Rome Must Perish

At this moment, under Capito’s command, the drivers had already maneuvered the horse-drawn carts, ox carts, and donkey carts into the lower slopes of the planned campsite for the Supply Team. They were arranged in a massive circular formation, then unloaded the cattle and horses, fed them forage in the center of the wagon circle, and began to construct simple stables.

Meanwhile, another group of supply personnel began unloading various camping supplies from the carts: tents, ropes, iron rods, wooden frames, hoes... These items were then distributed to soldiers from various units who came to collect them.

Acronis, on the other hand, led the kitchen staff in unloading cooking utensils and ingredients from the carts. They built several simple stoves nearby, placed the large copper pots specially crafted by Pessianaxis for the kitchen use on them, poured in clean stream water collected earlier, added a handful of husked wheat, and lit the firewood collected by the soldiers to begin making porridge. Then, diced bits of smoked meat were added, and toward the end, some freshly washed wild vegetables and a pinch of salt were thrown in... At last, a pot of field porridge, deemed both convenient and nutritious for the marching troops by Maximus, was ready.

Each soldier could fill two pottery jars with wheat porridge, using dry bread they carried to dip and eat, making for a simple evening meal.

As the sun began to set, the once wild and overgrown slope transformed into a bustling campsite with trenches and earth walls at its perimeter, and countless tents within. The lively and noisy atmosphere gradually settled into silence, except for the largest military tent at the center of the camp where candlelight flickered.

"Leader, all the battalion soldiers have settled in for the night, and the personnel and supplies of the Supply Team have been properly arranged..." Military Officer Flanitnus reported on the situation within the newly established camp to Maximus.

After listening, Maximus asked, "How is the night watch arranged for the camp? Any signs of enemy activity?"

"Tonight’s watch falls to the Second Battalion. I specifically reminded Torrelugo and deployed a Centurion to guard the highest watchtower on the slope. If any enemies approach, they will have the high ground to detect them early and notify the entire army to defend in time..."

Quintus, pointing to a camp map drawn by Spukala placed on the wooden table, explained in detail, "During the construction of the camp, the defensive duties were carried out by the First, Second, and Third Battalions. They did notice a few Samnites scouting near the slope, but they retreated when confronted and did not display any hostility. Our scouts also observed that the gates of Aquum City in the distance ahead were shut tight, without any signs of troop deployments... From these observations, it seems Ramdolos was right— the Samnites have no intention of making us their enemies."