Part 8/10:
As resources dwindle and survival increasingly depends on finding work, the protagonist turns to enlistment in the military, which is one of the few sectors still hiring. The allure of glory as a Roman soldier looms, albeit tempered by the grim realities of being little more than cannon fodder. Entering the ranks requires physical fitness and age qualifications, along with a mentality of service to the empire.
Once inducted, the protagonist receives a metal gear set including weapons like a gladius—a short sword suited for close combat—and a pugio for personal defense. This onboarding paints a stark image of the life of a soldier, underscoring training regimens that prepare one not for glory but for the harsh realities of battle against invading forces like the Goths.