[FMMIKA] Chapter 295: Rome Will Live Forever

"Fight. Let's use Byzantium as our first foothold! Get ready, Mash, Ritsuka!"

Upon Artorius's command, both Mash and Ritsuka entered a combat-ready state.

"Huh...?"

This scene left Romani in Chaldea headquarters astonished.

Mash, who previously appeared as a sharp but inexperienced recruit, now seemed to have returned to her roots after going through the motions. Even Ritsuka, who had appeared as a complete novice, now appeared quite competent, quickly preparing multiple auxiliary magecraft.

This surprised the doctor.

'They've improved so quickly, Mash, and even Ritsuka. Is it all thanks to that man? The legendary king is truly extraordinary.'

The reality was different from what Romani had in mind. The growth in Mash and Ritsuka's skills and experiences wasn't solely due to Artorius. It wasn't from training or theoretical teachings but rather from their time spent during the two-year-long global journey through the French Singularity.

They had visited, observed, and even battled in various parts of the world. They faced the wild warriors of North American Native tribes, the Amerindian Jaguar warriors from Central and South America, the Indian Chakravarti nobles riding war elephants, Japanese samurai, Arabian Mamluks, European musketeers, and warriors on the great plains.

During those two years, Mash and Ritsuka fought against novices and experts in practice matches and real battles. They transformed from newcomers into seasoned veterans, with Mash now quite proficient and adapted to Galahad's battle experiences she inherited.

That's why Romani was amazed. Therefore, the Greek army soon tasted bitterness when Mash and Ritsuka made it clear they were outmatched.

When they couldn't find their footing against the two women, any scorn they had for females completely vanished.

"Could it be the Amazon warriors? Isn't that just a legend?"

The soldiers looked at each other and wondered.

In the combination of Ritsuka's magecraft and Mash's sword beam to bombard the Greek army, Artorius also shouted loudly toward the residents of Byzantium.

"Countrymen! Thracians, Dacians, Greeks, Romans, Scythians—everyone living in Byzantium!"

"Are you going to watch as the enemy burns, kills, and plunders on your own land, taking everything from you?!"

"Are you ready to be cowards for the rest of your lives?!"

"Look at those two children; they're just young women! They can bravely stand up and fight against the invaders, but what about you?! You're like a herd of sheep, like castrated geese, only knowing how to run!"

Artorius's words made them hang their heads, feeling uneasy, guilty, and ashamed. This wasn't only because Artorius spoke the truth, but also because he possessed an 'A+ rank' of Charisma and an 'A rank' of Motivation—standing before them was a Caesar-level figure who had been upgraded and enhanced in the art of rallying the masses.

However, more importantly, it was due to the effect of the 'Dragon Emperor Privilege', an EX-ranked Imperial Privilege unique to Artorius.

As the greatest emperor of Rome, his own legend and the privilege of an emperor far exceeded all other Roman emperors.

Whether it was Caesar, Augustus, Constantine the Great, or even the divine ancestor Romulus, in this regard, they all fell short of the Dragon Emperor.

Because when the empire expanded to encompass the entire planet and even the universe, the so-called divine ancestors, the worship, the fanaticism, and the admiration they received couldn't hold a candle to the Dragon Emperor.

Dragon Emperor Artorius Pendragon was the true representative of the people of Rome. With him around, the people of Rome had only jubilation and no tears!

"I repeat!"

Artorius continued with a loud voice.

"Those with courage, those who refuse to be enslaved and slaughtered, stand up! Stand up with me! Stand up with those brave women and push those enemies back!"

""OOOHHHHHH—!!!""

Instantly, like a switch had been flipped, the people who had just been running around in panic, including craftsmen, farmers, merchants, hunters, sailors, and, of course, soldiers, were all ignited with the fire in their hearts by Artorius.

In that moment, they fully embraced Artorius, embraced Rome, embraced their nation, and embraced the Dragon Emperor.

Now, they were no longer Thracians, nor Dacians, nor Greeks, nor Scythians. They were all 'Romans'.

This 'Romans' was not an academic or political concept, nor a geographical one; it was the concept of 'nation' and 'people'.

In an instant, the Dragon Emperor transformed them into Romans.

In another instant, these Romans became the most elite Roman legion soldiers.

Their infantry, using the post-Renaissance improved Phalanx square formation tactics, were equipped with Roman-style helmets, scale armor, powerful crossbows, crimson capes with crests, and silver dragons on their shields, making them distinct from the ordinary Roman troops.

As for their cavalry, they employed modern shock cavalry tactics. While using a wall of cavalry to impact the enemy, they were equipped with heavy armor in the style of iron armored Paladin, along with armored horses.

Artorius could certainly make them even stronger, but it wasn't necessary. His EX-level Personal Skill called 'Roman Legion' was sufficient at one-tenth of its power.

It was enough to defeat all these foreign invaders.

===

"Enemy troops! The Roman legion! We've got the Romans here!"

Initially disoriented by the two women who had attacked them, the women left the Greek army feeling ashamed. So, despite being at a disadvantage, they didn't back down.

But as a somewhat 'peculiar' Roman legion appeared out of nowhere, the Greek army couldn't hold out.

Replacing spears with powerful crossbows, using smaller, more agile squads instead of large formations. Then came the heavy cavalry charge, even more fearsome than the Persian ones.

After the three thousand Roman legions broke through their formation, the Greek army finally couldn't hold on any longer and rapidly crumbled. Artorius had also acquired the information he needed.

"So, you're saying that Rome is in a state of chaos?"

"Yes, that's right. Rome's dominion has fallen apart!"

After their capture, the Greek army's commander shared the intelligence with Artorius—this was not him surrendering.

Artorius had only asked for the most basic information, so there was no harm in revealing it.

"Rome is very important to humanity, even indispensable." Romani from Chaldea headquarters voiced his concern. "So the significance of this singularity is undoubtedly high! Everyone, we must work hard."

"No need for you to tell us the obvious, Doctor Roman." Ritsuka retorted.

"Uh, yeah?"

Romani's dwindling enthusiasm, ignited with difficulty, quickly extinguished, reverting to his usual unhelpful self.

At the same time, Artorius remained unaffected by their banter, deep in thought about this deliberately chosen divergence.

Unlike the previous French Singularity, the Seventy-Two Demon God Pillars seemed to have a stronger influence on this Rome Singularity.

If the story followed the original plot, the mage responsible for humanity's ruin and extinction, Lev Lainur Flauros, would also be devising his conspiracy within this singularity.

'Demon God Pillars.'

'No, to be precise, Demon God.'

'The 64th Demon God among Solomon's Seventy-Two Demon Gods, holding the title of Duke and commanding thirty-six legions.'

Artorius furrowed his brow, contemplating the issue.

At the same time...

"The entire Roman Empire is in disarray!"

Seeing Artorius deep in thought, the Greek army's commander seemed to muster his courage and tried to persuade him.

"Gaul, Britain, and the Germanic regions have all fallen to us! The Roman Empire can't even control Italy anymore. In the east, all Roman territories have been conquered by our great sovereign, Alexander the Great! In this situation, what's the point of serving Rome anymore?!"

He spoke loudly, catching Artorius's attention.

The Dragon Emperor gazed at the man with a curious eye, making him believe that his words had resonated with Artorius.

So, the Greek army's commander continued with more joy and a bold tone.

"Join us! Abandon Rome! You're a person of talent, and our Basileus is a leader who values talent. He has a generous heart for all heroes. Join the Macedonian Empire, and you'll surely be greatly rewarded!"

At the same time, Artorius's Chaldea companions also looked at him, seemingly curious about how the Dragon Emperor would respond.

At this uncertain moment, maybe hearing the man out and meeting this Alexander wouldn't be a bad idea.

At this point in time, this Alexander, of course, wasn't a living person; he must be a Servant. If he was a Servant, there was a possibility of persuading him to join their cause.

"..."

The Dragon Emperor calmly observed the commander. Unlike his previous casual demeanor, he was now 'serious'.

"!"

The commander instantly felt a strong, mental shock, his eyes widening as if his entire being had been 'modified'.

"Is Rome truly finished?"

Artorius asked. At the same time, the Greek army's commander let out a strained sound, seemingly resisting something with all his might.

"Will Rome be replaced?"

"Uh, ah—ahhh!"

Unconscious murmurs turned into agonized screams.

"Don't joke with me..." Artorius said firmly. "In the world where I exist, Rome will live forever!"

Shortly, the Greek army's commander, who had been trying to persuade Artorius to join their cause and had suddenly screamed agonizingly earlier, unexpectedly prostrated himself before the Dragon Emperor.

"Yes, My Great Emperor!"

The Greek army's commander exclaimed fanatically, as devoted as a zealot who had seen a real god.

"Rome will live forever!"