The Lure of Shadows

The next morning Rome stirred with a deceptive calm. Still, the Feast of Lupercal lingered in the air-faintly heard in the voices of the merchants and the rhythmic clinking of the blacksmith's hammer. So grand was the city, yet all about was an undertone of unrest-a silent discord that hummed there like a snake in the grass.

Leo found a relatively quiet corner of the Forum, and the faint tang of olives and roasted meat drifted from nearby stalls. He nursed a small cup of wine, though he barely sipped it. His thoughts were a jumble, tangled threads of paranoia and purpose.

He relived Cassius's experience over and over, a loop he seemed unable to break free from. The blade, the strike, the sudden intense power that ran through him and saved his life. He curled his fingers up a little, in awe of the lingering power that remained. Whatever this system was, it wasn't just some game mechanism brought to life—it was something alive, adapting for him in real-time.

System Notice:

Skill Upgradation!

Defensive Reflexes 2: Your response time will be better, and parries more accurate.

Intimidation Aura (Lv. 1): Enemies with weaker wills exhibit hesitation in direct combat because of your presence.

Stat points available: 0

Leo waved a hand aside from the chime with an irate mouth. He was all right to have the latest, he was sure to be, but the fact of nearly getting skewered a night previous wasn't at all lost to him. It was very easy to decide how bold Cassius actually was and how far exactly he would push when his situations became more desperate.

"Deep in thought, are we?

Leo's eyes flicked up to see Antony standing there, arms folded and a small, amused smirk on his lips.

"Antony," Leo said, his voice deliberately neutral. "You have a habit of arriving when things are. messy."

Antony laughed and pulled up a chair and sat down facing Leo. "It's a gift of mine, besides, I like to keep eyes on people who interest me."

"I don't know whether to take it as a compliment or as a warning," said Leo, his raised eyebrow a skeptic's comment.

"Well, take it as you please," Antony shrugged. He leaned forward now, his voice dropping almost to a whisper. "But I do observe one thing: Cassius is downright nervous."

Leo straightened. "Tense isn't the word I would use."

Antony smiled expansively, but his eyes were keenly sharp behind that relaxed tone. "He can be pushy about expressing his discontent, but he's not unpredictable. A man like Cassius is always under the command of his fears."

"Predictable, huh?" Leo muttered. "You didn't see the blade he nearly put through me."

Antony's expression darkened, his smirk fading. "He went that far?"

Leo nodded, "Further than that, though. He's desperate, and desperate men are dangerous."

None for a moment; he looked out to the other direction of the street, full of people, and then leaned back, looking thoughtful. "If Cassius thinks you are a threat, that means you must be doing something right. Keep it up."

"'I'd rather keep my head attached to my neck," Leo said dryly.

Antony laughed, but it did not come out in his eyes. "Fair enough. But don't forget this, Leo: Rome is a play. Everyone here is an actor. The trick is to determine who's holding the quill."

The day had only just begun, and Leo wandered through the city, lost in the words of Antony. The streets were as usual bright and filled with life; however, he seemed to feel as though eyes were following him everywhere.

He passed by a playground of sticks and laughing children near a fountain, like tinkling bells ringing out joy. An elder woman was haggling with the fishmonger, her voice raised against the supermarket's background noise. Life in Rome stood unnoticingly apart, absorbed in itself and reality- where schemes brewed behind shut doors.

Just turning the corner, Leo almost ran into Brutus, who seemed to be almost as amazed as he was.

"Leo," said Brutus short and crisp, his voice. "I've been looking for you."

"Something's telling me this isn't a social visit," said Leo, stepping back so as not to crush the man.

Brutus glanced around, looked over at every shadow and around every corner. "We can't talk here. Follow me."

They were brought to a private garden on the outskirts of the city, whose tall hedges and blooming flowers formed a rare oasis. Brutus paced the length of the garden up and down, his hands clenched behind his back.

"You're stirring up a lot of trouble," Brutus said finally, his voice low but strong. "Cassius is on edge, and the rest are beginning to pick it up."

"I figured that much," Leo said, crossing his arms. "What's the point?"

Brutus stopped, his look searing. "My point is you are walking on a knife's blade. Cassius won't let you alone until you are out of his way. And if he doesn't get it over others will."

"Then why are you telling me?" Leo narrowed his eyes.

Brutus hesitated, his face pulled into a grimace. "Because I see something in you, Leo. You're not like the others. You're. different. And that difference might mean the salvation of Rome—or its destruction."

The words weighed so heavily on his breath that for a moment neither of them said a thing.

FINAL Paroxysm Leo finally spoke. "I thank you for the notification, Brutus. But if you think I'm going to sit there while Cassius or someone else decides my life, then you are very much misguided."

Brutus nodded, the flicker of admiration in his eyes. Then may you hope for what is next. Lupercal has had his feast, but the game is played.

As Leo walked further into the city center, sun came from behind him, long shadows stretched out across streets, a cooler and fresher air filled with the smell of olive oil and fresh bread.

He strongly felt that the system chimed softly in his mind, this time without rejecting it. System Announcement: New Quest Unlocked: The Watchers in the Shadows Navigate the growing tension among the conspirators. Prevent Cassius from mustering further support. +15 Skill points New Ability unsealed Leo closed the notification with a click shut of his jaw. The plan was ready; the actors were in position. There was just sitting back to see who would make that first move. And when they did, Leo would be ready.