[FMMIKA] Chapter 329: The True Rome

"Yes, this is Rome."

After that, Romulus's excited expression returned to normal.

"You are Rome."

"The most suitable Rome."

"Of course, the strongest and most outstanding Rome."

As Romulus said those words in a somewhat touching tone, tears started to appear in his eyes.

"..."

"If things continue like this, can't we just celebrate victory without having to fight?"

Watching Romulus, who was brimming with tears, Ritsuka couldn't help but lower her voice and whisper to Mash.

"And, y'know, isn't he supposed to be a legendary big tough guy who created Rome? But he's crying like there's no tomorrow. It's really not a good look."

"So you don't get it, Senpai. This is the romance of a man."

"The hell? You make it sound like you understand it so well..."

Ritsuka grumbled discontentedly, and at the same time, Artorius took a step forward.

In fact, given the current situation, Artorius himself found it quite unexpected and couldn't help but share a sentiment similar to Ritsuka's.

'Can't we just celebrate victory without having to fight? If that's the case, that would be amazing and convenient.'

No need for battle, as the enemy directly saw through his so-called 'Rome', understood the appearance of the empire under his rule, grasped his aspirations and ambitions, and recognized his purpose. The enemy were moved, even enamored, and acknowledged him as the most Roman of Romans.

Perhaps, for Romulus, this was the highest and the best praise.

Because of this kind of praise, Artorius felt a rare sense of embarrassment.

After all, he was also a Roman, a Roman Emperor. From this perspective, Romulus was indeed his ancestor.

One should have been more polite to the old ancestor. After all, if Romulus hadn't established Rome, the whole world would have been different.

When evaluating the achievements of ancestors, it shouldn't have been done through a vertical comparison, but horizontally, looking at the foundation they laid.

Thinking this way, Artorius felt that compromising with Romulus, showing a bit of mutual understanding, might not have been a bad idea. After all, the future history was written by Artorius, and his evaluation would undoubtedly surpass Romulus's.

Even someone with a bit of common sense could see that, apart from the 'legendary founding of Rome', Romulus didn't have many particularly commendable achievements.

Artorius was different. The achievements of the Dragon Emperor were endless, and even if he talked about them for three days and three nights, he wouldn't cover them all.

===

"It seems like there's no need to continue this war."

"The Divine Ancestor has acknowledged the Emperor. In that case, can't we negotiate now?"

The United Roman forces, from soldiers to generals, murmured in agreement.

Until now, one of the most crucial reasons for them to keep fighting was the legitimacy of Rome, embodied by Romulus. However, it appeared that Romulus had also acknowledged the enemy's emperor. So, there seemed to be no necessity to carry on with the war.

"Damn it all! This is bullshit!"

Actually, there was another reason to keep up the fight.

"Artorius Pendragon, Dragon Emperor, why, oh why, do you always have to spoil my plans?!"

The one who threw a tantrum was Lev Lainur Flauros, hiding in the secure palace and observing the frontline through magecraft.

As a Demon God, he couldn't care less about Rome's fate. His attitude towards humanity as a whole was negative. So, watching his own Servants seemingly ready to surrender without a fight angered him.

"Fight, keep fighting, you bastard! Kill that guy! As a Servant, you are nothing but my summoned slave. You don't need will, you don't need judgment!"

At this point, Flauros made a decision.

Artorius was too powerful. Flauros used to believe in Romulus being the strongest, at least with the buff and bonus from Roman land. But now, he couldn't be sure.

"I need new Servants, but regular Servants are just too unreliable."

"If that's the case... Hehehe... Hahaha!"

Amidst Flauros's evil and arrogant laughter, Romulus underwent a Mad Enhancement, much like Caesar before.

"Mage... no, Demon God, wanting to control Rome, to become Rome's Master—"

As Flauros feared, his magecraft didn't work well on Romulus. The Emperor resisted the Mad Enhancement.

"It's useless! I am a Demon God Pillar with mastery over all magecraft! Human mages are no match for me!"

Amidst Flauros's arrogant laughter, the altered summoning system of the Holy Grail was activated by him in a thoroughly corrupted manner, unleashing a horde of Servants in front of him—like rabid dogs, exuding an aura of chaos and disorder.

These entities weren't specific 'Heroic Spirits' but the manifestation of the concept of 'Evil Spirits' that fought like demons on the battlefield.

With sufficient numbers and madness, these ferocious and dark beings, like rabid dogs, struggled immediately, attempting to break free from Flauros's magecraft control.

"Don't even think about defying your Master, you scum—go, go, tear apart my enemies!"

Under the constraints of magecraft, hundreds, thousands, even tens of thousands of Evil Servants moved towards Barcelona.

Unable to break free from the control of magecraft, they roared in frustration and anger, eager to vent their resentment and fury through slaughter.

Wherever they went, chaos ensued. All living things, plants, objects, or natural landscapes, were destroyed as if devoured by locusts, wreaking havoc like a natural disaster.

This was the tactic conceived by the Demon God Pillar Flauros—replace reason with madness, allowing them to recklessly fight until death without any inhibitions.

"Rome shouldn't—"

As Romulus faced the impending control of Flauros, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

However, before that could happen—

"To those mindless Servants, I'm counting on you." Artorius spoke to his group.

"Yes."

"Rest assured."

"Elder Romulus." Artorius then turned to Romulus. "There's no need for that."

"You..." Romulus was bewildered for a moment.

"Entrust your army to me. Don't you want to give it a try? To see which one of us is the true 'Rome'."

"..."

"Haha, hahaha, hahahaha!"

After the maniacal laughter, Romulus's voice echoed through the skies.

"All soldiers united under the banner of Rome! From today onward, I command you to pledge allegiance to Artorius Pendragon. He is your new emperor!"

After shouting those words, Romulus released his mental control, no longer resisting the influence of the Demon God. He raised his spear high and charged towards Artorius like a Berserker.