Chapter 826: Oath at the Frontline

Chapter 826: Chapter 826: Oath at the Frontline

Ethan was ready to depart. He had spent his final night making love to Isabella until exhaustion set in, knowing full well he had no idea when or under what circumstances he would see her again.

Upon leaving his quarters, he marched to the main hall of the palace, where Emperor Aurelius Golden XI was awaiting him, standing before the throne. Noticing the youth’s gaze, the monarch nodded in approval.

"This is how heroes ought to be," said the Emperor, his voice booming through the hall. "They must know no fear; they must be ready to fight to the death. I can feel how your entire being, despite being terrified, holds that burning desire to fight. It impresses me."

"I am not terrified of fighting, Your Excellency," replied Ethan, holding his gaze without a flinch. "I am anxious to march to war. My desire to defend the pride of the empire and show those arrogant trash that they are nothing against us surpasses anything I can express."

"Excellent! You look confident," exclaimed Aurelius XI, forming a smirk. "I wanted to give you a surprise before leaving, but we have been unable to locate your family. I dispatched Vorian in person to the Phoenix Empire to ensure they are searching for your people. According to the information you provided, a spatial portal could only have sent them to this continent or the neighboring one, provided they didn’t enter a disruption that cast them further away. Do not worry; we will do the impossible to locate them. I cannot have my General holding scattered thoughts about his family. I will make sure to protect everyone you care about."

The Emperor raised his hand and presented him with a heavy golden-jade tally, with the character General carved in relief across its surface.

"You will take command of the Golden Eyes Army," declared the monarch in a solemn voice. "That unit is stationed at the western border, facing the Divine Wind Empire across the Great Desert. Prepare the troops to launch the invasion in three days. Formal wars are blood-soaked, and every force available will be unleashed. I will personally head to the central front, where the borders of all three empires converge. Your mission is to hold the western flank and under no circumstances allow them to advance and encircle us. If you succeed, your war merits will surpass anything you imagine, and I will reward you with the title of King. I will grant you your own territory, and for as long as the empire stands, your family will be recognized as a royal bloodline."

Ethan tightened his grip on the tally and offered a deep bow.

"This subject will do whatever it takes to ensure no one breaks through the western route," answered Ethan in a resolute voice.

"Good, but I must warn you: you will be on your own," stated the monarch, narrowing his eyes. "It is the most remote zone, and you will face the Divine Wind Empire single-handedly, while the other three armies march with me to confront the remaining two nations. The assistance you receive from the center will be nonexistent. You must be strong... do not disappoint me."

Ethan offered a bow, pressing his closed fist against his chest.

"I will not disappoint you, Your Excellency."

Upon exiting the majestic halls of the imperial palace, Ethan stepped onto the massive boarding plaza and paused for a moment, struck by the scene before his eyes. The sky was blanketed by hundreds of war frigates. The army he had captured from the Crimson Sect was deployed there, prepared for the march. Furthermore, the fleet featured hundreds of Rhino-level vessels, dozens of White-Leviathan destroyers, and, at the center of the formation, a single White-SeaDragon flagship.

As he approached the main gangway, he saw King Alaric, his father-in-law, waiting for him with a grave expression.

"I sent my entire army to accompany you, including my finest vessel," said King Alaric, resting a hand on Ethan’s shoulder. "I know it will not be enough for the devastating war ahead, but I hope it helps you return alive."

Ethan felt a warmth in his chest. He thanked him sincerely and embraced him.

"Thank you, father-in-law. I will return," said Ethan with a confident smile. "You still have a wedding to plan. When I return, I will officially wed Isabella."

Beside him, Isabella broke into tears. Throughout the previous night, she had refused to show weakness, but now, watching her man about to depart for war, holding back her grief proved impossible. She knew all too well that this was a peril-laden journey; for Ethan to return, he would have to crush invading forces and survive the wrath of entire empires. Though she knew his strength, she couldn’t help but feel immense worry and a void in her heart.

An envoy from the Emperor approached at a hurried pace, bowed deeply before Ethan, and spoke in a firm tone:

"General, the fleet has been assigned its location coordinates at the western border. You may order the launch whenever you wish. Furthermore, the main body of the Golden Eyes Army already has its war vessels deployed outside the Great Desert, awaiting your arrival."

"Convey my gratitude to the Emperor," replied Ethan, securing the command seal.

Ethan turned to Isabella, took her face in his hands, and gave her a farewell kiss.

"I will be back before you realize it," he whispered into her ear. "Don’t worry, this will be quick."

Isabella could only weep and nod through her tears, clutching Ethan’s robe before letting him go. Ethan offered her one final glance, bade farewell to King Alaric, and boarded the White-SeaDragon.

Upon stepping onto the main deck of the command bridge, Ethan ran into a familiar face: Great General Vaelen.

"General? What are you doing here?" asked Ethan, surprised to see him aboard his flagship.

"Hearing that from the man who is now an Imperial General sounds rather strange," said Vaelen, forming a smirk. "Just call me Vaelen. We came to reinforce you. I don’t know how tough those monsters from the Divine Wind are, but we will aid you in every way possible. You’re going to need men you can trust out there; every single one of us who came is prepared to die on this mission, so we will fight without holding back."

Ethan looked him in the eyes, feeling profound respect, and extended his hand.

"Then let us go for glory, Vaelen," said Ethan, tightening his grip. "We will either return as heroes or die as ones."