Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill Chapter 508:I Am Back

For a few moments after the portal shimmered out of existence, Ethan remained stationary amidst the encroaching silence. The atmosphere, still thick with residual heat, bore subtle visual ripples from the ground, indicating the violent atmospheric disturbances were finally subsiding.

He let out a slow breath, rolling his shoulders to dispel the stiffness that had settled into his frame.

A profound heaviness now permeated his being.

The sheer exhaustion he had suppressed during the preceding conflict began to assert itself. His muscles throbbed with a deep ache, and his breathing grew ragged. A dull pain radiated through his limbs, making even standing a Herculean effort.

"…Damn it," he uttered softly, his voice barely audible.

His gaze descended to the dragon crystal cradled in his palm. It emitted a faint pulse of power, and the soul sealed within stirred with a restrained, restless energy, suggesting an ongoing struggle deep inside.

For a beat, he simply observed it in quiet contemplation.

Then, clenching his fist around the crystal, he carefully stowed it away.

"No time to marvel at it now."

Lifting his head, Ethan's eyes narrowed as he scanned the direction where the group had been flung earlier. Without further delay, he propelled himself forward with swiftness.

Swoosh!

His form sliced through the air, leaving a subtle trail as he traversed the devastated landscape. The terrain below was utterly unrecognizable. Mountains and valleys had been obliterated, replaced by a vast, scorched expanse scarred with faintly glowing fissures from residual heat.

Even after covering a considerable distance, the lingering warmth rising from the ground continued to caress his face.

Before long, his quarry came into view.

Wales, Randall, and the others were clustered on a rocky outcrop that had miraculously withstood the cataclysm. The vicinity was still shrouded in smoke, with fragments of shattered stone strewn about.

The instant Wales spotted him, he surged forward without hesitation.

"Dad!"

Ethan’s landing coincided with Wales’s arrival. He extended a hand, placing it firmly on Wales’s shoulder, providing a stabilizing presence.

"I’m fine," Ethan stated, his voice betraying a weariness beneath its calm facade.

Wales scrutinized him intently, his eyes clouded with concern. His gaze swept over Ethan's form, noting the tattered attire and the faint scorch marks.

"You’re injured…"

Ethan glanced down at his arm. While the wounds had largely mended, vestiges of burns and lacerations remained visible on his skin.

"It’s nothing," he replied, dismissing it with a casual wave.

Randall approached, his demeanor still visibly shaken. His face was ashen, and his gait carried a distinct lack of steadiness.

"…Nothing?" he echoed, fixing Ethan with a look of disbelief.

"You just battled that monstrosity for nearly a full day and almost got us all killed."

Ethan offered him a brief, impassive glance.

"And yet, you’re still breathing, aren't you?"

Randall parted his lips to retort, but no sound emerged. He paused, then exhaled in frustration, averting his gaze.

"…That’s hardly the point."

Ethan offered no reply.

Instead, his attention slowly encompassed the assembled group.

The knights were utterly spent. Some were seated, leaning against rocks for support, while others gripped their weapons merely to remain upright. Their faces were pale, and their bodies still bore the tremors of the ordeal they had endured.

Even the diminutive lava lizard was present, seeking refuge behind a fractured stone. It cautiously peered out, its small eyes warily observing Ethan and the others.

A profound silence descended for a short span.

The stillness felt weighty, charged with unspoken emotions.

It was Wales who finally shattered the quiet.

"…Is it truly over?" he inquired softly, his voice barely a murmur.

Ethan met his gaze and offered a single nod.

"It’s over."

An palpable wave of relief washed over the group. Some lowered their heads, while others released pent-up breaths. One knight, succumbing to the overwhelming fatigue, collapsed to his knees, unable to remain standing.

Randall ran a hand through his disheveled hair again, still grappling with the enormity of what had transpired.

"…I genuinely thought we were finished."

Ethan managed a faint, weary smile.

"We came close."

Another brief interlude of silence ensued.

Then, Wales looked back towards Ethan, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes.

"That woman… who was she?"

A subtle shift crossed Ethan's expression. His gaze drifted, becoming distant for a moment as he recalled her imposing presence.

"…Someone we should avoid provoking," he stated after a brief pause.

Randall’s brow furrowed, his arms crossing defensively.

"Is it truly that dire?"

Ethan nodded gravely.

"More so."

That was sufficient.

No further questions were posed.

Ethan turned his attention back to the ravaged landscape behind them. The sheer scale of the devastation was staggering, even for him. The battlefield stretched limitlessly into the distance, utterly obliterated.

He then pivoted back to face the group.

"We cannot remain here," he declared.

"This location is bound to attract unwanted attention soon."

Randall emitted a heavy sigh.

"Inevitably."

The desolate landscape was surveyed again by the man, a slight shake of his head following.

"For all that has transpired… it is surprising the very world has not intervened."

Ethan remained silent.

His gaze shifted instead to Wales.

"Are you still capable of movement?"

Wales managed to straighten his posture, a clear sign of exhaustion evident, yet he nodded.

"I am."

"Excellent."

With newfound resolve, Ethan addressed the others, his voice steady despite the palpable weariness.

"We depart now."

No one raised any objections.

Too drained to question, and having witnessed the events unfold, their trust in his leadership was absolute.

Ethan cast one final glance over the ravaged battlefield, his eyes lingering for a brief moment.

Turning away, he began to lead the way, guiding the group from the devastated terrain.

...….

A full month later…

"Ethan, you've returned!"

Upon witnessing their husband's safe arrival, Sophia and the others released breaths they hadn't realized they were holding, a sense of renewed support washing over them.

Sophia was the first to approach, her eyes rapidly assessing him, ensuring his well-being.

"How did it go?"

"Did you succeed in obtaining it?" Amber inquired, her voice laced with concern.

Ethan met their gazes and offered a subtle smile.

"Care to make a guess…"

He playfully engaged them for a moment before elaborating on the events that transpired. As he recounted his tale, their expressions shifted dramatically between astonishment and sheer disbelief.

Before he could conclude, Sophia abruptly reached out and firmly pinched his waist.

"Ouch…!"

"Hmph… So there was a beautiful woman involved? Your life is truly quite fortunate?" she remarked, her tone sharp yet restrained.

"What, are you feeling envious?" Ethan inquired.

"Envious my foot," Sophia retorted, then lightly smacked the top of his head.

"I'm asking why you didn't simply propose to her."

"But sister, that was merely a clone," Diana interjected, causing Sophia to hesitate and clear her throat awkwardly.

"So what… If it works, it can be acquired!"

"BAHHH!" The others exclaimed in unison, shaking their heads in disagreement.

Ethan couldn't help but find a slight smile gracing his lips at their collective reactions.