At present, Rome is surrounded by enemies on three sides.
Along the northern frontier stands the Hun Empire. To the south, Rome must remain wary of harassment from Carthage and Egypt. And to the east lies the most serious threat of all: the Persian Empire.
Among the six Roman emperors, the most capable, Caesar, had been dispatched to Greece to seek aid. Of the five remaining, Nero was a newcomer with no real foundation and could only serve as a symbol. Of the other four, one was dead and three were wounded.
In short, the situation was far from optimistic.
After a moment of thought, the Ancient Serpent began issuing orders decisively, step by step.
"First, have the Pantheon send out priest detachments of one hundred from each temple to escort the three emperors to their respective provinces as quickly as possible to take charge of their defensive positions."
Sending away the three Roman emperors who remained in the capital was meant to prevent interference and ensure that the central authority of Rome stayed firmly in his own hands.
"Second, urgently draw troops from the two provinces closest to Rome and form a new legion. Among the legion commanders, Mark Antony has experience fighting nomadic cavalry. Before Emperor Caesar left for Greece, he also recommended this man to the Divine Ancestor. Let him lead a legion to the weaker points of the northern frontier and coordinate the defense against the Hun wolf cavalry, preventing them from breaking through into the Roman heartland.
"As for the Sixth Province, now vacant because Caesar is abroad, let his nephew Octavian, who serves in the army, temporarily act as governor. He will command the Sixth Legion and coordinate with the neighboring Fifth Legion to guard against Carthage and Egypt. Inform them that Egypt may not launch a full offensive. They must stay alert to probing attacks and prevent the enemy from learning our true strength. If they can hold the line until the other two fronts are decided, that alone will count as victory."
Drawing on his knowledge of Rome's capable military commanders, Samael made targeted assignments so that each person would be used to their full potential.
"Third, Boudica…"
At this point, the Ancient Serpent closed his eyes briefly in thought, then suddenly opened them. With a wave of his hand he erected a Barrier, then looked toward the Celtic Queen of Victory with a deep, distant gaze.
"Rome now stands amid storm and turmoil. At any moment it may collapse. You may choose to stay and take your chance on rebuilding Britannia here. Or you may lead your people and withdraw.
"Speak. Whatever you choose, I will arrange it properly. That is the privilege I offer you as a friend."
Without hesitation, Boudica drew the Nameless Sword of Victory and held it upright before her, answering solemnly.
"The lives of many of my people and my own were given by you. By this sword I swear that I and the Celtic people will fight for you!"
For me? Not for Rome?
So even you have little faith in the future of this crumbling empire.
But it doesn't matter. Since you have chosen to trust me, then I will be the one to turn this dead game around.
It was so in the past. It is so now. And it will remain so in the future.
The Ancient Serpent weighed the meaning behind her words and nodded with satisfaction. The tension in his brow gradually eased as he sat back down at the desk, tapping the tabletop rhythmically with his fingers while speaking in a steady voice.
"There are two things I need you to do."
"First, return to Britannia immediately and keep close watch on the movements of the Golden Horde royal court. If more than thirty thousand troops gather, summon the Celtic tribes at once. Tell them the Hun cavalry are coming to raid people and grain, to burn and slaughter."
"Unite as much of Britannia's strength as possible and coordinate with the Seventh and Eighth Legions to defend the frontier fortresses."
"The Celts do not need to confront the Hun wolf cavalry head-on. Use your familiarity with Britannia's terrain. Secretly burn their pastures, cut off their grain transport, or poison their water sources. Use the landscape to resist them step by step."
"In short, do whatever it takes to buy time. Wear down the Hun wolf cavalry's will to attack and prevent them from concentrating their strength to assault the cities."
"Any Celt who dies in this campaign will be posthumously granted Roman citizenship. The Roman Empire will provide compensation, and after the war His Majesty Nero will immediately honor the promises written in the treaty."
Nero, sensing the seriousness of the moment, set aside her usual playful attitude. Once Samael finished speaking, she nodded obediently and patted her chest in assurance.
"That's right. I guarantee it. Whatever I promise you will absolutely be fulfilled!"
Nero puffed out her chest and made the assurance with great confidence.
Boudica stepped forward and listened carefully, her gaze soft yet firm. She nodded with solemn seriousness.
Now Nero, whom she had once looked after, had become the nominal ruler of the Roman Empire.
For Britannia, this was also an opportunity to rise.
Since this was a high-stakes gamble that would determine the future of the Celtic people, it was only natural for her to secure the corresponding benefits for her tribe.
Samael paused, tapping the desk rhythmically with his fingers. His sliding fingertip traced across the map until it stopped at an island lying beyond Britannia.
"Second, before the Hun wolf cavalry gather in large numbers and begin their siege, you must go to this place as quickly as possible as a precaution."
"This is… Ireland?"
"Yes. Once you reach the destination, go to this region and use this to open the gate to the Land of Shadows."
While speaking, the Ancient Serpent tossed out a jet-black scale engraved with special Rune symbols. Boudica instinctively caught it, then suddenly realized something.
"The Land of Shadows… the legendary realm that receives the dead and wandering souls?"
"Exactly. Once inside, go directly to the queen and request her aid. If necessary, have her step in and restrain the Hunnic King Altera."
"The Queen of the Land of Shadows? I…"
"Relax. As long as you show her what you're holding, she will understand everything and will not refuse your request."
Samael answered with certainty, though he stopped there and did not elaborate further.
At present, the guardian of the Land of Shadows was his wife, Skadi, the Goddess of Winter. Having the Celtic Queen of Victory personally seek help from the "Queen of the Land of Shadows," who appeared under the guise of a Celtic deity, meant that even if Odin learned of it afterward, he would have little ground to object.
Boudica met his gaze and seemed to understand something. She carefully stored the scale and nodded slowly.
Good. The northern and southern fronts are basically handled.
On the northern front, forces from four provinces are gathering, and with Skadi acting to restrain the Hunnic King Altera, the situation should remain manageable.
On the southern front, the strategy is defense rather than offense. Scipio and Octavian are both formidable figures. One defeated Hannibal, the other conquered Egypt. And if Ramesses II intends to march north, he still needs to coordinate his move with Hannibal first. For the time being, two legions will suffice.
That leaves the final problem.
Samael lowered his gaze and looked quietly toward the east.
At that moment, Boudica stepped closer to the sand table and looked at her old friend with worry.
"The Persian Empire is the most difficult problem. How do you plan to deal with it?"
According to the latest intelligence from the Pantheon, the Persian Empire was expected to reinforce its forces by another one hundred thousand troops. It clearly looked like preparations for a major offensive.
The enemy possessed vast territory and abundant reserves. If war broke out and turned into a prolonged struggle, Rome, forced to fight on three fronts, would be the first to collapse.
And the Persian Empire had already committed both the Immortal Army and the Meteor Legion. These were elite forces. Unless they were facing organized Divine Blood warriors, ordinary Roman legions alone would find it nearly impossible to resist them.
Samael remained silent for a moment. Then his eyes sharpened as he spoke slowly.
"I will personally lead an expeditionary force. Once we crush this bone, the northern and southern crises will resolve themselves."