Destined Inscriptions: A Plebeian's LitRPG Journey of Magic (Book 1): Empire Ascendant: Man's Rise in the Roman Realm by Bardsley Andrew

Author:Bardsley, Andrew
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-12-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Veil of Night: A Desperate Flight

The predawn darkness enveloped the city, its stillness broken only by the faint rustling of the morning breeze. I was awake, lying in my modest bed, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The attack last night had shaken me more than I cared to admit. It wasn't just the violence that disturbed me, but the stark realization that came with it: I needed to get stronger, much stronger. I tossed and turned, trying to find some semblance of comfort in the uncomfortable truths that dawned on me.

I mulled over my newfound wealth, the significant amount of money I had amassed. It felt like a double-edged sword, offering security and danger in equal measure. No longer could I rely on my old ways of dodging attention, running, and staying under the radar. Those days were gone, replaced by this new, perilous reality where my wealth made me a target.

"I think I can understand Julius's drive for getting power quickly," I muttered to myself, reflecting on my friend's ambitions. "I’m vulnerable at the moment." It was a bitter admission, the acknowledgment that I was exposed, open to threats from all corners. The need for power, once an abstract concept, now felt urgent, imperative.

As the first light of dawn began to seep through the blinds, I stirred from my bed, resigning myself to the day ahead. It would be a typical day filled with combat practice, gladiator beatings, and dungeon work, followed by crafting. These activities, once a routine, now felt like necessities, steps towards gaining the strength I so desperately needed.

I ventured downstairs to the shop below, which was still shrouded in the quiet of early morning. The streets were slowly coming to life, with a few people already going about their day. Suddenly, my mundane thoughts were shattered by an unexpected encounter. A slave, dressed in expensive clothing that seemed incongruous with his status, approached me from across the street.

“My master wishes to see you,” he announced, bowing respectfully.

I glanced around, half expecting someone else to be the intended recipient of this message. "Who is your master?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, one of the Consuls of Rome, of course," the slave replied, his tone suggesting that this should have been obvious. My heart skipped a beat as I realized the gravity of this summons. One of the two leaders of Rome wanted to meet with me, an ordinary citizen.

"Do you know why?" I asked, trying to mask the mix of anxiety and excitement in my voice.

"To thank you for your crafting of the inscription on his armor for the races yesterday," he answered. A sigh of relief escaped me. At least there was a benign reason for this summons.

I was about to inquire further when the slave interjected, "Best not leave the Consuls waiting." I nodded, following him as we made our way through the streets of Rome. I was still in my armor, ready for training, but he didn't seem to mind.

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