Infinity, The Arcade Age

The bad news was that Qin Ming wasn't exactly smart. He wasn't very good at handling trouble.

But the good news was—he was pretty good at handling the people causing the trouble.

So when he saw this bunch dragging their feet, making threats, and even daring to talk about stripping him of command…

Qin Ming very decisively helped them shut their mouths—physically.

That afternoon, all three commanders, along with a few of their trusted aides, died by suicide—twelve shots to the back.

With that, Qin Ming naturally took over their armies and assumed full command of all forces in the region.

As for whether the high-ranking officials in the Federation actually believed that a dozen powerful figures all just happened to commit suicide—Qin Ming didn't know, and he couldn't care less.

He only believed one thing: might makes right. Back when he hadn't even fully grown into his power, when he was just a lowly three-star major general, he already dared to completely ignore the orders of the Federation's command center!

Now that he had fully risen and returned in glory—why the hell should he have to put up with anyone else's crap?

Take orders? From a bunch of five-star generals? What made them qualified to give him orders?

It was the loyal Federal Empire that should be taking orders from him—the future Five-Star Heavenly Emperor!

Why couldn't they recognize that? He came back, and none of them had the sense to send a gift, say hello, invite him to dinner or something? No wonder they'd never rise above five stars—no ambition, no vision!

So what if there were only 286 army groups, barely a combined ten million troops? That wasn't even that much of an advantage.

When facing his Hound Corps alone—over thirty thousand elite troops strong—where did those fools get the guts to tell him what to do? How dare they!

.....

Several hours later, accompanied by the rumbling of returning tanks and armored vehicles, the scattered Hound troops—who had been busy fighting fires all over the area—finally regrouped.

They assembled in a large open plaza, a sea of black-uniformed soldiers, all standing at attention, gazing up at Qin Ming.

Atop the raised platform stood Qin Ming, now dressed in his formal general's uniform, a military cap perched on his head.

Hands clasped behind his back, he looked over the troops below and spoke with grave authority.

"To be honest, I'm disappointed in you. Very disappointed. Just a bunch of thugs, and you've been trying to suppress them for over a year—and still failed? That's seriously damaging the reputation of my Hound Corps! You're tarnishing my name! Just a damn 'Modern'—is he really that hard to deal with?"

Hearing this, the two deputy commanders at the front—Shuke and Beta—both winced.

"Boss, it's not like we weren't trying. The real problem was those idiot allies of ours. We'd suppress one rebellion, and then they'd screw something else up. We'd clean up their mess here, and something else would flare up over there."

"And why were things constantly flaring up?"

"Because they didn't have the people's support. All they did was stir up public resentment."

"Then stop letting them be in charge! We'll organize our own administration! Why is it that every time Modern goes somewhere, he can quickly form a unit, but we always have to trail behind and keep getting hit? That's not our style. Time to flip the script and start chasing them down! Every place we go, we'll form a new unit to fight back!"

Pacing back and forth atop the platform, Qin Ming recalled everything he'd seen since his return. His brows furrowed deeply.

"Yes, that's right! This general is going to mobilize the people! Expand our forces! Go all-in with a human wave strategy! I'm going to create a new subdivision of the Hound Corps! And we'll start right here! Beta!"

"Here!"

"Go gather supplies! This general is handing out year-end bonuses to the troops! Prepare more! We've taken over the three corps in the area—they'll now be known as Hound Unit Two, Three, and Four! Give them some benefits too!"

At this point, Qin Ming paused, then added sternly,

"And the civilians! The citizens in the nearby towns—give to them too! Hand something out to every single one! I want to see if our resources are more tempting than Modern's empty promises! Wherever our troops pass, I want the people begging us to stay! Helping us fight! We'll uproot the enemy's army from the inside out!"

That rebel squad he had encountered earlier had clearly struck a nerve with Qin Ming.

He had only been gone for a year—and now that he was back, what did he find? Somehow, he had become the villain?

No way. He'd fought tooth and nail for his military achievements! It had taken everything just to earn the rank of three-star major general! And now they were telling him he was just a puppet soldier? What a joke!

No way. Qin Ming refused to be a puppet. That title was too humiliating. Even becoming a proper, bona fide warlord was better than being some bootlicker.

Isn't it just about winning hearts and minds? Qin Ming didn't believe anyone could outdo him at that game!

They're all giving stuff out, sure—but you're handing out cheap, mass-produced goods, while Qin Ming could synthesize premium quality supplies.

They're eating the food he gives, holding the guns he distributes—Qin Ming was certain the local people wouldn't keep siding with the rebels or continue stirring up trouble.

As his talent further upgraded, Qin Ming no longer had to painstakingly synthesize things one by one like before—now he could smelt and craft in batches.

That meant as long as he had enough resources, Qin Ming could easily supply large crowds and let resources be spent recklessly.

Just snatch a few weapons factories, grab some food processing plants and clothing factories!

With production facilities in hand, plus his talent ability, Qin Ming was about to show everyone what assembly-line style enhancement really meant.

At his order, the thirty thousand strong Hound Corps immediately dispersed and launched their operation.

They didn't quite understand what their boss was going crazy about this time, but they knew this wasn't the first time he had lost it.

And frankly, they didn't care. They only knew that following their boss brought them benefits—and that was enough.

If there were benefits, then whatever the boss said, they'd do.

Don't think it was just giving stuff to others—they'd even go rob others' supplies to give to someone else if ordered!

Because the so-called Hound Corps was essentially Qin Ming's private army, fully funded by him!

Equipped with the best gear, given the best welfare, and completely obedient to Qin Ming's command.

As long as Qin Ming gave the order, they'd even dare to fight to the death with others—let alone just running errands.

In only a few days, the three nearby army corps had been officially absorbed into the Hound Corps.

This caused the Hound Corps' numbers to skyrocket from just over thirty thousand to well over one hundred thousand.

After distributing gear and resources, the veteran soldiers took their new recruits and began executing their boss's next order—delivering warmth door to door.

Arriving at a location, parking, knocking on doors, handing out food.

What? You don't dare to take food? Afraid someone will steal it?

Come on, tell us who's stealing from you—we'll go deal with them immediately. Not afraid anymore, right?

What? Still won't take it? Afraid another group will come steal after the troops leave?

No problem! The convoy isn't just handing out food and resources—they're giving out guns too! Hold a gun, no one dares to steal from you!

And if you want to join the army—see that floating city in the distance? You can sign up anytime! You'll get double the resource benefits! Perform well, become a veteran, and you can get triple or even more resources!

Qin Ming's method of winning hearts and minds was always so simple and direct.

Give out money, food, and guns! As long as you follow them, you're one of us! Plenty of benefits to come!

Faced with these sugar-coated cannonballs, it didn't take long before some couldn't resist…

Knock knock knock—the sound echoed.

In a city, in a remote alley, a squad of soldiers quickly climbed out of an underground passage and approached a door.

They were part of the rebel forces, and this building was their base.

Normally, when guerrilla fighters came by, they would be warmly welcomed by the building's residents—after all, these people hoped the rebels would help overthrow the local government and truly liberate them.

But today, things were different.

Upon hearing the knock, the door opened immediately.

However, when the homeowner peeked out and saw the rebel squad, they quickly pulled their head back and slammed the door shut.

Hearing the muffled sound, the rebel soldiers outside exchanged confused looks.

"Hey, neighbor, it's us—friends."

Hearing the captain shout, a voice came from behind the door:

"I know it's you! You better leave quickly, and don't come back! I'm afraid the Hound Corps will misunderstand!"

"What?!"

(End of chapter)