The group of boys descended the stairs with the monks. Liwei would be waiting for us.
As we walked, Haitao got louder and louder, complaining about how Wang "dragged him away from perfectly good alcohol." By the time we reached the bottom, Wang finally put him down with a sigh.
We entered the training room. In the center stood the new Abbot, Liwei Zhang.
"Thanks for being on time," Liwei said, giving everyone a once-over. His eyes landed on Haitao. "Though I see one of you is completely out of it. Not surprised. Still not a good example for my nephew, Zhou."
"Shut it, Zhang," Haitao slurred cheerfully. "My first day back and they brought out the good liquor. Of course I'm drunk!"
"Alright, alright. Quiet down, you oaf." Liwei rubbed his temples. "Listen up. You all know why I called this meeting."
The room quieted.
Liwei took a deep breath, his expression turning sharp and serious.
"We'll be attacking Ihuoin Mechu. Our objectives are simple,
Take out their generals.
Destroy their equipment.
Disrupt and weaken their army.
Taking out Kai Zhao himself? Optional. I think he's just a figurehead at this point. The real threat is his son, Weilong Zhao. He killed the Abbot that night. He is ruthless, ambitious, and far more dangerous than his father ever was."
Wang crossed his arms. "We should get the monks prepared by morning."
"I'll brief everyone tomorrow," Liwei said. "And then we attack at night."
Fang groaned. "Does everything really have to be at night?"
Wang chuckled. "Night gives us the best chance. They think we're still weakened. They'll expect an attack, just not one this large."
"Exactly," Liwei said. "Rest up. Tomorrow morning, we go over every detail. No delays.
Tomorrow, we avenge the Abbot.
Tomorrow, we protect our home."
His final words thundered off the walls. The monks roared back.
We headed upstairs toward the celebration again. Adrenaline pumped through my veins. Tomorrow night… I'd finally face Weilong Zhao.
I clenched my fist.
"Tomorrow night," I told the group, "I'm going one hundred percent. They'll pay for what they did."
Deandre slapped my back. "We're right behind you. They won't get away with anything."
We split off once we reached the village. We needed this moment of joy, maybe our last one. Because come tomorrow…
We would attack.
The next morning....
We were jolted awake by Mei Ling shaking us.
"Up. Clothes and breakfast, Liwei wants everyone in the war room."
"Feels like school," Deandre groaned. "Why so early?"
I rubbed my eyes. "Because today is… basically a war. We need the whole day to prepare."
Silas stretched. "And because we need an entire morning to cram the plan into your tiny brain."
Deandre gave him a fake laugh.
We walked to the war room. Inside, nearly the entire army was packed shoulder-to-shoulder, Spirit Monks, Titan Monks, Archer Monks, Warrior Monks. Everyone was here.
Haitao stumbled in behind us, dragging Fang along.
"He better not make this long," he said, yawning loudly. "That old man's liquor was strong as hell. I need a nap."
Wang Tianlei stood and raised his hand. The room silenced instantly.
Liwei stepped forward.
He cleared his throat.
"Listen well," Liwei began, voice strong. "Seven days ago, our Abbot was killed. A mole in our ranks, our mistake, led to that tragedy."
The room tensed.
"But today is not about guilt. Today is about action."
His eyes swept the crowd.
"Today, we take the fight to Ihuoin Mechu."
You could feel the air grow hotter with determination.
"For years, tensions have grown between us. When they attacked, when they burned our homes, when they killed our leader, they declared war. If we do nothing, our village will fall next. Battle is a scary thing, you risk your life, your home, your comrades may even meet their demise in front of your very eyes. But do not act with fear, do not hesitate, for the enemy did not even blink when they attacked us, why should we feel fear in the face of the enemy. Why should I feel fear in the face of my attacker? I should feel anger, resentment, I should have some damn pride for my village and show we are not weak. Any man does not feel that way, exit the doors now, it will be your last chance at life."
He pointed toward the doors.
"If any man feels fear holding him back, leave now. This is the last chance you'll ever get to walk away."
No one moved a muscle.
Liwei nodded.
"Good."
"Here's the plan."
He laid it out, sharp and precise, we'd have the Warrior Monks infiltrate Nenchu Forest at night. Then eliminate patrols, and scout routes to attack. Once the forest is secure, the Titan Monks break the front gates. Most enemy forces will rush the Titans, so the Archer Monks cover them from the ridgelines. With attention pulled forward, Spirit Monks and Warrior Monks strike from behind.
Next, we'd destroy food storages, barracks, armor stockpiles. Take out the generals. Burn the Zhao family compound.
"No civilian casualties," Liwei emphasized. "Our targets are Weilong Zhao and Kai Zhao."
He finished.
"Any questions?"
Haitao raised his hand.
Liwei sighed. "Yes, Zhou?"
"Yeah, uh… when did an idiot like you get so tactical?"
Laughter broke the tension instantly.
"Shut it, Zhou!" Liwei barked, but he was smiling.
"Everyone dismissed. Rest. Say your goodbyes. Meet at the gate at sunset."
Walking back, it hit me for the first time.
This wasn't training. This wasn't a trial. This wasn't a spar.
This was war.
People would die. Maybe a lot of people.
Maybe… even one of us.
I stopped the group.
"Listen," I said quietly. "Tonight isn't like anything we've done before. Out there, we watch each other's backs. We stay together. No hero stuff. No wandering off. People are going to die tonight. Let's make sure it isn't one of us."
Dre nodded. "Trust. I got you guys."
Silas rested his hand on his sword. "Nothing's taking us down. Not while we're together."
Their confidence made the weight on my chest a little lighter.
Back in the room, Silas and Dre passed out instantly. I lay down too, knowing the second I woke up…
It'd be go-mode. No breaks. No fear. No hesitation.
This would be the biggest challenge we'd faced since landing in this world.
And no matter what—
I wouldn't let anyone else die on me.