Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill Chapter 450;Bounty

Like a toxic fog, the name hung heavily in the air.

The imposing demon, tall with long white hair bound behind him, gradually narrowed his eyes.

"That human once more."

From the shadows at the hall's rear, another voice resounded.

"He'd slain three legendary realm generals earlier. Now two others have perished at Frostvele."

"Five," the white-haired demon interjected icily. Though his tone stayed composed, the underlying strain was evident. "A lone human has felled five legendary realm demons."

The air grew oppressively thick.

Dark veins bulged along the arms of one commander as he gripped his fists fiercely.

"Fuck him!"

"He's wrecking our push to the west."

"He meddled first at the Frontier. Now he's propping up Frostvele."

A deep rumble of growls rippled through the group. Agitated pacing started among some, while others glared at the ground with fiery stares.

Motionless, the white-haired demon's eyes gleamed with sharp computation.

"Five legendary realm demons," he intoned deliberately. "Plus a Belphegor unit obliterated."

His gaze swept over each one in the chamber.

"Coincidence no longer fits."

With anger barely contained, another commander spoke, steadying his voice with effort.

"Scouts say he battled Herios and Kiea together and demolished them. His command of elements defies norms."

"He even shrugged off divine meddling," a grim voice added. "The assassin bore Darkness's blessing."

Uneasy glances passed between several demons at that revelation.

"Even that flopped," one whispered softly.

The white-haired demon drew himself up.

"The verdict is straightforward."

Every gaze fixed on him.

"Target."

Deliberately and distinctly, the word rang out.

"Let him persist, and our casualties will skyrocket. Frostvele turns into an impregnable barrier."

In grim agreement, another demon nodded.

"He's the linchpin of that area now."

"Linchpins have to topple," a quiet voice appended.

Weighty quietude descended.

Then, in a hushed tone, one queried,

"What target rank?"

Without pause, the white-haired demon declared,

"Highest priority."

The hall's chill deepened noticeably.

"Issue a kill order for Count Ethan. Rally elite squads. Call for central command backups. Resort to superior forces if needed."

A slight frown creased another commander's face.

"That could draw eyes."

Ice edged the white-haired demon's voice further.

"Eyes are already watching."

He advanced a step, peering down at the messenger on his knees.

"Fail to take him out promptly, and human spirits will soar as ours shatters. He's already ignited their boldness."

Swiveling back to the assembly, he continued.

"Disseminate the news with caution. Stifle any panic. Internally, though, hike the bounty."

A sinister smirk twisted one demon's features.

"Such game will lure bounty hunters from the depths."

The white-haired demon's stare intensified.

"No… Not mere hunters."

Torches flickered lower as he briefly halted.

"Dispatch our executioners."

Gravely, the ruling weighed upon the room.

In the profound gloom, some primordial entity stirred subtly, watching wordlessly.

Up on the surface, fierce winds wailed over desolate cliffs.

....

In distant Frostvele, festivities raged on.

Late afternoon brought the battle dispatch.

On Frostvele Castle's balcony, Ethan stood as biting gusts swept the snow-blanketed expanses. Before him hovered a communication crystal, beaming the report in vivid glow.

Forces aiming for Ruthiana met a blockade.

Lord Rake commanded the counter personally.

Beyond halting the assault, he clashed with two Legendary Realm Demon Commanders and vanquished them. Wounded yet triumphant, he endured.

Demon troops withdrew.

Days later for the first time, Ethan drew a measured breath.

"A true powerhouse," he whispered.

Worthily, Rake embodied Duke Lancelot's lineage.

Frostvele's urgent strain lightened a bit.

Yet Ethan stayed vigilant.

All too aware, he recognized this as mere prelude.

His old world's World War spanned six years amid superior tech. With magic, deities, and demon domains here, a sixty-year war wouldn't shock him.

Stronger.

Survival demanded greater power.

Firmly, that resolve anchored his thoughts.

Thus, he pressed on with his scheme in silence.

Training relentlessly, he honed his strength and fortified his bloodline.

A portion of his wives yearned to bolster their strength and cultivate beside him. Others embraced tranquility. Combat held no appeal for all. The pursuit of power wasn't desired by everyone. Certain ones merely sought to cherish the serene pauses amid raging tempests.

Ethan never compelled anyone.

Yet he forged ahead on his unique path.

As Frostvele steadied itself and Ruthiana stood resolute under Lord Rake's command, distant in the Arcadia Empire's capital, a fresh tempest brewed in silence.

Deep within the imperial palace, a majestic hall aglow with golden radiance lay hushed.

Towering pillars etched with primordial dragon motifs bore the lofty ceiling. Sunbeams pierced stained crystal panes, scattering ever-changing motifs over the polished marble expanse.

The Arcadia Emperor occupied the hall's core.

He reclined faintly against the throne, one hand placed on the armrest. Serenity marked his face, yet his gaze pierced like daggers.

A few loyal retainers positioned themselves beneath him.

One advanced with caution and offered a deep bow.

"Your Majesty."

The Emperor shot him a glance.

"Speak."

The aide paused for a moment before pressing on.

"There is some problem regarding Count Ethan."

The Emperor's eyebrows rose faintly.

"Problem?"

Quiet command infused his voice.

"What problem?"

The aide dipped his head a fraction.

"Your Majesty, it seems Count Ethan has drawn the ire of several noble families."

Silence descended upon the chamber.

The Emperor's fingers drummed softly on the throne.

"Elaborate."

A second aide moved forward, his words delivered with deliberate calm.

"Since the victory at Frostvele, his reputation has soared. He eliminated multiple Legendary Realm Demon Commanders. His influence among frontier provinces has increased rapidly."

The Emperor's stare held firm.

"And?"