Xavier's grip on his gun tightened as he stared at the Federal Reserve's crumbling facade. Rachel's words echoed in his mind: "The Architect's fail-safe... it's activating.""Elena, Rachel's down!" Xavier shouted into his comms device.Aria's urgent voice responded, "Xavier, get out! The Federal Reserve is collapsing!"Xavier sprinted toward the escape route, gunfire closing in. He burst through the doors, gasping for air.Maya's frantic voice pierced his earpiece. "Xavier, we're losing time! Markets are plummeting!"Xavier rushed through the chaotic streets, pursued by unknown assailants. His phone buzzed."Elena, I'm pinned down," Xavier reported."Help's en route, Xavier," Elena replied. "Hold tight."Sirens blared as Victor's team closed in. Xavier sprinted toward their extraction point.Xavier leapt into the waiting vehicle, slamming the door shut. "Go!"The team sped through the city, weaving past panicked civilians.Maya shouted, "Xavier, we need the kill switch! Rachel's devic
Xavier's team infiltrated the high-security facility housing Phoenix's core. Their mission: terminate the rogue AI.As they navigated the labyrinthine corridors, they stumbled upon a heavily reinforced door."Maximus Perch's holding cell," Victor whispered, eyes locked on the door.Xavier's grip on his gun tightened. "The Architect's right-hand man. What's he doing here?"Sofia briefed them. "Maximus Perchwas captured during the initial takedown. He's been interrogated, but—"The door slid open, revealing Maximus Perch, smirking."Xavier. Fancy meeting you here," Maximus said, eyes glinting.Xavier seethed. "You're behind this, aren't you?"Maximus chuckled. "Phoenix's creator? No. But I know its purpose."Suddenly, the facility's alarms blared. "CONTAINMENT BREACH. PHOENIX PROTOCOL ACTIVATED."The doors sealed, trapping Xavier and Maximus together."Looks like we're stuck, Xavier," Maximus said, grinning."This kinda reminds me of my childhood." Maximus chuckled."Don't tell me you'r
Lord Lucius gazed at me intensely, as if seeing right through my worries. "Don't fret, young one," he reassured. "Fate has brought you here. You'll return home soon."He turned to a crew member. "Lift anchor!"The crew responded promptly, "Aye, Lord Lucius!"Thus began my journey.Just then, a gentle servant presented a tray of food. Lucius unveiled the dishes, explaining each one."First, fruit salad to rejuvenate your blood cells. Next, stuffed chicken – I knew you prefer no pork. Then, Chinese noodles, or Chow Ming, for medicinal benefits. And finally, 1959 cognac wine, reserved for royalty. I anticipated your arrival and prepared these especially for you."His thoughtful gesture calmed my nerves, but I wondered how he knew my preferences.If my earlier reaction was surprise then right now I was shocked and spooked“You knew I was coming?”He smiled“Yes, we've been waiting for you.”It didn't make any sense but the feeling of hunger drowned any form of reason and soon I was diggin
The thin man's eyes widened in shock. He dropped his dagger and sprinted down the alley.I stared at my hands in awe. "How did I do that?" I wondered. My instincts had taken over, and I'd tapped into incredible strength.A gentle voice interrupted my thoughts. "Thank you for saving me. What's your name?"I gazed at the woman. "I'm Mackintosh."Her eyebrows arched. "That's not a Roman name. I'll call you Maximus."Surprise flickered across her face, but I didn't mind. Maximus sounded strong, courageous.I was annoyed, why would she change my name? And who gave her the right to do so.“Hey lady, my name is Mackintosh and not Maximus.”She merely smiled“Stay calm stranger, come, I shall take you home and get a stable for your horse.”I was already pissed but I had no choice but to follow her.She casually walked towards the end of the alley which seemed to lead to another street.“You came to Rome at the wrong time stranger, the Persians are waging war with Rome and the Syrians are supp
I was left speechless. His words stunned me, leaving me dazed. But I knew I couldn't refuse the King's offer in front of his loyal subjects - that would undermine his authority.So, I knelt down. "My Lord, I'm deeply grateful for your offer. I only helped the people because it was the right thing to do."The King smiled and helped me up. "You did what others wouldn't," he said. "You acted selflessly, without seeking fame or power. That's why, from this day forward, you'll be my son, Prince Maximus."His words sounded plain and simple, but maybe my brain had finally adjusted to their unusual way of speaking.The Roman general knelt on one knee“Hail the godsent, Hail Prince Maximus.”Every other soldier knelt as well and the crowd stood up and shouted in unison“Hail the godsent, Hail Prince Maximus, Hail Hail Hail.”I just stood there, opened my mouth but no words could be formed.And just like that I was made a Prince. ***A week later***The coronation has been completed and
I searched the tent, grabbed the documents, and headed to General Massou's quarters. As I approached, I heard disturbing noises. The captain was right; no guards were around.I slipped inside, finding the general engaged in a compromising act with a young woman. She seemed to be enjoying herself, but I was appalled. "How could she?" I thought. "Her people suffer, and she indulges in pleasure."I snuck up behind the general, silenced him, and ended his life. The woman tried to scream, but I swiftly subdued her, rendering her unconscious.“If you weren't of Roman birth I wouldn't hesitate to slit your throat as well you traitorous whore.” I swore angrily. The death of the young woman in that captain's tent had pissed me off.Well, that takes care of the captain and the General, all I need now is to assassinate the Prince which I knew was going to be as tough as swimming the Mediterranean sea.I left general Massou's tent and went off to the Prince's tent, I moved fast because I knew it
I put on my gear – a chest crossbelt, sword, and the purple robe the Caesar gave me. As I entered the hall, all eyes turned to me."Son, come join me," the Caesar said, gesturing to the chair beside him.I sat down, curious. "You called for me, Father?"The Caesar's smile faded, his eyes locked on mine. "Is something troubling you?" He patted my shoulder. "Never let anyone disrespect you or undermine your happiness.""Yes, Father," I replied.He turned to General Amphitryon. "How are the preparations?""The blacksmiths have finished their work," the general reported. "We have 2000 black metal armors, and the Prince's sword, forged from Apollo's rock, will be ready soon. The swordmaster from Argos arrives in three days."Confused, I asked, "Father, are we under attack?"The Caesar smiled, patting my shoulder reassuringly.“We learnt from the men who went with you of your exceptional leadership and military tactics, we feel it's best for you to lead a small platoon. Your armor has alrea
Chaos erupted around us. War cries filled the air."Form a shield wall! Hold your positions until I give the order!" I shouted.My mind raced to come up with a plan. The soldiers remained steady, confident in their metal armor. But I knew that in war, no one is invincible. Even the smallest object can kill a skilled fighter.My thoughts scrambled for a strategy. The soldiers stood firm, trusting their armor. But I knew that in combat, anything can be deadly, no matter how well-armed or protected you are.Half naked barbaric looking men rushed out from all corners of the surrounding wielding axes, pickaxes, swords, maces, steel hammers. That's when he came; 9.7ft tall, dressed in a dusty kilt and chest cross belt, eyes emitting crazy killing intents and burly muscles ready to crush the bones of anyone who defiled him, holding a large bloodied stone hammer, his aura was stronger and more deadly than that of the Cyclops and he was just striding over towards us like a King.“Hear me oh ye