The barracks were bathed in the first light of morning when Ri Yami arrived.The wind kicked up dry dust from the earth and carried the metallic scent of steel and sweat.There, in front of him, stood a hundred men, clad in the standard gear of Qin's army: light armor made of hardened leather, wooden shields reinforced with rusted iron, spears with worn tips, and short swords with dull edges.An army that, at first glance, looked like a swarm of dull, unimpressive soldiers.
But Ri Yami knew appearances could be deceiving.At just fifteen years old, with the official rank of captain, he felt the weight of responsibility.He wasn't just another officer; he was the architect tasked with transforming that mass into a force that could withstand the chaos of war, of blood and fear.
The Four Pillars
Amid the crowd, four men had caught Ri Yami's attention from the very beginning.None were unbeatable prodigies, but they were soldiers with talent, will, and a spark—men who could be the foundation to build something solid.
Han Jin, the Novice StrategistOf average height, short dark hair, and eyes that seemed to measure everything with surgical precision.Han Jin wasn't strong, nor particularly brave in close combat, but he had a sharp mind for strategy.He was one of the few who could understand complex orders without hesitation and could anticipate simple enemy maneuvers.Ri Yami had entrusted him with small squads during tactical drills, and he had responded with surprising intuition for someone his age.
Lao Chen, the Unstoppable ThrowerA burly man with iron arms and hands accustomed to hurling spears with strength and precision.His aim was consistently lethal, and in daily training he stood out as the best thrower in the unit.But more than strength, what made him valuable was his composure—he wasn't shaken even in the tensest situations.
Wei Long, the Silent GuardianWith a cold stare and a face marked by scars, Wei Long was the soldier who preferred defense.With his reinforced shield, he was the wall that held the line and protected his comrades.His movements were calculated, and although he spoke little, his presence commanded respect and offered reassurance.
Ming Tao, the Agile BladeSmall in stature but fast and lethal with a short sword.Ming Tao moved with a fluidity that made disarming an opponent look effortless, and his speed surprised even veterans.His agility and reflexes made him ideal for fast missions and ambushes, and Ri Yami was already planning to use him for reconnaissance and surprise attacks.
First Orders and Formation
"Attention!" —Ri Yami's firm voice cut through the murmurs and scattered movements.
The men formed into lines, awkwardly adjusting their shields and spears.
"You're not just a hundred men. You're a unit. Our strength lies in coordination and discipline. Each of you must know your place, every movement must be synchronized." —The young captain scanned the formation, looking for commitment in their eyes.
For weeks, they practiced basic formations: the spear line, the shield wall, and the simplest variations of the phalanx.Communication between ranks was almost nonexistent at first—confused gestures and misread signals that led to chaos and disorder.
Ri Yami organized a system of clear signals using flags and sounds to transmit quick orders without shouting.
Six Months of Transformation
With each passing day, the unit grew more cohesive.The men stopped being a group of individuals and began to move as one body.
Ri Yami personally supervised each training session, adjusting tactics, correcting mistakes, and motivating them.
Han Jin began designing small maneuvers, simulating ambushes and retreats, which the group practiced with growing skill.
Lao Chen refined his accuracy under pressure, throwing spears at moving targets under difficult conditions.
Wei Long became the defensive core, teaching comrades blocking and counterattack techniques with the shield.
Ming Tao, for his part, trained the most agile in close combat and quick movements, forming a small elite group within the unit.
The Investment in Equipment
Ri Yami wasn't just a strategist; he was a man with vision and resources.
After two years managing his clandestine refuge, he had amassed 300 gold pieces.
He knew that without proper equipment, all the training would be in vain.
He decided to invest 100 gold pieces to buy heavy armor, tempered steel spears, reinforced shields, and high-quality swords.
The New Image of the Unit
The day the new equipment arrived, the men gathered on the training ground.
The heavy armor covered torso, arms, and legs, with steel plates that gleamed in the sun, offering defense without sacrificing mobility.
The spears, now sturdier and deadlier, had tips designed to pierce enemy armor.
The shields were reinforced with metal, capable of absorbing blows that would've once shattered wood.
The short swords, forged by master smiths, had a lasting edge and perfect balance for close combat.
The men looked different. More confident. More prepared.
One Step Closer to War
Ri Yami knew this was just one phase.Soon, his unit would have to prove its worth on the battlefield.
But while others only saw soldiers, he saw potential, a future, and the seed of an army that could change history.
On the horizon, political intrigues and coming wars gave clear signs: Qin would not hand over its power easily.
Ri Yami clenched his fist, looking at his men.
"We are not the best, but we are the ones who will not retreat. Together, we'll forge our path."
And with those words, the real training of a general in the shadows began.