LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 40: The Call of Greece
The first rays of dawn broke over Rome, casting the city in a soft golden light. The bustling streets were already coming alive with merchants preparing their stalls and the sounds of distant conversations filling the air. For Leo, however, this particular morning brought with it much more than just the buzzing of city life.
As he stretched and rose from the modest bed he had managed to secure in an inn, a familiar ding echoed in his ears. The system interface popped up in front of him, its glowing text sharper than ever before.
System Notification:
Major Quest Unlocked: Forge the Alliance
Rome stands at the precipice of chaos, but the greater battle lies beyond its borders.
Objective: Journey to Greece and make contact with the Spartans. Convince them to ally with Rome for a future of shared prosperity.
Warning: The tensions between Rome and Greece make this task perilous. Diplomacy, combat, and strategy will be tested.
Reward: Access to advanced skills, expanded shop items, and rare equipment.
Side Notification: The system shop is now available. Use wisely.
Leo's heart was racing as he read the message. Leaving Rome, especially when things were heating up within its heart, did not sit well with him. But this quest seemed to promise more chances that might equip him better to handle the conspirators and the challenges ahead.
Leo stopped, thinking of something, and remembered he had forgotten one key thing the stat points. A quick check revealed the 20 unallocated stat points from previous milestones in the game. He quickly opened his stats screen where the interface was clean as well as familiar.
Status Window:
Strength: 15 → 25
Agility: 13 → 23
Endurance: 10
Dexterity: 18
Intelligence: 12
Charisma: 11
Remaining Points: 0
He knew, as he gave the same amount to both Strength and Agility, that he would immediately feel a difference in his body. His muscles tensed, like they had tuned in to his will right then, and his movements lightened, became fluid. The world around him slowed, his reflexes heightened to let him track the slightest changes.
"This might make things a little easier," he muttered.
Next, he opened the system shop for the first time, its interface sleek and minimalistic. Rows of items appeared, categorized into weapons, armor, potions, and miscellaneous tools. His eyes scanned the options eagerly.
System Shop:
Traveler's Cloak – A durable, inconspicuous cloak to aid in stealth and travel.
Cost: 500 credits
Basic Spartan Lexicon – Learn the basics of Greek to avoid suspicion.
Cost: 250 credits
Enhanced Combat Boots – Increases movement speed by 10%.
Cost: 750 credits
Iron Will Skill Scroll – Temporarily boosts resistance to fear and intimidation.
Cost: 1000 credits
Enough to make a big difference. Without a moment's hesitation, he purchased the Traveler's Cloak, the Spartan Lexicon, and the Combat Boots. The items materialized in a faint shimmer of light before him.
Putting the cloak on his shoulders, he felt the weight of it settle upon him. The material was strong yet lightweight and very suitable for long journeys. The boots were perfect fits, showing that the craftsman had been excellent. Finally, he placed the lexicon in his satchel and meant to study it on the way.
Spartans were a breed of warriors in an arena of discipline and power unmatched, a heritage inspirational and yet feared. And yet he knew them to be a deeply independent group, with no great feeling for Rome or its politics or ambitions. If he was going to take that step, it was on more than words.
By mid-morning, Leo stood at the gates of Rome, the bustling city behind him. His decision had been quick, but there was no room for hesitation. The road ahead was fraught with danger, but staying in Rome without the tools to enact real change seemed pointless.
He cast one last glance at the city, its domes and columns glistening in the sunlight. "I'll be back," he muttered under his breath. "And this time, I'll be ready."
The road to Greece was long, winding through dense forests, treacherous mountain paths, and unknown territories. As he set out, he wondered about the Spartans. How would they react to a Roman walking into their lands?
System Notification:
New Side Quest:
Learn the Art of Spartan Combat
The Spartans respect only strength and skill. Prove yourself to them by mastering their techniques.
Reward: Reputation with the Spartans, access to Spartan gear.
Leo smirked as he read the notification. The system seemed determined to throw him into the fire. But for the first time since his regression, he felt a spark of excitement.
This wasn't just about Rome or Caesar anymore. This was about shaping a future where the world wasn't bound by the cycles of betrayal and bloodshed he had already seen.
With a steady stride, he headed into the horizon, the weight of history pressing down on him, and the faint glow of opportunity guiding his steps.