"I would require that you deliver my message in person, Arenius." Gaius impassively stated. "It would set my heart at ease, knowing that it would be in your safekeeping."
At those words, Alexios' countenance wrinkled faintly with hesitance.
To deliver such a treasonous message himself would indirectly send a message that he was complicit in the plot, and given that he didn't know where his legate stood on the matter—it was risky.
This was because his anonymity and cause for deniability of his involvement in the plot to sequester from the Empire would be shattered.
Alexios felt it was too early.
On the other hand, his sending the letter himself was a form of power play, signaling to the legate that his very cohorts were already on Gaius' side. He would feel surrounded, become cautious, and at the very least pressured.
All the while Alexios' brain churned over this, Gauis merely watched him with a knowing smile.
"Worry not, Arenius." He cooed softly in his slithery, deep voice. "I would not send you into a battle I knew you could not win."
However, Alexios remained reluctant.
Seeing this, Gauis looked away toward the chest on his right, walked over and opened it.
Alexios's tense expression was completely shattered at what he saw.
Gold! Beautiful weapons, masks, and jewelry made of gold, silver, and other beautiful metals he couldn't yet identify—all adorned with the purest of gemstones.
They caught the light coming in through the window, bathing Alexios in a surreal warm glow.
Alexios was awed.
"A taste of the riches of Elysium." Gauis drawled, glancing at him. "That is the name given to my province beyond the gate. A sprawling land of splendor and a resilient, verdant vigor. A land where I shall create a new kingdom."
Seeing Alexios' mesmerized expression with his mouth slightly hanging ajar. He glanced at the chest and swiftly kicked it closed, allowing Alexios to better focus on his words.
Alexios' mouth shut and Gauis continued.
"I have had a few prior conversations with your Legate, Marcus. He is sympathetic to my views... With this gift, he would not only be content—but will assist me fully in pulling to my faction the few other legions in this region not already on my side."
Gaius walked about with a pondering expression.
"At this moment, the families of legates and officials in my faction are being transferred to Elysium along with their possessions. They are being offered the best of lands and resources.
"For secrecy's sake, I have expended no small amount of funds into this plot, but it bears fruit. As things stand, it would take at most two years for my new kingdom to be established, far less if exploration, conquest, and colony constructions are carried out swiftly... By the time Emperor Trajan notices my plan. It would be too late."
"Hm." Alexios groaned in acknowledgment, still looking at the chest.
Gaius approached and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Do not be envious of these frivolities, Arenius. We are the oldest of friends, and our families are close. When I have established the kingdom of Elysium, our families shall be united and we shall rule it together, free from Rome's iron grip."
With that, he turned and walked toward the other chest: a black chest.
"You have an eye for detecting talents, Arenius. A special trait reinforced by your age and experience. I have an esteemed position in mind for you at Elysium. But first, I would require your experience in forest warfare. A proven prowess for which I know for certain few Praefects or even Legates under Rome can match."
He gazed at the black chest, and his brows furrowed.
"Elysium is a jungle filled with all sorts of—creatures. I am afraid to confess that taming that land has, and will not be easy without your help."
He slowly raised the chest cover with his sandal, and immediately a dark, putrid gas gushed out.
Alexios gasped and stepped back, covering his nose with an alarmed frown.
"By the gods! What is this!" He exclaimed. However, Gaius remained silent, grimly staring into the chest.
When the gas cleared, a monster was revealed. Its meter length form became visible upon the straw it lay upon, motionless. Its dark skin glistening with strange silvery patterns, slowly melted as a stream of dark gas effused off its form.
It had a humanoid shape, a large round head, two blood-red eyes, and an open mouth filled with rows of serrated, sharp teeth. Its legs were muscular, and its arms were long and thin, at the ends of which were metallic, bladed claws in place of fingers.
It was a malignant being clearly designed by whatever devil for one purpose: to kill.
Alexios gulped, eyes trembling as they dilated, transfixed on the creature.
"Legio I Adiutrix has explored the deepest. This was what they sent back. They call them malum daemonium, and they release a foul odor upon death."
Gaius explained, kicking the chest closed and turning to Alexios.
"Exposed to the air, they will gradually evaporate, leaving fragile, red bones behind.
Alexios pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes in disbelief.
"What is the world turning to?" He softly muttered to himself.
Gaius let out a heavy sigh and went on.
"However, I do not think your cohort will be facing this particular creature. The creatures seem to vary vastly by region."
Alexios looked up at him with hope. But Gaius ruthlessly dashed it.
"I would have you open a new front for exploration. Your cohort will lead Legio XIV Gemina Martia Victrix eastward, the creatures and terrain you may encounter will be utterly novel. But I trust in your capabilities, friend."
Gaius ended with a smile, but Alexios couldn't help but frown, grimly gazing away in thought. However, Gauis nodded in understanding, knowing what bothered Alexios without asking.
"I assure you Arenius, you will have aid toward this goal. I have sent your turma to escort them over."
Gaius assured him before wisely moving to another topic.
"As for my final request, Arenius... Maximus, Legate of Legio IV Flavia Felix, guarding the largest colony at Elysium has proven himself staunchly loyal to Trajan. But I would have you try to convince him of the potential consequences of this in due time. So prepare yourself."
Alexios closed his eyes—exhausted and weighed down by the new information and tasks assigned to him.
However, he nodded in resignation.
"Yes, Governor."