Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill Chapter 525:Who Among You Is Ethan?

"This…" Han gasped as he clutched the scroll, his expression darkening as his eyes rapidly scanned its contents. He tightened his grip slightly upon finishing, then released a breath of frustration.

"Damn it… The assassins from the Church of Darkness have already made their move, and there are others involved whose identities we don't even know," he declared, his jaw clenching as anger flared.

"And that fool Lucien… How could he fall into a trap so easily…" he added, his tone laced with clear annoyance. Lucien had been the one in charge of that particular area, but now he had vanished without a trace following their defeat, leaving Han, Hale, and Ethan to shoulder the entire responsibility. The pressure mounted instantly. Their mission was now accelerated, with orders to immediately seize control of the Valley of Raves.

Hale drew nearer, his brow furrowed with concern. "Have you alerted the Church? It appears we will soon require their assistance, or we could find ourselves in grave danger."

Han gave a slight nod, though his expression remained tense. "A reinforcement request has already been dispatched, so they should arrive swiftly." He then straightened his posture and issued the command.

"Now… advance and attack."

The human army commenced its movement. Columns of soldiers marched in organized formations, their footsteps producing a resounding echo throughout the valley, while banners fluttered and war drums beat with a steady cadence. Commanders issued directives, and units adjusted their positions, pressing forward with unwavering discipline.

Initially, the advance proceeded without a hitch, and the situation seemed well in hand. The demon forces garrisoned within the Valley of Raves were not substantial, numbering only a few hundred thousand, a considerably smaller force compared to the advancing humans. Under the onslaught of fierce and coordinated attacks, the demon defenses began to crumble rapidly. Arrows rained down, magical assaults struck in relentless waves, and siege engines breached the outer perimeters with brute force.

"Forward!" cries resounded across the battlefield. The human army surged onward without hesitation. In a short span, the valley was secured. The remaining demon soldiers were either vanquished or compelled to retreat, and the city within the valley was successfully looted, its resources and provisions confiscated.

Morale surged for a fleeting moment. It felt like a swift and decisive triumph.

Without losing any time, the human forces regrouped and resumed their march from the captured valley, pushing deeper into enemy territory.

However, not long after the renewed advance, a disquieting sensation began to permeate the air. The surroundings became eerily silent, and the atmosphere grew heavy, as if an unseen presence were observing them. Then, everything shifted dramatically. Innumerable figures materialized from all directions, emerging as if from the void itself. Within mere seconds, the human army found itself completely encircled.

"Annihilate the humans!!" a ferocious roar echoed across the battlefield.

"Warriors, charge with me! Destroy every one of these wretched humans!" another voice bellowed.

"Remember, if we do not claim their lives, our children will perish!" someone cried out, their voice tinged with desperation.

Before the human army could mount a proper defense, the demons charged forward like an overwhelming tide, and the conflict erupted instantaneously. Formations fractured under the sudden onslaught, and pandemonium spread across the battlefield. In the very first hour, the human army sustained devastating casualties, with soldiers falling before any semblance of coordinated resistance could be established, and spells and abilities clashed violently in every direction. There was no time for contemplation or analysis. Indecision would lead to their utter destruction.

Although Arcadia stood as a formidable empire, it lacked the sheer depth of manpower that the Demon Land possessed, a vast domain capable of absorbing such immense losses. Ethan observed the unfolding chaos from the rear, his gaze sharp, and was about to advance when Marvrick suddenly appeared at his side.

"Sir, you have an urgent message," Marvrick stated swiftly. Ethan’s brow furrowed slightly as he accepted the message. As his eyes traversed its lines, his expression underwent a noticeable shift. It was a communication from Kassandra, a warning to beware of the Church of Darkness’s secret armaments.

Ethan drew a slow breath, his gaze hardening.

"…So they are actively involved as well," he murmured. Steadying himself, he then moved towards the front lines.

Han, Hale, and Ethan ascended together, their forms becoming three streaks of light piercing the sky as they entered the fray at a higher elevation. The instant they materialized, the very fabric of space seemed to respond, and the oppressive atmosphere shifted palpably. Then, brilliant flashes erupted before them.

SWIISSHHH!

Several figures materialized in an instant.

Two formidable demons emerged, their imposing presence casting a heavy shadow. Standing beside them were two enigmatic figures shrouded in cloaks, their identities concealed, while a dark-skinned individual, exuding an unfamiliar and peculiar aura, lingered slightly behind.

Ethan's gaze sharpened as he surveyed the unfolding scene, his attention then shifting to Han and Hale.

Their countenances had darkened considerably.

This turn of events was entirely unexpected.

A lineup of five Mythic-ranked opponents now stood against their mere three. The dynamics of the conflict had drastically shifted, plunging their situation into a state of heightened peril.

An oppressive stillness descended upon the battlefield as both factions regarded each other. The very air crackled with tension, threatening to buckle at any instant. The immense pressure exerted by their adversaries was a burden far too great for common soldiers to endure, and the very earth seemed to groan and compress beneath that formidable weight.

Into this hushed tension, one of the cloaked individuals advanced deliberately. Despite the obscurity of his features, his mere bearing instilled a palpable sense of unease. His gaze swept over the assembled group before fixing upon a point ahead. Then, in a measured yet chilling tone, he spoke.

"Who among you bears the name Ethan?"

The query pierced the strained silence, and instinctively, both Han and Hale swiveled their heads towards Ethan in unison. That singular action was all it took to reveal his identity.

Ethan's expression tightened, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features as he emitted a soft click of his tongue.

"Damn it… Are you idiots or something…" he grumbled under his breath, casting a look of displeasure at his companions.