Sparta: Many childrens, Many Blessings, Starting from the Gladiator Chapter 3 3

The so-called "private cell" was just a slightly larger stone box. Other than a hard, lumpy straw mat, there was nothing inside.

Still, compared to the previous overcrowded slave dormitory packed with dozens of people reeking of sweat, foot odor, and despair, this counted as a VIP room.

"Fuck, finally so private space," Lynx muttered as he sat down on the straw mat and let out a long breath.

After the adrenaline faded, exhaustion started creeping in.

But more than that, he felt excited about his new life and began thinking about the future.

That old fox Batiatus had taken the bait, as expected.

Capitalists were the sa in every era — they slled profit like sharks slled blood.

"As for that bull Crixus…" Lynx recalled those murderous eyes and sneered coldly. "All brawn and no brain. Typical cannon fodder. But he really does have strength. I can't clash with him directly yet."

He closed his eyes and sank his mind inward.

"System, you there?"

[Many Children, Many Blessings System at your service, Host.]

A clean interface appeared in his consciousness.

Host: Lynx (Marcus) Physique: Spartacus-Level (Beginner) (Enhanced by Recovery Potion) Skills: Basic Combat Mastery Points: 0 Current Task: First Show of Strength (0/4) System Space: Empty

"Spartacus-Level physique? Sounds pretty badass," Lynx thought with satisfaction. "Looks like that recovery potion didn't just heal , it also boosted my base stats. Nice!"

His eyes fell on the "First Show of Strength" task.

"Defeat four provocateurs? Easy enough."

Lynx grinned. "In this shithole, even breathing can be a cri. I won't lack people looking for trouble."

Just as he was thinking that, light footsteps — softer than a gladiator's heavy tread — approached outside the crude wooden door.

Knock knock knock.

The knock was cautious.

"Who is it?" Lynx frowned.

There was a short pause, then a soft, deliberately lowered female voice ca through: "Is this the new gladiator Marcus? Master sent to bring you food and water."

A woman?

Lynx's heart stirred. He got up and opened the door.

Outside stood a woman holding a wooden tray. She wasn't stunningly beautiful, but she had a mature, seductive charm.

She wore a slightly better linen dress than regular female slaves, which hugged her full figure. Her hair was neatly arranged, with light makeup on her face, and her eyes carried curiosity.

It was Lucretia, Batiatus's wife.

Lynx narrowed his eyes.

From the original mories, this woman was ambitious, controlling, and had a particular "appreciation" for strong n.

"Oh? Lady Lucretia delivering food personally? I'm honored," Lynx said calmly as he stepped aside.

Lucretia walked in, her gaze quickly scanning the bare cell before settling on Lynx's bare upper body.

The well-defined, powerful muscles and the dark scabbed whip marks on his back made her eyes flash with hidden heat.

"I heard what happened," Lucretia said, placing the tray down. It contained black bread, cheese, and a jug of water. "Surviving the whipping and killing that idiot Brutus… You're much stronger than you appear."

She stood quite close. A mix of cheap perfu and feminine scent wafted over, carrying a raw, tempting allure.

Lynx knew exactly why she was here.

She was testing him — evaluating this "rare commodity" — and perhaps making an early investnt.

He picked up the jug and drank several big gulps. The cool water felt refreshing.

Then he tore off a piece of the rock-hard bread and chewed while openly letting his eyes roam over Lucretia's chest.

"Just good luck," he mumbled with his mouth full. "Not nearly as impressive as you, my lady. Being able to control a man like Master Batiatus — that's real skill."

Lucretia's heart fluttered under his direct gaze. Instead of annoyance, she felt a strange excitent.

This slave's eyes were too bold. There was no fear or greedy submission like other gladiators — only equal, almost playful scrutiny.

"Control?" Lucretia laughed with self-mockery. "n are like sand. The tighter you hold them, the faster they slip away — especially when they think you've lost your value."

Her words carried clear resentnt and suggestion.

Lynx quickly finished the bread and cheese, wiped his hands, and smiled, showing his teeth. "Then what value do you think I have, my lady?"

He stepped forward, his tall, strong body nearly enveloping her.

The intense masculine presence made Lucretia's breath hitch and her heart race.

"You…"

She instinctively tried to back up but hit the wall.

Lynx reached out, not touching her, but lightly plucked a loose strand of hair from beside her temple. The move was bold and teasing.

"My value isn't just killing overseers or surviving in the arena," Lynx lowered his voice to a seductive tone. "It's doing what others can't… and giving certain ladies who feel their value is 'slipping away' a new sense of… existence."

Lucretia's pupils shrank. A blush rose on her cheeks.

His words had precisely hit her deepest anxieties and desires.

At that mont, the system notification rang:

[High-potential female "Lucretia" has developed strong interest in the Host. Favorability 10. Current Favorability: 15 (Curiosity & Probing)] [Tip: You may exchange points for "Mild Aphrodisiac Perfu" (50 points) to help increase favorability. Current points: 0]

Lynx inwardly cursed the system.

But the path looked promising.

He wisely stepped back and softened his expression. "Please thank Master Batiatus for the food. Tell him I will repay his generosity with victories in the arena."

Lucretia paused, a trace of disappointnt flashing in her eyes.

She straightened her hair and composure, gave Lynx a deep, complicated look, and said:

"I hope you keep your word."

Then she turned and left, her footsteps faster than when she arrived.

Watching the door close, Lynx stroked his chin.

"Favorability 15? Good start. This woman is an excellent breakthrough point… and a potential helper."

Feeling energized from the food, he stretched his body.

"Full stomach, ti to work. Those four 'sparring partners' — I should go have a chat with them."

Lynx pushed open the door and strode toward the noisy training ground.

Sunlight shone on his scabbed back, like a layer of dark golden armor.

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