Chapter 28: The Trap is Sprung
The villa was strangely silent as Leo and Antony kept creeping forward in silence. Shadows danced upon the walls from the faint flicker of torches, and the hum of distant voices filled the air. Leo's heart pounded faster as they crept closer toward the chamber where the conspirators were gathered.
Antony nodded toward the rolls of papyrus across the table. "You take the papers," he said in a whisper. "I cover the backs."
Leo nodded and swallowed his nerves, moving slowly through the measured steps to enter the room. The senators still were completely focused on their discussion. He brushed his fingers across the edge of the scrolls as a cold voice broke through the silence.
"I was wondering when you'd show up."
Leo froze, catching Cassius's eye. The plotter leaned on a marble pillar, arms crossed and sporting a smirk that seemed to be playing at the edges of his lips. Other senators stood around the room in amusement or malice.
Antony ran in with his sword ready, "This is a trap!"
Cassius mocked. "Of course it is. Did you think for a moment that I could not see what you are doing? I have watched you since the day you first came to Rome."
The doors had just closed behind them, when six armed men emerge from the shadows, well-lit by torches, glistening with weapons.
Kill them, Cassius told him, his voice flat but absolute.
System Notice:
Quest Review The Conspirator's Web
New Target: Survive Cassius's trap and flee the villa.
Leo's mind was racing. He opened his stats panel, his fingers spasmodic with the delicate task of distributing his remaining stat points.
Stats Updated:
Strength: +4
Dexterity: +4
Antony lunged into the nearest guard, his sword crashing against steel. "Leo, watch out!" he yelled back.
Leo spun just in time to avoid an incoming strike. The new dexterity had left his movements swift, but the sheer number of attackers made it overwhelming. He ducked and rolled and countered, his fists making impacts that sent shockwaves through his enemies.
System notice
New Skill Obtained: Force Palm
A focusing attack that can cause opponents to recoil.
The skill came instinctively to play as Leo's palm made contact with a guard's chest, and the man flew across the room. The rest would not cross these guys.
Impressive," Cassius observed from across the room. "But raw power will not be enough to save you."
He turned to walk toward the door with his mocking smile the last Leo saw as he closed it behind.
"You are running away?" Leo shouted at him, the anger boiling in his chest.
Cassius didn't respond.
The battle raged on; time was a blur of confusion. He fought like a whirlwind; Antony's blade a line of silver in the dull, grey light. Leo moved on now, strengthened and energized by his new power and abilities.
But the guards were relentless. Blood began to trickle from a small gash on Leo's arm, and breathing became rough. "Antony, we gotta stop," he shouted.
Antony grinned, despite the sweat on his brow. "Thought you'd never ask."
They swept forward, Antony drawing the eye of the guards while Leo used Force Palm to break through their defenses. Silently, attackers fell one by one until it was silent.
System Alert:
Quest complete: Survive Ambush by Cassius.
Bonus: +600 XP, Unlocked one rare equipment item.
Leo fell back, supporting himself on the wall with his hands. His knuckles throbbed; his muscles felt sore. Antony put away his sword and moved forward, his face filled with concern and admiration. Not bad for an overseer, Antony said, patting him on the shoulder.
Leo managed a weak laugh. "Not bad for a soldier". But his mind was elsewhere. Cassius had escaped, and the sinister smirk that crossed his face bothered Leo even more. This wasn't a battle; it was a message. Cassius was hiding more than he let Leo know, and the confidence beforehand felt like dreadful foretelling. As night fell and the echoes of the fight disappeared into the darkness, Leo became aware that the threads of betrayal were tightening around him. To unravel the conspiracy, he had to act quickly. Cassius wouldn't wait, nor could he.
Weekly Power Status
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