Confrontation

It was the morning of March 15. There was an eerie silence. The storm had gone, but the sky was pale gray. The sort of gray that promises something lurking beyond the horizon. Rome's streets were so quiet that it seemed as if the city itself was holding its breath.

Inside Caesar's villa, there was tension. Servants were nervously whispering to one another. Calpurnia sat beside Caesar, her face relieved but watchful as well.

Leo leaned his back against the doorway of the main hall of the villa, looking out into the open courtyard beyond. His blade, the one with runes, hung at his side, a constant reminder of the confrontation he knew was inevitable. Antony stood beside him, his hand resting on the hilt of his own sword.

"We have delayed our Senate, but that does not mean that Cassius will back away," he whispered.

Leo nodded. "He will move today. If he can't bring Caesar to the Senate, he'll bring the Senate to Caesar-or worse.".

Antony looked up at the deep conversation that Caesar was having with Calpurnia. "He trusts you, Leo. Do not let him down."

Before Leo could answer, hoofbeats echoed from the main gates. Both men stiffened, hands instinctively moving to their weapons. A moment later, a soldier entered the villa, his armor gleaming despite the dim light.

"Messenger from the Senate," the soldier said.

Antony advanced, his voice biting. "What care the Senate that a Caesar shall receive today?

The messenger bowed his head. "They bring their greetings and would have Caesar to know that his being absent shall in no wise impair his popularity. At the same time, they demand an informal interview this evening on affairs of state.".

Antony's eyes narrowed. "Good timing. Tell them Caesar is sick and cannot see anyone today.".

The messenger hesitated and nodded. "So be it, my lord.".

Leo watched the exchange, his mind racing. Something about the messenger felt off, but before he could voice his concerns, the system flared to life.

System Notice

Warning: Enemy troops closing in. Stand by to engage.

Leo's hand shot to his knife as he scanned the courtyard. He had suspected it, and then, in a flash of movement near the gates, he saw it, too.

"They're here," he said, his voice steady despite the sudden tension.

Antony muttered an oath, his hand flashing on the sword at his side. "Cassius doesn't care when he has won what he wants. He will pay for this.

Armed men swarmed in through the gates, their swords glistening with morning light as the villa was plunged into chaos. Leo's blade pulsed to life, unsheathed now, with the runes that lined it glowing softly as if sensing battle was near.

Antony led into battle with great vigor and rage, fluid motion, precision, as he moved on the invaders. Behind him was Leo. With deadly accuracy, his blade sliced through air.

The courtyard had transformed into a battlefield; steel clashed, creating an ominous ringing sound, which sounded with the villa defenders beating off the onslaught.

Leo's system window came up in his peripheral vision, tracking his stats and offering options mid-combat.

Updated Stats

Strength: 18

Dexterity: 15

Skill Used: Rune Blade Strike

Leo barely managed to avoid the sharp swift blow and with a spurt of speed, sliced his blade right through the opponent's as if splitting paper to continue by spinning out on momentum, smashing another assailant to the ground.

Just down was Antony, who had anchored well; years in an army had not eroded the edges on his swordsmanship. "Leo! Hold the eastern corner!" he yelled.

Just as he was turning to get the flank of the villa, he saw men moving in that direction. Leo charged forward toward them, and his sword flared brighter with every pace.

The battle was fierce and intense, but the attackers couldn't stand against the combined power of Leo, Antony, and the guards. Step by step, the fighters started to fall, while their weapons clattered against the ground.

And then the last of the attackers were retreating, and Leo stood among the carnage, his chest heaving, blood smeared on the stones of the courtyard, and the metallic smell of battle clung heavy in the air.

Antony came, his sword clean. "This was no mere attack," he said grimly. "It was a message."

Leo nodded, gripping his sword in his hand. "He won't stop until he has Caesar dead," he said. "We need to fight him head on."

System Notice: Quest Updated: Save Caesar Prevent Cassius and his conspirators from striking again.

Leo sheathed his sword, his determination growing. "We end this today. Antony slapped his hand onto the young man's shoulder, his eyes glinting with fierce determination.

"Then let's give Rome a day to remember," he said. Both the two men then moved backward toward the villa where Caesar and Calpurnia waited. The storm might have been passed outside, but the real tempest only began within the walls of Rome.