The Supreme War God Has Returned!

Chapter 005 – Zach’s Emotional Stir

*****

At this moment, Zachariah watched the six men with his ever-expressionless face, though a faint tightening at his jaw betrayed the slightest stir of surprise.

He had never anticipated this reaction… not the coordinated, instinctive loyalty, nor the fire in their eyes.

He had shared his past with the six, not for pity, validation, because he expected them to leap to action, and certainly not because he couldn’t leave whenever he wanted to.

No… he had done it because it was the responsible thing to do.

Even a Supreme War God should not abandon his post without first ensuring that those who would inherit the mantle understood the truth. Moreover, a leader does not simply resign without good reason, even though he can do so without consequences.

And yet, currently watching them, Zach couldn’t help but feel something unfamiliar prick at the edges of his consciousness… a sensation long buried under decades of discipline and isolation.

For the first time in years, a flicker of emotion stirred in him… not joy or relief, but something quieter and heavier: remorse.

Before he even realized it, his lips twitched… not fully, but enough to soften the cold mask he wore.

Contrary to what most people assumed, which Zach had never bothered correcting them, he had never come to West End because he wanted to save the country.

Truthfully, if the country collapsed into ash tomorrow, he wouldn’t lose a second of sleep over it.

The only reason he had ever stepped onto this cursed battlefield years ago in the first place was simple and absolute… it was the final assignment given to him by his master.

A test he had to pass before he was finally allowed to turn around and settle the blood debt waiting for him back home.

That was it… the only reason he had never commanded wars from the rear like a proper general, why, every time the horns of battle sounded, he rushed straight into the killing field himself, and why he had always led charges, broken enemy formations, and stood at the very front where death was thickest.

And tonight… it was also the only reason he had personally infiltrated the enemy camp, immediately after achieving a major breakthrough in his cultivation.

He had never fought with his life on the line for glory, praise, medals, titles, or even the endless worship shoved in his face.

He had only done it because finishing faster meant leaving sooner.

Zach had never cared about rank, reputation, or honor. To him, they were nothing more than decorations... Worthless and useless.

Yet…

His gaze couldn’t help but remain blankly locked on the six loyal men kneeling before him.

And for a long moment after, he said nothing. No… he was unable to say a word, leaving the tent so silent, save for the distant echo of soldiers outside.

The six waited with high anticipation, their breathing shallow.

But then Zach released a small, quiet, and restrained exhale, shaking his head once.

“This war is mine alone to fight,” he said, his voice calm, casual, and completely flat as usual.

The moment the six men heard him, however, they stiffened in place, their eyes widening in disbelief.

Just moments ago, they had seen the subtle softening of Zach’s expression and the faint warmth that had flickered through his eyes… something so rare they had nearly convinced themselves it was a miracle.

Hope had even bloomed in their chests, all six truly believing they had reached him, that he would let them follow, and that he would allow them to shoulder his burden.

But reality crashed down immediately.

He was still Zach… still the same blunt, distant, and mercilessly decisive Supreme War God.

“Master, please…!” the four Gods of War pleaded, their voices breaking.

“Sir Supreme War God…!!” the President and the Patriarch also echoed, desperation bleeding into their tone.

However, it was useless.

Zach had already made his decision.

And once his mind was set, no force on earth could move it… not armies, not nations, and not even the combined will of those kneeling behind him.

Without giving them another glance, Zach turned around and walked to the table.

Then, calmly picking up the worn, battle-scarred military backpack resting on it, he slung it over his shoulder with practiced ease.

The bag looked heavy, but he handled it like it weighed nothing at all.

Then he headed toward the tent entrance.

“You can disperse the armies here tomorrow,” his voice came calmly from behind him. “Leave a small force stationed as a watch out, in case any unexpected incident occurred. The rest should return to their family.”

He paused briefly, just long enough for his words to settle.

“Those people won’t launch another attack anytime soon.”

With that, he continued walking, leaving the six frozen in place for what felt like an eternity, none of them moving or blinking.

But then… almost simultaneously, their eyes burned red, and as if sharing the same thought, all six men sprang to their feet, rushed out of the tent, and dropped to their knees behind Zach once more.

However, this time, they didn’t urge him to stay back; instead…