Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill Chapter 523:Drafted To Army

Scholdz Province lay a considerable distance away, and even with Ethan maintaining his fastest flight speed, reaching it would necessitate several days, rendering direct travel impractical given the current circumstances.

Consequently, his initial destination was the City of Thieves, a notably affluent city within the Arcadia Empire, governed by a formidable Duke. From this city, a regulated teleportation route extended directly towards Scholdz Province.

The teleportation network had recently been subjected to stringent restrictions due to escalating wartime tensions, preventing casual use by the general populace. However, Ethan's aristocratic standing and his title as a Marquis facilitated his passage with relative ease.

Accompanying him was Marvrick, a middle-aged individual who had previously attempted to seize his Star Dust Essence. Despite their less-than-harmonious past encounter, Ethan opted to bring Marvrick along, as he was permitted a few attendants and Marvrick had demonstrated considerable competence.

Upon their arrival at the teleportation hall, the guards initially intercepted them, their gazes scrutinizing both individuals.

Before any further inquiries could be made, Ethan calmly stated, "He is with me."

The guards immediately adopted a more formal stance, and upon recognizing his identity, offered respectful nods. "Very well, My Lord," one of them responded, stepping aside.

Without further ado, Ethan proceeded forward, with Marvrick following closely in his wake.

Swoosh!

The instant Ethan entered the teleportation array and activated it, his surroundings distorted, and in the subsequent moment, he materialized within Scholdz Province.

Upon his arrival, a palpable and oppressive aura descended upon him.

Ethan's brow furrowed slightly.

The atmosphere here was markedly different.

It lacked warmth, serenity, and a sense of ease. Instead, the very air vibrated with a sharp tension, as if on the precipice of imminent collapse.

The majority of the civilian populace had already been evacuated, leaving behind an army.

A genuine army. Ethan could perceive this unequivocally.

The soldiers garrisoned here were far from ordinary; even the least potent among them appeared to be at the Master stage. Their collective presence alone exerted a pressure that amplified the environment's oppressive character.

"This is… intense," Ethan mused inwardly.

It was now evident.

A brutal war was imminent.

Even for Ethan, a veteran of countless conflicts, this particular scale of engagement felt different. He had never before participated in a war of such magnitude, and despite his considerable strength, a flicker of apprehension coursed through him.

At this level, his dominance was no longer absolute; he was but one participant among many powerful entities. Furthermore, the necessity of relying on unfamiliar individuals introduced a layer of complexity.

Ethan exhaled slowly and advanced.

Soon, he reached the imposing fortress walls, and as he approached the main gate, he was promptly halted.

"Halt! Identify yourself!" a soldier commanded, raising a hand.

Several guards moved forward, their gazes sharp and vigilant.

"This is a military zone, not a place for unrestricted passage," another soldier added. "State your identity and your purpose here."

Ethan did not exhibit any negative reaction.

Instead, he calmly produced the imperial decree along with his noble insignia and presented them.

The soldiers' expressions shifted instantaneously upon viewing them.

"Greetings, Marquis!" they declared in unison, their postures correcting, and offering respectful salutes.

One of them immediately turned and hurried inside to relay the information to the higher command.

Ethan remained standing composedly while he awaited their response.

A few minutes later, a contingent emerged from within the fortress.

At their forefront was a middle-aged man clad in magical battle armor, exuding a powerful and steady presence. The aura he projected clearly indicated he was at the early Mythic rank.

He stepped forward and respectfully addressed Ethan.

"Welcome, Marquis Ethan. I am Commander Han," he announced.

Despite holding a high-ranking position within the fortress and serving as the commanding general of the support army, his demeanor betrayed no hint of arrogance.

He was fully aware of Ethan's identity and standing.

Following a brief exchange of pleasantries, Han gestured towards the interior.

"Please, come with me."

Ethan inclined his head slightly and followed, with Marvrick maintaining his position close behind.

As they entered the fortress, Ethan surveyed his surroundings.

Formations of extraordinary soldiers were engaged in rigorous training, their sheer numbers extending as far as the eye could comprehend. The cacophony of clashing weaponry and shouted commands permeated the air, transforming the entire complex into a finely tuned instrument preparing for conflict.

Han walked alongside Ethan, initiating conversation.

"Marquise Ethan, in addition to ourselves, three more Mythic rankers will be assigned to command separate divisions," Han explained.

Ethan listened intently, absorbing the information.

"And overseeing all of us," Han continued, "will be a Lieutenant General, who has attained the Divine Knight stage."

While Ethan's outward demeanor remained perfectly calm, he inwardly grasped the significant implications of this announcement.

Han proceeded to guide Ethan further into the fortress. As they traversed the inner corridors, the environment grew noticeably more stringent and orderly. Soldiers moved with unwavering discipline, and officers were observed engaged in strategic discussions, with various maps and battle formations displayed upon long tables.

Before long, they arrived at an expansive chamber that appeared to function as the central command hall.

Within, three distinct figures were already in attendance.

Han stepped forward, announcing, "Marquise Ethan has arrived."

All three individuals turned their attention towards Ethan.

The first man advanced, presenting a posture of remarkable straightness and an unruffled expression. His hair was short and black, complemented by sharp eyes that radiated seasoned experience.

"I am General Kael Varion," he stated, offering a slight inclination of his head. "I am in command of the eastern division."

Ethan mirrored the gesture with a nod. "Ethan."

The second man followed, appearing somewhat older, with a rugged countenance marked by a scar that trailed across his cheek. His aura emanated a sense of steadiness and deep-rooted stability.

"Hale," he introduced himself simply. "I represent the Western defense line."

His delivery was unadorned, devoid of any superfluous inflection.

Ethan offered another nod in acknowledgment.

Then, the third person moved forward.

In contrast to the other two, his attire was noticeably more refined, and his expression held a discernible trace of arrogance. He appraised Ethan from his head to his feet before speaking.

"Lucien Drax," he pronounced, lifting his chin with a subtle upward motion. "I am the son of the Western Duke."

His tone lacked genuine respect.

It conveyed more the assertion of his elevated status.

Ethan's brow furrowed slightly, and the other two present also displayed subtle indications of unease.

Lucien proceeded, "I presume you are the widely recognized Marquise Ethan. I have indeed heard a few things about you."

Though his words were phrased politely, the underlying tone clearly signaled his disregard for Ethan's standing.

Ethan offered no verbal reply. Instead, he directed a glance toward Han.

Han's face remained impassive, yet his eyes flickered with a subtle cast of annoyance.

An immediate understanding dawned upon Ethan.

"Can this man truly be fit to lead an army…" Ethan mused inwardly.