The score of warriors was delighted to see Zeke and got down on one knee in response to his presence.
“Congratulations to the Great Marshal for your deft escape.”
All the while, they were under the impression that their Great Marshal was gone for sure.
Now, they were gleeful to see him return, and their faith remained intact.
Zeke nodded his head slightly in acknowledgment.
It was only when the warriors knelt that he discovered that it was Ares who was encircled within.
Ever since being rescued from the Carter sect by Zeke, Ares had been in a comatose state. On several occasions, he had also been critically ill.
Hence, Zeke had arranged for him to step in the spiritual energy at the Devonville Restricted Zone to aid his recovery.
Not only had the latter survived, but he had also even attained the rank of King Class.
This is truly a cause for celebration.
The strength of Ares' energy clearly surpassed that of other King Class warriors, and Zeke felt that the former had truly become elite at the moment of his transcendence.
Having regained consciousness after being out for so long, Ares seemed overwhelmed as he brought himself to his knees before Zeke. “I thank you, Great Marshal, for saving my life.”
Despite being unconscious before, he remained keenly aware of what went on around him and knew that it was Zeke who saved him.
In terms of seniority, Zeke still had to address this man as his father-in-law, but Ares saw no need for such distinctions as far as a debt of gratitude was concerned.
Zeke quickly helped Ares to his feet. “You're welcome.”
“I heard that someone has been going around impersonating me and spreading mischief in the land,” Ares said. “I seek permission to right this wrong and rid us of this menace.”
“There's no hurry. First, tell me what happened here? Where are my hundred-thousand strong Elites of Sole?” Zeke asked.
The place fell silent as the warriors from the Elites of Sole bowed their heads in shame.
“Please punish us, Great Marshal, for we have failed to protect our hundred-thousand brothers-in-arms.”
Zeke felt a sharp pang in his heart as his worst fears came to fruition.
He composed himself and said, “Recount the events to me, in detail.”
“Connor rounded up the hundred-thousand remnants of the Four Hidden Sects' elite army to attack the Devonville Restricted Zone in a bid to lay claim to the Spirit Stone mine.”
“Our brothers-in-arms who swore to defend it with their lives put up a fierce struggle.”
“The Elites of Sole were no match for them and perished in Devonville. We are all that's left.”
“The Devonville Restricted Zone was lost, and the Spirit Stone mine, taken.”
“We sought to escort Ares to safety and aid him in attaining the King Class. Now, we wish to return to vanquish our enemies.”
The surviving warriors were on their knees.
“We have failed to defend the Spirit Stone mine. Please punish us, Great Marshal.”
“Get up, all of you. It was not your fault,” Zeke replied staidly.
The hundred-thousand-strong army trained by the Four Hidden Sects was the best of the best. Forged over the course of a century, they also had numerous Archdukes within their ranks.
An ordinary regiment like the Elites of Sole was never going to be a match against them.
“Heed me, Ares, and warriors of the Elites of Sole,” Zeke said.
“We await your command!”
“Follow my lead. We shall strike forth into the restricted zone and reclaim the Spirit Stone mine.”
“Understood!”
The men were in high spirits.
“Great Marshal, I heard that you've imploded your life force and lost all the fruits of your training... Why don't you let us charge at the enemy and direct us from the rear?” suggested a concerned Ares.
Zeke smiled wryly. He then tensed his body and unleashed a magnificent burst of Invincible Wave Energy.
Oh my gosh!
Ares held a hand over his mouth. “What a powerful Invincible Wave Energy! Y-You've attained the Ultimate Class. How?”
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