Four years flew by in an instant, and the war with Germania dragged on. "General Maximus, the Caesar needs you," Namor announced, saluting.I rose to general after Amphitryon's tragic fall two years prior. Rome's fortunes had since shifted in our favor.As I approached, I saw Father on horseback, surrounded by nobles. "You summoned me, Father?" I asked, bowing slightly."Germania has gathered its forces," he said, his expression grim. "They're determined to end this war once and for all."I smiled, unfazed."Do you find this amusing, son?" Father asked, visibly irritated.“Forgive me Father.” I wiped off the smiles from my face and became all business as I continued.“But the Assyrians have long fled from the battlefield as they've suffered heavy loss when I charged into their lines and slaughtered half their troops. The news of Germania mustering troops from far and near are merely rumors to make us quake with fear. And besides, if they're really mustering troops, then I suggest they
I approached Father, bowing slightly. "Father, the war with Germania is over, just as I promised."He dismounted his horse, hugged me, and kissed my cheek. "The gods blessed us the day you defeated the cyclops. You've liberated Rome once more."I smiled. "Rome gave me a home, and for that, I'm forever grateful."I took his hand, joking, "Let's go home, Father. You smell like dust and smoke."Father laughed, glancing at the approaching nobles. "The young Caesar thinks I need caring for."The nobles chuckled. I was taken aback. Did he just call me "Young Caesar"? Does he plan to make me his successor? What about Commodus?Uncomfortable, I decided to address it.“Father, what young Caesar, I am not even of royal birth, besides, you have Commodus.” I said but he only smiled.“Walk with me son. We need to talk.” he said and I then held his hand.We walked through the ranks of the Roman soldiers and onto the path leading to the outskirt of the battlefield.“All of Rome have chosen you as th
It's been almost four years since Commodus brutally killed my father, plunging Rome into chaos. Daily, I heard horrifying stories of murder, rape, and war - the very evils my father had worked tirelessly to eradicate.Seeking justice, I waited patiently for the perfect moment to strike. Then, I learned Commodus had revived the brutal gladiator battles my father despised. Seeing an opportunity, I decided to become a gladiator to infiltrate Rome and get close to Commodus.Now, as a top-ranked gladiator, I've proven my skills in the arena."Spaniard, beware of the Roman gladiators," Motumba, a friendly dark-skinned gladiator from the desert, cautioned. "They're formidable opponents."I reassured him, "Don't worry, Motumba. They're human, just like us. We can beat them."Or, if you'd like a more modern and conversational tone:It's been four years since Commodus murdered my dad and sent Rome into chaos. I've been waiting for the right moment to take revenge.Then, I heard Commodus was hos
«Ding!Two hours to doors unlock!» the AI system spoke out.Maximus smiled at Xavier."You must be wondering why I'm being such a talkative.""Yes, in fact, it's begining to annoy me. We're stock in here for another two hours." Xavier said. He really wanted to leave the facility and proceed with his plan to take down all Mafia families."I will keep you company for the next two hours then." Maximus said with feigned sadness."Dude! we're in this together!" Xavier almost blew his top."Then allow me to continue my life story." Maximus said beaming with smiles."What? weren't you through with all that.." Xavier was about to complain but Maximus placed his hand on Xavier's mouth."Hush, don't interrupt."*It was a few years after I returned from Rome, approximately twelve years after Rome. I got called up by Lucius, but this time, I had to hunt down and eliminate a few anomalies. Those with magic and systems just like you and I.I left the airport and hailed a cab to take me to the emba
As our helicopter soared towards London's outskirts, I sat between Major Triston Allen and Sergeant Anderson Marshal.Major Allen spoke through the headset, "Did you know Minos de First slaughtered 2,300 apprentices to revive his soulmate? Now, he controls an army of death knights and skeleton soldiers."I remained silent, sensing he was trying to provoke me.Sergeant Anderson responded, "That's ridiculous! Who confirms this?"Major Allen replied, "Intel from reliable sources. We're in over our heads, guys."I stayed quiet, unsure why they'd joined this perilous mission.Sergeant Anderson asked, "Xavier, what's your take on this?"I remained silent, lost in thought.Major Allen pressed on, "We need to know what we're up against. Xavier?"Sergeant Anderson intervened, "Let him focus, Major. We'll brief soon enough."The helicopter flew on, tension lingering.“No one has ever gone into his cave and returned.” Anderson said.So he truly is the most terrifying Necromancer alive. No one ha
The skeletal figure raised its hands to the sky. "As the dead obey Hades, so shall they obey me," it declared. "I summon all doomed souls within Minos' territory. Rise as death knights and heed my call."The ground trembled, and skeletal hands burst forth from the earth. Quickly, they multiplied - ten, hundreds, then thousands. Each wore black armor and wielded fiery swords.I merely smirked, stared at the clone like it was some kind of a stupid creature.“The more, the merrier, this just got more fun. And here I thought you were some mighty creature, I was wrong, you're just another dumb prey.”I gripped my sword and dashed towards the vast army at superhuman speed.I was like a blur to them and they were unable to retaliate. The death knights were falling, battered, dismembered, headless and burnt. But then I soon began to feel weak.Why the hell was I feeling weak? I should be feeling stronger the more I kill, shouldn't I?“Do you feel it now demon wolf?” The clone smiled and said.
As I approached the tower, my expectations shattered. Instead of a dark, foreboding Rapunzel-esque spire, a sleek glass skyscraper pierced the sky. I snorted. "Evil tower, indeed."The locals must have never seen a skyscraper before, I thought, or they've been trapped in their quaint town for too long. They sure reminded me of the locals in Rome. What would Commodus when he sees the modern Rome now? He was just immature to kill his father for the throne. Too bad he didn't get to enjoy his time as King.With a flourish, I unsheathed my swords and stepped into the building. The lobby's eerie silence enveloped me. Empty halls stretched out, devoid of life.I strode to the elevator, pressed the top-floor button, and waited. Minutes ticked by, yet the elevator didn't budge. Confusion gnawed at me.Just then, a familiar voice whispered in my ear. "I smell magic here, Maximus."I turned to face the demon wolf, surprised. "You're still here? I thought you'd wandered off."The wolf's gaze lock
I slowly opened my eyes, only to be consumed by darkness. The blackness was suffocating, making it impossible to see beyond my own nose.I tried to stand, but my body refused to cooperate, anchored to a mysterious chair.Panic threatened to overwhelm me, but I forced myself to calm down. I attempted to meditate, seeking a connection with the demon wolf within. Silence greeted me.A melodic voice pierced the darkness, its sweetness laced with venom. "Don't bother striving for what's beyond your grasp."I gritted my teeth, fighting to maintain composure. "Who's there? Show yourself!"The voice chuckled, a manic edge creeping in. "The legendary Roman Prince, Maximus Aurelius, bringer of death, now reduced to a helpless captive."Her laughter sent shivers down my spine. I struggled to recall how I ended up here, how I lost consciousness, and who this mysterious woman was."You've discovered you can't reach the demon wolf within," she said, her amusement evident.A spark of realization ign