The Imperial tent wasn’t in the best shape for an emperor to use. Due to Minerva’s captivity and violent break throughout, some of the furniture was damaged and the curtains cut down. They were snitched back into place the night before, at least to an acceptable state. As Gaius slept on his bed, he took increasingly louder breaths. Rolling around and opening his eyes, he woke. It was his habit to sleep naked, the only way it was comfortable enough to do so. The silks were of high enough quality it wasn’t bothersome to the skin. Stretching his arms and legs, he lifted his torso, sitting on his bed with an inclined spine. Yawning and cleaning his eyes, he was preparing for yet another day.

His stomach aching for food, he pressed a hand against it. One day the feeling of having such a well defined six pack wouldn’t be so alien to Gaius. His entire physic was in prime form, from well-defined muscles, attractive features, cleanness of diseases and a healthy mental state. While the latter could be disputed, the former three couldn’t. He stretched his head, preparing to get up.

The Laurel Wreath remained there, it’s leaves attached to his head like uncuttable hairs. It’s origin, purpose, and meaning still a mystery, Gaius knew not a single morning would go by without him wondering for answers. He found consolation by considering, of all items to have permanently attached to him a traditional symbol of victory and triumph wasn’t the worst. For all there was to it, the item could be the key to return home, was there even one to return to anymore. The longer he remained in this world, the lest he remembered about his previous life.

The sheets were thrown off, and the Emperor’s full glory was exposed. Fortunately, no one was there to see it. Privacy was an important thing to keep. Gaius walked to his wardrobe, seeking his armor set. The doors were open, and each piece laid on a shelf. A mannequin would have been more appropriate to hold it, but no such thing was available after Minerva’s outburst. Gaius was well aquatinted on how to single-handedly equip his set by himself. Years of campaigning in Impera bred many such practices on the emperor. First came the chest plate, then tasset, gauntlets, sabatons and so it went. Almost like putting on casual clothes, the Emperor was fully armored and protected in a matter of minutes.

He put on the helmet and was relived to seeing the world the way he preferred. That is, through a highly protective purple visor. His gladius and shield were retrieved from the desk and assigned to his waist and back. As prepared as he could be, Gaius checked for any abnormalities before heading out. There weren’t any visible damages, beyond some scratches, dents and bruises sustained years ago against tougher foes. Such wounds were as natural as old scars. His blade still held the blood of Lupus in its edge, no time or drive to clean it properly arising until then. He sheaved it further, getting a good look. His eyes narrowed as the possibility of staining it much more soon arose.

When discussing his grand strategy to Minerva, Gaius emphasized the need to completely purge the Lupus barbarians from the land. Genocide, as was in Impera and History in general, was the most efficient way to deal with a particularly problematic group of people. His position as emperor demanded these acts to be committed, were the best interests of the empire to be sought. He did it before many times, millions of lives lost at his command. The more he did it, the less disturbing it became. All feelings acclimate to a certain point, the same thing went to the dread of mass killing. When sitting atop a throne, ordering the countless executions of people he never met or cared for wasn’t problematic, especially when they were the cause of an issue.

The Lupus were an issue, no inner disagreements in that front. The current situation couldn’t remain, and soon one of the two groups would need to claim sovereignty of the Imperial Peninsula. Power is a zero-sum game, and a victorious would claim the vacuum left by the defeated. It can only be decided through war, no doubt about it. Why was it then Gaius was so uneasy with it?

A hundred thousand Lupus would have to die, not counting their families which inflate the number to the hundreds of thousands. It would take a lot of his personal making to reach the casualty number needed. It would be a lot of burning, electrifying, freezing, cutting, slashing and stabbing he would need to do. His legions and Divine Legionnaires had to assume their part, but the brunt was his own to assume. Was Gaius to triumph, he had to let the tyrant dormant in his heart to flourish again.

There had to be another way. He tried mightily to think what Brunus would have done in this situation, but no examples arose. His younger brother rarely visited him when similar scenarios played out, and every time he did he either wanted no part in it or was an advocate of mercy. Gaius grinned, for where was mercy to be found? If the Lupus had their way, the Empire would fall. Was Gaius to have his way, Brunus’ legacy would be tarnished.

There was also the problem of how exactly to tackle such a vast horde of enemies. The Lupus Wolfpacks, all united and well led could easily overrun Gaius. He didn’t have enough Magicka to kill all of them, not even half or a quarter. Discordia would be a great help, but not a deciding assistance. Additionally, if this Alpha Lupus Arcail was experienced enough, he was a threat all by himself. They knew no magic, but in raw strength he was problematic. That Iraminus was powerful enough to hurt Minerva, even considering she was weakened. Safe to assume the great leader of the monsters was above him, Arcail was a problem needing isolation. Even if his men were defeated in battle, as long as him and others survived their cause would remain alive. That wasn’t acceptable. The Lupus problem was to be settled. The method through which it would be, however, was still to be decided. Gaius sheaved the blade, sighing deeply.

A weird sound came from a corner behind. A vase was shaking un a nearby table. Gaius was alarmed, for someone was the cause of it. With a hand on his weapons’ hilt, he asked: “Who’s there?”

No reply came from the seemingly empty tent. If there was someone, he was using an invisibility spell. Considering the number of people he knew capable of casting such magic, Gaius let go of the blade.

“… Come out, Venus… I know it’s you.”

After a moment of silence, her body slowly reviled itself. “… I shouldn’t have hit that table…” she said, facepalming.

Gaius sighed, “… I won’t ask why you are here, as I can imagine the reason.”

Venus blushed, “… Hey, that’s not fair!” she shrugged, “I’m not entirely that kind of person, you know?”

“… Very well, explain yourself.” Gaius said, nearing her. She seemed to lose some composure, looking away “… Maybe I was a little concerned, letting you sleep alone and all that…”

“I have guards outside.” Gaius quickly replied.

“Venus chuckled, “Pff… Guards? How are they going to be useful were an assassin to infiltrate here?”

“… Like you have?”

“… Yeah, like I have.”

Gaius pointed to her, “If he is as poorly equipped as you, it wouldn’t be hard killing him.” He chuckled, “… Is that what a bodyguard wears when protecting the emperor?”

Venus crossed arms over her chest, “… Don’t say it like that… My ancient armor set is all the way back in Tioch…”

Gaius turned away, “… You don’t have to hide your intentions. It’s good to see my creations still remain similar to what they were originally made to be… You have my permission to satisfy your thirst from some of the Lupus prisoners we have.”

Venus’ face contorted, “Eww… Their life essences are too weak for my taste. I would need to do it with several of them…”

“… Would that be an issue?”

“… No… Not really… But…” she looked at his visor, “… It is not them whom I desire…”

“… Hmm… Is that so…” Gaius met her pink gaze. Her demonic tail was bouncing like a merry dog’s, “… You know that would kill me, right?”

She gasped, her face changing from a lustful to a worried expression, “… K-Kill you!?”

“…. I’m sorry Venus, but we both know it. A Succubus can’t hold back their parasitic tendencies against people of my level… And that includes you.”

“No… I would never go as far as to…”

”… You are saying you can control yourself?’ Gaius asked with a serious tone, “That would require an amazing self-restraint… I know I couldn’t do it.”

Venus' cheeks reddened, her pupils widening, and she gasped, “… You couldn’t? … A-Are you saying…”

“It’s the truth.” He nodded, “Deep down this armor and all the power, I’m as vulnerable as any other human male. Were we to start, given both of our racial conditions, I doubt we wouldn’t end up going the full way, and so leading to my death. We would lose ourselves in the act, unable to stop.” He touched her slim shoulder, “… It’s for that reason you need to settle with others, least you would like to see me gone again…”

Her head lowered, “… No… I don’t want that…”

He retrieved his hand, “… Neither do I. At least not anymore. If it ever comes the day where I think we can risk it, I’ll let you know… In case you continue to be interested in then, of course.”

She smiled, “I’ll always be interested!” she grabbed onto Gaius’ arm, rubbing her head and demonic horn over his chest plate, “I’ve always wanted this more than ever… What is a little longer compared to the millennium I have already waited? It’s already great to know you understand me so well!”

“… Right… “Gaius said a little nervously, “… Anyway, I should head out soon. I need to see if the legion is ready to resume the march.”

“Awn… So soon?” she asked, “You’ve just woken up… Can’t we wait a little longer?”

“No.” Gaius shook his head, “We need to return to the capital as soon as possible. Sleep can only serve for rest.”

“… I see.” Venus released his arm, “… Thank you for not reprehending me too much for peaking on you…”

Gaius laughed lightly, “That’s no problem. It’s simply who you are, I can’t be mad at that.” He turned, facing the exit, “… Next time, though, try not hitting the table….” The emperor prepared to finally leave, only to be tackled from behind with a hug

“… I will!” yelled Venus, kissing his helmet, “… I’ll see you later…”

“… Same for you…” Gaius replied as she got on the ground. He passed through the decadent curtain, the strong light of a rising sun reaching his eyes.

Such a delicate matter. Rarely had he to choose his words as carefully as in that talk. He had to decline her advances, while simultaneously not implying it’s because he didn’t find her attractive. To be scorned by your passionate interest was an experience Gaius wanted to avoid inflicting on one of his creations. Whether it would come the day he was to see Venus in the same way she did him was questionable, but it remained important to pretend it could be. If he managed to capture Arcail alive, he might be enough to fulfill her hunger for a long time.

Would Brunus approve of enemies being taken as sexual slaves for Venus? Most likely not. He wasn’t much of a fan the way Gaius had designed her. A particular prank involving both the most probable culprit of it. There was, however, no way to keep Venus’ from doing what she needed to stay alive. Considering how long it’s been since they last saw each other in Impera, she must have been with countless victims. What was another one to add to the corpse pile? Gaius couldn’t avoid approving such acts when the lives of his children were at stake.

“… Princeps Gaius.” The soldiers saluted the emperor as he exited.

“… At ease.” He said.

The Legion’s men were mostly still sleeping, the sentries of the previous night still lingering about. They took few breaks in their march, but they had to count. No more would be had until they reached the city.

One of the legionnaires approached, saluting and awaiting permission to speak.

“… Have something to say?” asked Gaius.

“Yes sir.” He nodded, “Lady Minerva has been waiting for you to wake up. She says it’s urgent.”

“… Urgent?” he asked, “…I wonder what it may be…” he looked around, “… Where is she?”

The soldier gestured to his left, “… Over there, sir.”

Minerva was conversing with a few soldiers, herself mounted on a horse. They were all centurions, a hint of the serious matter she was involved in. She noticed Gaius, quickly breaking off the talk and riding to him.

“… Princeps! You are awake, at last.” She said, her mount resuming the rush, “I have something important to report.”

“…So I’ve heard.” He neared her, “What’s the problem you wanted to discuss?” Gaius asked.

She gestured her spear out to the woods, “… During my nightly scout hunts, I’ve been encountering far more enemies than usual. I took the initiative in expanding our men active in the operation, but the threat still looms. I believe it deserves your personal attention in the fields.”

“…it’s about the Lupus…” Gaius glanced to a nearby untaken horse, mounting on it, “… Take me to the frontlines.”

She nodded, “Yes, Princeps.” She rode away, “…. Follow me.”

Gaius commanded his ride forward, catching up to her. Soon they were away from the camp, entering the forest. Some other soldiers provisioned for food and participated in the garrison outside, but their numbers diminished the further Gaius and Minerva strode away.

Near a tree was a Lupus’ corpse, to which Minerva gestured, “… These lone wolves have been trying to near our camp all night. Some were organized in groups, trying to avoid combat when spotted.”

“… There are collecting information, it seems.” Gaius concluded, “Venus’ had mentioned Arcail’s camp wasn’t far from our original position. Could it be he learned of our movements and is shadowing the legion?”

“… It could be.” Minerva said, “What worries me is that we are finding these Lupus coming from our front, not the rear… The closer we get to Rome, the more of them appear.”

Gaius sighed, “… That could be problematic. Arcail could have sent a large detachment of his men to outrun us to the capital, seeking to envelop us.”

“That’s very worrisome.” Affirmed Minerva, “What if they learn you aren’t in Rome to protect it?”

“Let them learn. Those Lupus will find a nice surprise when they try to attack the city.” He smirked.

“… A surprise?” she asked.

“If the Lupus detachment, let it be of a few thousand men tries to take what they assume is a defenseless Rome, they will be quickly disposed of. Discordia and Apollo will see to it.”

“… A-Apollo!?” Minerva gasped, “… Apollo lives? He’s in Rome with Discordia?”

“I forgot to mention it.” Gaius steered his hose to face her, “In my voyage to Cilia, I found Discordia had reanimated Apollo’s corpse in her stay in the island. He’s an undead, although a fully conscious and capable one.”

“… An undead…” she whispered, “… Apollo is back as an undead… How dares Discordia desecrate his body to this extent. When I return to Rome, I will…”

“Calm down.” Gaius pleaded, “It’s not as bad as it seems. Even though he is a skeleton, I much prefer having Apollo back with us than letting him keep rotting in an old tomb. He has already done wonders in the short time he’s been with us, personally conducting the food shipments and disease treatment of the population.”

“… Yes, that does sound like him…” Minerva’s angry tone vanished, “… Yet, to think the next time I would see him would be as a puppet of little sister…”

“You should try to find some forgiveness for her behavior. If anything happens, she oversees the protection of the capital.”

Minerva nodded, “… Very well. If you deem her trustworthy and faultless in this act, I should do so too.” She rode to the corpse, “Our priority should be to clean the path until we get there, then.”

“Indeed,” Gaius said, looking around the forest. The woods got denser and less visible the further he looked. The strong daylight not enough to cleanse it of a visual doubt.

“… How have you been tracking the Lupus?” asked Gaius, “It’s hard to believe you would risk sending men alone to spot them in these conditions…”

‘You are correct.” She affirmed, “Instead of risking lives in the effort, I relied on using the Detect Life spell.”

“That spell?” Gaius raised an eyebrow, ‘You know how draining it is to use it for long range, don’t you?”

“I’m well aware. In fact, it’s because of it I wanted your help.” He lifted her hand, a faint and almost imperceptible magical light emitting from its pam, “I’ve run out of Magicka from using the spell too much. I hoped you could take my place in casting it.”

“I see, so that’s how it is…” Gaius raised his own palm, “I shouldn’t be lenient in how much it will cost me, either. It will cover a wide range, enough to see all the way to the capital.”

Gaius casted the spell, once more his eyes capable of perceiving living beings as light signals. Minerva shined brighter than a sun, while the Lupus’ corpse was dark. The forest was home to many animals, all coexisting together. He ignored them, seeking more powerful presences.

“… I can sense several individual Lupus scouts…” he said, doing a full 360-degree rotation on his horse, “Many of them are in groups, and near our camp…”

“Where is the nearest one?” asked Minerva, “I will organize and lead an expedition to hunt them each down.”

“… Hold it. There’s something else…” Gaius said, looking, through the trees. A cloudy, yet strong presence laid at the edge of his range, “.. I need to expand the reach of the magic… I think the large Lupus detachment we predicted might be close.”

Gaius reinforced the magic, enhancing the reach of his perception.

“… This… This is…”

Gaius’ heartbeat accelerated, a freezing chill flowing in his bones.

“… What have you found?” asked Minerva, “Is it the Lupus scouting force?”

“… No…” Gaius whispered, “… It’s not a scouting group… Or a detachment… Or anything of the sort.” He glanced at her, “… It’s all of the Lupus Wolfpacks…. Hundreds of thousands of them….”

“… It’s their entire host?!” she asked, closing the distance between them, “You mean to say… They are in Rome!?”

“… Yes.” Gaius nodded, “I can sense the presence of Discordia and Apollo very clearly inside the city, surrounded by the civilians, who are in turn surrounded by Lupus… And among them, the strongest Lupus if ever detected.”

“… Arcail…” Minerva whispered, “He’s there…”

“… So that’s him. He’s stronger than I assumed…”

“… This is an emergency of the greatest caliber. We must inform the men and march to meet the enemy immediately!”

”… Agreed… But…” Gaius looked at the trees to his left, “… Before we get there, we’ll have to deal with some company…”

“… Company?” she asked, looking where the emperor did.

The trees and bushes were shaking as something moved through. Soon it was obvious who it was. The Lupus emerged from their hidden positions, encircling Gaius and Minerva.

She sneered, taking her spear out, “… Disgusting dogs…”

Gaius lowered her weapon, “… I believe they mean to speak.” He said, “… Given what we already know, It would be wise to let them talk first.”

“… Understood.” She retrieved her spear, resting it upward.

“… You… The man in dark purple armor.” A Lupus capable of speaking Latin said, “… Are you the roman leader called Gaius?”

The emperor nodded, “… Yes, I am.”

“… Good.” The Lupus approached, “Our forces have been trying to contact you, but all attempts were met with hostility on your part…” the Lupus eyed Minerva.

“… Our people are at war.” Gaius affirmed, “I cannot blame my soldiers by doing what they feel necessary to favor our cause.”

“The war is over.” The Lupus proclaimed, “Alpha Lupus Arcail seeks to discuss surrendering terms with you.”

Gaius’ was taken by surprise, so seemed to be Minerva’s case, “… Surrendering terms?” Gaius asked, “I wasn’t expecting to hear that…” He stared the Lupus, seeing his seriousness, ‘… Very well, what are the terms for his surrender?”

The Lupus looked confused, a grin appearing on his face and the others, “… His surrender? No… This is about your surrender, Gaius.”

He gave a mocking smile to the emperor as if he knew no harm would come to him.

“… Watch your tone.” Minerva adverted.

“… It’s fine.” Gaius said, “Considering the position of their forces, it’s only natural they would think to be in a superior position.”

“… Think? We don’t think we are, we know we are.” He gestured in the direction of the capital, “Your city’s fate is at our people’s hands… It’s your choice what happens to it.”

Gaius sighed, considering what to do. Dismissing the possibility his spell was getting things wrong, he really as in a dire place. Rome couldn’t withstand a siege of such magnitude. Discordia and Apollo weren’t anywhere near enough to hold them all back. Even if they killed these Lupus and headed straight for the city, by the time they arrived, it would all be lost.

“… I understand.” He affirmed, “What are Arcail’s terms for a truce?”

“He’s ordered you to come and see him personally. He will discuss the terms with you there.”

“… You must be joking.” Minerva interrupted, “There’s no way this isn’t a trap.”

The Lupus looked at her, “He expected you would have this reaction, and so allowed you to bring your Divine Legionnaires as bodyguards to the meeting.”

“… Even then…” Minerva said, “Doesn’t he know we hold his wife hostage?”

“He knows…” The Lupus nodded, “Which is why one of the conditions for the meeting is that you bring her to him.”

“… That’s acceptable.” Gaius said, “Tell Arcail that, as long as he doesn’t attack the city, I will accept to meet with him.”

“I will.” The Lupus said, “… He will be waiting for you.”

The Lupus jumped away from the two Romans, back into the forest at a quick speed. They were soo left alone in the mist of the forest, still weary of the presence beyond.

“… Princeps…” Minerva said faintly, “… Are you really going to risk this?”

“He sighed, “… We have little choice. Their numbers are far too great to take out in a surprise attack. It would just alarm them to start attacking Rome and pursue a policy of no mercy to the population…. I don’t plan on surrendering, but I must meet with Arcail if the capital is to be spared…”

“Didn’t you say Discordia and Apollo would defend it?”

“… Against raiders and small parties, but not the entire Lupus force. Their presence there must be the reason why they have hesitated to attack yet. Discordia would cause enough casualties to make any general nervous about provoking her…. But Arcail must be aware she’s not a fatal threat. If he wants to, he can sustain catastrophic casualties, and still emerge victorious at the end of the day… And of course, should they breach the city, Julia will die….”

Minerva looked down, “… If it must be that way… I will stand by your side should you need me. Venus will as well.”

Gaius smiled, “I’ll count on both of you… The fate of the empire will be in our hands.”

“I will tell our men to keep on the march. We ought to arrive with our own army, showing those barbarians they aren’t the only ones at arms.”

“A show of force is in our interests, indeed….” Gaius clenched his fist, “… I wonder what else will be.”