Prologue - Spring of Chuping 3 (AD 192)
In the spring of the third year of Chuping (AD 192), Cao Cao issued an edict.
From ancient times, has there ever been a king who received the Mandate of Heaven, revived the realm, and ruled the world alongside worthy men and virtuous women?
If one seeks the worthy yet they do not emerge into the streets, how could they possibly meet by sheer luck?
It is only natural that a sovereign fails to acquire capable women.
Since the chaos following the Jiazi Rebellion, the world lies in disarray. We must urgently seek out the talented to stabilize the realm.
Yet if we cling to old ways, appointing only upright scholars, how could Duke Huan of Qi have dominated all under Heaven?
Thus, any who aid me—no matter how lowly their appearance or flawed their conduct—if they possess true ability, I shall embrace them and employ them with utmost importance.
Recommend talents based solely on their skills, that I may put them to use.
The recruiting officer, Xiahou Dun, recited Cao Cao's recruitment edict verbatim to the man standing before her.
"Got it? Without this unprecedented grace from our lord, a nobody like you with unknown origins would've never had a shot at stepping foot in Cao Cao's army."
The man nodded blankly.
"Really fortunate. So, does that mean I'm officially under Cao Cao's command now?"
"What the hell did you take my words for? Just shut up and take this."
Xiahou Dun thrust a wooden token toward him.
"What's this?"
"It's your proof of enlistment in Cao Cao's army. Head to the left barracks now and draw your supplies."
Despite Xiahou Dun's patient explanation, the man didn't even glance at it. Instead, he stared into empty space, muttering to himself.
"Oh... achievement unlocked? Let's see... First to join Cao Cao's army... 800 Yuanbao? Sweet! Finally, I can pull off a 10-pull!"
"Achievement? Yuanbao? What kinda nonsense is that? More importantly, are you even listening to me?!"
Blood vessels throbbed at Xiahou Dun's temple.
A surge of killing intent welled up toward the man ignoring her every word, but she held it back with superhuman restraint.
Even so, she didn't fully retract her terrifying aura. Any ordinary man would have screamed and collapsed on the spot—but this one just grinned ear to ear, clenching his fist in excitement.
He withstood my killing intent? This plain-looking nobody...?
Sensing the man before her was no ordinary talent, Xiahou Dun resolved to recommend him directly to her lord, Cao Cao.
"So, uh, where do I go to tell them I wanna retire from Cao Cao's army now?"
If only he hadn't uttered that one extra word.