In the brutal world of ancient Rome, the Legio Umbra —the Shadow Legion—is a unique and terrifying force of soldiers who have been raised and trained in darkness from childhood. These soldiers, devoid of personal identities, are loyal only to Rome and its mad emperor, Caligula. Their armor is black as night, and their weapons are forged from the iron of a meteorite, making them a deadly force in battle. The story follows Gaius Varro, the commander of this shadowy legion, as he leads his men deep into the wilderness on a mission from Caligula to seize an ancient Etruscan temple. The temple, which has been abandoned for centuries, holds a dark and mysterious power—one that Caligula believes will grant him further control over Rome and its enemies. As they march through the dark forest toward the temple, the soldiers of the Legio Umbra begin to sense something unnatural—an eerie, oppressive presence that seems to grow stronger as they approach the temple. The men, who are usually fearless and resolute, begin to whisper of a curse that haunts the temple, but Varro dismisses their fears, convinced that their loyalty to Rome and their training will see them through.