Chapter 152 - 111 The First Fallen Rebel Army_2
Publilius sat inside the military tent at the rebel army camp. Outside, the cries of elderly men, screams of women, and sobs of children echoed without pause. He seemed deaf to it all, engrossed in fiddling with a severed head handed to him by his subordinate. Finally, he spoke: "I’ve heard that this Cross had an impressive win rate in Capua’s gladiatorial arena. Any gladiator who faced him was either killed or gravely injured. Spectators called him the Gaul Evil Wolf. Judging by his ferocious features, it’s quite fitting."
"No matter how fierce the brute, before you, my lord, they are mere clay chickens and mangy dogs," his subordinate flattered quickly.
"No, this Cross cannot be underestimated. Even with such poor equipment, they managed to inflict thousands of casualties on us. If I hadn’t prepared thoroughly in advance, this battle might’ve ended quite differently..."
Publilius spoke solemnly to his subordinate, "Take this severed head and immediately return to Rome. Announce this victory to the people, but when reporting to the Senate, be truthful about the grueling nature of this battle. Let them understand these rebels are not so easily vanquished. That way, our triumph will appear all the more hard-earned."
"Understood."
Publilius turned to another subordinate. "If even this Cross was so troublesome, defeating Spartacus’ rebel army, who are stronger and more numerous, will surely be an even greater challenge! Head north immediately, find Crodianus, and remind him not to engage this band of rebels alone. Hold the camp firmly until I arrive with reinforcements. Then we’ll crush them together."
"Yes, sir!"
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The rebel army’s main forces traversed Apulia, entering Fluentani territory—a shift from flat plains into hilly terrain that significantly increased the difficulty of their march.