After hearing about Thrax leading an army of Gauls into battle against the Roman Republic, Klea hurriedly took Damo and flew across the ocean.
The news she received from the Quintins had been a few days old, and along the way, Klea witnessed multiple groups of Gauls retreating to their own tribes, their faces reflecting defeat.
Curiosity sparked within Klea, prompting her to approach one of the largest groups. Utilizing her spirit reading ability, she extracted the chieftain's memories and witnessed the moment Thrax surrendered to Rome.
The chieftain's account replayed in her mind as she absorbed the images of defeat and the capture of their warrior king. The scenes left her in disbelief. "We were lost, and our warrior king was captured to be executed," the chieftain's voice echoed in her thoughts.
The implications of Julian's actions weighed heavily on Klea's mind. Could he truly have turned against his friends with such ruthlessness?
She knew Thrax would not have surrendered easily, and she couldn't shake off the nagging doubts about Julian's true intentions. The worry for a friend she hadn't seen in years added an extra layer of anxiety to her thoughts.
As she flew across the continent, the landscape bore witness to the recent conflict. The scars of battle were etched into the earth, and the sight of the lifeless bodies of Gauls and Roman soldiers strewn across the fields was a haunting reminder of the price paid in blood.
Klea's heart pounded rapidly in her chest as she contemplated Julian's resolve once again. "Did he truly dare to hurt his friends?" she murmured, the question hanging heavy in the air.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of searching, Klea discovered traces of the Roman legions and located their camp. The sight of the hundreds of Roman cavalry, their armor gleaming under the sun, alerted by the sudden appearance of two figures in their midst—a foreign woman and a monk—filled the air with tension.
"Who is there!?" The soldiers were ready to apprehend the mysterious two. However, General Marc Anthony, a stern and imposing figure, swiftly intervened, recognizing here amidst the confusion. "Queen Kleopatra, please follow me," he commanded, his voice echoing with authority.
To Klea's surprise, instead of finding Thrax injured or chained, she was led to a vibrant and lively tent at the heart of the camp. The tent's colorful banners fluttered in the wind, contrasting the somber mood of the battlefield. As she entered, the intoxicating scent of wine permeated the air, and her eyes widened in disbelief.
She couldn't believe her eyes—Thrax, the once fierce warrior king, now sat at a table, surrounded by jars of wine, his laughter filling the air. His eyes lit up with joy as he caught sight of Klea, and he dropped the lime he had been holding, rushing to embrace her. "Klea!! It's been a while!" he exclaimed, lifting her off her feet in a tight hug.
It took Klea a few seconds to comprehend the situation. Despite the immense loss of life and the gravity of their past conflicts, Julian and Thrax had managed to find a resolution that didn't involve further bloodshed. A profound sigh of relief escaped her lips. "I truly worried that the two of you would end up killing each other," she confessed, her voice tinged with both gratitude and lingering concern.
Thrax's expression turned irritated at her words, and he muttered, "I really wish I did. Unfortunately, I have made my promise, huh!" Despite the lingering grudges, Klea couldn't help but notice the transformation that had occurred between the two rivals. The passage of time had brought maturity, and their interactions now held a sense of mutual respect. She observed how they complemented each other's tactics, exchanging pointers on how to improve their strategies.
Eventually, Thrax began to explain his decision to surrender. "I can see how well you have integrated the cultures of the people from the land you conquer into your army," he remarked, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and longing. The Germanic cavalry, the Britannia longbowmen, the Hispania pikemen, and the Greek craftsmanship—all these elements painted a vivid picture of Julian's vision.
"If only you had flown them under a different banner than Roman, I would gladly support your cause," Thrax admitted, his gaze briefly meeting Klea's before adding a touch of skepticism.
Julian glanced at Klea, a knowing look passing between them, before elaborating on the true nature of his endeavors. "What I am doing goes beyond improving military might. It's about advancing the civilization of Earth itself," he explained.
He spoke of how Klea had played a crucial role in laying the foundations for his grand vision. "The tributes forcefully taken from tribes across the continent are being treated well and educated, preparing them to become the new leaders of their tribes," he shared.
Thrax remained cynical, voicing his doubts about the loyalty of these educated young soon to be chieftains. "Unless you brainwash them thoroughly, they will be the next Vercingetorix, ready to fight Rome," he warned, his tone tinged with skepticism. However, Julian remained resolute. "That's okay. It might take a few generations, but it's a necessary process," he affirmed, his voice unwavering in its conviction.
Thrax let out another deep sigh, realizing that his defeat had come, in part, from underestimating the chieftains' ambitions. Their lack of foresight of the future of Gaull, to the point of betraying their own people for personal gains. Maybe the said new generation will indeed create a better future for these tribes.
Sensing his thoughts, Julian assured him, "You will be more convinced and aid my cause once you see what I have been developing in Rome."
Thrax shook his head, his resolve unyielding. "No! I would rather keep my watchful eyes open for when your Romans go too far," he declared firmly.
As their conversation came to an end, Klea finally mustered the courage to ask her most pressing question. Her voice quivered with a mix of hope and anxiety. "Thrax, tell me any news about the Magus Universe. What about Chumo? Has he recovered? Did he return home with you?"
Thrax's face softened, a fond smile appearing on his lips. "He's up and about. He has become an enforcer now, but he's not fully recovered, so he can't go back yet," he revealed, the warmth in his voice bringing solace to Klea's heart. The news of Chumo's progress brought relief, overshadowing any concerns about his absence.
It was still a good news that received smile from both Klea and Julian however Thrax next word quickly change their expression
"I thought you want to hear news about Emery first?"
It was a sensitive name that quickly made both heart stop,
"Emery… what you mean news from Emery… he was still…"
Klea heart beats fast once again as Thrax told the story of Emery, how his other soul survived into a clone body and how the three of them met together just two months ago.
"He wanted me to tell you that he is fine, but he was sorry for unable to return mow"
Klea didn't even worry much about his excuse, hearing about him recovering has made her heart blooming with relief.
"I want to see him... I should go there... I should," Klea murmured, her determination evident in her eyes.
She had already breached the barriers of the Magus Realm, and she could request the permits needed to travel there again. No matter the obstacles that lay ahead, she was prepared to leave Earth behind and reunite with Emery, for any reason, in the blink of an eye.
But then, in that pivotal moment, Klea's memory jolted her back to reality. She couldn't simply abandon her responsibilities on Earth. There was one crucial task that held her steps.
It was at this moment that Klea suddenly remembered that she can't leave just yet, how there was one responsibility that held her steps.
All this news from the magus universe made here forgot that he actually came here with someone else.
Klea called upon Damo the young monk and the two were glad to find the young 9 years old monk had grown to a fine young man.
However, Klea next words cast a pall over their reunion as she shared the weighty news that hung over them all.
"Guys, I need your help to prevent the destruction of Earth."
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