Darkness descended over the milky clouds as we flew away from Rome. Sporus, sitting behind me and thankfully not clinging onto me anymore, raised himself slightly to point at a great villa below us. The compound was wedged in a valley surrounded by towering peaks. The high walls, fortified gates, and imposing towers looked very familiar.

“Should be there,” he said, sitting back down on Umbra’s spine.

“Really?” I said, surprised as Umbra descended. “In Pompey’s Dungeon?”

Sporus shrugged. “I guess he bought it while you were on campaign in America.”

“Huh. Never would have guessed.”

The estate was abandoned as Umbra touched down in the gardens where the dungeon’s entrance was located. The mausoleum looked exactly the same, save for a new metal gate to replace the one Titus smashed last time we robbed the place.

After dismounting from Umbra, we approached the dark gate. To give us some light, Umbra puffed a bit of flame on the unlit torches which roared to life at his breath. I was about to break the gate by ramming my spear through its center when Sporus stopped me.

“No need, it’s right here,” he said, removing a nearby decorative rock. Underneath was a copper key.

“Oh,” I said, lowering my spear, slightly disappointed. “We’ll be right back, Umbra. Eat anything that comes at us.”

Can do! he replied.

I ignited the Praetorian Flameblade to give us light as we descended into the dungeon.

“So, you live?” Sporus said, almost as if he didn’t believe it.

I sighed. “Yes, it was a long journey.” I filled him in on the entire story, from my time and betrayal in America, to teaming up with Camilla, Marcus, and Bulla, to how we traveled through the nine rings of hell and acquired Cetus’s heart, and finally the end with Pluto. I skipped over the parts where Camilla showed me several times her intense feelings for me, as I felt that would be awkward and ruin cohesion between us. I had no doubt that Camilla loved both of us, but I had a feeling she would have chosen me over him if she had to choose.

Best not to bring that up.

“And Pluto let you go, just like that?” he said, astonished. “No strings attached?”

I hesitated on telling him the entire truth, that Cleopatra’s life would be forfeit because of it. I couldn’t tell if he noticed my brief pause. “Persephone had him bound, so he had to. As for Camilla and the others, they sailed for Elysium.”

“Hmm,” Sporus said, mulling over my words. I could tell from his reaction that my explanation didn’t fully satisfy or convince him, but he didn’t pry. When I thought he had nothing more to say, he whispered. “I am grateful you gave her rest. She chose right to trust in you.”

I paused, turning around to look at him. His gaunt face created deep shadows from the darkness and the gladius fire intertwining. There was much pain in his eyes, having been the wife of Nero twice, only to fall in love with a woman who also died. There was also an extreme level of fatigue, not only physical tiredness, but spiritual. If I had to guess, he must be longing to rest with Camilla.

“Whatever you do, don’t fall asleep,” I said. “We will become Caesar’s slaves like Titus if we do.”

“Have anything to help with that?”

“Yes, actually. Cleopatra’s making a strong coffee potion we can drink when we get back.”

Sporus smiled. “Excellent.”

Once we reached the bottom of the cool and damp tunnel, we came upon the hall decorated with impressive legionnaire regalia. There was more here than last time. Titus had acquired his armor here long ago when we raided the place, and it seemed in his passion he had restocked the tunnel with more glorious craftsmanship.

“I don’t know how he does it,” I said, admiring everything. My gladius fire caused the armor, shields, and swords to glimmer as if set ablaze. Thinking about his now possessed nature from the Orb of Morpheus sickened me. He didn’t deserve to be used as a puppet. I could only pray his experience in the dream world was a peaceful one with his wife Livia.

“Your’s should be down there,” Sporus said, taking the lead. “All of it should be here. The only thing different is he upgraded your cuirass to honor your emperorship status, along with some new greaves and bracers. Oh, and I believe these Boots of Mercury are yours.”

I almost didn’t register him handing me my winged boots. I was too struck by wonder and grief over my most loyal friend who had built a shrine in honor of me, with such craftsmanship that it would make even Vulcan blush.

Surrounded by flowers and denarii, an impressive obsidian black armor set hung on the wall. My Helmet of Maximus rested on top with a black feather plume. The cuirass was new, however, looking more like an emperor’s rather than a centurion’s. It was carved with rippling muscles on its chestplate and glowing slightly from the Heart of Olympias that must have infused it. There were also obsidian-steel armored bracers, greaves, and sandals.

One touch on the blackened abs of the cuirass confirmed my thoughts.

Item: Emperor's Heart Cuirass (Epic)

* Description: Crafted by Titus in honor of Maximus, this steel cuirass has been reinforced with rare obsidian, giving it a sleek, blackened appearance as if forged from shadows. Infused with the power of Olympia's Heart, the armor radiates an eerie, pulsing glow in low light, resembling the embers of a dying fire. Intricate, silver inlays swirl across its surface, depicting scenes of divine battle, while the chestplate is shaped to mimic the rippling muscles of a warrior at his peak. Its heavy weight is expertly balanced, offering unmatched protection and authority befitting an emperor.

* Armor Rating: 30

* Durability: 110/110

* Weight: 15 kg

* Special Effect: Absorbs 5% of incoming physical damage and converts it into temporary strength, increasing the wearer’s physical power by 10% for 10 seconds. This effect can stack up to 3 times but resets after 30 seconds if no damage is received.

* Worth: 45,000 Denarii

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“Is that my shield?” I said, running my hand over the familiar bumpy Barnacle Shield next to the cuirass. Only, it was darker than before, as if infused with obsidian, making it darker and more terrifying to behold. Touching the shield brought up an updated loadout.

* Item: Obsidian-Fortified Barnacle Shield (Epic)

* Description: Reinforced with rare obsidian ingots, this shield now exudes a darker, ominous presence. The barnacles encrusting its surface have fused with the obsidian, amplifying the shield's resilience and mystical power. The surface shimmers with an eerie, volcanic glow, while the barnacles emit a dim, bioluminescent light reminiscent of deep ocean trenches. Its weight is balanced to perfection, and the combination of seawater and volcanic glass gives it unparalleled defensive strength.

* Defense: +30

* Durability: 150/150

* Weight: 10 kg

* Special Effect: Upon a successful block, the shield releases a powerful surge of seawater, now mixed with obsidian shards, disorienting and wounding nearby enemies. Movement speed is reduced by 40% for 4 seconds, and enemies also take 50 damage from the obsidian fragments. Effect can stack up to 3 times.

* Enchantment: Minerva’s Wrath – Increases the intensity of the head pain inflicted upon attackers by 20% with each successful block or parry. Additionally, a second block within 5 seconds causes a minor tremor that destabilizes enemies.

* Worth: 20,000 Denarii

It seemed Titus had been busy. This shield was much more powerful than its original make when I found it in the sea hermit’s lair so long ago. I was utterly amazed by Titus’s Vulcan-blessed abilities, and his eloquent craftsmanship.

Perhaps most comforting to see was the golden Pilum of Mars hanging opposite the Barnacle Shield. The ruby at the base of the pilum-head glowed a soft, bloody hue. It hummed with wrath, beckoning me to reclaim it. My hand grasped the pilum, releasing a surge of anger through me. It felt so good to have it back in my grip. Thinking of Caesar, I arched back and threw the pilum down the hallway. It whistled through the air and slammed straight into the damp wall far ahead. At my will, it reappeared in my hand, ready for another throw.

I grinned at Sporus, who nodded with approval.

Satisfied, I set aside my barnacled gear and strapped on my new, yet old armor that screamed with power. I tried to ignore Sporus watching me from behind. I couldn’t tell if he was impressed or attracted. Since this was ancient Rome, it was probably both.

* Item: Helmet of Maximus (Legendary)

* Item: Emperor's Heart Cuirass (Epic)

* Item: Obsidian-Forged Greaves (Epic)

* Item: Obsidian-Forged Bracers (Epic)

* Item: Pilum of Mars (Dei):

* Item: Gladius of Julius (Epic)

* Item: Obsidian-Fortified Barnacle Shield (Epic)

* Item: Cicero's Signet Ring of Reading (Legendary)

* Item: Cleopatra's Figurine of Eternal Bond (Legendary)

* Item: Boots of Mercury (Epic)

* Item: Minotaur's Horn (Legendary)

* Item: Wreath of Auctoritas (Epic)

To the side of my armor laid a familiar but worn leather bag. Inside were all of my valuables, along with some money. I breathed a sigh of relief seeing my Tome of Infinite Tomes was still available. I could increase my Historical Insight tremendously that way. Speaking of, I almost forgot my mind was still active in the present and alternate futures. Everything was so disorienting with Caesar’s time bubble that I guess I was running my prophetic powers on autopilot. Luckily, I didn’t experience any Chrono Loop with Sporus that I would have to randomly break.

Item: Leather Traveler's Bag (Common):

Item: Tome of Infinite Tomes (Dei)

Item: Enchantment Scroll of Reading (Rare)

Item: Alchemy Scroll of Venom of Lethe (Legendary)

Item: Scroll of Minerva’s Headache (Legendary)

Item: Saturn's Hourglass Ring (Legendary)

Item: Enchantment Scroll of Instant Comprehension (Epic)

Wealth: 50,000 Denarii

I was a little bit surprised to see so much money in the bag. Then again, I had been co-emperor and blessed Titus and Livia with as much money as possible for all of their help in the civil war. Perhaps he felt he didn’t deserve it, and instead dedicated it to me in death.

I will save you, I swore in my mind.

In all, my armor rating had skyrocketed, trumping my previous double digit defense.

Total Armor Rating: 127

Any incoming damage would mostly be stopped by my armor, unless it was a monster or supremely enchanted foe. Plus my ability to become immune to damage in the shadows with my Heart of Olympias perk, I would be untouchable.

I had become a powerhouse thanks to Titus.

“Very impressive,” Sporus said as I turned around to show him my armor. “The black suits you. You will make a menacing sight for Caesar.”

“That’s the plan,” I said, leading the way out of the dungeon. It was incredibly relieving to have everything back from the grave. I no longer felt vulnerable. If any of my few gaming friends from my first life were here, they would say that I had become overpowered. Only Caesar stood in my way, and now that I had restored my gear and abilities, his time was running short.

Once outside, darkness had fully settled on the earth. I could see Cleopatra would still be awake when we returned, relieving some stress. Umbra hummed with approval upon seeing me.

Your shadow armor, I presume, he said, lowering his neck for us to mount. I simply had to take a light leap to get on, for such was the power of my Jupiter blessing, while Sporus strained in his climb. His baggy eyes betrayed how tired he was.

Now that your power is fully restored, Umbra continued, taking off to the shadowed skies, should you return to the palace to root out Caesar? Surely nothing can stop you now. If you slay enough of his men, he would appear.

I was about to respond when Sporus interjected. “It’s not as simple as it appears. I know where he’s hiding, but you won’t be able to draw him out.”

That was news to me. “Why not?” I said, only to see him answer in the various futures. Before he even spoke, I knew why he saw the fight against Caesar so impossible.