"Utterly madness"—that was what Sirius thought as he was the first to enter the scene. Not even in his many years of the Etruscan Campaign or his recent tenure as a Centurio in the Alpine Wars had he encountered such a barbaric and morbid sight. Before him, illuminated by the flickering light of a torch, stood a husk of a man. The body, a lifeless shell riddled with cuts and slashes, was suspended by thorny vines of crimson crystal, their jagged surfaces gleaming like freshly spilled blood. The hollow sockets where eyes once resided and the gaping mouth, frozen in an eternal scream, told a tale of anguish so profound it seemed as if his very soul had been wrenched from him.
The atmosphere among the city watch, who had also arrived at the scene, was somber. The horror of the sight was only magnified by the identity of the victim. Titus, though a criminal, had once served honorably alongside many of these men. He had fought beside them, endured hardship with them. Yes, he was greedy and flawed, but even his sins did not warrant such a grotesque end. His death carried implications far beyond his own demise. This mockery of death, this blatant violation of decency, struck directly at the Pluto's Curse gang, one of the city's most feared and organized factions. Blood would be demanded as payment, and the city would soon descend into turmoil. Such news could not be contained for long.
The streets of the city stretched endlessly, bathed in the glow of scattered lanterns. To the north, the towering silhouette of the Dominatus House stood as a symbol of control and order. To the south, chaos brewed, with whispers of rebellion and unrest. This was a city caught in the delicate balance between the empire's strength and the growing resentment of its people. The murder of Titus threatened to tip that balance.
Men could only endure so much horror before seeking solace in their families. Rumors would spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the city. Action was imperative to prevent chaos.
"Team one, search the area for any other victims. Team two, head to the Dominatus House and report to Adrian. He'll know how to respond. Team three, secure the area. No civilians are to approach," Sirius barked, his orders crisp and authoritative.
As his commands were carried out, the tranquil night gave way to the rhythmic clatter of soldiers' boots. The dawn would bring chaos, of that Sirius was certain.
***
Victor reclined in his bed, a satisfied grin spreading across his face as he reviewed his system status. The early morning light filtered through the window, highlighting his sharp features and the violet hue of his hair. The words of Athena echoed in his mind: "Blood is life."
The mansion was a testament to Roman opulence, with marble floors, towering columns, and frescoes depicting the gods in their eternal glory. Victor, however, found it stifling. Born into a life of privilege, he had inherited the burdens of expectation. Yet, the strange blessing bestowed upon him had begun to alter his perception of this world and his place within it.
Active Skill:[Soul Library – Initiate Level 1 – Progress 0/100]
[PM: Requires 20 mana per usage]
Description: You can dive into the souls you have damned, viewing their memories and experiencing their moments for a limited time. Current duration: 1 minute.
Soul Damned:
Titus Cassius [A former Triarii]
Julius Arminius [A street urchin turned thug]
Victor's thoughts raced with possibilities. "This skill… It's more than just a tool for gathering information. I can learn magic techniques, swordsmanship unique to this world, and uncover secrets others would take lifetimes to discover." A knock interrupted his musings.
Brother, uncle is calling for you
came Antonio's voice, laced with urgency.
He's gathering everyone in the main room.
Victor sighed, his curiosity temporarily shelved.
I'm on my way,
he called back, rising from his bed. His elder brother, three years his senior, often teased him for his meticulous grooming, a habit Victor retained from his former life.
As he stepped out of his chambers, the cool air of the corridor greeted him. The hall was lined with statues of the family's ancestors, their stony gazes a constant reminder of duty and legacy. Antonio waited, leaning against a column, his impatience evident.
Why are you always so lazy? Sometimes I think you act like a lady.
Antonio chided as Victor stepped out. His flawless skin and well-kept hair had always been points of contention between them.
The mood in the main room was somber. Adrian, their uncle, stood at the center, his piercing blue eyes scanning each of them. His commanding presence was matched only by the aura of authority he exuded.
Finally. Victor, a man must always be ready
he reprimanded, though Victor had arrived promptly, what made him think that his brother deliberately delayed his call, to make him look bad, the little brat had not even 8 years old and was already scheming, definitely a true roman!
Adrian clapped his hands.
Due to recent events, your mother and I have decided it is no longer safe for all of you to remain here. Some of you will leave for Ajaccio. Alexander and Antonio, you will accompany your mother. There, you will continue your education under your uncle Cicerus. Victor, you will remain with me. Your father has determined that a military career is your destiny, and I will see to your training.
Victor's mind raced. His father's plan was clear. While the eldest sons were groomed for politics and governance, Victor, the youngest, was to become a military asset—a safeguard for the family's future.
And mother?
Victor asked, glancing at her.
After some time in Ajaccio, sShe will return to Rome to join your father.
Adrian replied, his tone cold.
If you wish to see her, prove yourself worthy.
Adrian's icy demeanor was a lesson in itself.
You will accompany me on the purge,
he added.
It's time you learned the only truth in this world: strength is forged in iron and blood.
Victor's eyes narrowed, a mixture of fear and determination surging within him. The path laid before him was brutal, but he resolved to face it head-on. The weight of legacy and survival pressed heavily on his young shoulders.