Due to extreme exhaustion, Maximus slept for a long time until he was awakened by a soldier, who told him, "Leader, the Lukaiya people are outside seeking an audience."
"Quick, let them in!" Maximus said as he vigorously rubbed his cheeks to make himself more alert.
When Quintus and the others pushed the door open and came in, Maximus strode forward to greet them: "Quintus, Oluus, Scapula, have you avenged your grievances?"
"Apart from a few minions, none of the Pompey nobles who framed us escaped, we beheaded them all." Oluus said loudly, "We took their heads to pay homage to our deceased relatives outside Lukelia City before coming to see you."
"Great revenge has been avenged, this is wonderful news!" Maximus said with a smile: "Is there something you need to discuss with me?"
"We are here to fulfill our promise," Scapula said earnestly, "we once promised that as long as you help us capture Pompeii, allowing us to avenge ourselves, we would join your ranks!"
"Yes, I have heard Leader Spartacus mention this matter, they will come over later, and I will convey this to them," Maximus said calmly.
"No, we do not wish to join them, but rather your Supply Camp because you were the one who helped us get our revenge!" Oluus said with determination.
Maximus smiled again. In reality, he had anticipated their decision long ago, but he was waiting for them to express it first so that he could have the upper hand in future interactions. At this moment, he enthusiastically said, "This is excellent! On behalf of the Supply Camp, I warmly welcome you to join us! Come, let’s sit down and discuss the details."
After the three of them found wooden chairs to sit on, Maximus returned to the seat behind the long wooden table, the former seat of the Pompeii Governor.
"I wonder what arrangements Leader Maximus has for us and our families?" Quintus inquired.
Perhaps due to the fulfillment of his great revenge, his demeanor was no longer gloomy and instead appeared somewhat relaxed, making Maximus feel less oppressed facing him this time.
Regarding how to arrange the Lukaiya people, Maximus had long given it thought. Looking at the four of them, he said loudly, "You have stayed in the Supply Camp these past few days and should know that I have a military advisory group under me. I would like to invite you, Quintus, to oversee this advisory group."
Quintus immediately questioned, "Isn’t this advisory group led by Flanitnus?" This also showed his interest in the Supply Camp.
"He has been reassigned to another role," Maximus replied solemnly, "I intend to rename the military advisory group as the staff, which in the future will be responsible for the entire Guard’s military training and strategic planning during wars. Quintus, you have extensive war experience and strategic insight; I believe you are well-suited for this position."
Quintus thought for a moment and uncertainly asked, "Does that mean this position is akin to the aide of the Roman Governor on campaign?"
"No, no, no!" Maximus shook his head, pointing to his own head, and explained, "Think of it this way, the chief of staff is like the head of an army, responsible for figuring out how to conduct warfare. Once he leads the staff to devise a plan, the army must fight according to this plan, just like our assault on Pompeii. We carried it out according to your plan. Unlike the aides of the Roman Army Governors, the Chief of Staff will be a permanent role within the Supply Camp, positioning the holder above the three chief Centurions."
After hearing this, Quintus directly asked, "Isn’t the head of the Guard you, Leader Maximus?"
Maximus smiled and patiently explained, "You could say I am the head of the entire Supply Camp, while the head of the Guard is the staff. I have many things to focus on, and though future plans from the staff will require my approval to be executed, I am not as dedicated to military study as you all are, so the suggestions from the staff often become the final decision."
"I understand," Quintus evidently showed some interest in the role, his tone heavier, "I am willing to serve as the Chief of Staff, but will I be the only one joining this staff?"
"Don’t rush," Maximus comforted him with a word, then turned to Oluus, sincerely praised him, "Last night’s raid, leading 30 Lukaiya Warriors, you performed outstandingly. I truly didn’t expect that despite your age, you could still be so valiant!"
Oluus laughed heartily, "In these years to avenge ourselves, my brothers and I took up arms again and have trained daily. Don’t underestimate my age; I dare say that except for the one named Torrelugo, none of your men are my match!"
"Since you are so formidable, I plan to form a Personal Guard; would you be willing to be its Commander, responsible for my safety in peacetime and serving as a decisive force in war? Your comrades could become team officers in this Personal Guard. How does that sound?"
Oluus looked at Quintus and Spukala and eagerly asked, "How many people will this team have?"
"For now, it is set at 300 people, the same size as the forces commanded by Fesaros and Torrelugo but will eventually expand to at least 1000 people."
people! Doesn’t that mean I’m becoming a Great Captain!... Although a Great Captain of the rebel army doesn’t compare to a Roman Army Great Captain, Oluus, previously serving as a Legion Centurion of the Roman Army but forever barred from becoming a Great Captain due to his plebeian background, had his breathing quicken at this moment. Without looking at his two companions beside him, he loudly responded, "My comrades and I are willing to serve as team officers in this Personal Guard!"