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

One of the robed men lowered his head. "Yes, Sir. The artifacts and valuables have all been collected. Except for the dragon's carcass, everything useful has been moved into piles. But… about that carcass…"

His words made the others glance nervously at Rahar. For a moment, silence filled the chamber. The dragon's body was a treasure beyond measure, something even kings would kill for.

Rahar's eyes narrowed as his hand traced the tattoo on his chin. His voice grew cold.

"Did you forget the orders from the higher ups of the Abyssal Church? The carcass stays here. It must remain so that the Kingdom believes this was truly a dragon's nest. If we strip it bare, suspicion will rise."

The reminder silenced the chamber. Many of them gritted their teeth. Their hearts burned with greed.

Who among them did not want to take a piece of dragon flesh or bone? But Rahar's words were true.

To obey the Abyssal Church was not a choice.

He raised his hand with finality. "Now, wind up the rest."

The mindless workers continued, dragging out diamonds, crystals, and other valuables. A few rare artifacts were packed away with care, their glow sealed by cloth and runes. For days, the operation carried on in silence. Bit by bit, the treasures of the nest were moved, leaving only the carcass and the others which they consider junk.

At last, when all was complete, only the high-ranking members remained. Rahar stood at the mouth of the chamber, gazing at the mountains beyond. His cloak shifted with the cold wind as he spoke firmly.

"Let us begin."

"Yes!" the group answered together, their voices low but filled with grim resolve.

They spread out into a wide circle, each taking a position. Their hands rose, and the air grew heavy. Red light flared as strange symbols formed under their feet. The runes connected, spreading outward until a massive blood-red magic circle appeared on the ground. It stretched further and further, glowing brighter as the chanting deepened.

The light soon climbed upward, forming a dome that reached high into the sky. Mana surged like a storm, rushing wildly across the mountains. Sparks of lightning danced along the edges of the magic circle. The air trembled with the weight of something immense pressing through.

Rahar's voice rang out above the chanting. "Fall!"

The circle blazed with violent energy. A huge meteorite appeared above them, tearing its way through the night sky. Thunder roared as the heavens split open. The meteorite descended with terrifying speed, wrapped in flames and lightning.

The moment it struck, the mountain range shook violently.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

The impact was like the wrath of the gods. A devastating shockwave burst out, flattening everything in its path. Rocks shattered, the ground split open, and the echo of the explosion carried far across the land. Thunder rolled like the sky itself was breaking apart.

The world was drowned in light. For a moment, nothing but white brilliance filled every corner of vision. The earth groaned under the force, and the mountains themselves seemed to weep.

BOOOOM!

The sound continued to reverberate, leaving only destruction in its wake. The once-hidden dragon's nest and everything around it was swallowed by fire and ruin.

The cloaked figures stood at the edge, their robes flapping in the storm of heat and dust. None spoke. Their eyes gleamed with a dark satisfaction. The will of the Abyssal Church had been carried out.

...…

Blank City was beginning to breathe again. For years after the death of the previous Baron, the streets had carried a heavy silence.

People went about their days, but the spark of life was missing. Now, with new crops being grown, popcorn and fast food stalls opening, and crystals finding their way into the markets, a sense of warmth returned. Families found work, pockets were filled, and laughter once again began to echo through the streets.

The best part was their Lord.

Baron Ethan was not like the other greedy nobles who only thought of raising taxes when the people earned more. Instead, he let them enjoy the fruits of their labor. And when the news spread that their young Baron had broken through as an Advanced Knight and even defeated Baron Fenwick and Baron Bragot, the city erupted in pride.

Blank's people held their heads high, knowing their Lord was someone worthy of respect.

Sophia, feeling this wave of happiness, decided to host a small party for the townsfolk. She wanted them to feel the same joy she did.

For a while, it worked. The streets lit up with songs, the aroma of food filled the air, and smiles stretched across tired faces.

But when the music faded and the guests left, Sophia found herself sitting at her desk once more, staring at endless papers.

"ARGHHHHHHH!" Her scream echoed through the chamber as she threw her head back in frustration. Page after page of budget reports and plans scrolled before her, and her eyes burned with the effort. "Why does this feel so cumbersome? I hate it!"

Nina, standing nearby, rushed to calm her down. "My Lady, please, take a breath. It will be fine."

But Sophia's anger only grew.

Since Ethan had left, she tried to manage the territory as she once did, believing it would be the same.

But things were no longer simple.

With Blank's growing expansion, trade flourishing, and new businesses sprouting everywhere, the workload multiplied beyond her expectations. She wasn't sharp like Ethan, nor did she have Oliver to guide her anymore. The weight of it all pressed down until her chest felt tight.

Her hands shook as she picked up a file, ready to fling it across the room. "I've had enough!" she muttered, her voice cracking from exhaustion. But before the file could fly, the sound of hurried footsteps and a commotion outside interrupted her.

"What happened now?" she asked sharply, her tone filled with irritation.

A servant appeared at the doorway, nearly out of breath. "My Lady, the Lord has returned."

Her eyes widened. "For real?"

The messenger had not even finished speaking before Sophia's heart leapt. She dashed from the estate like an arrow released from a bow, leaving Nina and the other servants stumbling behind her. Her steps were quick, and her chest tightened, but this time with excitement.

At the gate, she came to an abrupt stop. Her eyes landed on the sight ahead. Ethan stood there, tall and striking, his calm expression drawing all her attention.

But he was not alone.

Beside him was a burly man whose presence Sophia barely registered.

Her gaze instead locked on the other figure standing at Ethan's side. A tall, lean woman with a graceful figure stood there, her curves soft yet quite attractive. What struck Sophia most were the wolf-like ears perched atop her head and the fluffy tail swaying gently behind her, almost playfully.

Sophia's lips parted in surprise. Her heart skipped a beat, and for a moment she forgot to breathe. Then, slowly, a mischievous smile curled across her face. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and something sharper, as she looked at the stranger beside Ethan.

The weight of her earlier frustration vanished. A new kind of fire lit in her chest as she watched them.

"Well, well," she whispered to herself, her smile deepening. "This should be interesting."