Ei Sei settled onto the ornate throne, a sigh of profound relief escaping him. "Finally," he murmured, his voice laced with exhaustion, "it's over."
Shin, ever blunt, grinned. "You sound like an old man, Ei Sei! You're just tired!"
The soldiers loyal to Shou Bun Kun, however, were not as lighthearted. Whispers of discontent rippled through their ranks. "Why spare them?" one grumbled. "They betrayed the King!"
Shou Bun Kun, overhearing, stepped forward. "The war isn't over yet!" he declared, his voice firm. "We still have Ryo Fui to deal with. This was but the first step." With the immediate danger past, a wave of jubilation swept through Ei Sei's army. Cheers erupted, echoing through the grand halls of the palace as they celebrated their hard-won victory.
Amidst the festivities, Ka Ryo Ten finally stirred, blinking awake. Heki, spotting her, approached. "Ten! The mountain people are returning home. You should go with them."
Ka Ryo Ten blinked, surprised. "Returning? But I thought we had an alliance! They're not staying?"
Heki shook his head. "Yo Tan Wa will be returning to her people. She'll begin her campaign to unite all the mountain tribes under her banner. That alliance is for the future, for grander battles, not for everyday palace guard duty."
Meanwhile, Ei Sei and Shou Bun Kun found Alex. Ei Sei, his gaze sincere, clasped Alex's shoulder. "Alex," he began, his voice filled with genuine gratitude, "thank you. Your strength and counsel were invaluable in reclaiming my throne." Shou Bun Kun nodded in agreement, a respectful bow to the young commander.
Just then, a series of ethereal chimes resonated in Alex's mind, followed by bright notifications.
[System Notification: Mission 1: "Throne Reclaimed" Completed]
[Objective: Save Ei Sei from exile and help him reclaim his rightful throne from his usurping half-brother. You must infiltrate Qin's political court, battle loyalists of the usurper, and ensure Ei Sei is crowned again.]
[Requirements: Defeat key enemy nobles and mercenary commanders; Rally loyalist factions; Escort Ei Sei to the royal palace. (All met)]
[Reward: 5000 SP (Upfront) Given] [Reward: 5000 SP (Upon Completion) – Received]
[Reward: Ring of Royal (+20 Charm + Leadership Bonus) – Received]
[Reward: Royal Decree (Authority over one city and Authority to create a force of 1000 men army + 5000 Defence Force of fiefs) – Received]
A subsequent series of notifications followed:
[System Notification: All companions and summoned units have gained 5 Level Ups!]
[System Notification: Alex can now freely travel between the Kingdom world and the One Piece world at will.]
As Alex processed the rewards, another notification appeared, signaling the next grand challenge:
[System Notification: Mission 2: "Unify the Seven Warring States" is Initiated]
[Objective: Fulfill Ei Sei's dream, unify all seven warring states of China under Qin's rule. You must conquer or integrate Zhao, Wei, Han, Yan, Chu, and Qi, winning massive battles, outmaneuvering genius strategists, and negotiating fragile alliances.]
[Reward: 10000 SP (Upfront)]
[Reward: Conqueror's Banner (A powerful standard that provides significant buffs and boosts to the morale, strength, and resilience of all forces belonging to the banner's wielder.)]
[Reward: Unifier's Crown (Symbol of absolute dominance; unlocks "Emperor Authority," granting unparalleled administrative and military control.)]
Ei Sei, unaware of Alex's system notifications, continued, "Alex, the city of Tonryuu City, which belonged to Sei Kyou and was managed by his wife's family, will be given to you. You will be its lord with the rank of Count, a 1000-man commander with an active defense force for the city of 5000 men."
Ei Sei then turned his attention to Shin, who was standing nearby. "Shin," he began, "are you leaving?"
Shin looked at him, surprised. "Leaving? Shou Bun Kun already made a house for me!"
Ei Sei offered a rare, slight smile. "Considering your achievements, Shin, you could become a palace guard. It's a prestigious position, offering a stable life within the capital."
Shin, however, shook his head, a friendly, resolute decline. "Nah, that sounds boring. I don't want to guard palaces. I'm going to become a Great General, remember? And a Great General fights on the battlefield, not in a fancy house!"
Later, Shin, with Ten accompanying him, went to see his new house for the first time. Ka Ryo Ten surveyed the humble dwelling, a lanky shack on the outskirts of the capital. "This isn't a house, Shin," she deadpanned. "It's a shack."
Shin, however, looked at it with fierce pride. "It's my first conquest, Ten! My first castle! This is just the beginning on my way to becoming a Great General!"
Alex, now with his new mission and resources, wasted no time. He dispatched his companions and men to find Olivia within the vast city, instructing Shou Bun Kun's soldiers to aid in the search. The next day, Olivia was located and brought to Alex, safe but weary. With the city of Tonryuu now his responsibility, funds were quickly allocated to Alex, and they began their journey towards his new domain, ready to take over the city and prepare for the next stage of Mission.