army. Most soldiers only think about survival, but you? You've got ambition. You've even earned General Xiahou's favor!"

Qin Ming exchanged a glance with Ghost Lady, sensing the trap.

Zhao Xiong leaned in conspiratorially.

"But talent alone won't take you far here, my friend. You need a patron, someone to protect your back and pave the way."

His voice dropped, eyes narrowing meaningfully.

"Follow me, Hyena. Stick with me, and I'll make sure you don't just survive—you'll thrive."

Qin Ming and Ghost Lady stood simultaneously, bowing deeply.

"We're honored by your generosity, General!" they said in unison.

Zhao Xiong waved them off.

"No need for such formality! We're brothers now—what's mine is yours. To celebrate, let's drink until dawn, sleep side by side, and share tales like old friends!"

"Sleep side by side?!

Both Qin Ming and Ghost Lady stiffened.

For a moment, the air grew heavy with awkward silence.

Did he know Ghost Lady's secret? Had he seen through her disguise?

Qin Ming forced a grin, trying to deflect.

"General, I appreciate the offer, but we have tasks waiting for us—"

"No excuses!" Zhao Xiong cut him off, grinning broadly.

"If one of you is busy, the other can stay! That's an order!"

As Zhao Xiong's insistence grew, Qin Ming's expression darkened. He began calculating the risks of striking now, but Ghost Lady caught his arm, shaking her head slightly.

Her meaning was clear: Not yet. Too risky.

Reluctantly, Qin Ming backed down.

Zhao Xiong beamed at their acquiescence, clapping them both on the shoulders.

"That's the spirit!" he laughed. "Now, Hyena, you stay here with me. Lady—"

He paused, gripping Qin Ming's hand instead of Ghost Lady's.

Their eyes met.

Qin Ming froze, his confusion mounting as he registered the soft, almost affectionate look in Zhao Xiong's eyes.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still.

"...General?" Qin Ming ventured cautiously.

Zhao Xiong's grip tightened.

"You've got strong hands, Brother Hyena," Zhao Xiong murmured, his voice unexpectedly low.

At that moment, Qin Ming realized something.

Ghost Lady wasn't the target.

He was.

(End of Chapter)