Chapter 5 – Meeting Atilia
Two weeks passed in the blink of an eye.
During these two weeks, Septimus had experienced for the first time what it feels like to die in the most brutal way possible. At first, those memories brought him nightmares, but after experiencing several deaths in succession, his willpower strengthened.
Now Septimus, together with 12 clones, was heading toward the underground arena. Although the deaths of his clones inflicted terrible torture on him, the bloody fights awakened his bloodthirsty side.
Septimus brought 10 clones for the underground arena and two clones as bodyguards to keep up appearances.
Underground Arena
"Hahaha, you've come again, young Septimus, and I see you've brought fresh meat," said the man with a smallpox-scarred face, laughing.
His name was Gaudas. He was a Numidian and was in charge of the underground arena. At first, he was surprised that Septimus offered slaves for the arena. Most who fought in the arena were gladiators or men desperate for money, but he accepted anyway.
Having spent many years in this business, he knew that people were not very interested in watching a fair and honest fight; they only wanted to see blood and place their bets accordingly.
Gaudas did not pay much attention to Septimus' actions. He was not the only slave owner who punished or disposed of disobedient slaves. He had also seen slave owners with perverse tastes who enjoyed watching or hurting their slaves. He was not interested in any of that.
"I've come to register 10 slaves for combat," Septimus said as he approached.
"Very well. The rules are the same. Pay 20 denarii in total," Gaudas replied calmly.
After making the payment for the 10 clones, they prepared to enter the arena. During this time, thanks to the training at the ludus and the experience of witnessing the bloodshed of dead clones fighting in the underground arena, his combat skill had improved.
Although he still could not guarantee a certain victory, his clones were no longer so defenseless.
Amid the shouts and curses of the crowd, the 10 clones entered the underground arena one by one.
Septimus frowned slightly. Each clone who died fighting in that cruel underground arena added combat experience to him, but it was still somewhat painful to personally feel death in such a brutal way.
After 3 hours of intense combat and the euphoric screams of the spectators, the 10 clones had died in the arena, after having defeated 4 experienced fighters.
Although Septimus felt somewhat disappointed, at the beginning his clones had been like chickens to the slaughter, being easily killed. But with each combat experience in the arena, the clones' fighting skill steadily improved.
In ancient times, a veteran soldier with combat experience was considered a valuable resource for any nation because those soldiers had to survive wars and years of training. With his replication ability, Septimus could form an army loyal entirely to him.
After seeing that the fights had ended, Septimus headed home.
On the way home, he heard noises in a dark alley.
"Come on, whore, take off your clothes. If you behave and satisfy us, we won't hurt you."
Septimus frowned and heard the sound of a woman crying while three men tried to rape her.
Seeing the girl's clothing, he could tell she was from the Roman upper class. The three men were just drunkards.
Septimus and his clones drew their pugiones, ancient Roman daggers.
They lunged at the three thugs from behind. The first clone slit one thug's throat, the second stabbed his pugio into another's liver, and Septimus, kicking the thug who was holding the girl from behind, threw himself at him.
Seeing the ferocity with which these men who had appeared out of nowhere acted, the last thug regained his sobriety from the shock. When he raised his hand in surrender, he was met with stab wounds to the chest from Septimus and another clone.
Septimus approached the girl, who was crying on the ground, while his two clones searched the corpses for anything of value. Yes, Septimus was interested in looting these drunkards. In Rome, although it was a society with crime, criminals were usually associated with larger gangs. Attacking them without justification would only bring the revenge of those thugs.
Although Septimus did not fear a few thugs, these criminal bands were the black gloves of Roman nobles or elites, with senators of Capua behind them.
"Waaah, thank you for saving me. My name is Atilia Fausta," Atilia said, wiping the tears from her face in fright.
She had gone out with her entourage to the market, but out of caprice she had separated from them, causing this incident.
"My name is Septimus Novius. As a Roman citizen, it is my duty to help if necessary," Septimus said to the young woman.
Atilia wiped her tears, and upon seeing this young man of 16 or 17 years old and his attractive face, she was somewhat moved.
Septimus also observed this young woman. She was more or less his age and was a beauty yet to fully develop. It did not surprise him that those thugs had tried to rape her.
"It's not safe for you to be alone. I'll take you home," Septimus said to Atilia.
"All right, I'll guide you," Atilia said as Septimus helped her stand.
Septimus could feel that as he helped Atilia, she voluntarily pressed her whole body against his.
Following Atilia's directions, they left the secluded alley and headed toward the Forum of Capua, which was near Atilia's residence.
After walking for a few minutes, Septimus felt relieved. Although he had killed those thugs to defend a noble lady, he did not want to waste time with the city guard.
"I am the daughter of Marcus Atilius Severus, a member of the concilium of Capua. I promise my father will generously reward you for saving me," Atilia said, looking at Septimus with bright eyes.
"I was just passing by. I couldn't stand by and watch a beautiful young lady be hurt," Septimus replied, looking at Atilia with a slight smile.
As they approached Atilia's house, they saw a group of guards and slaves with a beautiful middle-aged woman, who was shouting like a harpy at the slaves.
"How could you lose her?! If anything happens to her, all of you will be crucified!" the beautiful middle-aged woman shouted hysterically at the slaves.
As Septimus and his group approached, the guards noticed the young Atilia.
"Domina, the young lady is over there," one of the guards said, pointing at Atilia.
"Atilia!!!" the woman shouted, running over and examining Atilia.
Seeing traces of tears on her face, she looked at Septimus with malice.
"Guards, arrest these men!" the woman shouted hysterically, pointing at Septimus and his group.
At the sound of the shout, Septimus' expression changed. Both he and his clones drew their pugiones. The guards drew their gladii, preparing to fight.
"Stop, Mother! They are my saviors," Atilia said hurriedly, seeing the situation spiral out of control.
The beautiful middle-aged woman frowned upon hearing her daughter's shout and ordered the guards to sheathe their weapons, listening to her daughter's explanation.
"I want to apologize to you, young savior. My name is Cornelia Prisca. I am Atilia's mother," Cornelia said kindly to Septimus.
Seeing that the misunderstanding had been cleared up, Septimus and his clones sheathed their weapons.
"My name is Septimus Novius," Septimus replied calmly.
He did not plan to establish much contact with this noble Roman family. Although Atilia was beautiful, upper-class Roman women were known for deceiving their husbands. It was fine to have a few sexual encounters, but Septimus had no intention of having a noble wife; he only expected to receive the reward.
With his ability, he did not need a noble wife to help him with contacts or influence.