Marcus walked through the crowded streets, his mind racing with the possibilities that Senator Rufus's proposal presented. As he turned a corner, he noticed a peculiar old man watching him from across the street. The man's eyes seemed to bore into Marcus's very soul, and he felt a shiver run down his spine.
The old man approached Marcus, his eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intensity. "You're a Tullius, aren't you?" he asked, his voice low and gravelly.
Marcus nodded warily. "How did you know?"
The old man smiled, revealing crooked teeth. "I can see the threads of Virtus that run through your family. You're a potent one, Marcus Tullius. The Tullii have always been blessed with a strong connection to the divine."
Marcus's eyes widened as he realized the old man was referring to the mysterious energy that flowed through certain Roman families. Virtus was said to grant its wielders extraordinary abilities, from enhanced strength to prophetic visions. Marcus had always felt an affinity for Virtus, but he'd never fully understood its power.
"What do you know of Virtus?" Marcus asked, his curiosity piqued.
The old man leaned in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Virtus is the essence of Rome itself. It's the spark that ignites the passions and ambitions of its people. The gods themselves imbued Virtus into the bloodlines of our ancestors, granting us the power to shape our destiny."
Marcus's eyes narrowed. "And what of the different types of Virtus? I've heard rumors of ' Ignis' and 'Aqua'..."
The old man's eyes sparkled. "Ah, yes! The manifestations of Virtus are as varied as the gods themselves. Ignis, the fire of passion and creativity, Aqua, the flow of life and adaptability... Each family has its own unique connection to Virtus, shaping their strengths and weaknesses."
As the old man spoke, Marcus felt a surge of energy coursing through his veins. He raised his hand, and to his amazement, a small flame flickered to life on his palm. The old man nodded in approval.
"You have the Ignis within you, Marcus. A powerful and volatile force. Learn to control it, and you'll be unstoppable."
With those words, the old man vanished into the crowd, leaving Marcus stunned and wondering about the secrets he'd just uncovered.
In this world, Virtus is a manifestation of the Roman gods' power, imbuing certain families with unique abilities and strengths. The different types of Virtus (Ignis, Aqua, etc.) reflect the various aspects of Roman mythology and culture. The story explores the intersection of politics, power, and personal growth in ancient Rome, with Virtus serving as a catalyst for the characters' actions and decisions.