[FMMIKA] Chapter 328: You are the Strongest and Most Outstanding Rome

Emperor facing Emperor.

One on land, the other at sea.

When Romulus took the field, his attention was immediately drawn to Artorius.

Simultaneously, Artorius also noticed Romulus.

At the first sight of Artorius, Romulus had already spread his arms wide, wearing a pleased smile that seemed exceedingly excited.

"Rome!"

"So dazzling, so handsome, so outstanding!"

It was a strong sense of delight that ancestors felt when they saw successors.

"I have a great child!"

"..."

"Who's that muscle guy...?"

As Romulus, adorned in magnificent golden armor, along with the elite guards and Roman generals, appeared on the front lines, Ritsuka muttered softly behind Artorius.

"The pressure from him is unbelievably strong!"

Ritsuka had encountered and seen many beings, including Stheno, a Greek goddess, or Scathach, a powerful female warrior, but the intimidation and influence they exerted on her were nothing compared to the muscle man on the opposite side.

She couldn't help but compare Artorius with the muscle man and was surprisingly amazed to conclude that the pressure from the muscle man was no less than that from Artorius.

Of course, as a temporary bystander, she knew her judgment might not be accurate. But it was enough to prove the strength of the enemy Servant.

"He is the Divine Ancestor, Romulus, the true ancestor who founded Rome!"

Nearby, Nero exclaimed with shock as she widened her eyes, and her breathing became rapid, with her chest bobbing along. The excitement and fear made her thoughts extremely chaotic.

'That mage actually summoned the Divine Ancestor?'

'The Divine Ancestor is an enemy?!'

'In that case, what should I do?'

Her inner turmoil began.

For Romans, Romulus was not only the ancestor who established the city of Rome but also one of the three major gods of Rome, embodying Quirinus.

In a world without 'Mystery', such a status might only hold commemorative significance. However, in a world filled with mystery and real gods, Romulus's identity alone, appearing in a certain faction, was enough to elevated 'Rome' legitimacy in that faction to the highest.

On the contrary, the Roman forces opposing Romulus would naturally experience a significant drop in morale, feeling as if they were blaspheming against their god and being on the unjust side.

This meant that even without fighting, the winner could be determined.

"Divine Ancestor? So, he's like the father of every Roman or maybe like how the True Ancestors to the Dead Apostles?"

Ritsuka, using her abilities, forcefully tried to comprehend Romulus. Her expression left Nero feeling a bit conflicted.

On one hand, she wanted to scold Ritsuka; disrespecting Divine Ancestor Romulus in such a manner was unacceptable. On the other hand, Nero felt that this girl was making a strangely valid point.

'But, the one the Divine Ancestor watches over, values, and deems fit to represent Rome is Artorius...'

Nero couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed—no, not disappointed, but rather profoundly disheartened. Despite being a Roman Emperor herself—no, she should say, despite being the true Roman Emperor—the divine ancestor hadn't cast an eye on her at all.

'Indeed, compared to me, Artorius is more suitable to be the Roman Emperor.'

As she thought like that, Nero couldn't help but feel a sense of loss again.

Meanwhile, when Artorius met the gaze of Romulus, he stared back fearlessly.

'Even though he's a Heroic Spirit, a Servant, in terms of strength, he surpassed ordinary gods. Truly, a figure of great importance in world history...'

Artorius thought to himself then took a step forward.

"Yes, it's me. I am a Roman Emperor."

"I, Artorius Pendragon, The Emperor of Pendragonius Empire and the New Roman Empire, the Ruler of the World! Destined to lead all of humanity towards a brighter tomorrow as the Dragon Emperor!"

"Such grand ambitions, such magnificence, truly Roman!" Romulus slightly widened his eyes. "But it seems I can't invite you! You're not someone who can submit to others! Your Rome is no less than mine."

"..."

"How is that possible?!"

"What is the Divine Ancestor saying?"

"Wait, shouldn't the Roman Emperor be Nero? What's going on with this Dragon Emperor?!"

Romulus's words caused surprise and uncertainty among many in the United Roman forces.

Although Artorius had accomplished many great deeds in this world, due to communication issues, many things had not yet reached the farthest edges of the empire in Spain.

"Not less than you?" Hearing Romulus's words, Artorius curled his lips, revealing a proud smile. "Clearly, I far surpass you!"

He declared with a loud voice.

"Your Rome is just a city-state! The Rome established by emperors after you ultimately turned into a slave state, colonizing the regions around the Mediterranean on the foundation of this city-state!"

"My Rome is not so small, not so corrupt and decadent!"

"My Rome is the Rome of all humanity! The so-called 'Rome' is just a code—my empire is not the 'Roman Empire' but the 'Empire of Humanity'!"

"Excellent spirit, child!"

Listening to Artorius's declaration, Romulus surprisingly did not get angry or retort. Instead, he looked at Artorius with an even more appreciative gaze.

"Just as you said, in your hands, Rome has been revitalized—a new Rome! You represent the future of Rome! A Rome that is constantly growing, with limitless possibilities!"

In Romulus's eyes, he no longer saw Artorius as an individual but as the embodiment of a new Rome, given a completely new meaning. He saw Rome with improved systems, technology, legal structures, and the standard of living of the people, reaching the heights that Rome never touched before.

He saw a Rome that spread across the Earth, witnessing people living in a miraculous era, seeing Artorius conquering the galaxy, and felt a strong sense of excitement, admiration, and romantic sentiment.

"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.