The loss that the Roman Republic received, as well as the following cruel massacre that happened in the Anatolia peninsula, led to the thorough recall of the Roman troops and citizens from the said region.

The remaining legionnaires of the defeated legion, who mostly took shelter in Rhodos Island, were all called back to the capital city of Rome. Among these people were Julian, who still carried out the responsibility he had as a centurion of the first cohort.

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As he was the only centurion who managed to escape from the coalition army's pursuit, Julian did his best to lead the fifty or so survivors, which included a dozen of his men, back to Rome safely.

The moment they arrived at Rome, Julian was surprised that they weren't punished by the kingdom nor scolded by the people. Instead, they received a grandiose welcome befitting that of a hero.

Julian even heard that there was a report saying how the defeated legion was able to kill ten enemy troops for each of the legionnaires' deaths. The exaggeration even went so far that the Pontus King, Mithridates the Sixth, was depicted to have the appearance of a 4 meter tall monster that ate kids for breakfast.

The surviving legionnaires rode through the sea of people, while the people of Rome would throw flowers at the former as a sign of their appreciation. However, for Julian, each flower that was thrown reminded him of the javelin and arrow that killed his men.

On his return, this time, Julian learnt a very valuable lesson of how propaganda being used.

He of course would not say anything that would challenge the decision of the Republic of Rome. If he really wishes to make changes he needs to reach a higher rank within the Roman leadership hierarchy.

In the end, Julian was glad to be home. He managed to spend time with his little sister.

With so many battles that were happening throughout the last few months, finally returning to Rome gave Julian more time to continue his cultivation which had gone stagnant due to the former reasons.

[Julian Kaiser]

[Battle power 44 (33)]

[Spirit force 206 (131)]

[Earth spirit - mid foundation]

[Fire spirit - mid foundation]

[Acolyte rank 7]

Julian realized that he must have been left in the dust by his other friends. Therefore, he needed to train harder than ever. In addition, he was also sure that sooner or later he would be summoned once again to fight on the battlefield.

Not long after, once again he and the dozen survivors of his century were quickly being absorbed by another legion. Fortunately this time it was a legion stationed at the capital city of Rome.

Julian was assigned under the leadership of Marcus Crassus, a magistrate and one of the richest men in Rome.

Under Marcus' tutelage, Julian learned many things about the senate and his knowledge became broader.

He learned the reason King Mithridates the Sixth won the war was a simple promise of tax exemption for five years.

He learned how the supreme commander of his previous legion, Manius Aquillius, decision to not retreat was actually forced by the senate.

Julian learned the ugliness of politics, and how being successful in it would easily decide the outcome of a battle.

All of these things were actually further proof of all the theories that Julian learned from the Path of Command.

There was a power beyond the strongest spell and the sharpest sword, and that was the battle command - the strategy, tactics, and schemes that went behind a war; hidden from the laymen's eyes.

Julian's intelligence was quickly noticed, he was invited to the legions formation reforms projects that were led by Marcus Crassus himself.

He became a high contributor in perfecting the legion system. From the number of legionnaires of each legion, their task and function, the weapons and skill needed, and of course the battle formation. These changes were well received and believed to increase the strength of the Roman legions for the future battle.

Unfortunately, Julian didn't receive any credit from those things as all of it was taken by Marcus Crassus. Even so, it was still beneficial for him to receive more favor from the most influential magistrate in the senate.

…

On one particular day, Julian was in the midst of cultivation when he was summoned by Marcus Crassus. The reason the man called him was to bring him to one of the greatest inventions the Romans had ever created.

The Colosseum.

Apparently, there was a special gladiator game being held today, and Marcus wanted Julian to see it.

It had been weeks ever since he came out due to the cultivation training, and Julian finally took a break and enjoyed Rome's greatest entertainment venue. The duo of mentor and mentee made their way through the streets of Rome as they headed toward the Colosseum.

Having seen the Magus Academy, which was obviously much more impressive and extraordinary, Julian honestly didn't feel the burning excitement that he used to feel when he saw the Colosseum.

However, even though he had lost the previous excitement and only came here today for his mentor, Julian decided to enjoy the show since he was already here.

Julian and his mentor entered the Colosseum and made their way to the VIP seat due to the exalted status the latter had. Then, the two began enjoying the apex display of bloodshed.

After some of the life-and-death battles commonly seen in the Colosseum, finally the main special event took place.

The arena master walked to the center of the Colosseum and shouted to the top of his lungs.

"Today, we will have special gifts for the people of Rome! A famous Thracian warrior, A deserter from the war against the barbaric Getae, would be executed for today's game!"

Julian's gaze immediately shifted when he heard the word 'Thracian'. As he did so, he was surprised to see Thrax enter the Colosseum arena.

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Written by Avans, Published exclusively by W.e.b.n.o.v.e.l,