Arc: War of the Seven Kingdoms
Chapter 29: The First Confession
Night.
Sia:
"Why do you always choose to take the risk?"
Ryoma:
"Because..."
He paused.
"Important things died... when I was being careful."
Sia: "I won't let you carry everything alone."
Ryoma: "I know."
Sia: "Liar."
They shared a faint, fleeting laugh.
Chapter 30: End of Phase One
The System manifested:
[QING REGION STABILIZATION ACHIEVED]
[POWER UNLOCKED: 10%]
[REWARDS:]
SKILL: Breaking Point Vision (Tactical)
NEW COMPANION SLOT UNLOCKED.
WARNING:
[NEXT STAGE: THE INTER-KINGDOM WAR]
[THE TRUE ENEMY WILL EMERGE]
Chapter 31: Appearance of the True Shadow
In a place far removed...
A man wearing a mask.
The same one from before.
"He is faster than expected."
Servant: "Is he a danger?"
The man replied:
"No."
"The danger..."
"IS WHEN HE REMEMBERS."
Chapter 32: The Genius Who Never Lost a War
Inside the Command Hall of the Qing Kingdom...
The commanders were gathered.
A massive map.
Red markings.
Pure tension.
General: "It's impossible to repel three armies!"
Another: "We must retreat!"
A cold voice cut through them:
"Retreat is a slow defeat."
Silence fell.
A woman sat there, undisturbed.
Long black hair tied back.
Simple military attire.
Eyes like shards of ice.
Name:
REN XIU
The Youngest Strategist in Qing.
Title:
THE BLACK WAR BRAIN
The King: "What is your opinion?"
Ren Xiu: "We will defeat them."
General: "How?!"
Ren Xiu: "Because they believe they are facing an army."
She picked up a stone piece.
"But they are facing... A trap."
Chapter 33: Encounter of Minds
Ryoma arrived at the Command Camp.
Bai Ron: "This is the man I told you about."
Ren Xiu looked at him.
Silence.
Long.
Then, she spoke:
"You are dangerous."
Ryoma: "Why?"
Ren Xiu: "Because you don't act like a hero."
"You act like a survivor."
Ryoma froze.
This was the first time... someone had read him with such terrifying precision.
Mira smiled.
"I like her."