At the conclusion of the exciting speech by Decimus Scipio, representative of the Fourth Division, the audience reacted in a remarkably divided manner. Some were excited at the prospect of the hidden world of espionage, while others experienced a rejection of it. Titus, observing the duality in the audience, decided to continue with the presentation.
His gaze fell on a woman he knew very well. Recognizing the signal, she approached the lectern and confidently introduced herself. "I am Placida Marcellus, representative of the First Division and captain of the Vigiles Arcanorum Brigade," she announced with determination.
She took a second of silence and began to expound on the importance of the First Division. "Our division has the crucial mission of defending our borders from the dwarves and ensuring the internal security of our empire," she revealed earnestly.
Placida looking at her husband and smiling said. "Our honorable commander is Titus Marcellus, the first commander and the highest military hierarchy after General Lucius Martialis, son of the Emperor," Placida proclaimed proudly. "He is an outstanding warrior and strategist, renowned in both combat and leadership. Moreover, he is one of the few Paladins in the empire."
Titus, in an attempt to maintain his composure, nodded slightly as he listened to his wife's complimentary words. However, his gaze revealed the appreciation he felt for his wife.
Placida continued with details about the First Division. "We are fortunate that, since the Great War, the dwarves have maintained a peaceful attitude and focused on their business with other races," he explained. "This has allowed us to focus on the internal protection of our empire. However, we must not forget that during the Great War they were one of our fiercest opponents, thanks to their physical prowess and advanced technology. They came close to subjecting humans to a state of vassalage."
The First Division, according to Placida, consisted of four distinct brigades:
1. Custodes Urbis: The brigade in charge of the security and surveillance of the cities of the empire. Its task was to maintain peace and protect citizens from internal threats.
Vigiles Arcanorum: The brigade of magicians, whose headquarters were located in the Tower of Magicians of Arx Regni. These mages channeled their magical power for the benefit of the division, providing support in combat as well as in strategic tasks.
Machinatores Militis: The logistics brigade, which played a crucial role in the First Division. Its responsibility was to create and maintain the arsenal of armaments and military equipment for the entire army. Skilled engineers and blacksmiths found their home in this brigade, where their skills were valued and used to strengthen the military forces.
4. Interventus Celestis: The most specialized and demanding brigade of the division. Thanks to the peace reached with the dwarves, this unit had been formed to provide support and assistance to any other brigade of the army that needed it. Its members were fearless and willing to face any challenge to ensure victory on the battlefield.
Placida paused, allowing the information about the brigades to settle in the audience's mind. "Our division is the ideal place for those who do not wish to be on the front line of combat and prefer to guard and protect the cities," he proclaimed with conviction. "It is also the perfect destination for those intrepid individuals seeking a high-demand and demanding position, as is our Interventus Celestis Brigade. And, of course, in our logistics brigade you will find a home if you possess great skill in blacksmithing or engineering."
The audience was once again divided, but this time not only by the contrast between the world of espionage and defense, but also by the choice of guarding cities or facing challenges on the battlefield. Some looked with enthusiasm at the possibility of delving into the hidden worlds, while others were attracted by the duty to protect their home and others who were not suited for combat wished to collaborate in logistics and the creation of weaponry.
At the end of Placida Marcellus' impassioned speech, Titus turned his gaze to the last man waiting his turn. Dressed in imposing golden armor and a white cloak billowing in the wind, he exuded an aura of authority and elegance. With a firm and confident stride, he approached the lectern and introduced himself in an energetic voice: "I am Sempronius Densus and I have the honor of representing the Praetorian Guard."
The audience was captivated by his commanding presence and looked forward to hearing about this majestic guard and its duties. "Our Praetorian Guard has the important mission of protecting the emperor and the imperial family against any lurking dangers. In addition, we are charged with guarding the imposing Imperial Palace, the Aeternum Palatium," Sempronius announced with pride in his voice.
The mention of the Imperial Palace sent a shiver down the spine of those present. The Aeternum Palatium was the epicenter of power in the Arcanum Imperium, a place sacred and guarded by those considered the most loyal and noble warriors and mages of the realm. The Praetorian Guard played a vital role in the security of the emperor and the defense of the empire.
No detail escaped Sempronius, who continued, "Our honorable commander is Lucius Aelius Seianus, the emperor's closest confidant and protector. Seianus, besides being a Paladin of the Empire, is one of the most powerful beings on the entire Continent." The mention of Seianus elicited a murmur of admiration from the crowd. His name echoed in legends and tales of heroism and bravery.
"The Praetorian Guard is the ideal place for the most loyal and noble warriors and mages of our Arcanum Imperium," Sempronius declared, emphasizing the exclusivity and nobility of this elite. "Our selection will be the most demanding and rigorous, only the most worthy will be able to join our ranks. Those honorable recruits who succeed in joining the Guard will be automatically elevated to the rank of noble and, if they remain in our ranks for at least five years, they will be granted a Villa in the capital in recognition of their loyalty and service," he added solemnly.
The audience was perplexed at such an offer, aware of the privilege and honor it represented to be part of the Praetorian Guard. The minds of those present were filled with aspirations and ambitions as they assessed whether they were up to the challenges and responsibilities that came with this prestigious position.
Titus watched with satisfaction as each of the division representatives had presented their units to the recruits. The audience, composed of young men and women in search of a destiny in the Arcanum Imperium, was brimming with excitement and expectation. Now it was time for each to reflect and make a crucial decision that would shape their future.
With a firm voice, Titus brought the presentation to a close: "Recruits, the doors to your future are open. For today, we have concluded. Retire to your barracks, rest and reflect on the path you will choose tomorrow." The recruits, obeying the commander's order, began to leave the amphitheater in order and discipline.
As Lancelot and Luzbel walked together toward the exit of the amphitheater, Lancelot could not help but ask, "Luzbel, to what brigade do you intend to report?" The question was loaded with curiosity and expectation on the part of Lancelot, who seemed to have guessed the answer.
Luzbel answered with determination and conciseness, "I will apply to the First Division, in the Interventus Celestis Brigade." Her words echoed in the air, revealing her choice. Lancelot nodded, satisfied that he had guessed correctly.
They both continued walking until they reached Olaf's recruit barracks, where they would take their leave for the time being. Luzbel turned to his companions and wished them well before making his way to the carriage that would take him back home.
The atmosphere was tense and exciting in that recruit barracks. Each individual stood at the crossroads of their destiny, weighing the possibilities and challenges that awaited them. Dreams and aspirations were intertwined in their minds as they imagined the feats they could accomplish and the dangers they would face.
The future was in the hands of each of the recruits, and their choice would determine their role in the Arcanum Imperium. The decisions made at that moment, in the days that followed, would shape their lives and the destiny of the kingdom.
Luzbel, his mind full of expectation and determination, boarded the carriage that would take him back home. Within him burned the passion and desire to be part of the Interventus Celestis Brigade, a select and special group within the First Division. His dreams and ambitions were intertwined with the possibilities of a future full of action and transcendence.
The carriage slowly pulled away, leaving behind the recruit barracks and his companions. Luzbel looked out the window, his eyes full of determination and a spark of adventure. His journey was just beginning, and he was ready to face the challenges and prove his worth in the Arcanum Imperium.