The Next Day
The dawn illuminated the goblin camp as the legionnaires prepared to leave, their victory over Gul'thor still fresh in their minds. However, the mood was far from ordinary. His Imperial Majesty had declared the discovery of mountains of gold coins inside the cave.
The previous evening, while the soldiers patrolled the camp, Maximus ordered them to retrieve the treasures. As they explored the depths of the cavern, the sight before them left even the most battle-hardened warriors speechless.
Piles upon piles of gold coins gleamed in the flickering torchlight, forming a veritable mountain.
The captain tasked with overseeing the collection was stunned. His voice barely audible, he muttered, "This... this is no mere goblin loot. This is the fortune of kings."
Throughout the night, the legionnaires worked tirelessly to catalog and secure as much of the gold as they could carry. Pack animals were brought into the cave, their saddlebags filled to bursting with coins. Even the soldiers' packs were repurposed to transport the wealth.
As dawn broke, the column was ready to depart. The sheer weight of the gold burdened every pack animal and soldier. Maximus stood before his men, his expression stern. "Hear me well," he commanded. "We've bled for this place, so let it pay its debt to Rome. Now, we march!"
A Few Days Later
The journey back to the capital was arduous. The soldiers and animals, exhausted from carrying the immense treasure and tending to the wounded, pressed on. At last, they arrived, and the gold was smelted and distributed among the soldiers.
A Year Later
Maximus's empire had transformed from a single settlement into a flourishing dominion. The island now boasted 93 thriving cities, with a population exceeding five million people. Each city housed between 50,000 and 100,000 citizens, while the capital was the largest. It was followed by a bustling coastal trade hub and a fortified mining city.
The empire's military might have grown significantly. Three legions safeguarded the capital, with two stationed in the coastal city and one in the mining city, while others were strategically positioned across the island.
Maximus had successfully tamed both pegasi and griffins, forming 3 sky legions. Most soldiers had been outfitted with new mithril armor, shields, and swords, all embedded with runes. The process of enchanting each piece took time, but the results were unparalleled. The Royal Guard, however, possessed even greater weapons and armor forged from adamantine, their enhancements could deflect lethal attacks, resistant to high-level magic, boost stamina and endurance, boost speed and agility, and vitality enchantment. With this enchantment, the royal guard could keep him safe.
Paved roads now crisscrossed the island, linking every city. True to the ancient saying, all roads now led to Rome.
POV: Maximus
"Damn, running an empire is no easy task. Good thing I have a chancellor who is an expert at this," Maximus thought to himself.
"...That is all regarding the empire's progress, Your Imperial Majesty," one of the chancellors reported.
Maximus blinked, realizing he had been lost in thought. He turned his attention to Gaius, the head chancellor, and nodded. "You have done well. Proceed as you see fit."
Rising from his throne, Maximus immediately silenced the murmurs of the gathered officials. "I have heard enough. Chancellor, you will oversee the empire in my absence."
"In your absence, my lord?" Gaius asked, startled.
"Yes," Maximus replied, his voice firm. "I will lead an expedition across the sea. I will take two legions and one sky legion, resources, and 10 of my royal guards, last and for most my most trusted advisors. The coastal city of Portus Mare will serve as our launching point."
Gaius hesitated. "Why must you lead this personally, my lord?"
Maximus met his gaze with quiet resolve. "Because this mission demands my presence. The unknown must be faced with strength and resolve, and I will lead by example. Do not question my decision further."
Reluctantly, Gaius bowed. "As you command, my lord. But know that your people's hearts will be heavy with worry until your safe return."
Portus Mare buzzed with activity as preparations began. The docks were crowded with workers loading supplies onto ships—food, building materials, and tools. The chosen legions drilled ceaselessly.
"We're sailing into the unknown," a young recruit muttered to his comrade. "What if monsters roam the land?"
His companion, a grizzled veteran, shrugged. "Whatever's there, we'll handle it. The emperor is with us, after all."
"But isn't that what makes it worse?" the recruit whispered. "If something happens to him..."
The veteran had no answer.
The Day of Departure
The fleet stood ready as the sun rose over the horizon. Maximus addressed the assembled soldiers and citizens.
"My people," he began, his voice carrying over the crowd. "Today, we venture into the unknown. This is not an act of recklessness but of necessity. The future of Rome demands that we expand our reach, establish new trade, and secure lands that will strengthen us. As your emperor and servant, I will lead this expedition personally."
The crowd erupted in cheers, though worry was evident in their eyes.
As Maximus turned to board the lead ship, Marcus, his trusted legate, stepped forward. "My lord, I must ask—why do you risk yourself in this? Surely one of us can lead in your stead."
Maximus placed a hand on Marcus' shoulder. "Because a leader must inspire through action, not orders. Do not fear for me, Marcus. Fear only the loss of opportunity."
With that, he boarded the ship, flanked by his Royal Knights.
The fleet set sail, the ships cutting through the waves as the shores of Rome faded into the distance. The soldiers aboard were a mix of quiet determination and nervous chatter.
Maximus stood at the bow, gazing ahead at the open sea. One of his officers approached him. "The men are uneasy, my lord. They fear the unknown—and for you."
Maximus glanced back at his gathered soldiers and smiled faintly. "It is natural to fear what lies beyond sight. But fear sharpens the mind and strengthens the spirit. They will rise to the occasion."
The officer studied him for a moment. "And you, my lord? Do you feel no fear?"
"Of course I do," Maximus admitted. "But fear is not weakness. It is a reminder to tread carefully and act decisively."
After two weeks at sea, the fleet reached the Albion Hills. The sight before them was breathtaking—rolling green hills, dense forests, and rivers winding like veins through the untouched land.
Maximus wasted no time. "Establish a camp here," he ordered. "Secure the perimeter and begin construction of the fortress. This will be Rome's foothold in the unknown, Marcus I want you to lead one cohort to scout the area in every direction up 1km."
The soldiers moved purposefully, 4 hours later the camp was already built as the wall was made of wood, as temporary as it may be it still offered protection against a sudden attack.
The scout returned 3 hours ago and reported the area covered in hills and a forest as far as they could see. As the night set in and the army guarding the camp, Maximus was in his tent guarded by his royal knight.
'Even though the scout said the area is covered in hills and a forest, I already know this up north is the Re eztize kingdom, further east is the Slane theocracy, further northeast is the baharuth kingdom, and finally southwest is the Roble holy kingdom, conquering this land will be difficult or impossible such as the slane theocracy has a strong hidden scripture such as zesshi and the rest of the black scripture' Maximus thought.
As he was finishing gathering his thoughts, there was a sudden rustle outside, and then, as it began, it quieted down.
One of his royal guards entered his tent and said, "Your Imperial Majesty, we were attacked by a group of demi-humans. We captured three of them, while the rest were killed in the battle."
To be continued....
(A/N Hey guys I want you all to know uni starts tomorrow, so I must focus on my studies. So, the updates for my story will be longer, but I will update whenever I can. Thanks for understanding!)
(Any thoughts on the story??)