The sun had already risen high when Li Wei gathered in the large main hall with his brothers. The stone walls and heavy wooden beams preserved the austerity of the family residence, but also the pride of a family that had forged its destiny with blood and steel.
Li Wei knew that his brothers were the foundation upon which the Li family sustained its power and prestige in the region. Each with their responsibilities, but all sharing the same goal: the prosperity and defense of the territory under the command of their grandfather, lord of the city.
The Li Brothers
Li Jian, Commander of a Thousand Men (22 years old)His eldest brother, Li Jian, already wore the commander's armor. His bearing was majestic, and his eyes reflected the experience of many battles fought.
"Li Wei, it's time you understand that leadership is not only based on strength, but also on strategy and knowledge," he said in a firm tone. "You are young, but if you learn quickly, you will have an important place in the army."
Li Wei nodded respectfully. He knew Jian was the image of the ideal warrior, and he had to aspire to be like him.
Li Hao, Captain of Three Hundred Men (20 years old)The second brother was more informal, but no less competent. Li Hao had natural charisma, and his group of soldiers followed him fervently.
"Little brother, if you want to stand out, you must understand your men and the importance of swift combat," he told him while showing a curved-blade dagger. "This is where the art of fighting and surviving begins."
Li Ming, Family Administrator (18 years old)Li Ming, carrying books and scrolls under his arm, represented the civil side of the family. His work was not on the battlefield, but his role was crucial.
"Without a well-funded army and stable territory, there is no victory," he explained. "Don't neglect administration, brother. It's the hidden soul that keeps the Li family strong."
Li Jun, Military Apprentice (13 years old)The fourth brother was barely a youth beginning his training, eager to join the ranks and prove his worth.
"I will train with you, brother," he promised. "Together we will dominate this world."
The Beginner's Gift
While his brothers spoke, Li Wei felt a vibration in his mind, a usual alert from the system that only he could perceive.
"You have received the Beginner's Gift: 20 skill points to assign."
The system clearly displayed:
Maximum limit per skill: 150You can assign up to 10 points at a time; the rest remain in reserve.Unused points are saved for future growth.
Li Wei pondered for a few seconds and decided to use 10 points to increase his luck.
Luck: 30 + 10 = 40
He saved the other 10 points for when he reached the limit in other skills, foreseeing that his intelligence and combat ability would be the ones to grow most over time.
Current Stats
He reviewed his updated stats:
SkillCurrent ValueStrength2Endurance2Speed2Combat Skill2Horsemanship1Swordsmanship1Leadership Ability3Intelligence30Luck40
The Potential of the Equipment
His grandfather handed him the gear to begin his training.
"This is your horse, a pure black specimen with great bloodline," his grandfather said proudly. "Its potential is high and it will give you bonuses."
The system showed the horse's bonus:
Black Horse: +5 points to Combat Skill (base potential).
Additionally, the armor and sword he received also provided their own bonuses.
Light Armor: +3 to Endurance.
Forged Steel Sword: +4 to Swordsmanship.
Li Wei mentally added the bonuses to his base stats to know his real status with equipment:
Skill Base Bonus Total
Strength 2 0 2
Endurance 2 + 3 5
Speed 2 0 2
Combat Skill 2 +5 7
Horsemanship 1 0 1
Swordsmanship 1 +4 5
Leadership Ability 3 0 3
Intelligence 30 0 30
Luck 40 0 40
"Not bad for a start," he thought. "With practice and battles, these numbers will grow."
The Road Ahead
Li Wei knew that the path to stand out in the Li family would not be easy. His older brothers already held respected positions and experience. He had to train, study, and learn to use the system to become a commander capable of leading thousands of men.
His grandfather, watching him, smiled with hope.