Chapter:8
Character Age: 8.5
Date: 250 BCE
System Panel and New Statistics
When the evening came, I retreated to the small room on our farm. Shin and Piao had already fallen asleep. However, I stayed awake to review the system panel, carefully examining the rewards I had earned and my newly acquired ability. The panel, as always, was clear and detailed, with every improvement and addition explicitly outlined.
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System Panel:
Name: Zhi Yong
Age: 7
Rank: Novice General
Statistics:
Strength: 15 (+2)
Speed: 12 (+1)
Endurance: 14
Intelligence: 18
Charisma: 16
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Abilities:
1. Mind of a Genius: Enhances strategic thinking and analysis. Allows quick evaluation of movements and outcomes.
2. General's Aura (New): Doubles the strength of subordinates for 1 hour. Usage Limit: Once per day.
3. Natural Leadership: Increases team cohesion and accelerates the execution of orders.
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The Power of My New Ability
The newly acquired General's Aura ability fascinated me as I analyzed it in detail. It was a tool that would strengthen my leadership and enhance my position as a commander. However, I knew it had to be used wisely. The system emphasized that this ability should only be activated during critical moments. Its daily usage limit meant that a single misstep could lead to disastrous consequences.
The effect was clearly stated: "Doubles the strength of your subordinates for one hour." This would provide an overwhelming advantage, even with a small group of allies. I could see how this ability might one day determine the outcome of major battles when commanding an army. For now, though, I had no immediate opportunities to test it.
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Improved Statistics
Looking at my updated statistics, I could see the tangible benefits of the rewards I had earned during the recent battles:
Strength: Increased to 15. This boost meant my attacks would hit harder, making my sword strikes more lethal.
Speed: Improved to 12. This enhancement allowed me to move faster in combat, dodge attacks with greater ease, and maintain an advantage over my enemies.
Intelligence: Now at 18. This, combined with my Mind of a Genius ability, significantly amplified my ability to analyze strategies and make quick decisions.
With these upgrades, I wasn't just stronger physically—I had advanced mentally, placing myself on a path toward becoming a more balanced and formidable leader. But I understood this was merely the beginning. There was much more work to do and further growth to achieve.
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100 Strategy Books: A Treasure Trove
After closing the system panel, I turned my attention to the 100 Strategy Books I had earned as a reward. These books contained invaluable insights into the art of warfare. Each book focused on a unique aspect: tactics, logistics, morale management, enemy analysis, and more. The titles alone revealed how transformative their knowledge could be, not just on the battlefield but in leadership roles as well.
Highlighted Titles from the Collection:
1. The Art of Survival Behind Enemy Lines
2. Managing Morale on the Battlefield
3. Identifying and Exploiting Weaknesses
4. Gaining the Loyalty of Soldiers
5. Logistics and Resource Management
These books seemed to be compilations of wisdom from the greatest warriors and leaders in history. Mastering their contents could elevate me and my team to an entirely new level.
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Using Genius's Mind to Learn
With my Mind of a Genius ability, understanding and internalizing the knowledge within these books became astonishingly easy. What might take someone years to comprehend, I could grasp within hours. This ability not only enabled me to read quickly but also to fully understand and implement the lessons in real-life scenarios.
As I picked up the first book, I had read only ten pages when vivid images began to form in my mind. Each strategy described in the book came alive as a simulated battlefield, with soldiers' movements, enemy weaknesses, and the leader's commands vividly playing out in my imagination.
One passage struck me deeply:
"Identifying weaknesses in enemy lines is the first step to victory. However, weakness is not only physical—it can also lie in morale or leadership deficiencies."
This single insight taught me the critical importance of morale and leadership in battle. It reinforced my determination to keep Shin and Piao motivated, knowing their morale would be crucial in future conflicts.
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Planning for the Next Day
As I absorbed more knowledge, my excitement grew. But I knew I couldn't keep this learning to myself. Sharing this information with Shin and Piao was essential. My goal was to train them not just as warriors but as future generals capable of leading with both strength and strategy.
Teaching Plan:
1. Fundamental Strategies: I planned to teach Shin and Piao the basics of battlefield strategy, such as analyzing enemy movements and identifying weak points.
2. Leadership and Morale Management: It was crucial for them to develop leadership skills and understand the importance of maintaining morale among their subordinates.
3. Tactical Adaptability: I aimed to train them in adapting to various scenarios during combat, ensuring they could find solutions even when cornered by the enemy.
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The First Lesson: Identifying Enemy Patterns
The first book I completed laid the foundation for the lesson I intended to give the next day. It focused on predicting enemy movements:
"One of the most repeated actions of an enemy often reveals their weakest point. Analyzing this behavior and exploiting it is the key to victory."
To teach this, I planned to conduct a simulation on our training ground. Using imaginary enemies, I would demonstrate how to observe, analyze, and exploit patterns during combat.
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Future Plans
Once I fully grasped the contents of the strategy books, I intended to elevate Shin and Piao's training to a new level. My vision for them was not just as skilled fighters but as brilliant generals who could shape the tide of any battle with their minds as much as their strength.
Principles to Instill in Our Team:
1. Balance of Strength and Intelligence: A general must be both strong and intelligent.
2. Teamwork: Victory is not the achievement of one individual but the result of cohesive teamwork.
3. Planning and Execution: Every plan must be thoroughly thought out and executed with precision.
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A Night of Reflection
As I finally lay down on my bed, I felt a profound sense of growth—not just physically but mentally. I realized that true strength was not solely about wielding a sword but also about mastering the battlefield of the mind.
I looked forward to the next day, eager to put my plans into action. Shin and Piao weren't just my comrades; they were the allies who would help me carve our names into history.
"This is just the beginning," I thought t
o myself. "We will find our place in this world, and one day, our names will be remembered. But for now, we must continue to learn, to train, and to grow stronger."
A Month of Great Growth
It had been exactly one month since our encounter with the bandits. During this time, I had made incredible progress, both mentally and physically. The system continuously tracked my development and analyzed my rewards. However, the most noticeable change was in my Intelligence stat, which had skyrocketed from 18 to 32 in just one month.
This increase, combined with the Mind of a Genius ability, elevated my strategic thinking to an entirely new level. I could now not only predict enemy movements but also manipulate them to gain significant advantages.
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System Panel Update:
Intelligence: 32 (+14)
New Strategic Insights:
I could now develop more complex strategies and simulate battle scenarios in my mind at an unprecedented speed.
This growth wasn't just evident on the battlefield—it began influencing my daily life and our business operations as well.
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Transformation in the Village
Following the defeat of the bandits, the village underwent a visible transformation. The villagers seemed more at peace, and economic activities had started to thrive again. The marketplace became busier with merchants, and farmers worked in their fields with renewed confidence. Without the constant threat of bandits, the villagers could focus more on their livelihoods.
This improvement also had a positive impact on our business. Sales of eggs and toothbrushes in the market had increased significantly. Our toothbrushes, being a novel product in the village, were now praised for their quality and continued to see consistent demand.
Economic Overview:
Daily Egg Sales: Increased by 30%.
Toothbrush Demand: Nearly every household in the village now owned at least one.
Income: We earned an additional 20 silver this month, bringing our total savings to 394 silver.
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Future Plans: A New Venture
One evening, I sat down to evaluate our financial situation and explore potential future investments. It was clear that the time had come to expand our poultry farm. By purchasing more chickens and roosters, we could significantly increase egg production and secure a larger market share.
The Plan: Acquire 100 Chickens and 20 Roosters
This plan involved building a larger farm within a year and exponentially growing our income. However, I couldn't achieve this alone. Shin and Piao would need to be fully involved in the process. I couldn't wait to share this idea with them and hear their thoughts.
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Presenting the Plan to Shin and Piao
The next morning, I gathered Shin and Piao in the small wooden shed behind the farm, our usual spot for discussing work and strategies. As always, Shin was bursting with energy.
"Zhi Yong, I saw you thinking deeply last night. Do you have a new plan?" he asked eagerly.
Piao, ever composed, observed Shin's excitement before glancing at me. "Yes, it's obvious you have something in mind. Will you share it with us?"
Smiling, I replied, "Yes, I have a plan. But this time, it's not about fighting or strategy. It's about securing our future."
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The 100 Chickens and 20 Roosters Plan
Turning to Shin and Piao, I detailed my idea:
"We currently have 394 silver. I plan to use part of this money to acquire 100 chickens and 20 roosters over the next year. This will significantly boost our egg production and attract more customers to the market. With the income from egg sales, we can expand the farm even further."
Shin's eyes widened with excitement. "100 chickens?! How are we going to manage that many?"
Piao, as always, thought more rationally. "This sounds like a long-term plan, but feeding and housing so many chickens will require more resources and space. How will we handle that?"
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A Detailed Plan
Piao's concerns were valid. Expanding the farm wouldn't be as simple as purchasing the chickens. Their care, feed costs, and housing needed to be carefully planned. I laid out my detailed plan:
1. Expanding the Space:
Our current coop was only sufficient for 20 chickens. We needed at least three times the space to accommodate 100 chickens and 20 roosters. We would dedicate part of the farm's land to building larger coops.
2. Feed Supply:
Regular feed was essential for the chickens' health and productivity. I planned to negotiate bulk deals with grain merchants in the village to lower costs.
3. Market Strategy:
Increased production could lead to heightened competition. To stay ahead, I considered offering special deals to customers, such as gifting a small toothbrush with every dozen eggs purchased.
4. Division of Labor:
Shin would be responsible for the chickens' daily care. His energy and enthusiasm made him perfect for the role.
Piao would handle feed supply and sales, leveraging his intelligence and analytical skills to negotiate with merchants.
I would oversee overall planning and strategy, ensuring the smooth execution of our expansion.
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Shin and Piao's Reactions
After presenting the plan, I waited for their reactions. Shin stood up with a grin and exclaimed, "This is an amazing idea! More chickens, more eggs, more money! Let's get started right away!"
Piao, as expected, was more cautious. "The plan looks solid, but we might face challenges. What if the chickens get sick? Or if the competition in the market increases?"
I appreciated his concerns. His critical thinking ensured we would be prepared for potential obstacles. I replied, "You're right—these are real possibilities. But we'll address them as they arise. With careful planning and hard work, we can make this venture a success."
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Taking Action
With their agreement, we began preparations immediately. The first step was to plan the expansion of the coop. Together, we identified a suitable area on the farm and designated it for the new chicken housing. This process kept us engaged both physically and mentally.
I also started negotiating with grain merchants in the village to secure bulk feed purchases at discounted rates. Reducing feed costs would be critical to maximizing our profits.
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Conclusion: The Start of a New Era
This month had not only enhanced my strategic thinking but also changed how I viewed our work. We were no longer just surviving—we were building a future.
Shin and Piao fully embraced the plan, and together, we were now working toward a greater goal. This venture wasn't just about economics—it was a testament to our growth as a team.
Our next step was to implement the plan and expand the farm, paving the way for even bigger achievemen
ts.
"This is only the beginning," I thought. "We will find our place in this world, and one day, our names will be etched into history."
Trust Earned in the Village and Planning Ahead
After our battle with the bandits, our position in the village had grown considerably stronger. The villagers now trusted us more, offering support for our work and plans. However, this newfound trust couldn't just serve as a temporary advantage; it had to lay the groundwork for something much bigger. I had ambitious goals, and achieving them required systematic action.
The foundation of building a strong structure lies in working with the right people. To expand our farm, increase chicken production, and secure a stronger position in the market, we needed labor. Additionally, a group of guards to protect the farm was crucial.
Among the villagers we saved from the bandits was the village chief. Grateful for what I had done, he had become a reliable ally. I decided to leverage this trust by asking him for help in recruiting workers and guards for my growing farm.
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Meeting with the Village Chief
During our meeting, I explained to the village chief that we would begin a restructuring process in a year. I laid out my needs clearly:
Five laborers to handle daily tasks such as feeding, tending to the chickens, and managing sales.
Three young guards to protect the farm and receive basic combat training.
The chief listened carefully and nodded before saying:
"We can never forget the help you've given us. The people in the village also recognize your talent and leadership. I will find the people you need. However, as for the guards, I will have to choose from the younger men without battle experience. Many of them are the sole providers for their families, but they are eager to learn and grow stronger."
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Meeting the Guards
A week later, the chief arrived at the farm with three young men. They were around 18 years old, strong, and healthy. Introducing them, the chief said:
"These three are among the most hardworking and capable youths in the village. However, there's one issue: they are the sole breadwinners for their families. Their fathers were killed in the war, leaving them responsible for their mothers and younger siblings. They want to become stronger and eventually gain battle experience, but they can't afford to leave their families."
The young men stood silently in front of me. It was clear they were surprised to see me. They were probably thinking, "How can a 7-year-old be our leader?" But I paid no mind to their astonishment. My goal was to train them into effective guards.
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Introducing the Recruits
One of the young men stepped forward and spoke with determination:
"My name is Han. I've heard about what you've done for the village. I want to become stronger for my family. That's why I'm here."
The second youth spoke more softly:
"I'm Lei. Since my father's death, my family has depended on me. But I want to improve myself and protect them better."
The third recruit, more energetic than the others, said with a grin:
"I'm Jian! I want to grow stronger, protect my family, and one day achieve greatness on the battlefield!"
After listening to them, I smiled slightly and said, "Follow me. I'll show you the farm."
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First Impressions of the Farm
It took about 20 minutes to reach the farm. As we walked, I noticed the young men whispering among themselves, stealing glances at me. Their faces betrayed a mix of admiration and disbelief. Upon arriving, I led them to the small coop and the surrounding area.
"This is our farm," I said. "Your job will be to protect it. But before you can do that, you need proper training."
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Outlining the Training Plan
I explained the training plan to the recruits in detail:
1. Basic Physical Training:
Daily 5-kilometer runs, 50 push-ups, 50 sit-ups, and endurance exercises. This program would build their physical strength.
2. Sword and Defense Training:
They would learn basic sword techniques, focusing not only on offense but also on defending themselves and others.
3. Strategic Thinking:
They would develop skills to analyze enemy movements, identify weaknesses, and make quick decisions during combat.
4. Teamwork:
They would learn to move as a unit, covering each other's weaknesses and working together effectively.
"If you take this training seriously, within a year, you'll be strong enough to protect both yourselves and your families," I said.
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Reactions of the Recruits
Han bowed his head slightly and said, "This is a great opportunity for us. We'll do our best to improve ourselves."
Lei, though more cautious, replied, "This training looks tough, but I'll endure it for my family."
Jian, as enthusiastic as ever, exclaimed, "We won't let you down! We'll do whatever it takes!"
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The First Day of Training
Training began the very next day. Early in the morning, the recruits gathered at the farm. I started by teaching them basic exercises to build endurance.
Physical Training:
1. Running:
We began with a 3-kilometer run. Jian was the fastest but lacked stamina, while Han displayed impressive endurance. Lei struggled to keep up but pushed himself with encouragement.
2. Push-ups and Sit-ups:
Jian completed 50 push-ups and grinned proudly. Lei, on the other hand, nearly gave up after 30 push-ups. I encouraged him to continue, and he managed to finish.
3. Flexibility and Coordination:
Flexibility and balance were critical for survival in combat. I showed them simple balancing exercises, assuring them they would improve over time.
Sword Training:
On the first day, I only demonstrated basic stances and attack positions. Jian was energetic and aggressive but too impatient. Han was more careful with his movements, while Lei excelled at defensive stances despite his weaker attacks.
"Remember," I said, "using a sword isn't just about strength. Speed, balance, and intelligence are a warrior's greatest weapons."
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Reflecting on the First Day
At the end of the training day, the recruits were exhausted but seemed satisfied. Jian, sitting on the ground and breathing heavily, said, "That was tough, but I feel great!"
Han, deep in thought, muttered, "I wonder how much progress we can make in a year."
Lei, though hesitant, said, "This training is hard, but thinking of my family gives me strength."
Seeing their determination made me proud. "This is just the beginning," I said. "In a year, you'll be strong enough to protect not only yourselves but also those around you."
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Building a Strong Foundation
This first day laid the groundwork for the future security of our farm. The recruits were still at the beginning of their journey, but their determination and resolve gave me hope for what was to come.
Now, we were not only working to expand the farm economically but also fortifying it with a reliable security team. This process would transform not just the farm but also everyone involved.
The next step was to continue their training while preparing the farm for exp
ansion and moving closer to our larger goals. "This is just the beginning," I thought. "One day, this farm won't just be a farm—it will be a center of power."
One Year Later: Progress and Plans Realized
It had been a full year since our battle with the bandits. During this time, we had developed our farm, trained our guards, and solidified our reputation in the village. Now, it was time to aim even higher: acquiring new land and expanding our operations.
The plan was to double the number of chickens and roosters we raised by building a larger coop on this new land. For this, Shin, Piao, and I prepared carefully and set out for the nearby town. We decided to split the funds into smaller amounts to avoid drawing attention and complete our transactions securely.
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A Glance at the System Panel
Before leaving, I decided to check my system panel. Over the past year, both I and my companions had achieved incredible growth. The system's quests and rewards had elevated us both physically and mentally to a new level.
My Stats:
Name: Zhi Yong
Age: 8.5
Rank: Emerging General
Attributes:
Strength: 20
Speed: 18
Endurance: 18
Intelligence: 45
Charisma: 20
Abilities:
1. Mind of a Genius: Enhanced strategic thinking and analytical ability, allowing me to quickly design complex battle plans.
2. General's Aura: Doubles the strength of allied forces for 1 hour. Cooldown: 24 hours.
3. Natural Leadership: Improves team cohesion and response.
Reviewing these stats gave me immense satisfaction, but I knew this was only the beginning. Greater goals lay ahead, and I needed to work even harder.
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Shin and Piao's Stats
Using the system panel, I also checked Shin and Piao's stats. They had grown immensely, far surpassing their former selves. Shin, in particular, had developed not just physically but also mentally, showing remarkable improvement.
Shin's Stats:
Strength: 25
Speed: 20
Endurance: 20
Intelligence: 30
Charisma: 18
Shin had become more composed and intelligent. Once a rash and overly energetic boy, he now maintained his composure even in battle. His excitement and energy remained, but he channeled them with maturity.
Piao's Stats:
Strength: 22
Speed: 18
Endurance: 25
Intelligence: 28
Charisma: 15
Piao had reached his peak in defense and endurance. His calm and logical approach to situations was more refined than ever. Mentally, he had grown into someone who could make the best decisions in the most critical moments.
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Setting Out and Reaching the Town
We left at dawn, the sun just beginning to rise. The journey to the town took about two hours. Along the way, we discussed our progress and plans. Shin confidently remarked:
"Zhi Yong, I really feel strong now. Things that once seemed complicated are so much clearer to me."
I smiled and replied:
"That's the result of our training and efforts. But remember, Shin, we must always strive for more. Surviving in this world requires not just physical strength but also mental prowess."
Piao, as always, spoke calmly:
"We've learned a lot this year. But starting a new farm will be an even bigger responsibility. We need to be cautious."
Piao's pragmatic outlook only reinforced our plans. As a team, we had become both strong and cohesive.
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Strategic Purchases in Town
When we reached the town, everything went according to plan. To avoid suspicion, we divided the money and made separate purchases. The goal was to prevent anyone from noticing a large amount of money being spent in one place.
The Plan:
1. Shin: Purchase the chickens and roosters.
2. Piao: Secure chicken feed.
3. Me: Buy materials for the coop and some new equipment.
Shin eagerly started negotiating with the sellers, his enthusiasm drawing some attention. I kept a discreet eye on him to ensure things stayed under control. Piao efficiently completed his transactions for feed and moved to a quieter part of town to avoid notice.
As for me, I carefully selected materials and equipment, ensuring we avoided unnecessary expenses. Our plan was unfolding smoothly.
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Returning to the Village
After completing our purchases, it was time to leave. To avoid drawing attention, we took separate routes back to the village and regrouped at the farm. Once there, we inspected the goods and livestock we'd acquired, confirming everything was in order.
Shin, unable to contain his excitement, exclaimed:
"We now have 100 chickens and 20 roosters! This is going to take our farm to the next level!"
Piao, more measured, added:
"But this also means more responsibility. We need to manage their care, feed supply, and our market relationships carefully."
I nodded in agreement and said:
"You're both right. This is just the beginning. If we handle this process correctly, we'll achieve even greater success."
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Results and New Goals
This past year had been transformative, not only in terms of our physical and mental development but also in the way we operated as a team. We were no longer just a farm; we were building a sustainable business model with a shared vision.
New Goals:
1. Land Development: Construct a larger coop on the new land and increase poultry production.
2. Continued Guard Training: Enhance the skills of the guards protecting the farm.
3. Market Expansion: Strengthen trade relations with nearby towns and villages.
These steps would not only make us successful farmers but also establish us a
s influential figures in the region. "This is only the beginning," I thought. "One day, this farm will be more than a livelihood—it will be a center of power."