Shortly afterward, the group arrived at the military camp located outside the city.
Outside the military camp, a large number of vendors had gathered. In the province of Asia, where the population's livelihood was in decline, the purchasing power of the Roman soldiers was a ray of hope.
Moreover, because of their long absence from home, a very ancient industry had also flourished here.
A soldier walked past Septimus with his arm around two prostitutes, seemingly oblivious to everything else. Even when he saw the imposing clone personal guards surrounding Septimus, his expression remained unchanged.
Septimus's lips twitched slightly. "The two legions are showing signs of decay."
Although he had only been there for a short time, he had already heard of their notorious reputation.
"Yes, some of them were no longer fit to be soldiers, so I dismissed them," Terentius said awkwardly.
"How many men are currently in the two legions?" Septimus asked.
"More than 2,000 Romans and 2,000 local men," Terentius replied.
"Let them return home after this war. I'll leave two of my own legions behind to protect the province and finance their upkeep," Septimus said calmly.
Terentius's expression changed slightly, but he nodded.
"Yes, Master," Terentius said while holding back his excitement.
The legions trained by Septimus were famous for being brutal, but also for being incredibly resilient and ferocious.
Septimus's group arrived at the dilapidated military camp.
The military camp was in complete disorder, with prostitutes coming and going freely and drunken soldiers lying on the ground.
The inspection of the military camp was unpleasant; Septimus had never seen such a decadent Roman army.
Septimus's group withdrew from the camp.
That very afternoon, Terentius informed the soldiers that they would be allowed to return home after the war, and the military camp erupted into cheers at the news.
In the end, the two legions were merged into a single legion.
In any case, the expedition could now use one Roman legion to weaken the enemy's defenses.
Three days passed quickly.
"General Septimus, if you're willing to allow me to join the army, I guarantee that once we reach the capital, vast regions will follow us without resistance." Inside Septimus's residence, a tall man spoke respectfully.
The man had a weathered appearance, with his face covered in wrinkles. But his eyes were bright and alert, and he seemed very energetic.
His name was Archelaus, and he had previously served as commander of the army of the King of Pontus, leading the Pontic army, which had enjoyed an overwhelming numerical advantage, in battle against Sulla.
However, he suffered repeated defeats and eventually realized the power of Rome, so he defected to the Roman side.
A traitor who admired Rome and was willing to serve it.
Terentius recommended Archelaus, and Septimus thought he might prove useful, so he agreed to meet with him.
Septimus asked curiously, "Why did you betray the Kingdom of Pontus?"
Although Archelaus appeared very enthusiastic, Septimus was not entirely sure he could trust him.
"Pontus is no match for the Roman army, and I hope to minimize the harm done to the people of Pontus during the war," Archelaus said sincerely after thinking for a few seconds.
"Would you like Pontus to become a province of Rome?" Septimus asked.
"I have no objection. As long as the General minimizes the slaughter of the people of the capital, I'm willing to offer you my loyalty," Archelaus said with a sincere expression that revealed a pleading look.
"If they resist, I'll act in accordance with Roman law. The inhabitants of the city who resist will be sold into slavery or massacred," Septimus said indifferently.
"I understand," Archelaus said humbly.
"Very well. I'll trust you for now. You may join the army when the time comes," Septimus said calmly.
"Thank you, General," Archelaus said resolutely.
Just then, Caesar entered.
"General, many merchants outside wish to see you."
"Heh, they've finally arrived. Their reaction was a little slower than I expected. Let them in," Septimus said calmly.
Shortly afterward, a large number of Roman merchants entered, led by Lamia.
"General Septimus, we've come to inform you about the logistical preparations," Lamia said with a flattering expression.
Septimus nodded and listened to the group of merchants for nearly an hour.
---
Two days passed quickly.
Inside the military camp, Publius Purchel paced back and forth while frowning.
When the Purchel brothers were accepted into Septimus's army as officers, they were overwhelmed with excitement.
Publius was beaming with excitement and proudly showed off the exquisite black leather armor that symbolized Septimus's legion.
The exquisite officer's armor displayed many differences from traditional Roman armor.
The black armor and the distinctive emblem of the Septimus family greatly attracted many young nobles.
Publius and Appius were happy and proud to wear the exquisite armor and show it off among their circle of friends.
Unfortunately, the brothers' joy did not last long.
The soldiers and officers of the legion showed no respect for them and had no intention of following their orders.
Both brothers remained little more than ornaments within the legion.
At first, Publius and Appius grew accustomed to it and did not show much reluctance, but Julius Caesar's change in status and the favoritism Septimus showed toward him caused their resentment to grow.
The final straw that overflowed both brothers' resentment finally came in the form of a letter.
Septimus ordered both brothers to assist the new commander of the newly integrated Roman legion from the city of Chalcedon.
It was no secret that the newly incorporated Roman legion was a complete disaster.
The two brothers felt humiliated and cast aside.
Resentment and envy flooded the minds of Publius and Appius.
"Septimus cast us aside as if we were trash," Appius said with a jealous expression.
"He prefers to keep that idiot Julius Caesar by his side," Publius replied enviously.
Both brothers were filled with resentment toward Septimus and Julius Caesar.
"We must show Septimus the consequences of his foolish favoritism," Publius said angrily.
Appius agreed, and the two brothers decided to take revenge on Julius Caesar and cause problems for Septimus.
The two brothers wrote several letters and then found a slave to send them back to Rome.
---
At last, the Thracian army arrived with more than ten thousand men.
This number was a little small, but it was still acceptable.
Initially, Septimus intended to train and integrate them for a period of time, but upon receiving the news that King Mithridates VI of Pontus had invaded Asia, he had no choice but to lead his army into battle.
On the beautiful shores of Lake İznik, Spartacus led thirty Thracian horsemen galloping along the main road. They carried shields, wore curved short swords at their waists, and were covered with various tattoos.
Spartacus looked around cautiously from time to time, showing not the slightest interest in the beautiful scenery along the road.
Having seen so many beautiful places, he actually preferred bustling cities.
"Be careful. We're almost at Nicaea. According to our information, the army of Pontus is besieging Nicaea," Nero said seriously.
"Yes, sir," Spartacus said.
At that very moment, a group of refugees appeared farther up the road.