Rome Must Perish
Chapter 135 - 102: Struggle for Command

Chapter 135: Chapter 102: Struggle for Command

Cross forcefully struck the table: "I also wanted to make this suggestion, we should take Metapontum to avenge Enomai! But Metapontum won’t be easy to capture; we need to discuss it thoroughly, especially now that the Roman Army could march south at any time. Spartacus, you can’t easily move your main forces.

Enomai was my good brother; I really want to avenge him. Just let me lead my troops to attack Metapontum, you just send two to three thousand as support, and I’ll strive to take it within half a month and place the head of Metapontum’s governor at Enomai’s gravesite!"

Whether to deploy troops hadn’t been agreed upon, but Cross was eager to lead his troops, seemingly wanting to reclaim the negative impact of driving away Enomai from the rebel army through a victory... Maximus pondered this internally, acknowledging that some matters had to be considered carefully from the leader’s position.

"Cross, if you want to attack Metapontum alone, what will you do with your camp in Turi? Do you have enough soldiers?" asked Hamilcar.

Cross lifted his head proudly, replying: "I currently have nearly 40,000 men, with 30,000 young and strong soldiers. Even if I draw out half to besiege Metapontum, no one would dare to invade the camp in Turi!"

The forces in Cross’s hands were indeed so numerous, surpassing every leader here!... Not only were veterans like Spartacus and Antonix surprised, but newcomers like Phitodorus were even more shocked.

Cross looked at Spartacus, his eyes flashing with a bit of pride.

Maximus observed this and suddenly realized the reason why this self-centered Gaul was so eager to lead troops; it was probably not just to avenge Enomai, but more importantly, to demonstrate strength, gain prestige, and contend with Spartacus for leadership within the rebel army.

It seems this guy is becoming inflated! ... Maximus decided to observe the situation first.

"Cross." Spartacus resumed his calm demeanor and softly said: "If the Roman Army moves south, whether they travel east or west, they will first pass by your camp or the camps of Attutmus and Maximus. The three of you should best not move lightly—"

Cross loudly interrupted: "The Roman Army might also take the Appian Way and strike directly here!"

Spartacus shook his head: "Taking the Appian Way here would take more time, and they would be isolated and easily surrounded by us. I think the Romans wouldn’t make such a mistake."

Cross was momentarily at a loss for words, then stubbornly said: "That’s just your opinion. The Romans see themselves as strong and might just take this perilous route."

Spartacus did not wish to continue arguing with him, but instead spoke earnestly: "I have an idea. Our last battle with the Roman Army was half a year ago, and it was only through everyone’s combined efforts that we defeated them.

Now, each of our units is scattered, and although the number of soldiers has greatly increased, they have hardly fought together, lacking coordination, making unified command difficult. When facing the next Roman Army attack, we might encounter trouble...

So, I think for this attack on Metapontum, if everyone can draw part of their forces, not exceeding 3,000, preferably not exceeding 3,000 people, then we will have over 20,000 troops for this expedition. We should include as many team officers as possible in this battle to sharpen the units for future engagements with the Roman Army without weakening the defense of our camps. What do you think?"

"Ensuring the safety of the camps while training the troops sounds great, I agree with Spartacus’s suggestion." Antonix immediately expressed his support.

"Spartacus’s suggestion is safer; I also agree," said Hamilcar. Following him were Atmidonos and Tormas, new official members of the military council who had long followed Spartacus and thus naturally reciprocated his support with their own.

"I support Spartacus." Maximus said this, casting a glance at Kekros, although this guy had made friendly gestures towards him twice today, he believed Spartacus was more trustworthy.

Cross’s face turned somewhat unsightly, and he suddenly slammed the table again, loudly saying: "Since you all agree with Spartacus’s opinion, then I want to ask who will command this expeditionary force?!

Spartacus, your people are too varied, and with so many units, conflict could easily arise from minor issues. I heard that recently this Cleo... Onis’s unit got into a fight with Maximus’s unit, causing quite a few injuries...

So, do you see? If Spartacus, you lead the army on an expedition, any disturbance here without you to maintain order could ignite a bigger turmoil, wouldn’t that be troublesome?

I believe! At this crucial time, we must ensure the entire rebel army’s stability. Spartacus, you should stay here and let me lead the army to attack Metapontum!"

Maximus’s mouth was slightly open: Cross was blatantly demanding command, directly challenging Spartacus! It seemed that the expansion of his forces had also inflated his ambitions!

Others also showed expressions of surprise to various extents, but only Spartacus maintained relative calm. After all, they had been rivals since their time at the gladiatorial school, and they understood each other well.