Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill Chapter 492:Plunder.

With a tinge of unease, Pentos nudged open the door to his private quarters. The sting of the earlier reprimand still echoed in his mind, but he resolutely pushed those thoughts aside as he stepped into the hushed interior. Soft lamps lining the walls cast a gentle glow across the quiet space.

He advanced to the room's center, his voice cutting through the silence with a firm command.

"Send them in."

In mere moments, the door creaked open once more. Silently, several figures glided into the chamber.

Clad in imposing full armor and helmets that concealed their identities entirely, not an inch of skin was exposed. Their demeanor was one of chilling discipline, their breathing so subdued it was barely perceptible.

They halted a few paces away, offering a slight bow.

Pentos wasted no time, turning towards them.

"I have a task for you," he announced.

However, before he could elaborate, a swift movement disrupted the air.

A subtle distortion shimmered momentarily.

Then...

Swoosh!

A minuscule, nearly invisible mark streaked through the air, striking Pentos directly on his head.

His body instantly stiffened.

"What—"

Before he could even process the attack, a faint luminescence bloomed around his head.

Swoosh!

A defensive barrier materialized abruptly.

It glowed like a diaphanous veil, instinctively enveloping his soul to ward off the intrusion. This safeguard had activated automatically, attempting to repel the assault.

Yet, the Soul Stamp pressed onward.

Crack…

A faint, sharp sound resonated. The barrier vibrated as the mark relentlessly sought entry.

At that critical juncture, one of the armored figures reacted.

A hand slowly ascended, and a dark, golden flame ignited above the palm.

"Divine Soul Flame."

The flame flickered with quiet intensity, emanating a terrifying pressure.

Without a second's hesitation, the guard directed the searing flame towards Pentos.

The flame bypassed his physical form, instead engaging the barrier safeguarding his soul.

Hissss…

Upon contact, the barrier erupted in a violent reaction.

Light and flame engaged in a fierce clash. The protective shroud fought to maintain its integrity, but the Divine Soul Flame began to consume it steadily, eroding its strength from within.

Crack… crack…

Minute fractures spiderwebbed across the barrier's surface. The resistance faltered.

Then, with a surge, the Soul Stamp broke through.

It pierced the compromised defense and penetrated directly.

Pentos' eyes widened in alarm.

His body shuddered uncontrollably.

Within the confines of his mind, the mark descended rapidly, branding itself onto his very soul.

There was no possibility of escape.

The process concluded in an instant.

His limbs went slack.

Thud.

He crumpled to the floor, rendered unconscious.

An profound silence enveloped the room.

The armored guards remained motionless for a beat.

Then, one raised a gauntleted hand and slowly removed his helmet.

It was Erhan.

He wiped a bead of sweat from his brow, exhaling a deep, shaky breath.

"Damn… that was a close call," he muttered.

Another guard lifted his helmet just enough to speak, his voice a low rumble.

"I had no idea individuals possessed such soul protection mechanisms."

Rathlos offered a nod.

"It's not common knowledge, but most high-level individuals do," he stated evenly.

"Some even have a soul lamp that extinguishes upon their death."

He cast a downward glance at the fallen Pentos.

"So, this is indeed the most favorable outcome."

"Eliminating him would have only invited further complications."

Silence reclaimed the room.

But now, everything had irrevocably changed.

....

As the night deepened, Ethan stood poised in the shadowed recess of the chamber. His expression remained tranquil, yet his eyes were keenly focused and sharp.

Before him, the middle-aged mage, Marverick, knelt with his head bowed, all prior defiance completely extinguished. The Soul Stamp had taken firm hold, and his eyes now reflected naught but pure obedience. Standing beside him was the newly subjugated Pentos, his posture rigid, his will no longer his own.

Ethan regarded them with a calm gaze.

"Stand," he commanded.

Pentos rose immediately without the slightest hesitation, Marverick following suit. Both moved with the unnerving precision of puppets responding to their master's strings.

"Lead us to the auction house storeroom," Ethan instructed in a low tone.

"Yes, my Lord," Pentos replied dutifully.

Without further delay, they both turned and initiated the procession.

The estate's corridors stretched out, long and silent beneath the dim illumination. Their footsteps whispered softly against the polished flooring as they ventured deeper into restricted zones. The path grew progressively more secured, the walls adorned with faint, runic inscriptions that pulsed with a soft glow as they passed.

Along the way, a few laborers and attendants crossed their path.

They paused momentarily, their gazes fixed on Pentos leading the way with unusual strangers trailing behind. Confusion flickered in their eyes, and some even slowed their pace, seemingly on the verge of inquiry.

Ethan's gaze shifted subtly.

"Maintain composure," he advised calmly.

In the very next instant, Pentos' expression warped drastically.

"What are you staring at, you imbecile?" he barked sharply, his voice booming with aggressive authority.

"Stop dawdling and get back to your work!"

His sudden outburst startled the workers. They quickly lowered their heads and hurried away, not daring to question anything further.

The group continued moving forward.

After a few more turns, they reached a heavily guarded section of the estate. The air here felt heavier, and even the silence carried pressure.

At the end of the corridor stood a massive metal door engraved with complex magical patterns. Faint pulses of mana flowed across its surface, and the runes shimmered slightly as if alive.

Pentos stepped forward.

As he approached, a glowing magic circle appeared in front of the door. It expanded slowly and began scanning him.

Light passed over his body from head to toe, confirming his identity.

After a brief moment..

Click.

The mechanism unlocked.

The huge doorway slowly opened with a deep rumbling sound, and a faint golden glow spilled out from inside.

Ethan stepped in first.

The sight inside made even Rathlos pause slightly. The storeroom was enormous.

Rows upon rows of shelves stretched across the hall, filled with treasures. Crystals, weapons, scrolls, rare metals, and sealed artifacts were arranged neatly, each one radiating its own unique aura.

Some items glowed faintly with magical energy, while others were sealed inside transparent cases that shimmered with protective barriers.

Large chests filled with gold coins were stacked in one corner, and piles of gemstones reflected light in dazzling colors.

Ethan's lips curved slightly.

"Plunder," he said calmly.

....