Chapter 4: A Waiting Game

Melianna's heart pounded with a mixture of excitement and nervousness as she stood before the grand entrance of the Imperial War Academy. The sun cast a warm glow on the ancient stone structure, and the Legion’s emblem—a majestic eagle with outstretched wings—gleamed proudly above the entrance.

Accompanied by the Roman Patrol, she was dropped off under the watchful eye of an instructor, who greeted her with a silent stern yet welcoming demeanor. His presence demanded respect, and Melianna could sense the weight of responsibility he carried as the one tasked with evaluating the new recruits.

As she stepped closer to the Academy, the air seemed to hum with anticipation, filled with the sounds of soldiers marching and the distant clashing of weapons. It was a reminder of the rigorous training and discipline that awaited her within these walls.

"Here we are, recruit. Welcome to the Imperial War Academy," the Roman Patrol said with a smile, their armor glinting in the sunlight.

"Thank you so much! I can't believe I'm finally here!" Melianna replied, her voice trembling with excitement.

Instructor Quintus approached them, his strides purposeful and confident. "Welcome, Recruit. I am Instructor Quintus, and your future in the army will depend on my evaluation. May I assume you travelled well and that you are ready for training?"

"Yes, Instructor. I'm ready to learn and prove myself," Melianna answered, doing her best to match his sternness with determination.

The instructor's gaze, sharp and perceptive, seemed to size her up. Melianna straightened her posture, hoping to make a good impression. Quintus was known for being demanding but fair, and she was determined to earn his respect.

★☆★

Instructor Quintus, a middle-aged man with graying temples, made an imposing figure. His tall stature and disciplined posture conveyed a sense of authority, while the intensity in his eyes revealed a passion for training the next generation of soldiers. Melianna couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and trepidation as he welcomed her to the Academy.

"You have chosen a path of discipline and dedication. I expect nothing less than excellence from all of you," Instructor Quintus said sternly, his voice commanding attention.

"Thank you, Instructor. I promise to give my all," Melianna replied respectfully, determined to meet his expectations.

The corners of Quintus's lips curved slightly, and Melianna took that as a sign that he acknowledged her commitment. She was eager to prove herself, not just to him but also to herself.

★☆★

As Instructor Quintus led Melianna on a tour of the Barracks, the magnitude of the academy's history became more evident. The walls echoed with tales of valor and sacrifice, a constant reminder of the legacy they were about to become a part of.

"The magic screening will evaluate your magical abilities, determining your roles within the Roman Legion. It is of utmost importance," Instructor Quintus explained, his voice resonating in the spacious Barracks.

"I'll do my best to showcase my abilities, Instructor," Melianna said determinedly, feeling a surge of determination within her.

She could feel her heart racing at the thought of the impending magic screening. It was the defining moment that would determine her path in the army, and she refused to let herself falter.

★☆★

The Barracks were vast, with rows upon rows of neatly arranged bunk beds. Melianna couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves as she saw the empty bed that would soon become her own.

"Your bed will be right there, Melianna. Get yourself settled," Instructor Quintus pointed, his tone firm but not unkind.

"Thank you, Instructor," Melianna said gratefully, trying to hide her nervousness as she set her belongings on the bed.

As she arranged her belongings, she couldn't help but wonder about the other recruits who would become her comrades. The thought of forming bonds with them and working together as a team filled her with anticipation.

★☆★

As the days passed, Melianna took the initiative to introduce herself to her fellow recruits. She believed that building camaraderie and trust among them would be crucial during the screening process.

"Hi, I'm Melianna. I come from a small town from Armorica. What about you?" she said in a friendly tone, extending her hand to the nearest recruit.

"I'm Antonius! I'm from the heart of Rome itself!" Antonius replied enthusiastically, shaking her hand with a firm grip.

"I'm Livia. I'm from a small coastal town near Ostia," Livia said shyly, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her uniform.

Each recruit had their unique backgrounds and dreams, but they all shared the same goal: to become a part of the prestigious Roman Legion.

★☆★

As the recruits shared stories and experiences, Melianna found herself building camaraderie with them. There was an unspoken understanding that they were in this together, and supporting one another was key to their success.

"I hope my Biological Manipulation skills are good enough for the screening," Livia said nervously, her concern evident in her voice.

"I'm sure you'll do great, Livia. We're all here to support each other," Melianna encouraged, offering a reassuring smile.

"If we're going to be a century, we should come up with a cool team name!" Antonius suggested playfully, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

"That sounds like a great idea. Let's brainstorm later!" Melianna laughed, feeling a sense of excitement building among them.

There was a newfound sense of unity and camaraderie among the recruits as they began to envision their potential as a powerful century.

★☆★

A few days later, Melianna attended a briefing conducted by Instructor Quintus. He gathered all the recruits in the main courtyard, where statues of renowned commanders stood tall, symbolizing the academy's legacy.

"Welcome to the magic screening briefing. This will be a true test of your abilities," Instructor Quintus addressed the recruits, his voice resonating with authority.

The courtyard seemed to come alive with the anticipation of the upcoming screening. Melianna could feel the weight of the moment, knowing that their future in the army depended on their performance.

"What if we don't pass? Will we be sent home?" one of the recruits asked anxiously, voicing the concern that had been on everyone's mind.

"The screening is meant to help us understand your potential. Both your failures and successes should shape your future within the army. So I dare hope none of you would embarrass the army and your families so much that you are declared unfit to serve," Instructor Quintus warned them, his tone firm but measured.

His words were a stark reminder that the road ahead would be challenging, and the academy had high expectations from its recruits.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

★☆★

Quintus emphasized that the prospective recruits would form a temporary century during the screening, a cohesive unit of approximately 80 soldiers. This temporary century would determine their collective success and failure in the upcoming screening.

"So our success depends on how well we work together as a team," Melianna mused, her mind already envisioning the dynamics of their temporary century.

The concept of the century resonated with Melianna. It wasn't just about individual skills; their ability to collaborate and synchronize their talents would be the key to their triumph.

★☆★

Despite their enthusiasm, Quintus explained that they must wait for enough recruits with compatible magical talents to join before they could form their temporary century and proceed with the screening.

"I hope they come soon! I can't wait to meet the rest of our century," one of the recruits expressed excitement, eager to embark on this journey together.

"They'll be here before we know it," Melianna said optimistically, her heart brimming with hope.

There was a shared sense of anticipation among the recruits, and as they waited, they continued to train and prepare for the challenges that awaited them.

★☆★

The bustling streets of Rome overwhelmed Melianna with grandeur and constant activity. The city's magnificent architecture stood as a testament to the greatness of the ancient empire.

Melianna navigated through the busy thoroughfares with purpose, her heart set on finding her brother Deniel's workshop. Memories of their childhood adventures flooded her mind, filling her with a sense of nostalgia and determination.

"Rome is truly magnificent. So much history and life everywhere," Melianna mused in awe, taking in the sights around her.

The city seemed to pulse with life, and Melianna couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging, as if she were a part of something grander than herself.

★☆★

As Melianna walked through the vibrant streets, she couldn't shake the memories of her childhood with Deniel. They had been inseparable back then, exploring every corner of their small town outside Rome. Melianna cherished those memories, and the thought of reuniting with her brother after all these years brought a mix of emotions.

Guided by memories of their childhood adventures, Melianna remained resolute in her search for Deniel's workshop. She asked for directions from friendly locals, their warm greetings easing her nerves.

"I'm not giving up until I find Deniel's workshop," she reaffirmed her determination, her steps more determined than ever.

The winding streets led her through bustling markets, where merchants called out their wares and colors filled the air. Despite the distractions, she remained focused on her mission.

★☆★

As Melianna followed the directions, she found herself in a quieter corner of Rome, where the sound of busy markets gradually gave way to a sense of tranquility. The streets were lined with charming artisan shops and quaint cafes, and the atmosphere seemed to be infused with creativity.

"Welcome to Rome, dear. Enjoy your time here," a local greeted her with a warm smile as she passed by.

"Thank you! Everyone is so kind," Melianna said gratefully, touched by the genuine warmth of the locals.

She felt a sense of gratitude for their hospitality, as if the people of Rome were welcoming her into their home.

★☆★

Following the directions diligently, Melianna finally located Deniel's workshop. The familiar sight brought a mix of emotions, and she braced herself for the long-awaited reunion.

"This is it!" she recognized the place, her heart fluttering with both excitement and apprehension.

The workshop's facade had not changed much since her last visit, and memories of her brother working tirelessly on his sculptures flooded her mind. She remembered the way he would become lost in his art, as if the chisel was an extension of his very soul.

With a deep breath, Melianna pushed open the door and stepped inside, her heart pounding in her chest.

★☆★

Inside the workshop, the air was thick with the smell of marble and dust. The sound of chiseling echoed in the room as Deniel, a young man in his twenties, worked on a half-finished sculpture. His face was etched with concentration, and his hands moved skillfully, bringing life to the stone.

Their eyes met, and a mixture of joy and tension filled the air as the siblings stood face to face after years apart.

"Melianna? Is that you?" Deniel said, surprise evident in his voice as he put down his tools.

"It's been so long," Melianna said, her voice filled with emotion as she rushed forward to embrace him.

Deniel's embrace was warm, and Melianna felt a sense of comfort wash over her. In that moment, the years of separation seemed to melt away, and she was transported back to their carefree days as children.

"I can't believe you found me," Deniel said, a genuine smile lighting up his face.

Melianna held back tears, not wanting to dampen the moment. She had been searching for her brother for so long, and now that they were finally reunited, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with relief and happiness.

★☆★

As they reunited, an awkward and tense atmosphere lingered between Melianna and Deniel. Unspoken emotions and unresolved issues hung in the air, making it difficult to find common ground.

"Why didn't you tell mother where you lived?" Melianna asked, her voice tinged with hurt and curiosity.

Deniel looked away, his hesitation evident. "I wanted to protect you from my troubles. I didn't want you to worry."

The answer brought a mix of frustration and understanding to Melianna. She knew her brother had always been fiercely protective, but keeping his whereabouts a secret had left her feeling abandoned.

★☆★

Seeking to break the tension, Melianna tried to engage Deniel in conversation. She asked about his life in Rome and expressed her excitement about being at the academy. However, Deniel's guarded responses revealed that something was amiss.

"It's so exciting to be at the academy. You won't believe the things I've seen!" Melianna tried to be cheerful, hoping to lighten the mood.

"I'm glad you're happy, Melianna," Deniel replied, his guard still up.

The weight of their unspoken emotions hung heavily in the air as they struggled to bridge the gap that had grown between them over the years. Little did they know that their paths were about to intertwine in a way they could never have imagined.

★☆★

Determined to understand Deniel's situation, Melianna decided to pay a one-time visit to the shady local district tavern to gather information. As she stepped inside, the dimly lit interior was filled with the smell of ale and the sound of hushed conversations.

Her eyes scanned the room, looking for any hint or clue that could lead her to unravel the mystery surrounding her brother. She spotted a group of patrons speaking in low tones, their eyes darting around nervously as they exchanged stories.

Carefully positioning herself at the bar, Melianna strained her ears to listen to the whispers that floated across the room.

"There have been some strange things happening lately," one patron said.

"I heard there were robberies and violence in the streets," another whispered back.

Melianna's heart raced as she caught wind of a mysterious criminal organization behind the chaos that plagued the city. The tavern's patrons seemed wary, sharing hushed stories about the criminal organization's sinister activities.

Listening attentively, Melianna picked up on fragments of conversations that mentioned a dangerous criminal organization operating in the shadows. The organization seemed to have its fingers in various illegal activities, and rumors of their ruthless tactics spread fear among the locals.

"I need to find out more about this organization," Melianna thought, her concern for Deniel growing deeper.

★☆★

The next day, Melianna confronted Deniel about her concerns.

She found him in his workshop, chiseling away at a marble sculpture.

"Deniel, there's something going on, isn't there?" Melianna asked with a worried expression.

Deniel looked up, his eyes betraying a mix of emotions. "It's not safe for me to talk about it, Melianna. You should stay away."

Unable to bear the weight of secrets any longer, Deniel finally opened up to his sister. He admitted to the challenges he was facing as a Sculptor serving the senate, the pressure from a criminal organization demanding illegal statues, and the threats they made against their family.

"I'm being pressured by a criminal organization. They want me to create illegal statues for them," Deniel admitted, his voice trembling with fear.

"Illegal statues? Why?" Melianna asked, shocked by the revelation.

Deniel recounted the sinister demands of the criminal organization, explaining that they threatened harm to their family if he didn't comply. His eyes were filled with fear, and Melianna's heart broke for her brother.

"We won't let them hurt us, Deniel. I promise," Melianna said with determination, her heart swelling with love and protectiveness for her brother.

With her heart heavy, Melianna embraced her brother, vowing to do whatever it takes to protect him and their family from the clutches of the criminal organization.

"We'll face this together. I won't let anything happen to you or our family," Melianna said tearfully, holding her brother close.

Deniel's gratitude was evident as he looked into his sister's eyes. "Thank you, Melianna. I'm so glad you're here."

In that moment, they knew that the challenges ahead would be daunting, but their bond as siblings would be their strength. United, they would protect each other against all odds.

★☆★

As the days passed, Melianna and Deniel found solace in each other's company. They spent hours talking about their childhood memories, laughing and reminiscing about their adventures together. With each passing day, the awkwardness between them faded, replaced by a deep sense of understanding and support.

In the evenings, they would take long walks through the picturesque streets of Rome, their steps guided by the city's ancient history. Melianna would share stories of her training at the academy, the challenges she faced, and the camaraderie she was building with her fellow recruits.

Deniel, in turn, would open up about the intricacies of his work as a Sculptor for the senate and the pressure he faced from the criminal organization. He confided in Melianna, revealing his fears and vulnerabilities, knowing that she would always be there for him.

As they strolled through the Roman Forum, the heart of the city's political and social life, Melianna couldn't help but feel a deep sense of pride and responsibility. Her destiny was intertwined with that of the great Roman Empire, and she was determined to uphold its honor and protect her loved ones from harm.

The days turned into weeks, and Melianna's time with Deniel became precious to her. They had grown closer than ever, bound not only by blood but also by a shared determination to face the challenges that lay ahead.