At fifteen years old, Ri Yami was already known in select circles as a brilliant tactical mind, a strategist of war and shadows. But to advance in Qin's official military hierarchy, he had to pass the trial by fire: the exam to be promoted to captain.
The exam didn't just test strength or combat skills, but also the ability to lead men, understand logistics, and make decisions amid chaos.
Exam DayOn the training ground near the capital, over a hundred young cadets prepared for the test.
Each had to command a platoon of one hundred soldiers in a series of drills combining strategy, combat, and endurance.
Ri Yami did not want to stand out too much. His goal was clear: place within the top twenty, enough to be promoted without attracting unwanted attention.
The TrialThe first round consisted of a simulated assault on a fortress, where tactics and speed were decisive.
Ri Yami, with his small group, used an unorthodox strategy: he split his men into two forces—one pretending to attack head-on to distract, while the other infiltrated through a lightly defended flank.
The plan worked almost perfectly, but his team lost a few men in the process.
ResultsAt the end of the day, after exhausting trials and discussions, the results were announced.
Ri Yami placed 17th.
Enough to receive the title of captain and command over one hundred men.
Not high enough to provoke jealousy, nor too low to remain stuck.
A New BeginningWith the official letter in hand, Ri Yami returned to his clandestine refuge.
He knew the real work was only beginning.
Now, with men under his command, he had to prove he was not just a strategist on paper, but a leader capable of forging soldiers and shaping Qin's destiny.