The Forgotten War God Son-in-law

Chapter 5: The First Challenge

‎The sun rose over Westbridge City, but for Ethan Cole, there was no time to enjoy the calm after the storm. The night’s revelations had confirmed what he already suspected: enemies lurked in every shadow, and betrayal ran deeper than anyone could imagine.

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‎He stood on the balcony of the Kingsley villa, his gaze sweeping across the city streets below. The early morning fog twisted around lampposts and rooftops, hiding movement, hiding secrets.

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‎“Commander,” Marcus said, approaching silently, “I’ve traced the Syndicate lieutenant you were expecting. He’s holed up in the abandoned warehouse district near the river. Surveillance confirms heavy security. He’s expecting an attack.”

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‎Ethan’s eyes narrowed.

‎“Good. Then he will get exactly what he deserves. Prepare the Phantom Legion.”

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‎Marcus hesitated, aware of the challenge ahead. “Sir… this is dangerous. The lieutenant isn’t just skilled he’s ruthless, and he knows your methods. This could be a trap.”

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‎Ethan smirked faintly, his voice calm but lethal.

‎“Then we make it our trap. He doesn’t know what I am capable of anymore. He will learn tonight.”

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‎The streets below began to stir as Ethan and Marcus mobilized a small team of Phantom Legion operatives. Each man and woman moved with deadly precision, a shadow of the forces that had once followed him across continents.

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‎The warehouse district loomed ahead, decrepit buildings looming like specters in the fog. The faint smell of rust and oil hung in the air, masking the presence of the enemy.

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‎Ethan crouched atop a crumbling wall, observing the compound. Guards patrolled in precise patterns, unaware that they were already being watched by someone far more dangerous than they could imagine.

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‎He tapped his fingers against his knee, eyes scanning the perimeter.

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‎Every move predicted. Every weakness mapped. By the time they react, it will be too late.

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‎Suddenly, a figure slipped from the shadows, landing silently behind Ethan. Ariana had followed him, determined to understand the man she had underestimated for so long.

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‎“Ethan…” she whispered. “Are you sure you want me here?”

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‎He glanced at her, expression unreadable.

‎“Yes. But stay back. Watch. Learn. The first challenge begins now.”

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‎A single whistle echoed from the compound. Guards shifted positions. The lieutenant had noticed something but he had no idea who was watching, or how lethal that watcher truly was.

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‎Ethan’s smirk widened.

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‎Let’s see how he fares against a War God.

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‎With a swift, fluid motion, he descended from the wall, vanishing into the shadows toward the enemy stronghold.

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‎The shadows of the warehouse district stretched long and menacing, but Ethan moved with a predator’s precision. Every step was calculated, silent, and deadly.

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‎Inside the compound, the Syndicate lieutenant waited, flanked by a dozen of his best operatives. His eyes flicked toward the approaching shadows, suspicion tinged with arrogance.

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‎“Show yourself!” he barked. “I know you’re here, War God!”

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‎Ethan stepped from the darkness, his movements fluid and calm. Rain from earlier had left the ground slick, but he moved without a single misstep. His presence alone radiated a silent, overwhelming power.

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‎The lieutenant’s grin faltered.

‎“You… you’re stronger than the rumors. But it ends tonight.”

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‎Before the words fully left his mouth, Ethan struck. Faster than thought, he closed the distance between them, sending the first operative sprawling with a single sweep of his leg. Another tried to flank him, only to be thrown into a stack of crates, wood splintering under impact.

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‎The lieutenant rushed forward, blade drawn. Sparks flew as Ethan deflected the attack, twisting and striking with devastating precision. Every blow was measured, leaving no room for error. Operatives attempted coordinated attacks, but Ethan anticipated each one, neutralizing them with the lethal grace of a man who had commanded armies.

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‎Ariana watched from the shadows, heart pounding. She saw firsthand the scale of his power the War God she had doubted was more than alive; he was unstoppable.

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‎The lieutenant, realizing his forces were crumbling, tried to escape. Ethan’s eyes narrowed. With a single leap, he intercepted him mid-air, knocking him down to the concrete floor with bone-crushing force.

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‎Panting, the lieutenant looked up, fear overtaking arrogance.

‎“You… you’re… you can’t…”

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‎Ethan knelt slightly, voice low but cutting through the night:

‎“I am the Forgotten War God. And this is only the first challenge. Remember this night, for it will define every move you make from now on.”

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‎A figure watched from a nearby rooftop, hooded and silent. Their presence went unnoticed by both Ethan and the lieutenant, but their eyes gleamed with interest. Whoever this was, they had been waiting… and now, the game had truly begun.

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‎Ethan stood, rainwater and sweat dripping from his jacket, the lieutenant unconscious at his feet. He glanced back toward Ariana.

‎“This… was the first test. There are many more. And by the time the city knows me, every enemy will fear the name Ethan Cole.”

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‎The shadows swallowed him as he disappeared from the compound, leaving chaos in his wake. Behind him, the city slept, unaware that a storm had already begun one that would reshape Westbridge forever.

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