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

Chapter 428:The Frostvele

Arcadia previously governed forty-six regions, each ruled under barons or regional lords who maintained stability across the Empire.

However, after the conquest of Ruthiana and the surrender of Frontier, the territorial structure changed drastically. Arcadia now controlled nearly seventy baronies spread across vast lands.

Out of those seventy regions, twenty baronies located within Frontier territory and amongst them 5 Barony were granted directly to Ethan. Along with them came responsibility over the northwestern border that connected to the western side of the continent.

It was both a blessing and a burden.

The favorable part was the presence of the Forbidden Mountain Peaks. These towering ranges acted as a natural barrier that even demons struggled to cross. Harsh terrain, unstable mana currents, and deadly storms made large-scale traversal nearly impossible.

Yet the disadvantage was equally severe.

Mountainous regions constantly suffered attacks from magical beasts driven down by harsh climates. Winters were brutal, food routes were unstable, and settlements required constant protection.

And this was not the only problem.

On the eastern side lay a vast ungoverned expanse that still had no appointed lord. If danger emerged from that direction, Ethan’s territory would become the first defensive wall against any incoming demon assault.

That meant frontal confrontation.

Ethan had been expanding his forces steadily, but even with trained soldiers and enhanced elites, numbers still mattered. Facing several hundred thousand demons was not something manpower alone could solve.

This forced him to introduce new systems.

A contribution-based mission structure was established across his territories. Soldiers, adventurers, and even civilians could complete assigned tasks and missions. In return, contribution points could be exchanged for potions and resources.

With Mareti producing high-quality potions, overall strength across the region improved rapidly. However, Mareti could not endlessly create them. Continuous production drained resources and required trained assistants.

The idea of raising undead mages or reckless disciples deeply disturbed Ethan. He refused to allow dangerous experiments to spread inside his lands. Even one corrupt individual could destroy years of stability.

So instead, Ethan established a formal academy.

Mareti was assigned as instructor.

Unexpectedly, Mareti enjoyed teaching far more than Ethan anticipated. The undead mage showed rare enthusiasm while guiding students in controlled magical research.

Three months passed quickly.

Frostvale Estate stood along the northern frontier of Frontier territory, close to towering mountain ranges where freezing winds blew throughout the year. Unlike Blank City, which thrived with commerce and celebration, Frostvale carried a strict and disciplined atmosphere.

Tall stone walls surrounded the estate, reinforced with layered mana formations that shimmered faintly whenever cold wind brushed against them. Watchtowers rose at fixed intervals, each occupied by armored sentries scanning distant plains without rest.

Nothing here was careless.

Nothing here was relaxed.

Rows of barracks filled the inner grounds where soldiers continued training even as dusk approached. Steel clashed rhythmically as squads practiced coordinated formations. Commanders shouted instructions while boots crushed frozen soil beneath disciplined marches.

This estate was not built for comfort.

It was built for war.

At the center stood a fortress-like manor constructed from dark grey stone. Its design favored endurance over luxury. Blue mana lamps illuminated corridors where officers moved quickly carrying reports and sealed documents.

Inside the command courtyard, wagons were constantly being loaded. Crates filled with weapons, preserved food, enchanted arrows, and medical supplies were stacked carefully. Nearby, blacksmiths worked without pause as sparks flew into the cold air while armor plates were reinforced.

Urgency filled the atmosphere.

Everyone sensed something approaching.

Near the training grounds, Nera reviewed deployment reports while Miranda supervised supply distribution. Both looked exhausted, yet neither slowed their work.

“Move the third shipment toward the eastern depot,” Miranda instructed firmly. “And double-check the mana seals before transport.”

“Yes, Lady Miranda,” a captain replied before hurrying away.

Nera closed a scroll and released a quiet breath.

“So it has finally begun,” she murmured.

Miranda glanced toward the northern mountains where dark clouds gathered heavily.

“We all knew peace wouldn’t last,” she replied.

Not far away, Leo staggered beneath a pile of documents nearly taller than himself.

“Why am I here?” he groaned loudly. “I thought marriage celebrations meant rest.”

A nearby officer nearly laughed but quickly regained composure.

Above them, banners bearing the Blank insignia fluttered strongly in the freezing wind. Unlike the festive flags in Blank City, these banners symbolized defense and authority.

Inside the fortress, senior commanders gathered around a massive stone table engraved with a tactical map. Colored mana crystals marked troop movements and defensive zones.

Messengers arrived one after another.

“The western patrol confirms increased demon movement.”

“Southern supply caravans will arrive within three days.”

“Scout units report unknown energy fluctuations near the frontier line.”

Each report added weight to the tension.

Horns sounded outside as a new battalion marched into Frostvale. Their armor bore the Black Thorn insignia, causing nearby soldiers to straighten instinctively.

War felt close.

At the highest wall overlooking the mountains, snow drifted slowly through the air.

At that moment, a tall woman wrapped in a heavy fur cloak stepped forward. A sharp and fearsome aura radiated from her body, scattering falling snow before it could touch her shoulders.

Many soldiers who had never seen her gasped quietly.

“Huh… Who is she?”

“I didn’t know our Lord was a woman.”

“Shhh!”

“Shut up. Do you want to die?”

“That is Lady Julia Blank. She will be handling things.”

Julia walked calmly toward the wall and looked across the jagged mountain ranges stretching endlessly ahead. Her gaze remained steady and cold as the wind swept past her.

She then turned toward her children standing nearby.

“Herion and Miranda, prepare well. The winter will be rough here. We might have to fight against beasts continuously.”

Herion opened his mouth to grumble, but Nera and Miranda shot him sharp warning looks.

He immediately fell silent.

Julia chuckled softly at the sight.

Beyond the mountains, dark clouds gathered slowly.

Frostvale Estate stood ready, knowing that the coming winter would not bring peace.

“Childrens prepare well.A tiny negligence might cause huge damage.”