The echo of the training horn resounded across the entire training ground. It was barely dawn, and frost still clung to the cobblestones of the courtyard. But the cadets were already lined up, practice swords at their belts, shields in hand, and stoic expressions on their faces.
Li Wei, twelve years old, held his posture with the precision of a veteran. Though his body was still that of a growing boy, his gaze had the sharpness of someone who viewed the battlefield not as a duty, but as a vital game of chess.His system displayed data floating before him—visible only to him.
Li Wei's Current Stats:Strength: 20 | Endurance: 19 | Speed: 21Combat Skill: 20 | Horsemanship: 18 | Swordsmanship: 19Command Ability: 22Intelligence: 43 | Luck: 38
But even with those impressive stats, he knew a true leader doesn't fight alone. He needed allies.
For weeks, Li Wei had observed his peers—not the strongest or fastest, but those with something deeper: potential. With the help of his system, he could see hidden ranges beneath facades of clumsiness or weakness.
Here are the five he chose:
Shen Yu (Age 12) – The StrategistCurrent Stats:Intelligence: 26 (Potential: 26–85)Command Ability: 19 (Potential: 19–80)Strength: 5Description: Frail and disregarded by instructors, Shen Yu seemed useless. But Li Wei saw more. His tactical analysis was brilliant and his memory, prodigious.
"With you behind me, I'll never fall into an ambush," Li Wei told him when inviting him to the group.
Bai Heng (Age 13) – The Human ShieldCurrent Stats:Endurance: 30 (Potential: 30–95)Strength: 22 (Potential: 22–60)Intelligence: 12Description: A rural boy, tough and quiet. Though he didn't shine in class, he could bear loads that would make others collapse.
"I don't need you to talk. I need you to stand when others fall."
Qin Xuan (Age 12) – The RiderCurrent Stats:Horsemanship: 28 (Potential: 28–90)Speed: 25 (Potential: 25–70)Description: Born into a lesser cavalry family. Rode better than he spoke. His innate skill with horses surpassed many older cadets.
"There is no victory without mobility. You'll be my right wing."
Mu Zhen (Age 11) – The SwordsmanCurrent Stats:Combat Skill: 24 (Potential: 24–75)Swordsmanship: 26 (Potential: 26–90)Luck: 10Description: A young, arrogant boy, but skilled. Li Wei had defeated him in an informal duel. Instead of humiliating him, he offered a place.
"You could be the best swordsman of our generation… if you follow me."
Fan Yue (Age 13) – The Left HandCurrent Stats:Intelligence: 21 (Potential: 21–70)Combat Skill: 18Luck: 35Description: Skilled at many things, master of none. But his greatest virtue was loyalty. Li Wei had known him since day one.
"You'll be the one holding the flag when the battlefield grows dark."
Formation: Raven SquadWith these five, Li Wei formed Raven Squad, named for the intelligence, resilience, and adaptability of that bird. In the weeks that followed, they trained secretly outside official hours. They practiced not only techniques, but real battle maneuvers, non-verbal communication, and simulated night ambushes against other groups.
Li Wei taught them concepts of asymmetric warfare and advanced discipline. Their stats began to rise slowly, and so did the group's reputation.
The First Official ChallengeThe Academy announced an internal squad tournament: 6 versus 6 in a fenced forest. Victory would be achieved by either capturing the enemy flag or eliminating the rival captain.
No one bet on Raven Squad. They were young, and some considered them mediocre.
But when the challenge began, everything changed.
Li Wei divided his team into three pairs: Bai Heng and Mu Zhen at the front, Qin Xuan and Fan Yue as a mobile flank, and himself with Shen Yu in the center controlling information.
In just thirty minutes, the rival squad fell into an encirclement trap. Bai Heng resisted the frontal assault. Qin Xuan ambushed from the left on horseback. Fan Yue captured the flag while Mu Zhen kept the enemy captain busy in a duel.
🔔 [System Notification]You led a perfect victory in a squad simulation.+2 Command Ability+1 IntelligenceReward Unlocked: Black leather tactical boots (+2 Speed)That same week, Li Wei received a letter written with a firm hand:
"I've heard rumors of a squad that fought as one. It brings me pride to know your name was at the front. A commander is not forged on the battlefield, but in the hearts of those who follow him. Keep building, grandson. The world will soon need you."—General Li Zhang
Li Wei folded the letter and looked out at his five teammates training in the rain. They weren't perfect—but they were his core, his seed for the future.
And with them, he would begin to change the fate of all Qin.