From his throne in the grand hall of the Domus Aeternum, Marcus Aurelius Invictus, the Supreme Guild Leader, watched as the shimmering portal opened. He had just given the order for Maximus to prepare two legions for deployment to the new continent. Now, his focus turned inward, to solidify his command over the guild's NPCs and test his capabilities in this new world.
"Maximus," Marcus commanded, "gather the core NPCs Lucilla Nocturna, Titus Gravitas, Claudius Mortis, and Vulcanus Ferrum in the arena within the hour."
Maximus saluted sharply, his golden armor glinting under the hall's ethereal lights. "It shall be done, my lord."
As Maximus departed, Marcus rose from his throne. With a wave of his hand, he activated the Guild Ring, the artifact that marked his authority over Domus Aeternum. A brief pulse of energy engulfed him, and he disappeared in an instant, reappearing in the vast expanse of the guild's arena.
The arena, an enormous coliseum of marble and enchanted stone, stood silent and imposing. Its enchantments ensured that no harm would linger beyond its boundaries, making it an ideal place for Marcus to test his abilities. Drawing Gladius of Retribution, his divine sword, Marcus began to practice.
He activated a skill, [Swordmaster's Flow], a skill that increased his attack speed and precision with every consecutive strike. Each movement was flawless, the sword humming as it cut through the air.
Finally, Marcus channeled one of his most powerful techniques, [Sword Saint's Radiance], imbuing his weapon with a radiant aura that burned with divine energy. He swung the blade, releasing a wave of light that illuminated the entire arena.
Right on schedule, the NPCs, led by Maximus, entered the arena. Each one radiated power and loyalty, their intricate designs reflecting the care with which Marcus and the guild members had created them.
Lucilla Nocturna, the assassin and spy, moved silently, her dark leather armor adorned with glinting daggers and poison vials.
Titus Gravitas, the living fortress, towered over the others, his stone-like skin and massive shield exuding unyielding strength.
Claudius Mortis, the forbidden archivist, floated with an eerie grace, his skeletal visage illuminated by the faint glow of the arcane tomes he carried.
Vulcanus Ferrum, the blacksmith, had arms like molten steel, and his hammer rested on his shoulder, radiating heat.
The NPCs knelt as one, their voices uniting in a pledge: "We exist to serve you, Lord Marcus Aurelius Invictus. Command us, and it shall be done."
Marcus's piercing gaze softened, ever so slightly. "Rise, my loyal guardians. Your fealty pleases me."
Turning to Lucilla, Marcus spoke first. "Lucilla Nocturna, I entrust you with establishing an intelligence network. We need eyes and ears in the shadows. Be discreet, but ensure we know all that transpires around us. I will give the official order later."
Lucilla bowed deeply, her voice calm and confident. "It will be done, my lord."
Next, Marcus addressed Vulcanus. "Vulcanus Ferrum, begin forging weapons and equipment for our forces. Prioritize quality, but also ensure we can arm every soldier when the time comes."
"It shall be as you command," Vulcanus rumbled, his voice like grinding stone.
Finally, Marcus turned to the others. "All of you, remain vigilant. We do not know what threats this new world holds. Be prepared for anything."
As Marcus finished issuing his orders, Maximus stepped forward, his expression serious. "My lord, I have just received a report from Commander Drusus. His scouting party has made contact with the inhabitants of the new continent. They have identified two significant kingdoms: the Re-Estize Kingdom to the north and the Holy Kingdom of Roble to the south."
Marcus listened intently as Maximus relayed the findings. When the report was complete, Marcus gave his instructions.
"First, ensure the fortress is completed. It will serve as our foothold on this continent. Once it is fortified, send two diplomats, each escorted by a Contubernium (The contubernium (Latin for 'tenting-together') was the smallest organized unit of soldiers in the Roman Army and was composed of ten legionaries, essentially the equivalent of a modern squad). One will go to the Re-Estize Kingdom, the other to the Holy Kingdom of Roble. Their task is to establish contact and negotiate trade partnerships. If possible, they are to meet with the rulers of these kingdoms. Our priority is gathering intelligence and resources."
Maximus saluted. "As you command, my lord."
POV Commander Lucius Aemilius Drusus
Lucius Aemilius Drusus sat within his command tent, illuminated by the continuing light cast by the magic caster. Outside, the steady sound of hammers on stone and the occasional shouts of workers signaled the near completion of the fortress. The walls were high, the watchtowers positioned strategically, and the trenches around the perimeter would serve as the first line of defense.
As Lucius reviewed the latest reports, a messenger entered, saluted, and presented the sealed orders from Maximus. Breaking the seal, he read the instructions with measured focus.
"Diplomats to be sent to the Re-Estize Kingdom and the Holy Kingdom of Roble," he murmured. "Guarded by contubernium, trade provisions… cautious but necessary." He set the parchment aside and stood.
"Centurion Decius! Tribune Tiberius!" he called sharply. Within moments, two men entered the tent and saluted.
"Summon Diplomats Quintus Servilius Metellus and Gaius Cornelius Scipio. I will also require Decanus Kaeso and Decanus Marcellus with their respective contubernium. See to it immediately."
The officers saluted and left to fulfill his orders.
Moments later, the diplomats and their military escorts assembled in the tent. Quintus Servilius Metellus, a sharp-eyed negotiator known for his silver tongue, and Gaius Cornelius Scipio, an astute observer with a knack for reading situations, stood before the commander. Behind them were the Decani and their soldiers, all clad in sturdy armor.
Lucius gestured to a map laid out on the central table, marking their intended destinations. "Your missions are vital to our survival in this foreign land," he began. "Diplomats, you are tasked with establishing initial contact with the Re-Estize Kingdom and the Holy Kingdom of Roble. Your goals are twofold: first, to establish peaceful relations and open dialogue; second, to initiate trade partnerships. However, we must tread carefully."
He pointed to Quintus. "Quintus, you will take your contingent and travel north to the Re-Estize Kingdom." Then, he turned to Gaius. "Gaius, you will head south to the Holy Kingdom of Roble."
(A/N the diviners under Marcus manage to create a detailed map of the surroundings but not the names of the kingdoms, so they know where they going)
(A/N I didn't include when it was done)
Lucius's tone grew firm. "Under no circumstances will you reveal the precise location of our stronghold. Should they ask, tell them we hail from Roma, an independent territory across the seas. Your caravans have been prepared with supplies to aid your mission—food, low-tier weapons, and ores like iron, lead, and silver. These should suffice to establish goodwill and ensure no suspicion arises."
He turned to Decanus Kaeso and Decanus Marcellus. "You are to ensure the safety of the diplomats and their cargo. Each contubernium will be mounted to expedite your travel, and additional carriages will carry your rations and supplies. Maintain formation and vigilance at all times."
The soldiers nodded, their expressions resolute.
Lucius shifted his gaze to the diviners standing quietly at the edge of the tent. "Activate our defensive wards. We now know this land has those who practice divination, and I will not have our location exposed to prying eyes. Ensure that our fortress remains hidden."
The diviners bowed and left to carry out their orders.
Lucius straightened and surveyed the gathered personnel. "You have your instructions. Dismissed!"
The group saluted and left to prepare for their departure. Lucius watched as the camp buzzed with renewed activity. The diplomats inspected the carriages, ensuring the cargo was secure. Soldiers checked their mounts, tightening saddles and adjusting armor. The diviners chanted quietly, their magic weaving an invisible shield around the fortress.
As night fell, the caravans were ready. Under the pale light of the moon, the two groups departed, each bound for their respective missions. Lucius stood at the edge of the camp, watching the distant torches fade into the darkness.
POV of the Diplomat Traveling to the Re-Estize KingdomQuintus Servilius Metellus adjusted his robes as he sat atop his mount, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. The diplomat's contingent had been traveling for hours, guided by the detailed map provided by the diviners under Marcus Aurelius Invictus. Though the map lacked names for the kingdoms, its precise markings ensured they knew their destination. Behind Quintus, a caravan laden with supplies creaked along the dirt road. Flanking the diplomat were the soldiers of the contubernium led by Decanus Kaeso, their presence a silent reassurance against potential threats.
Quintus turned to Kaeso, riding just behind him. "Decanus, how much farther until we reach the borders?"
Kaeso glanced at his copy of the map and replied, "By the diviners' estimates, we should be nearing the outskirts of the kingdom by dusk and we can see the fortress of the kingdom near the shoreline there we will be heading, Dominus Quintus."
Quintus nodded, his thoughts racing. This was his first mission in this strange, new land. His orders were clear: establish relations, initiate trade partnerships, and under no circumstances reveal the location of their stronghold. The supplies they carried food, low-tier weapons, and ores like iron and silver were both gifts and tools of negotiation, carefully chosen to appear as humble offerings.
"Ensure the men remain vigilant," Quintus said, his tone firm. "We know little of this land's dangers."
Kaeso saluted. "As you command."
The caravan pressed on, the terrain shifting subtly as they moved north. Rolling hills gave way to dense forests, the towering trees casting long shadows that seemed to stretch endlessly. The soldiers remained alert, their hands never far from their weapons.
They manage to get to the border without getting attacked by the demi-humans.
By midday, the group halted for a brief rest near a shallow brook. The soldiers watered their horses while Quintus reviewed his notes, mentally rehearsing the words he would use when he met the kingdom's representatives. Nearby, Kaeso organized the men, ensuring their formation would remain tight and disciplined when they resumed their journey.
As they prepared to set off again, one of the scouts returned, his expression tense. "Dominus Quintus, Decanus Kaeso, we've spotted figures ahead. Humanoids, but their attire suggests they may be locals."
Quintus and Kaeso exchanged a glance. "How many?" Kaeso asked.
"A small group, perhaps a dozen," the scout replied. "They don't appear to be hostile, but they've noticed our approach."
Quintus adjusted his robes again and said, "This could be an opportunity. Let us approach cautiously. If they are indeed locals, they may offer us valuable insights."
Kaeso nodded and signaled the soldiers to adopt a defensive formation, their hands ready but their weapons undrawn. Quintus took his place at the center of the group, ensuring he was both protected and visible.
As the caravan advanced, the figures came into clearer view simple farmers and traders, by their appearance. One, an older man with a weathered face, stepped forward cautiously, his hands raised in a gesture of peace.
"Hail, travelers," the man called out. "What brings you to these lands?"
Quintus dismounted gracefully, a practiced smile on his face. "Greetings. I am Quintus Servilius Metellus, an envoy from a distant land known as Roma. We come in peace, seeking to establish relations with your kingdom."
The man's eyes widened slightly at the mention of a foreign land. "Roma, you say? I have never heard of it. But then, the world is vast, and I am but a simple farmer. If you seek the kingdom, you are on the correct path. Continue north, and you will reach the outer villages before long."
Quintus inclined his head. "Thank you for your guidance. May the gods of Roma bless your fields."
(A/N should I bring the gods of the Roman here?)
The caravan moved on, leaving the puzzled locals behind. As they continued their journey, Quintus couldn't help but feel a flicker of satisfaction. The encounter, though minor, had gone smoothly. It was a promising start.
By dusk, the group reached what appeared to be the outskirts of the fortress of the kingdom. A big wall lay ahead and they saw what looked like a line heading to the fortress.
Kaeso signaled for the caravan to halt. "Dominus Quintus, how shall we proceed?"
Quintus dismounted, smoothing his robes once more. "We approach openly and with respect. Let them see we are no threat."
With that, they headed to the line and waited for a couple of minutes as they stepped forward, flanked by Kaeso and a pair of soldiers. As they neared the gates, a guard called out, "Halt! State your business!"
Quintus raised his voice, clear and confident. "I am Quintus Servilius Metellus, an envoy from Roma. I seek an audience with representatives of your kingdom to discuss matters of mutual interest."
The guard hesitated, then gestured for another to relay the message. Moments later, the gates creaked open slightly, and a man in finer armor emerged. "I am Captain Aldred. You say you are an envoy? What proof do you offer of your intentions?"
Quintus gestured to the caravan. "We bring gifts food, weapons, and precious ores as tokens of goodwill. Our purpose is to foster friendship and trade."
Aldred studied them for a moment before nodding. "Very well. You will be escorted to the capital. Do not stray from the path, and do not attempt any trickery."
Quintus inclined his head. "We are honored by your hospitality, Captain."
As the caravan moved forward under the watchful eyes of their escorts, Quintus allowed himself a small smile. The first steps of their mission had been taken. Now, the true work would begin.
(A/N should I re write I feel there's something wrong with the story)