[FMMIKA] Chapter 294: Rome?

After a strange and dazzling sensation, the Chaldea expedition team successfully rayshifted to ancient Rome.

'This technology is truly amazing...'

Artorius remarked inwardly with appreciation, unlike the two women who hadn't fully appreciated the experience.

'After all, scientists post-Renaissance are getting better and better.'

'My empire can't compare yet. In history, famous scientists, inventors, and scholars either died or haven't been born yet.'

'As I thought, to achieve the desired outcome, I should convert the Servants of Proper Human History into the Servants of the Empire. Just like Da Vinci.'

While he pondered, Ritsuka also looked around.

"Is this really Rome? It's not very impressive."

"Indeed, it's quite desolate... is this truly Rome?" Mash, standing by her side, chimed in.

Listening to their comments, Artorius paused, surveyed the surroundings, and concluded that there might be an issue with Chaldea's rayshift device.

Looking around, there was no sign of a world-class ancient city from the classical era.

Caesar's 'City of Marble' was nowhere to be seen. It was barren and desolate.

Of course, it wasn't entirely devoid of civilization. Not far away, on a peninsula surrounded by the sea on three sides, there was a small city. But if that was supposed to be Rome, Artorius was prepared to protest vehemently.

"This isn't very impressive, Doctor Roman..." Ritsuka muttered, transferring her complaint to Romani.

"But this is indeed Europe in the first century, the Rome ruled by Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus." Romani replied while sounding helpless and innocent.

"Um, there's that massive 'ring of light' in the sky, just like in the previous singularity." Mash pointed out, pointing to the sky.

"It's a singularity, for sure, but we don't know where it is exactly. Anyway, let's go take a look at that little city."

Artorius suggested, and Ritsuka and Mash didn't hesitate to agree. The three of them headed toward the city happily. Before they entered the city, they encountered some farmers outside.

"The way these farmers are dressed, they don't look much like Romans... of course, I don't really know what Romans look like. But they probably don't have such a rustic style..."

As Romani commented on the farmer's appearance, Artorius approached the farmer and engaged in conversation, quickly uncovering the truth.

The farmer was a Thracian.

Under the pretext of being lost travelers, he gave the farmer a few coins, and the farmer happily shared what he knew.

"Rome?"

"Yes, this is indeed Rome."

"Specifically, this is Byzantium."

"Byzantium?"

When the farmer, who identified himself as a Thracian, mentioned that word, a whole segment of history flashed through everyone's minds.

1453, the Fall of Constantinople, Constantine's tears, the Court of Bitter Regret, and the absurdity of it all.

"Could it be that we've got it wrong? It's not the 1st century?"

Under the curious gaze of the local Thracian farmer, Chaldea convened once again. However, their misunderstanding was quickly dispelled.

This 'Byzantium' was not the Eastern Roman Empire.

Before that, the term 'Byzantium' referred to the Byzantine city-states founded by the Greeks. Over time, due to its strategic location, the city attracted a significant population of Thracians, Dacians, and even some Scythians from the north, outnumbering the original Greek settlers.

However, this wasn't a significant issue, as whether Thracian, Dacian, Greek, or Scythian, everyone here was considered a Roman now.

From the establishment of the Roman Empire until today, six emperors had ruled, and Roman governance, though not always popular, had become the norm.

Roman laws, Roman governors, and Roman tax collectors were the order of the day. Even though it often left a bitter taste, there was no other choice but to adapt.

The Chaldea, trying to find someone to blame for their situation, was interrupted by a commotion in the surroundings. It was followed by a rush of people running frantically towards the city center from the south.

"What's happening?! What's going on?!"

Ritsuka asked with confusion, turning to Mash. However, before Mash could respond, Artorius answered, "It's an army. An army is advancing toward Byzantium."

"An army?" Hearing Artorius's remarks, Romani once again found himself in confusion. "But during this era, Rome should be quite peaceful..."

"In the last few years, Nero poisoned Empress Agrippina and assumed power. It's not the end of Nero's rule or a time of crisis, but the golden age of the Roman Empire." Artorius explained.

"Doctor, don't forget that this is a singularity. Anything can happen here. Don't try to apply common sense to explain it." Mash chimed in, scolding Romani.

"O-Oh, right, you're correct..." Romani said with realization, but then grumbled, "I can't believe I'm being schooled by Mash."

"They're Greeks." Artorius assessed the organization of the approaching army.

Looking at their attire, some wore standard Roman equipment—chainmail, rectangular shields, short swords, and spears. However, others sported Corinthian helmets, carried long spears, and wielded round shields.

A quick glance was enough to identify them as heavily armored Greek infantry.

"No, the length of those spears is excessive..."

"It's the Sarissa pike."

"So, the Macedonian phalanx?"

"How is that possible?"

Romani, who had just received a lesson from Mash, couldn't help but exclaim.

"In this era, there shouldn't be armies using super-long spears... Ah, two to three meters long spears, of course, the Romans had them. Especially as more and more Roman legions switched from short swords to long spears, especially after being attacked by barbarian and Persian cavalry. But this Sarissa pike is really a bit—"

"—Regardless, they are coming our way." Mash interrupted Romani and looked at Artorius. "Your Majesty, what should we do next?"

Artorius paused for a moment before making up his mind.

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