Book's eyebrows raise in surprise at the man's words. Those names are more than familiar. "Those are ancient history. But I've read The Art Of War. Sun Tzu also warned of treating soldiers too harshly on their first meeting. Treat them at first with humanity, but follow with iron discipline. That second half is on its way."

He nods in confirmation of Arcade's earlier assumption. "Unification Day, the official end to the war, was only 7 years in the past. Even young children still know what it's like to be at war."

He raises one hand, gesturing at Arcade. "But I believe you are correct, that the patterns of war never do really change. Otherwise, we wouldn't still be reading Sun Tzu, would we?" A small smile. "That is why his words stay so true."