Chapter 62: Empress Nero

In the year 1457 of the Millennium, the Year of Purge, under the thirteenth year of Empress Nero's reign, at the Roman Colosseum.

Once a place where members of the Senate were thrown to battle the kinfolks left behind by the dark wizards, it was now the largest arena in the capital of Rome.

Thousands upon thousands of craftsmen worked day and night to construct this magnificent edifice. Since its completion, it had been meticulously maintained each year. It is said that the original architectural design was overseen by the renowned Roman architects, Chevroth and Scherer, who used enough timber to fill an entire mountain.

The colonnades and walls of the arena were adorned with precious decorations such as copper, amber, and ivory. Chilled water flowed through the venue via subterranean aqueducts under the spectator seats, engineered to sustain a pleasant artificial environment. Bronze containers, brimming with aromatic spices, were strategically positioned between the seating rows to soothe the mood. Additionally, a mechanism was installed to spray petals and mist over the crowd, enliven the atmosphere. 

It was the opening day of the arena, and crowds of people had gathered at the gates before dawn. They listened with delight to the roars of the Deep Ones—affectionately referred to as giant fish-men—or the screeches of the Night-gaunt with broken wings. There were even announcements that today, the ancient Gugs will make an appearance. These creatures, subjected to the manipulations of imperial mages, stripped of all intelligence and left with only animal instincts. Thus, stimulated by bloody meat, they emitted thunderous roars that entertain the masses.

 

The people sat in the arena, enjoying the rare coolness of summer, and began to whisper among themselves:

How many crooks are gonna get tossed into the pit today to be torn up by the beasts? But if there's too many, won't those big-name monsters get all tuckered out or stuff themselves sick?

Others responded: If they chuck in a whole bunch of post-war slaves or crooks all at once, and let out too many monsters, it could all be over in a flash—just a few minutes—and that's not really the thrill we're after.

When Rick, one of the most famous Deep Ones, entered the arena, the crowd became ecstatic. They chattered endlessly about the arena, debating whether Rick or the ancient Gug Levado was more adept at devouring humans. Some even placed bets, drawing more people into gambling. Amidst laughter and curses, they anticipated and argued whether a brave gladiator would appear today to survive the jaws of Rick or Levado. Some praised the barbaric strength of the Barghast, others the might of the sub-giant slaves, and still others the prowess of the Ginabari slaves, even hoping for the indigenous gladiators of Gacoti.

As the official opening approached, squads of gladiators, led by their trainers, marched to the inner edge of the arena. Some wielded heavy nets, others spears, and some swords or halberds. To conserved their energy for the deadly combat, the trainers had the gladiators entered the arena naked, except for simple loincloths and garlands on their heads. They paraded once around the sunlit stands, baring their battle-ready physiques to the onlookers. 

Bathed in the radiant morning sun, their oiled bodies shimmered with a sheen, their muscular forms as solid as stone, effortlessly captivating the hearts of young maidens. Among the spectators, noblewomen and connoisseurs of such robust builds cheered enthusiastically, rallying behind renowned gladiators.

"Yay! Lasmitis!" 

"Well done, Nielius!"

At the same time, you could hear shouts like:

"Rick, eat those slaves today!"

"Levado, tear those fools apart with your four arms!"

Unlike the gladiators who waved and even blew kisses to the noblewomen, the Deep Ones and the ancient Gugs only roared wildly at the audience—a sound that only excited the spectators further.

You could see the ancient Gug Levado, its skin withered and yellow, with two large feet over a meter long, each bearing four sharp black talons like the curved blades of a Moranth. Its massive arms, covered in black fur, split into two at the ends, each hand resembling its clawed feet. Its two bloodshot eyes, glowing pink, were a marvel; its barrel-sized deformed head, a grotesque beauty; its vertically-oriented mouth, splitting from the top of its head to the chin, filled with large yellow fangs, was terrifying, making one anticipate which unlucky souls would be crushed by these teeth today.

Each time it happily devoured the criminals and animals thrown into the arena, the crowd would erupt in cheers.

As the imperial mages delved deeper into the dark wizards' archives, the arena was graced with an array of fresh playthings. The escalation of war ensured a steady influx of captives and slaves to this arena. Consequently, the horse-drawn hearses bound for the morgue became a common sight, frequently burdened with coffins—a dignified send-off reserved for famous gladiators. Within the arena, one could discern the bustling activity of slaves attending to food and drink, guards enforcing discipline, medical officers assessing wounds and fatalities, and the vigilant imperial guards safeguarding the Empress.

Now, as the commoners took their seats, the Roman rulers, accompanied by their personal guards, arrived one by one. You could see regional governors, the capital's governor, the palace steward, the commander of the imperial guards, nobles, and ladies of high society, all taking their places. The opulent feathers and jewels, the white or variegated robes, the otherworldly weapons exuding ominous magic, and even the cages below containing the terrifying monsters, all these elements highlighted the splendor and terror of this Empire.

The arrival of the dignitaries was met with loud cheers and applause from the commoners, followed by the appearance of various squads of imperial guards, who took their positions around the audience seats. After a while, priests from various temples entered—the Five-Tusked Boar, the Spring Priest, and others. Not every temple had close ties with the Empire, but it was necessary to show some goodwill for mutual benefit.

When all personnel have entered, the Caesar—Empress Nero—appeared, surrounded by her guards, singers and choir.

Rose and lily petals began to fall from all around the arena, while the vessels of incense were lit, creating a dreamlike mist, and even the curtains above the arena seemed to curl. The audience looked around in amazement, cheering and shouting—for their Empress, who had left her imperial box to appear in the arena.

Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus.

She was seen wearing a deep red ceremonial gown, a golden crown on her head, and shiny golden boots on her feet, followed by a choir of singers, each with a harp. Nero herself held a silver harp, stepping solemnly into the center of the vast arena strewn with rose petals, bowing to the audience. After signaling the choir to begin, Nero gazed into the sky with her clear, pool-like green eyes, gently plucking the strings, and began to sing:

"The melodious music of heaven, you move people to weep, even if..."

Author's Note:

This chapter was inspired by Henryk Sienkiewicz's "Quo Vadis."

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