Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill

"Father, I want to fight," Ray said quickly, his eyes burning with determination.

Ethan looked at his son for a long moment, recognizing that spark of courage in his gaze. But he still shook his head. "No. Your job is to protect your sister. You're not ready for battle yet."

Ray clenched his fists but nodded, understanding his father's command.

Outside, the knights were already moving swiftly. "Everyone, form ranks!" one of the captains shouted. "Archers, take your positions on the left! Shield bearers, hold the front!"

The villagers were guided to a safer spot behind the soldiers. Mothers hugged their crying children tightly, while old men muttered prayers under their breath.

Then, the sound came.

It was a thunderous rumbling of feet, echoing across the plains. The earth itself seemed to tremble as the horde appeared over the ridge.

Dozens of kobolds, small wolf-headed monsters wielding crude weapons, charged toward them with bloodlust in their glowing red eyes.

"Archers, ready!"

"Loose!"

A volley of arrows shot through the air, slicing the wind before raining down on the kobolds. Screams filled the field as many fell, their bodies collapsing into the dirt. But those that survived only grew more frenzied, accelerating toward the shield wall with feral howls.

"Men, hold steady!" a knight shouted.

The kobolds slammed into the front line with brutal force. Spears thrust out from behind the shields, piercing through the creatures' chests and stomachs, splattering the ground with dark blood.

"Don't falter!" the captain yelled. "Keep calm! The enemies are weaker than us! Remember your training!"

Ethan stood near the front, his eyes burning with focus. Each movement of his men was sharp and disciplined. The clang of metal, the screams of beasts, and the shouts of command filled the air.

The battle had begun.

Ethan stood tall at the center of the formation, his black cloak fluttering behind him as the wind carried the scent of dust and blood. His eyes scanned the battlefield ahead.

The kobolds had gathered in large numbers, spreading across the plain like a swarm of insects. They howled, their guttural roars echoing through the valley, but Ethan's expression remained calm.

With his current strength, he could wipe them out in seconds. But he didn't move. He had no intention of ending the battle quickly. This was a chance to test his men,their courage, reaction, and discipline in real combat.

'It's a heaven-sent opportunity to test the knights' combat reactions and swiftness,' he thought, his gaze steady.

He raised his right hand, signaling the troops.

The knights straightened their backs instantly, shields pressed tight together, forming a thick, iron wall. Behind them, the second line lowered their spears and pointed them forward, creating a deadly hedge of steel. The archers readied another volley, their bows drawn and eyes locked on Ethan for command.

"First line, hold the front. Second line, support and push forward when I signal," Ethan commanded, his voice calm but sharp enough to cut through the chaos. "Archers, wait for my mark. Aim for their heads and throats."

The knights nodded firmly. Their faces showed no fear, only determination.

The kobolds let out another furious cry and began charging down the place . The ground trembled under their feet. Their claws scraped the soil, and their crude weapons flashed under the sunlight.

"Archers!" Ethan shouted, his hand slicing through the air. "Loose!"

Dozens of arrows flew in a single sweeping motion. The sky darkened for a second before the rain of arrows fell onto the enemy ranks. Screams erupted as kobolds fell one after another, pierced through their eyes and necks.

"Second volley!" Ethan ordered.

Another round followed, cutting deeper into the advancing line. But still, hundreds of kobolds remained, stepping over the fallen bodies as they rushed forward in madness.

"Shields up!" Ethan yelled.

The first line of knights slammed their shields together, forming an unbreakable wall. The kobolds crashed into it like waves against stone. Metal rang out, the sound of blades scraping against shields filled the air. Spears thrust forward from behind the shield wall, skewering the monsters that came too close.

"Push!" the captain roared.

The knights in the second row stepped in unison, forcing their weight forward. The formation moved like a single beast, crushing the enemy under their advance.

Ethan watched carefully, noting how they handled pressure. Their movements were steady and their timing near perfect. Some knights took light injuries, but they held their ground without breaking formation.

He nodded in approval, then called out, "Soldiers, if you are injured, use potions! No need to hold back."

"Remember your life comes first!"

He could see a few knights quickly pulling out small glass vials from their belts, drinking the red liquid before returning to their stance, reinvigorated.

The kobolds grew more desperate. They began climbing over their fallen comrades, trying to jump their way through the wall of steel formed by the Knights.

Ethan's eyes flashed coldly.

"Spearmen, thrust low! Aim for their knees and bellies!" he ordered.

The knights obeyed instantly. Spears pierced through, cutting down the advancing horde. Blood sprayed across the field, and the stench of iron filled the air.

"Now!" Ethan raised his sword high. "Charge!"

"Yeahhhh!" the soldiers roared together, their voices shaking the ground. The shield wall broke open as the knights surged forward in unison. Swords slashed, spears pierced, and the formation pressed hard into the enemy line.

The kobolds screamed in terror as the human forces crashed into them like a thunderstorm. Within minutes, the balance of the battle shifted completely.

Ethan didn't join the fight yet. He stood behind, watching with a sharp eye. Every move his men made was being tested and memorized. He wanted them to rely on their training, not his strength.

"Good," he murmured quietly, his voice filled with pride. "They're improving."

The field was soon littered with bodies, the once loud roars of the kobolds fading into pitiful whimpers.

Ethan raised his sword once more and gave the final command. "Now go and slaughter."

"Yeahhhh!"

The knights shouted storming forward as their blades gleamed under the sun.

The kobolds broke apart, fleeing in panic, but it was already too late.