Rome Must Perish

"Yes, perhaps during this process, other city-states and kingdoms outside Italy may rise to rebel, but so what? They can’t possibly come to Italy to help us, and under the continuous attacks from Rome’s elite army, we may never see the day Rome falls!"

The military tent suddenly fell silent. It wasn’t because everyone was convinced by Maximus, but rather the mention of various contemptible methods Rome would employ left those who hadn’t yet experienced them feeling uneasy.

At this moment, a man in the corner of the tent shouted, "In any case, my brothers and I absolutely refuse to continue heading north, to those barbarian lands north of the Alps! If you insist on going, then we’ll detach from Free Italy and head south to fight desperately against the Romans!"

The speaker was the newly joined leader of the Marsi, Demolius. As soon as he finished his words, two other leaders who had recently joined from the Pisenum region also firmly declared their stance: "We feel the same way. We won’t go north either; otherwise, we’ll lead our troops to leave!"

The statements of the three leaders abruptly rendered the military tent unusually quiet. Some people’s faces displayed tension because it reminded them of the scene months ago when Cross detached from the troops.

Cleonis suddenly laughed. He looked at Maximus and sarcastically said, "Spartacus leader, we cannot continue listening to the advice of some foolish individuals. If we keep heading north, Free Italy will fall apart!"

"I suggested earlier that the troops should turn south and return to Great Greece, where trade flourishes and supplies are plentiful. Moreover, there are countless slaves and impoverished people urgently needing our help. Especially Sicily—decades ago, the people there instigated a massive revolt, almost capturing the entire island, though in the end, they were crushed by the Roman Army...

Since the Military Commander Conference has been unable to reach a final decision on this matter, I propose convening a soldiers’ assembly to let all the soldiers decide where we should go next!"

Maximus felt a tight pull in his heart.

Since the formation of the rebel army, the soldiers’ assembly had only convened a few times. With the rapid expansion of the troops, organizing such an assembly had become much more complex, and it hadn’t been held since they moved south earlier this year. However, it was originally established as the highest authority during the rebellion; once a decision was made by the assembly, it could not be overturned.

"I agree to convene a soldiers’ assembly and let all the soldiers collectively discuss the direction our troops should take!" Several leaders who had joined later vocally expressed their support. They understood well that the majority of the rebel troops now consisted of poor townsfolk from Italy. As long as there was a sliver of hope, these people would be unwilling to leave Italy easily.