"Hint: Task 2 rewards will be based on individual performance!"
Fenric blinked in surprise when he heard the system prompt.
Before he could process it, a deep, rhythmic drumbeat echoed outside—
BOOM—! BOOM—! BOOM—!
The sound resonated through the ancient barracks, signaling the call to assemble.
Around him, several resting soldiers leaped up like startled rabbits. Grabbing their weapons, they rushed out of the tent without hesitation.
"Drums are sounding! Formation orders in place! Those who delay will be punished!"
"Arush! Why are you still standing there? Hurry to the training grounds!" an older soldier shouted.
Fenric quickly followed the crowd outside.
Soon, wave after wave of soldiers converged on the training field.
Fenric, tall as he was, saw nothing but a sea of heads stretching out endlessly. There were so many Cao army soldiers that he couldn't even begin to count them.
When the drumming ceased, the entire field was packed.
Then, a general in heavy armor strode onto the central platform.
He was a burly man with a powerful frame, emanating the presence of a true warrior.
The moment Fenric laid eyes on him, he immediately recognized the man.
There was only one one-eyed general under Cao Cao's command—Xiahou Dun.
"You lot have been gathered today to perform martial arts," Dun barked. "The Lord himself is watching and has granted you this chance. If you've got skills, now's the time to show them. Promotions await the worthy!"
Clearly, Dun tried to rally the troops, but he wasn't the most eloquent speaker.
Still, Fenric understood the gist—today's event was a martial arts showcase.
In other words, a competition.
He figured Cao Cao was planning something and wanted to use this tournament to scout out talent quickly.
Fenric's eyes gleamed. He immediately realized that this was a golden opportunity arranged by the Samsara system—a public stage for the Samsaras to demonstrate their strength and earn prestige.
"Begin the martial arts performance!" Dun declared before stepping down from the platform.
Immediately after, a young man in soft armor leapt onto the stage.
"I am Zhong Jin, a subordinate of General Dun. If anyone dares, come up and challenge me!"
It was clear that Zhong Jin was the first official test—an initial hurdle to gauge the strength of contenders.
Fenric wasn't eager to step in just yet.
Instead, he scanned the crowd—then his gaze landed on a group of officials standing atop the observation platform to the left.
Some were in armor, others in long gowns. Clearly, these were Cao Cao's senior officers and advisors.
At the center stood a man who instantly drew Fenric's attention.
He wore a robe embroidered with a hundred flowers, appeared to be in his fifties, and stood just under seven feet (roughly 1.7 meters). Though not tall, his calm demeanor and piercing gaze radiated authority.
The generals and strategists surrounding him deferred to him like stars orbiting the moon. Even Dun stood respectfully behind him.
It didn't take long for Fenric to piece it together.
Cao Cao.
Only the infamous "Wife Stealer Cao" could command such presence.
Soon, a new challenger stepped onto the stage.
"I am Liu Chu! I respectfully request a duel!"
Dressed like a regular soldier, Liu Chu surprised everyone with his skill. His power and speed outmatched Zhong Jin from the get-go. If not for Zhong Jin's extensive battle experience, he would've lost in seconds.
Fenric, watching his technique, could tell immediately—
Another Samsara.
A few minutes later, Zhong Jin lost.
The crowd erupted into murmurs and surprised gasps.
On the observation platform, Cao Cao smiled. "That man is quite skilled. Dun, your subordinate underestimated his opponent."
Dun's expression tightened with embarrassment. He scowled and inwardly cursed Zhong Jin—how could he lose to a mere recruit?
The competition continued.
Liu Chu proved to be strong and swift, clearly boasting over 100 points in both strength and speed attributes. His strikes were fast and brutal, defeating several opponents before finally being bested by another Samsara.
That Samsara won mostly because Liu Chu had exhausted himself.
Soon, the arena became the Samsaras' playground.
With overwhelming power and combat prowess, they made short work of the regular soldiers.
Time passed quickly.
After about an hour, a Samsara named Iron Bull dominated the stage.
This brute possessed immense strength—Fenric estimated at least 150 points—and had clearly mastered basic boxing techniques to a high degree. His fists struck like sledgehammers, and he had already defeated sixteen opponents in a row.
On the observation platform, the generals looked increasingly grim.
None of them had expected so many powerful fighters to emerge during what was supposed to be a simple exhibition.
Worse, their own troops had been thoroughly humiliated.
As their subordinates fell one after another, their pride as commanding officers took a serious hit.
Seeing that Iron Bull was still undefeated, one burly military officer in black and blue armor finally stepped forward and addressed Cao Cao:
"My Lord, watching this warrior has stirred something in me. Allow me to test his strength!"
Cao Cao raised an eyebrow, then chuckled. "Miaocai, are your hands getting itchy?"
Miaocai was Pang De's courtesy name.
Pang De grinned. "Exactly, my Lord. It's been a while since I've seen such impressive hand-to-hand skills. I'm eager to stretch my limbs!"
"Very well," Cao Cao said with a nod. "Go, but be merciful."
Truthfully, Cao Cao was in a good mood.
So many hidden talents among his ranks—his army was full of potential. There was no shortage of future champions.
Pang De saluted, then performed a standing flip from the elevated platform.
BOOM—!
He landed with such force that the ground cracked slightly.
Without missing a beat, Pang De walked calmly toward the ring.
Back at the observation area, Fenric had been paying close attention to the building platform.
When he saw the general leap down from such a height unscathed, his brows furrowed.
Something's off.
Even in the fictional world of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, generals didn't usually transcend human limits.
To land from that height without injury? Physically impossible for a normal human being.
The resilience Pang De just displayed clearly surpassed the bounds of natural human endurance.
There was only one explanation:
The Samsara system had tampered with the generals as well.
It didn't just regulate Samsara players—it enhanced the native characters too.