How does Marius's first military experience inspire him to pursue greater accomplishments?

Marius almost immediately gained attention because of his skills on the battlefield. As he excelled, against the Celtiberians, his commander, Scipio Africanus, pointed to Marius as a soldier with the potential to reach his own noted ability. Marius takes the compliment very seriously because he thinks it is prophetic, and it inspires him to pursue his ambitions.