Chapter Forty-Four: Advice

“Should we retreat first?” asked a slightly overweight young man. “There aren’t many Han soldiers left around. Why don’t we withdraw to a safe location and wait for the next wave of Han troops?”

“There’s been such a major change in the storyline lately. Why haven’t we received any new missions?” questioned a thin man with an eye patch. “Is it possible the enemy used some kind of item to block our tasks? Or is this another side effect of the scenario design?”

“It’s possible,” said a man of medium build with a square face. “Look at the current situation: the Yellow Turbans can now pincer the ferry from both sides. Once it falls, the two armies will join forces, and the first phase will end early.”

“Maybe we should head for the ferry, cooperate temporarily with the other teams, and retreat together? We’ll need their strength in the battles to come.”

“I just thought of something,” a woman with glasses said, stealing a glance at Lin Feirui. “The enemy managed to win over Deputy Commander Cha. Could they turn members of other teams as well?”

“We’ll need to be on guard,” replied a tall man dressed in black. “If I recall, there are some items that can make Han reinforcements arrive early or control when they appear, right?”

Everyone turned to look at their team leader.

---

Three days later, Zhang Shitou, Zhang Xiong, Iron Pillar, and Bai Erjin each led their own troops out to sweep up the remaining Han soldiers.

“The Han reinforcements could arrive at any moment,” Charles advised Wang Luo in the command tent. “Sending out your troops now could be risky.”

“Thank you for your advice.” Wang Luo kept his head down, writing something. “I’ll give it serious thought.”

“There’s no need for that tone,” Charles replied, his expression one of mild exasperation. “It’s not wise to brush off those who can help you.”

“Oh?” Wang Luo looked up at the black-haired, black-eyed man with a foreign name. “I recall Zhou Suyan mentioning you were the deputy commander of a large team.”

“It was just a nominal position.”

“Because of a poor decision that cost the team dearly, you had to change sides.”

“That’s… because I underestimated a particularly talented enemy, treating them as ordinary. No doubt, it was a grave mistake. Fortunately, I now have a chance to make up for it.”

Wang Luo gazed at him for three seconds, then broke into laughter.

Charles merely spread his hands, showing no sign of guilt. “I’ve spoken with your companions, Mr. Zhou and Mr. Yang, these past few days. Now I need to know: the plans you discussed with them—are they genuine, or just part of another scheme?”

“They’re both genuine and part of another plan,” Wang Luo replied, raising his eyebrows. “I haven’t lied to them.”

---

“But not the whole truth, either. I see. So your real aim is to change this era?”

“That’s right.”

“Even though we’re limited to thirty days here, and our activities are restricted to such a small area?”

“I’ve told them, I’ll do my best and see how far we get.”

“Well, I have a better plan—one that would benefit you and your team even more.”

“And it would suit your interests as well.”

“I won’t deny that… but that’s not the main point. You know I was once the deputy commander of Wuzhou.”

“Yes.”

“Wuzhou is a large team, with its own issues, but overall well-run. Their rapid growth is thanks to the immense profits gained from the battlefield.”

“Ordinary scenarios are less dangerous, but the rewards are pitiful. Only battlefields allow the victors to reap extraordinary benefits. By striking the enemy and helping your own faction to victory, you can earn substantial progression rewards at settlement. Then, you’ll have the chance to buy outstanding items from the quartermaster.”

“And then resell them in the space? Arbitrage?”

“Exactly.”

“And you want me to do the same?”

“You’ve already done it. Wuzhou relies on items to command a handful of soldiers; you’ve become the commander of the entire army. Next, all you need is to join forces with the Yellow Turban main force, defeat the remaining Han reinforcements, and hold out for the remaining twenty-plus days to victory. Achieving a progression above forty percent is entirely possible.”

“You’re on the Yellow Turban side, and if you win with less than a ten percent chance, you might even see legendary equipment appear!”

Charles produced a scroll and laid it before Wang Luo. “Some items are only available to teams. Look, this is an ‘Ordinary Team Contract.’ It’s yours for just two thousand contribution points. Once you form a team, you can exchange contribution points for team credits. Building a team stronger than Wuzhou isn’t impossible!”

“And this benefits you, too.”

“I don’t deny it.” Charles looked at Wang Luo with utter sincerity. “Modesty aside, I’m quite capable. I’m sure that after I help you, you’ll give me my fair share.”

“That’s true,” Wang Luo said, putting down his pen and looking at him with interest. “But why suggest this only after completing so many tasks I assigned—and reaping the rewards?”

---

“Well… I needed time to assess your situation. If there were too many issues here, my suggestion would have been pointless.”

“And now you see things are well run, you want a share, so you make the proposal.”

“It’s in your best interest.”

In other words, he didn’t deny it. He’d entered, observed, and when opportunity arose, acted decisively. Even when called out for seeking personal gain, he showed no shame.

Wang Luo studied the black-haired, black-eyed contract holder before him, who seemed nothing like a Chinese man. “Do you have a Chinese name?”

The sudden question gave Charles pause. “My surname is Cha.”

“Given name Ersi?” Wang Luo laughed. “You’re of Chinese descent.”

“I’m British.”

Wang Luo nodded, then gave his answer. “Your plan doesn’t suit me.”

“Because it’s my idea?”

“No, because I have my own agenda. When you’re cornered, deflecting with half-measures is one thing; now that I’ve won and grown stronger, I can pursue what I truly want. I don’t need to join the weaker Yellow Turban main force—I can win on my own. Working together might not guarantee victory.”

“But I accept forming a team.” Wang Luo picked up the ‘Ordinary Team Contract.’ “Just as you said, two thousand contribution points. But if you want to join, you’ll need to contribute more, complete more tasks, and show more sincerity.”

“I’ve already done plenty! The Han troops didn’t all surrender, but that wasn’t my fault; those at the ferry refused to yield because you were too ruthless with their teammates; and the Shadows—didn’t they also fail to do anything?”

“You’re capable,” Wang Luo said, touching his nose. “So I can share a little more with you.”

“You advised me because you thought your way would be more profitable; I chose my path because I believe it leads to greater gain for me.”