Chapter 2178 - 1931: Shouldered by Me Alone
In this regard, it can be said that an empire matching another empire is simply unbeatable; the Dual Talent Super Elite of Parthia cancels out an Elite Talent from the opposing side, and then the Han Army’s Dual Talent immediately gains the upper hand with minimal losses, which is absolutely incredible.
After Sassanid Fars fiercely smashed the Thirteen Roses Legion, even snatching the Eagle Banner, in fact, the strength of the Roman Eastern Border County took a hit, losing a quarter of its power.
Simply put, with the current strength of the Roman Eastern Border County, it’s difficult even to defend, let alone defeat the Parthian Legion led by Fars. What’s more, in the north of the Mesopotamia, the war of Vologases V has also begun.
The Armenian Royalty, sharing the same bloodline with Vologases V, has always been unusually close to the Romans, which Vologases V absolutely cannot allow. Therefore, this time, Vologases V is personally leading an army to Armenia.
As a blood relative, he intends to help clear their minds, and if they are unwilling, he will have no choice but to resort to some violent means.
"Besiege the city!" Vologases V roared, ordering Atlatome. As expected, Armenia ultimately chose the Romans, and in such a case, only iron and fire could make the Armenians understand what was right.
However, this is not something of great importance; the choice was theirs. Although Armenia is a fine place, unfortunately sandwiched between Rome and Parthia, the existence of this country from the very beginning should have been nonexistent, akin to a rag between empires.
What happened in Armenia no longer holds any significance for Benito and Dirina, the scene of the Rose Corps’ inability to resist annihilation before their eyes made Benito’s eyes bloodshot and, at the same time, immeasurably terrified.
The sudden rise of the once weak Parthia struck him with a clear sense of fear, followed by deep shame for his previous recommendation of Gilea without insight.
These mixed feelings lay deep within Benito, making him extremely uncomfortable. If Gilea’s death brought him grief, the annihilation of the Thirteen Roses Legion almost determined the course of his remaining life, as, until this day, the Thirteen Roses Legion was nearly synonymous with the face of Rome.
Unlike the First, Second, and Third Legions guarding the North and the Council Guard, the Thirteen Roses Legion had always been on the forefront, with its formidable strength and unparalleled achievements, nearly a signature of Rome. And now, the Thirteen Roses Legion had lost everything it once had.
"We will all be judged by the Council." Dirina said with a face full of dread.
This is a fact. If the royal-born Gilea is unexpectedly killed in Western Asia, the Imperial Family might investigate their issues, ascertain the problem lies with Gilea, and let them off the hook.
However, the annihilation of the Thirteen Roses Legion might lead to the entire Roman Legion Commanders of the Eastern Border County facing punishment, with no opportunity for defense.
"His Majesty will come personally." Benito said with a cold expression. He was appointed by Severus after Ganasis left, so he understood better the turmoil that would ensue in Rome following the annihilation of the Thirteen Roses Legion.
"We are doomed!" Dirina said with a face full of dread.
Benito looked at the legion leaders below, each terrified, took a deep breath, and roared, "Do you still remember your noble birth? Do you remember the oath you took when receiving the legion banner?"
All the Roman legion leaders bowed their heads; no one dared to face Benito. Seeing this, Benito took a deep breath and said, "Everyone, look at me!"
Seeing all the legion leaders raise their heads to look at him, Benito slammed his fist on the ground in front of him, "Gilea is dead, the Thirteen Roses is annihilated, but I, Benito, am still alive. If you don’t want to face a military tribunal, listen carefully to what I say you should do next!"
"I, Benito, swear by Augustus, if in the upcoming war you do not violate my military orders, the responsibility for the annihilation of the Thirteen Roses Legion will be borne by me alone!" Benito looked coldly at everyone, "I think none of you want to face a military tribunal, lose noble status, or even become slaves!"
"The problem is..." Dirina, being at a higher position, understood military tribunals better, so he immediately wanted to ask a question. However, when he looked up and saw Benito’s cold and merciless eyes, he immediately realized that if he spoke, Benito would show no mercy!
"Dirina, do you have any questions?" Benito coldly asked.
"No!" In that instant, Dirina’s hair nearly stood on end, he immediately responded.
"Good, as long as there’s none from you. How about you all, do you want to face a military tribunal or take revenge for the Thirteen Roses Legion?" Benito looked at the commanders of the other five Barbarian Corps and asked.
"Take revenge for the Thirteen Roses Legion!" The five commanders exchanged glances and roared immediately.
"Dirina, you personally return to Syria, Palmyra, and Kari to recruit Roman citizens and form an auxiliary legion as reinforcements." Seeing the belief of the other five commanders, Benito immediately ordered Dirina.
"Alright, I shall return to the Syrian Province." Dirina immediately replied, "I hand over full authority of the Fifteenth Legion to you, hoping you bring victory. I will summon reinforcements to Akkad as quickly as possible to help you hold the line."
"There’s no need, just recruit citizens in Syria; there’s no need to come help me. Whether it’s Akkad or Sumer, this place between the Two Rivers is destined not to hold for long. I will resist as long as I can; you quickly recruit reinforcements, don’t bother coming to help!" Benito shook his head, refusing.
"But can’t they be stopped here?" Dirina said in astonishment.
"They can’t be stopped; Parthia has come well-prepared this time. Just go recruit reinforcements, leave the rest to me," Benito said calmly, "I will signal you; just prepare according to military orders."
"Alright." After hesitating a moment, Dirina agreed to Benito’s proposal; having not paid attention, it was better to listen to Benito.
"Giuseppe, escort Dirina back to Syria." Benito ordered an Inner Qi Manifestation General, "Then, personally go to England to inform His Majesty of what happened here; as for notifying the Council, delay it for now!"
"Alright." Giuseppe nodded.
"The rest of you, follow me to the west of the Tigris River to take up defensive positions, hold off the Parthians, don’t let them cross the Tigris River in a short time, and buy as much time as possible for the rear!" Benito ordered the other legion commanders.
"Yes!" The five commanders and several Eagle Banner Guard Officers responded.