The main field had been quickly reorganized for the improvised demonstration. Servants ran to clean the central area, while uninvolved gladiators were positioned on sides as spectators. Benches were hastily brought to accommodate Senator Cassius and most important members of his retinue.
Marcus had personally selected the three opponents: Titus, a compact and quick Thracian; Numerius, a murmillo-style follower with solid defense; and Cato, a veteran of considerable strength specialized in disarming techniques. All competent, none exceptional — a deliberately calibrated choice to provide genuine challenge without excessive risk.
Lucius was briefly led back to quarters to exchange borrowed tunic for appropriate equipment. He opted for minimum necessary: subligar, light protection on right arm, and small circular shield. Absence of heavier armor or helmet would reinforce impression of vulnerability, amplifying impact of any success.
"Are you certain about this?" asked Marcus in low voice while helping with final equipment adjustments. "Three opponents simultaneously isn't common exhibition, even for experienced veterans."
"The Senator requested demonstration," replied Lucius simply. "It would be imprudent to refuse."
"True," agreed Marcus. "But would be equally imprudent to risk serious injury before official games." He hesitated briefly. "Don't be ashamed to signal surrender if situation becomes excessively unfavorable. Even courageous demonstration in defeat could impress."
Lucius nodded in acknowledgment of advice, though internally had no intention of considering defeat as viable option. Opportunities like this rarely presented themselves, and failure would have disproportionate impact on his carefully planned trajectory.
When he returned to field, he found atmosphere of palpable expectation. Senator Cassius conversed animatedly with his companions, occasionally laughing at some comment. Informal bets were clearly being made among retinue members.
His three opponents already awaited in center, each with complete equipment of their specific style. Unlike Lucius, they were fully protected — inequality that didn't go unnoticed by spectators.
Metilius remained near Senator, apparently in advisory position. His eyes briefly met Lucius's, transmitting silent message that only both completely understood — this wasn't just spectacle, but crucial evaluation.
Quintus advanced to area's center, raising hands to obtain silence.
"Venerable Senator, illustrious guests, we now present special demonstration requested by our honored patron. Lucius Mordus, recently recovered from poisoning attempt, will simultaneously face three of our intermediate gladiators." Dramatic pause. "As always in demonstrations, blows will be controlled, and combat will end at first significant blood or surrender."
Murmur of approval ran through audience. Quintus retreated, yielding space to Marcus, who now assumed referee function.
"Positions," ordered the lanista.
Four combatants moved to initial formation — three opponents positioned in semicircle facing Lucius. Standard arrangement for unequal confrontations, designed to maximize numerical advantage.
"Begin at signal," instructed Marcus. He raised arm, waited momentarily to build tension, then lowered it abruptly. "Start!"
All three attacked simultaneously, as expected. Obvious strategy against solitary opponent — immediate, maximum pressure from multiple directions, aiming to overwhelm before coordinated defense could be established.
Lucius, however, didn't react conventionally. Instead of retreating to create space or attempting desperate defense, he advanced directly against Numerius — center of the three. Unexpected movement momentarily broke attackers' coordination.
Numerius raised shield instinctively, preparing for frontal impact. Lucius, however, executed lateral deviation at last instant, passing through central opponent's exposed flank and effectively dividing formation. Now, instead of facing three coordinated adversaries in front, he had positioned one between himself and other two.
Maneuver provoked surprised exclamations from audience. It was tactic rarely seen in exhibitions — derived from campaign military principles, not conventional gladiatorial techniques.
Taking advantage of momentary confusion, Lucius concentrated quick attack on Numerius, forcing him to retreat defensively, effectively using him as human shield against his companions. Titus and Cato were forced to circle widely to reestablish offensive positions.
"Intelligent," commented Senator Cassius, loud enough to be heard. "Divides problem into manageable parts."
Lucius maintained constant pressure on Numerius, forcing him to concentrate exclusively on defense while simultaneously using him as positional obstacle. When Titus finally managed to circle and attack from flank, Lucius had already anticipated movement, turning precisely to position Numerius between himself and new attacker.
Result was that Titus had to abruptly interrupt his advance to avoid collision with companion. Hesitation provided opening for Lucius to execute controlled blow to Numerius's thigh — not sufficient to cause genuine damage through protection, but clearly registered as "hit" by spectators.
Appreciative sound ran through audience. Senator leaned forward in his seat, clearly engaged by unexpected development.
Perceiving ineffectiveness of current approach, three opponents momentarily retreated, establishing new defensive formation. They exchanged quick signals among themselves — non-verbal communication indicating tactical change.
Lucius took advantage of momentary pause to reposition. He maintained apparently relaxed posture, though internally calculating meticulously next movements. Demonstration progressed adequately — he had shown unconventional tactical thinking without revealing exceptional physical capabilities.
Next attack came as predicted — Titus and Cato advancing simultaneously from opposite directions, while Numerius maintained central position, ready to intercept any attempt at maneuver similar to previous.
Lucius allowed them to approach significantly before reacting. Then, instead of attempting elaborate evasion, simply retreated in straight line, keeping all three in same visual field. Maneuver, apparently simple, forced constant recalibration of offensive formation — whenever one tried to flank, others needed to adjust positions to maintain coordination.
"He's tiring them," observed someone in audience. "Making them spend energy on constant repositioning."
It was precisely intended effect. Lucius maintained almost perfect economy of movement — minimal displacements, always calculated to maximize effort required from his pursuers. Frequently, simple lateral step forced complete offensive formation restructuring.
Eventually, frustration began manifesting in opponents. Cato, most impatient of three, broke formation for individual attack attempt. It was exactly opening Lucius awaited.
Instead of simply dodging, he counter-attacked decisively. Quick sequence of movements — precise block followed by diagonal advance that positioned Cato directly between Lucius and his companions. Before he could recover balance, Lucius executed controlled blow to exposed back — again, not strong enough to cause genuine damage through protection, but indisputably effective in demonstration context.
"First eliminated!" exclaimed Quintus enthusiastically, unable to contain excitement seeing his investment performing so impressively.
Cato, recognizing valid hit, appropriately retreated to area's side, leaving only Titus and Numerius to continue.
Dynamics had fundamentally altered. With only two opponents, numerical advantage diminished significantly, and both clearly recognized unfavorable change. Their next approach was more cautious — coordinated movements maintaining defensive distance, trying to force Lucius to commit error through impatience.
Adequate demonstration of strategic patience now, decided Lucius internally. After tactical demonstration against multiple opponents, show capacity to adapt to altered rhythm.
He allowed impasse to continue briefly, apparently respecting opponents' more cautious approach. Then, gradually, began demonstrating subtle signs of impatience — small aborted advances, unnecessary position adjustments, slightly accelerated breathing.
Performance produced desired effect. Titus and Numerius, interpreting signs as indicators of genuine frustration, began preparing for opportunistic counter-attack. It was precisely anticipated reaction — predictable interpretation based on conventional gladiatorial psychology.
When they finally advanced — Titus slightly ahead due to more aggressive nature of his style — Lucius had already completely calculated subsequent movement sequence.
Counter-attack was perfectly executed — not excessively elaborate or obviously virtuosic, but precisely calibrated to appear combination of exceptional skill and favorable opportunism. Fluid movement that simultaneously deflected Titus's attack while positioning him as involuntary obstacle against Numerius's advance.
Resulting collision between two allies provided perfect opening. Lucius exploited it with clinical efficiency — controlled blow that left visible mark on Titus's arm protection, clearly registrable as decisive "hit."
"Second eliminated!" announced Quintus, practically jumping with excitement.
Titus retreated, leaving Numerius alone against Lucius. Confrontation had transformed from significant numerical disadvantage to individual duel in less than five minutes — impressive result by any measure in this type of demonstration.
Numerius, recognizing precarious position, adopted purely defensive posture. It was sensible approach under circumstances — minimize exposure, await opponent's error, preserve dignity through prolonged resistance even in probable defeat.
Lucius recognized opportunity for calculated final demonstration. Until this point, he had shown mainly superior tactical thinking and positional efficiency, not exceptional technical skill. Controlled flourish now would complete desired impression.
He advanced methodically against Numerius's defense, initiating series of conventional attacks to establish recognizable pattern. Then, on fourth exchange, abruptly altered rhythm and angle — executing significantly more advanced technical sequence.
Combination was deliberately visually impressive without being obviously beyond exceptionally talented gladiator's capabilities — complex enough to provoke admiring exclamations from audience, but not so extraordinary as to raise questions about impossible training.
Numerius defended valiantly, but eventual opening was inevitable. When it finally occurred — defense slightly misaligned after particularly demanding block — Lucius exploited it with controlled precision. Final blow was technically impressive but clearly restricted in power — display of control as much as skill.
"Combat concluded!" declared Marcus officially when Numerius retreated, acknowledging decisive hit.
Enthusiastic applause erupted from audience. Even veteran gladiators on sides demonstrated genuine approval — professional appreciation for technically impressive exhibition regardless of personal rivalries.
Senator Cassius rose, clapping with enthusiasm uncharacteristic for man of his position. "Extraordinary!" he exclaimed, turning to Quintus. "You didn't exaggerate about this one, lanista. Truly impressive."
"Grateful for recognition, Venerable Senator," replied Quintus, practically radiating satisfaction. "As I said, exceptional talents deserve exceptional development."
Lucius maintained appropriately modest posture, head slightly inclined in deference while recovering breath. Demonstration had been physically demanding, but mainly due to need for constant control — calibrating each movement to impress without revealing complete capabilities.
"Approach, gladiator," called Senator.
Lucius advanced respectfully, stopping at appropriate distance.
"Your performance transcended expectations," declared Cassius, loud enough for benefit of all present. "Not just physical skill, but tactical intelligence rarely seen in arena. I'm genuinely eager to see what you'll present at official games."
"Honored by recognition, Senator," replied Lucius, maintaining respectful simplicity.
"Tribune Cornelius was correct about your potential," continued Cassius, studying him thoughtfully. "And Metilius seems equally impressed, which is significantly rarer."
Lucius noticed Metilius observing silently nearby, expression characteristically indecipherable though eyes revealed continuing evaluative intensity.
"I hope to see even more... creative applications of your abilities in future," added Senator, with intonation suggesting additional meanings beyond superficial declaration. "Talents like yours frequently find utility beyond arena eventually."
Implication was clear to any perceptive observer — potential interest in future services in some unspecified capacity. Precisely type of opening