"No more waiting." Maximus shook his head: "Spartacus didn’t agree to convene a Military Conference today, which gave me some buffer time. It’s much better for me to take the initiative and leave than to leave after the conference amid the soldiers’ insults..."
"Ah... since you’ve made up your mind, I won’t say any more." Hamilcar sighed: "Don’t blame us. When we first started the rebellion, everyone indeed wanted to escape Italy, but now most of the soldiers want to stay—"
"I understand, Attutmus just talked to me about this." Maximus was unwilling to elaborate further on the matter, his eyes keenly fixed on Hamilcar as he lowered his voice and asked: "I’ve always believed that among our leaders, you and Spartacus are the most intelligent and militarily talented, and you both have served in the Roman Army, so you’re most familiar with Rome’s military capabilities!
I don’t think you wouldn’t be aware that even if we’re winning now, our situation in Italy is still very precarious. But the soldiers’ voices wanting to stay in Italy are growing stronger every day. You and Spartacus have never taken any action to remind them, and you’ve barely voiced any opinions in the Military Commander Conference, allowing Cleonis to argue with me, which is completely unlike your past behavior, why?!"
Hamilcar was silent for a moment, then said: "The vast majority of soldiers refuse to leave, should Spartacus abandon them? He’s the leader of Free Italy, and he has a responsibility to ensure that those willing to follow him can survive well! Of course, both Spartacus and I think that as our forces grow in fighting power, if we continue to fight , we have a good chance of eventually defeating Rome..."
Maximus looked at him without blinking, his tone airy as he said: "Teacher, even when I’m about to leave with my troops, are you still unwilling to speak the truth?"
Hamilcar looked up at him.
The two stared at each other for a while, then Hamilcar turned his head away, speaking again: "What I said just now is the truth, but... ahem, do you know how I got the name Hamilcar?"
Maximus shook his head; the original in Gladiator School really never mentioned it.
"I gave myself that name in Gladiator School." Hamilcar said leisurely: "When I was serving in the Roman Army, people said Rome once had a strong enemy called Carthage. A Carthaginian general named Hannibal once led his army in Italy for over a decade, killing many Romans, and was a nightmare for them...
I originally wanted to take this name, but it was too sensitive for the Romans and easily angered them. I then heard that Hannibal’s father was also an excellent general who won several victories and caused a lot of trouble for the Romans, so I took this name instead..."
Hamilcar turned back, his eyes bright and piercing as he stared into Maximus’, his voice deep and powerful: "The Romans killed all the family of both me and Spartacus and destroyed our tribe. Spartacus and I wanted revenge, but we became captives and were forced to become gladiators. Apart from taking a name to express my hatred for the Romans, there was nothing else I could do...
But now it’s different; the two of us have the ability to retaliate against Rome. Even if Spartacus and I leave Italy and gain freedom, so what? Home... is long gone. It’s better to stay here and fight the Romans! The blood of my entire tribe that was shed back then, we can repay it a hundredfold, a thousandfold!"
Maximus vaguely remembered that countless historians and experts had long debated why Spartacus turned southward with his troops instead of leaving Italy when the Alps were so close...
Now he finally understood: the pressure from the rebel soldiers was only a secondary reason; Spartacus’s desire for revenge was the true cause. As a gladiator, death was never something he feared. What he most worried about was other leaders and soldiers opposing his desire to fight the Romans till the end. So he always pretended to lead everyone toward true freedom. Only when the other leaders and the majority of soldiers aligned with his wishes did he finally realize his hopes...
Thinking of this, Maximus couldn’t help but shiver: Fortunately, he had already made his decision; otherwise, learning the truth now, how disappointed he would have been!
"Originally, Spartacus intended to meet you personally, but he felt some guilt and asked me to convey a few words." Hamilcar’s voice continued by Maximus’s ear: "He is very grateful for everything you’ve done for Free Italy over the past year. Without your help, this force could not have developed to its current size or achieved so many victories!
He regrets that you insist on leaving and sees it as a great loss for Free Italy but respects your decision, acknowledging that everyone has their own choices. If you have any request, as long as he can fulfill it, he will do his utmost to satisfy you!"
Maximus, moved, thought seriously before saying: "If I want all the troops to stay here two more days, not urgently head south, but instead act like we’re continuing north along the coastal road, can it be done?"