SWNOVELXO Chapter 26: Shadows and Fractures
The chill of dawn crested over Rome, but Leo's brain was anything but lucid. The night still had its revelations to unload upon him. Cassius's plotting wasn't a surprise but the fractured resolve in Brutus was a crack in the armor of the conspirators—the very crack Leo aimed to drive into.
But, as he thought, it was interrupted by a light that glowed faintly on his vision.
System Notification:
Quest Update: The Fractured Blade
New Objective: Make Brutus to promise his loyalty before Cassius seals it.
Bonus Objective: Uncover the secret faction that works in the background.
"Secret faction?" Leo said in a whisper, his brows furrowing. He hadn't expected yet another layer of the already tangled web of politics and power in Rome.
He could hardly think more when there was a sharp knock on the door of his quarters. Antony came in without waiting for permission, his face grave.
"Cassius is making his move," Antony declared. "He's summoned a secret convening of his intimates for tonight."
Leo frowned. "Another one? What's he planning now?"
Antony folded his arms, his eyes narrowing. "That's what we need to find out. But there's something else- something troubling."
"What is it?" Leo asked, feeling the change in Antony's tone.
"Word is spreading that a foreigner—a man with strange ways and words—has been seen around the Senate grounds. They're talking about you, Leo."
Leo's stomach dropped. "Me? What are they saying?"
Antony's gaze sharpened. "That you've been seen speaking with Caesar and me in hushed tones, that you've taken an unusual interest in Brutus and Cassius. They're starting to ask questions."
Leo blew out hard, raking a hand through his hair. "Perfect. Just what I needed—more attention."
"It only gets worse," Antony continued. "There's a rumor going around that someone—likely Cassius—has sent a spy to follow your movements. If they suspect you're doing something to undermine their plans, they'll hit before you ever get the chance to respond."
System Alert:
New Side Quest: Eyes in the Shadows
Identify the spy stalking you and neutralize the threat.
Leo muttered under his breath. "Just getting better and better."
Antony forced a smile into his face. "Welcome to Rome. Now, what next?"
Leo thought for a bit. "I'll try to get to Brutus. If I can plant enough doubt in his mind, maybe he'll pull away from Cassius altogether.
Antony nodded. "And I'll work on figuring out who this spy is. If we can manage to deal with them quietly, it'll give you some breathing room."
Leo hesitated. "Be careful, Antony. If Cassius suspects you are onto him, he will not hesitate to strike.
Antony grinned, but there was a dangerous edge to it. "Let him try."
Later that afternoon, Leo found Brutus alone in the Senate gardens. His countenance was as stormy as the gray sky above. It was a good time to catch him off guard, out of the way of other people's eyes.
"Brutus," Leo called out, his voice steady and calm.
Brutus turned, his expression guarded but slightly softened. "Ah, Leo. What do you want?"
Leo smiled disarmingly. "I wanted to speak to you. Something has been nagging at me.".
Brutus gestured for him to sit on the stone bench beside him. "Go on, then. What troubles you?"
Leo hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "I can't help but notice the tension in the Senate lately. It feels as though factions are forming, alliances shifting."
Brutus's jaw tightened. "Politics has always been a game of factions, Leo. You'll learn that soon enough."
But this feels different," Leo said. "This isn't about politics-it's about power. Cassius is pushing hard, isn't he?"
Brutus's eyes flickered with unease. "Cassius is passionate about the Republic. He believes Caesar's growing influence threatens its foundations."
"And what do you believe?" Leo asked, his gaze steady.
Silence. His hands were clasped together and his lips tightly pursed. "I believe in Rome," he said finally. "In its people, its traditions. But I fear we've lost our way."
Leo leaned forward. "Brutus, I understand your loyalty to Rome. But ask yourself this: Is it loyalty that drives Cassius, or ambition?"
Brutus flinched. Leo thought the words should have cut deeper.
Before Brutus could utter a single word, the rustling of leaves caught their attention. Both men turned to see a shadow retreating through the garden.
System Notification:
Perception Check Passed: Spy Detected
Leo's heart was racing. "Wait here," he whispered to Brutus, before taking off into the shadows.
The figure moved quickly, but Leo's increased stats in dexterity gave him the edge. He closed the distance, grabbing the spy by the arm and spinning them around.
It was a woman, young, with most of her face hidden under a hood. Her eyes went wide in shock as Leo pinned her to a tree.
"Who sent you?" he asked low and firm.
The woman smirked, which only made her confidence seem higher. "You think I'd tell you? Cassius has plans far beyond your imagination, stranger. And soon you'll just be another name in the annals of history.
Leo's hold on the door tightened. "Cassius isn't the only one with a plan. Tell him that."
The woman's sneer fell, but before Leo could say anything more, she drew a dagger from her sleeve and swiped at his arm. He jumped back, and she melted away into the shadows.
Leo muttered under his breath as he clutched his arm. Blood was seeping through his sleeve.
System Notice:
Side Quest: Eyes in the Shadows Completed
Spy escaped. Cassius now knows you're watching him.
When Leo returned to Brutus, the man's expression was grim.
"You were followed," Brutus said.
"Not just me," Leo replied, sitting back down. "Cassius is watching all of us."
Brutus stared at the ground, his face pale. "This has gone too far. If Cassius is willing to stoop to such measures, perhaps I've been blind to his true intentions."
Leo placed a hand on Brutus's shoulder. "It is not too late to do the right thing. Trust your instincts, Brutus. Trust what you know in your heart."
Brutus looked at Leo, his gaze uncertain but resolute. "Perhaps you are right. Perhaps Rome's salvation will be found in a different route.".
As Leo turned away, he felt the game had just shifted once again. Cassius was on to him, but Brutus was beginning to flinch. The pieces were in motion, and soon the board would be set for the final act.