The Unseen Strength

The cold tension of Cassius's glare followed Leo like a shadow. His pointed words had struck a nerve, and Cassius, ever the cunning conspirator, was not one to let perceived insults slide. As the senators dispersed, Brutus lingered behind, his conflicted gaze darting between Cassius and Leo.

"You have said enough, Cassius," he muttered to himself, advancing upon Leo with the stealthy movements of a cornered wolf. His hand reached his side, and from beneath the cloak, the glint of steel caught the sun's rays.

Brutus's eyes grew wide in alarm. "Cassius, no! Not here!"

But the older conspirator turned a deaf ear to him, his lip curling in anger. "You think yourself clever, stranger? That your riddles can sway Rome? Let me teach you what becomes of those who meddle in matters beyond their grasp."

The dagger flashed toward Leo in a swift arc. Time seemed to slow as Leo's instincts flared. A system notification popped into his vision, bright and urgent.

SYSTEM NOTIFICATION

Emergency Attribute Adjustment

Available Remaining Stat Points: 8

Leo allocated the points in his mind without hesitation, splitting them evenly between Strength and Dexterity. A flood of power surged through him, like a dam breaking and flooding his entire body. His muscles tightened, reflexes sharpened, and the world seemed to crystallize in perfect clarity.

Cassius lunged, the dagger aimed directly at Leo's chest. But before it could reach him, Leo's hand shot out with unnatural speed, catching Cassius's wrist mid-strike.

The conspirator froze, his eyes wide with shock as he struggled against Leo's iron grip. "What—how—?"

Leo twisted Cassius's wrist just enough to shake the dagger from his grip, sending it clattering to the cobblestones. In a smooth motion he stepped forward, using his other hand to shove Cassius back. The man tumbled over his own feet and, with an undignified crumple, landed upon the ground.

The audience gasped, whispers buzzed around them like the swarm of bees.

Brutus stepped between them quickly, his hands raised in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. "Enough! Both of you!" He turned to Cassius, his voice low but firm. "This is not the place for violence, Cassius. Have you forgotten where we stand?"

Cassius's face flared red with humiliation and rage as he rose to his feet. His hand rested close to his side as if reaching for another weapon, but Brutus's cold, hard stare checked him.

"Careful, Cassius," Leo said in a voice calm but laced with warning. "Rome is watching. Do you really want to sully your reputation over a petty outburst?"

Cassius's lips thinned, but he said nothing. His fists clenched at his sides. He turned and stormed off into the crowd, his cloak billowing behind him like a dark cloud.

Brutus let out a heavy sigh. He rubbed his temples. "You've made a dangerous enemy today, Leo. Cassius is not a man to forget insults—or challenges."

Leo shrugged, his confidence buoyed by the new strength coursing through his veins. "Then let him remember. I've faced worse."

Brutus looked at him for a moment, his face an unreadable mask. "You are not what you appear," he said finally. "But whatever you're doing here, tread lightly. Rome is not kind to those who upset its balance."

Brutus turned and walked away. Leo let out a deep breath, the adrenaline slowly seeping from his system. Another notification came up before him.

SYSTEM NOTIFICATION

Attribute Adjustments Successful

Updated Stats:

Strength: 19

Dexterity: 16

Intelligence: 20

Charisma: 18

Luck: 14

Leo looked down at his hands, flexing them experimentally. The power he'd felt in that brief moment was exhilarating, but it also carried a weight of responsibility. He was no longer just a passive observer in this world; he had the ability to shape events, to tip the scales of history.

As the crowd continued their revelry, Leo's eyes turned toward the Senate, where Caesar's towering figure loomed in the distance. The Feast of Lupercal was far from over, and the shadow of the Ides of March grew longer with each passing moment.

Whatever lay ahead, Leo knew he had to be ready. The game was no longer just about survival—it was about control.