Infinity, The Arcade Age

With the death of General Li Dian, his soldiers scattered in panic, and the skirmish quickly came to an end.

Having successfully taken down Li Dian, the tide of the battle shifted slightly in favor of the Shu forces. The Five Tiger Generals couldn't help but smile, their goodwill toward Qin Ming and his group increasing significantly. Their relationship with him was now approaching the "Confidant" level, with a favorability score nearing 400.

Meanwhile, Double-Gun Granny, having completed her advancement mission, was beaming. On the way back to camp, a silly grin never left her face.

At the outset of this mission, when she learned the target was surrounded by 3,000 soldiers, despair had gripped her. She'd been certain of failure.

But against all odds, the impossible situation had been turned around.

Back in the camp, everyone regrouped. Perhaps as a nod to Qin Ming and Double-Gun Granny's exceptional performance, the Five Tiger Generals arranged for seats for the two, treating them as equals.

Qin Ming sat silently, observing Double-Gun Granny, who was still grinning like an idiot. He glanced at the notification in the Nightmare Space indicating he would be forcibly extracted in 48 hours.

Breaking the silence, he muttered, "Hey, Granny."

"What is it, little cutie?"

"If you keep being gross, I'll make sure you never get out of here," Qin Ming shot her a glare, warning her not to push her luck.

After silencing her antics, he shifted to a serious tone.

"Want to gamble one more time before we leave?"

"Gamble? We've already taken care of the target. What's left to gamble on?"

"On whether Li Dian fell for the trap... and whether Xiahou Dun will, too."

Double-Gun Granny's expression turned serious as she quickly grasped his meaning.

"You're planning to go after the second-act boss, Xiahou Dun?!"

"Exactly. We've gone to great lengths to set this trap; we can't just end it here. Otherwise, all the risk I've taken will be wasted. So, are you in?"

Feeling Qin Ming's gaze, Double-Gun Granny shrugged indifferently.

"My advancement mission is done. I'm free to do as I please. Count me in."

Seeing her agreement, Qin Ming nodded firmly. He stood and approached the Five Tiger Generals.

As their gazes turned to him, he pointed to Xiahou Dun's camp on the map and spoke with determination.

"My lords! I have a plan that can help you take down Xiahou Dun. Will you join me in this endeavor?"

Meanwhile, Xiahou Dun's camp was in chaos.

The two other units of Li Dian's rescue force had arrived, successfully giving the correct signals to identify themselves.

The deputy generals leading these units were stunned to find Xiahou Dun's camp intact.

Xiahou Dun himself was equally dumbfounded when they relayed the situation. Realizing that Li Dian had been lured into a trap, Xiahou Dun quickly began gathering his forces to mount a rescue.

Though Li Dian had acted to protect him as one of Cao Cao's key generals, Xiahou Dun also felt responsible for Li Dian's fate. A renowned and capable commander like Li Dian dying under his command would reflect poorly on him.

Xiahou Dun summoned all his cavalry and even mobilized his elite Tiger Leopard Cavalry. Wielding his massive blade, he prepared to ride out with fury in his eyes.

But just as he was about to lead his troops, the third group of survivors—Li Dian's own unit—stumbled back into camp.

The battered and wounded soldiers caused an uproar as they limped in. Xiahou Dun grabbed the highest-ranking centurion among them, demanding answers.

"Where is General Li Dian?! What happened to him?!"

The trembling centurion stammered, still shaken.

"L-Li Dian is trapped! The Five Tiger Generals have surrounded him on the mountain! He's still fighting them!"

"Then why did you retreat?! Why didn't you save him?!"

"We… we…"

"Useless cowards!" Xiahou Dun roared, tossing the centurion aside. Mounting his warhorse, he shouted to his troops.

"Cavalry! Ride with me to rescue him!"

"Yes, sir!"

Thousands of cavalry mounted their horses, ready for battle. But as Xiahou Dun prepared to lead the charge, his reins were suddenly grabbed.

Looking down, he saw it was Zhao Ming, his trusted subordinate.

"Zhao Ming? What is the meaning of this? Why do you stop me?"

Zhao Ming's expression was solemn as he spoke.

"General! You know the skill of the Five Tiger Generals. If General Li Dian were facing just one of them, he could hold his own or even turn the tide. But with all five present, merely trapping him without finishing him off—it's suspicious. Don't you think this could be a trap?"

"A trap, you say?"

"They're trying to lure you out, General. Once you're out of the camp, they'll spring their ambush and wipe us out. You cannot go!"

"But Li Dian—"

"I'll go! I'll take my two brothers and the cavalry to rescue him. You must stay here to defend the camp. If it truly is a trap, as long as you and the camp remain secure, we haven't lost yet."

Xiahou Dun fell silent, his grip tightening on his blade. Finally, he nodded and dismounted.

"Fine. Zhao Ming, I'm entrusting you with 3,000 cavalry. If you find it's a trap, don't hesitate—retreat immediately!"

"Understood!"

"And the Tiger Leopard Cavalry…"

"General, keep them here as a safeguard. If this really is a trap, even a hundred Tiger Leopard riders won't stop the Five Tigers. They'll be of no use out there."

Saluting, Zhao Ming mounted his horse and rode out with his brothers and the cavalry.

As he watched them disappear into the night, Xiahou Dun's face darkened. Leaning on his massive blade, he stood in silence.

After a long pause, he snorted coldly and turned back toward his tent.

Nearby, one of his deputy generals approached cautiously.

"General, what should we do with the remnants of Li Dian's forces?"

"A pack of cowards! If we weren't at war, I'd have them court-martialed for fleeing! Let them pitch their own camp—away from us. And don't let them wander about. Keep everyone confined!"

"Understood!"

As the camp returned to relative quiet, the group of defeated soldiers huddled together, far from the main encampment.

Amid the so-called deserters, five figures exchanged knowing glances.

The Five Tiger Generals smirked, their lips curling into sly grins.

They had successfully infiltrated the camp.

(End of Chapter)