POV Commander Lucius Aemilius Drusus
I stood at the helm of our mighty fleet, my eyes scanning the horizon. The sails billowed in the wind, the banners of Domus Aeternum fluttering proudly behind us. The golden standard of the Aquila, flanked by the twin legions, was at the forefront of our mission. It was a strange and unnerving sensation to leave the comfort of our stronghold, our home, for an uncharted land. Yet, our lord's command was clear. We were to establish a fortified outpost, a new foothold in a land unknown, and prepare for what might come next.
As the ships cut through the water, I stood tall at the prow of the lead vessel, the weight of responsibility settling heavily on my shoulders. My armor gleamed under the sun's light, the polished metal of my breastplate catching the glint of the sea. The sound of waves crashing against the hull was a constant reminder of how far we had traveled, and how far we were from Domus Aeternum. Our destination was a stretch of coast marked by the diviners as the perfect place to establish a fort. No signs of life had been detected in the area, but I knew that could change in an instant.
"Commander," one of my trusted officers, Centurion Decimus Severus, called, stepping forward from the ranks, "we will land in five minutes. The troops are ready for the initial deployment."
"Very well," I replied, my voice steady. "Prepare the vanguard and deploy the construction teams. The fortifications will be our priority. We can handle any threats later."
The officer nodded and relayed the command, the soldiers moving efficiently to their designated positions. The first wave of troops disembarked onto the sandy shore, carrying with them heavy construction materials, tools, and defensive equipment. We had to establish a base of operations first—everything else would come after.
As the soldiers set up camp, others began to construct the perimeter defenses. The battle mages, led by Magister Faustus Corvinus, worked alongside the druids, led by Druidess Marcia Livia, weaving powerful spells to reinforce the earth, shaping the land to ensure the fort's structural integrity. The task was monumental—this was no simple outpost. Our lord's vision was clear: this fort would be a symbol of our strength, a bastion that would stand for years to come, no matter the challenges it would face.
I could see the framework of the walls taking shape, the foundations of the fortress rising slowly from the earth. Each stone was laid with precision, each beam reinforced with the magic of our druids. The area around the fort was being cleared, and the dense foliage was cut back to make room for further expansion. I took a moment to watch the activity around me, my mind calculating every step.
We were vulnerable here—alone on this unfamiliar continent. But I had faith in our preparations. Our numbers were formidable, our resources abundant. The two legions combined with the navy's support meant we had more than enough strength to defend ourselves if necessary.
"Commander," Optio Marcus Antonius, one of my most trusted aides, approached, his face grim. "We've completed the outer defenses. The fort's structure is solid, and we've begun securing the inner perimeter. But…"
"But what?" I asked, brow furrowing.
"The scouts report a presence to the east. It's faint, but we believe there may be movement in the forest. It could be nothing, or it could be something."
My heart skipped a beat. The diviners had detected no signs of life nearby—this was unexpected.
"Send a small team to investigate," I ordered, my voice sharp. "Ensure they remain out of sight and report back immediately. We cannot afford any surprises."
"Yes, commander." The officer saluted and hurried off to carry out the command.
As I turned my attention back to the fort's progress, I allowed myself a moment to breathe. The foundation was solid, the walls were rising steadily, and our forces were working as one. But the unknown presence to the east weighed on my mind. Was it a threat? Or just wildlife? We could only wait for the scouts to return with answers.
Minutes passed, then hours. The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the construction site. The fort's outer walls were nearly complete, and the inner buildings were beginning to take shape. The druids had already started planting defensive plants, their magic ensuring that the flora would grow thick and fast, creating natural barriers and traps for any hostile forces that might come too close.
The scouts returned in the late evening, their faces tense. "Commander," the lead scout, Tiberius Cato, reported, "we've encountered a group of humanoid figures in the forest. They seem to be armed, but they have not yet approached our position. It's unclear whether they are hostile."
"Understood," I said, my voice cold and calculating. "Prepare a detachment. We'll make contact. But be ready to defend ourselves if necessary. Do not provoke them unless we are certain of their intentions."
The scouts nodded, and I moved swiftly to assemble a small contingent of soldiers. Our primary goal was to understand what we were dealing with and to gather intelligence before making any further decisions. The fort was important, yes, but we were not isolated here. We had to understand the lay of the land, the people who lived on it, and their potential for either alliance or conflict.
As we ventured into the forest, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was the first step into a much larger and more complicated world. But I was prepared. Domus Aeternum had faced challenges before, and we would face them again. Whatever lay ahead, we would meet it head-on with the same strength and discipline that had brought us this far.
The Aquila flew high above us, its golden gleam a beacon of our power as we approached the unknown. With it, we would carve our mark into this new world.
Commander Lucius Aemilius Drusus led his contingent of soldiers through the dense forest. The underbrush crackled faintly beneath their boots as they moved in disciplined formation. The air was heavy with tension, every shadow a potential threat. The scouts had reported humanoid figures, armed and watching. Their presence in this unfamiliar land was already drawing attention.
Suddenly, a guttural howl split the silence, followed by a rush of movement. From the darkness, figures emerged—bestial forms with humanoid shapes, bristling with savage intent. Their eyes glowed faintly in the dim light, and their jagged weapons gleamed ominously.
"Demi-humans!" barked Centurion Decimus Severus, raising his shield.
The demi-humans charged, a chaotic mix of gnashing teeth, clawed hands, and crude weaponry. The legionnaires held their ground, shields locked into a defensive wall as they prepared to meet the attack.
"For the glory of Domus Aeternum!" Drusus roared, his blade flashing as he cut down an attacker who lunged at him.
The soldiers moved with precision, their training evident. Spears thrust between shield gaps, and disciplined formations absorbed the chaotic assault. The battle was fierce but brief. Overwhelmed by the superior tactics and firepower of the legions, the demi-humans began to falter. Those who did not flee were swiftly subdued.
"Take captives!" Drusus commanded, pointing to the demi-humans still alive. "We need information."
The soldiers bound the survivors, their snarls and guttural curses filling the air. Among them was a particularly imposing figure, clearly the leader of the group. His armor, though primitive, was adorned with trophies—bones, fangs, and scraps of cloth from past victims.
Back at the edge of their newly established fort, the prisoners were secured and interrogated. Drusus stood before the demi-human leader, his piercing gaze meeting the creature's defiant eyes.
"Why did you attack us?" Drusus demanded.
The demi-human spat at the ground, his voice a low growl. "Because you're human. You're prey. Our food."
The commander's jaw tightened. "You eat humans?"
The demi-human bared his teeth in a mocking grin. "Of course. Your kind is weak. Easy to hunt. Flesh so tender."
Disgust flickered across Drusus's face, but he kept his composure. "And what of this land? What do you know of the kingdoms here?"
The leader snarled, refusing to answer. The other captives averted their eyes, silent and sullen.
Drusus turned to Magister Faustus Corvinus, the mage accompanying the group. "Use your magic. We need answers."
Faustus nodded, raising his hands. Arcane energy swirled around him as he intoned the spell. "{Charm}!"
The spell took hold, and the demi-human leader's defiance faded, replaced by an eerie calm. His muscles relaxed, and his gaze softened as he looked at Drusus.
"Now," Drusus said, his voice cold and authoritative, "tell me about this continent. Where are we? What kingdoms exist here?"
The demi-human, compelled by the magic, spoke. "To the north lies the Re-Estize Kingdom. It is a land of humans, rich in gold and power. To the south, a great wall marks the border of the Holy Kingdom of Roble. They are strong, protected by divine magic. Beyond that, I do not know. Our tribe stays to the forests."
"And why should we go to these places?" Drusus asked.
"If you want more information, you must seek them out. They control the lands and the knowledge. We only hunt."
Drusus exchanged a glance with Faustus. The information was valuable, albeit limited. It gave them direction—potential allies or enemies to scout and assess.
"Enough," Drusus said, turning away. "Centurion, execute them."
The demi-humans, stripped of their strength and dignity, were dispatched swiftly. The legionnaires carried out the order without hesitation, their discipline unwavering.
(A/N irregular updates)