Three years in exile: The God of War returns

Chapter 1 - What Is My Identity?

The pungent scent of blood lingered in the air.

The winds blew incessantly, carrying with them the stench of death.

"General, the enemy has withdrawn from our territory. They are retreating further inland."

Michael reported with profound respect.

"Tell Spencer to stay and handle the remaining matters. You are coming with me back to Neon City."

The General’s tall, majestic silhouette always commanded an indescribable pressure. This was the God of War of Arcadia. No one knew his true identity. Everything regarding the General was kept in classified files; in all of Arcadia, only two people had the authority to open them.

"Back to Neon City?"

Michael looked slightly bewildered.

"Yes. We leave tonight."

The General made the decision decisively, turning back toward the main camp to prepare.

Watching that commanding figure, Michael was a bit confused, but then a realization seemed to dawn on him.

Everyone knew the reputation of the God of War, but few knew that this warrior had a past.

Before entering the military, the General had been a successful businessman alongside his close friend, Edward. But for reasons unknown, both were framed. One ended up in prison, while the other was forced into a life of wandering.

It was during those years of wandering that the General met his mentor and, step by step, became the illustrious God of War.

In a mere three years, his name had echoed everywhere. The noble families of Arcadia sought to ally with him, and foreign powers tried to win his favor. But perhaps having suffered too much betrayal in the past, the General remained indifferent to it all.

Neon City. The Worthington family, Schloss Villa.

"General, this is..."

Looking at the grand, unfamiliar villa, Michael felt a sense of doubt.

"From now on, do not call me General. My identity is top secret. Just call me Duncan MacCoinnich."

He maintained his usual majestic bearing, but his voice held a hint of tenderness as he looked toward the villa.

This was the home he shared with Kate Worthington. She had suffered so much because of him. Years ago, he was framed and forced to leave his wife behind. He had been in immense pain. Today, returning home in glory, he wanted to give her a good life.

"Let’s go."

Duncan signaled to Michael.

Michael followed hurriedly, his face a mask of a thousand questions.

Inside the luxurious living room of the villa, the atmosphere was incredibly tense.

"Kate, think carefully. Today I am giving you only two choices: either pack your bags and get out of here, or marry Young Master Kendrick."

An old man leaned on a cane. His hair was grizzled, and he carried the imposing aura of a family head. Luke Worthington, the patriarch and Kate’s grandfather, was furious.

"I... I don’t like Young Master Kendrick. He..."

Kate sobbed, unable to finish her sentence. She felt deeply wronged. Her useless husband had been gone for years, leaving her to endure everything alone, and now she was being forced into a marriage. Her heart was filled with agony.

"I am a married woman after all. How can I..."

Thud.

The sound of the cane striking the floor signaled the master’s authority.

"That is not a problem. If I wish it, you will receive the divorce papers this very day."

His voice was an announcement, not a request for an opinion. Luke had been the head of the Worthington family for many years; no one dared to talk back to him. His words were commands that could only be answered with a yes.

Accustomed to this, he treated today’s matter as settled. He only wanted Kate to marry for the benefit of the Worthington family. The Kendrick family was powerful and possessed many connections essential to the Worthingtons.

He did not regret sacrificing a useless granddaughter in exchange for those major connections.

"Father... Kate... she... she can’t. Everyone knows... Young Master Kendrick is famous for being... debauched."

Seeing his daughter weeping so bitterly, Gianni Worthington, Kate’s father, could not help himself. Although he was terrified of his father, Luke, Gianni only had one daughter. He couldn't bear it, especially since Kate’s mother had passed away early.

"Shut up. What right do you have to speak here? You useless thing."

Luke was enraged.

The people surrounding them looked at Gianni and Kate, enjoying the spectacle. After all, within the Worthington family, Gianni had always been looked down upon.

Three years ago, when Kate married Duncan, he was seen as an outstanding young man whom everyone admired. Back then, they showed him some respect.

But ever then, after the Meridian Group belonging to Duncan and Edward was taken over by others, leaving one in prison and the other a fugitive with no trace, Gianni’s existence in the house was no better than that of a beggar.

Kate still had some competence working at the Worthington Group, helping the company secure many projects. At least she had some value.

Now that she had caught the eye of Young Master Kendrick, it didn't matter if he was debauched. Even if he wanted Kate as a mere tool for his pleasure, the Worthington family would gladly hand her over.

"Grandfather, I won’t marry him. I absolutely won't. Even if Duncan is useless, he is still my husband. Until there is news of him, I cannot marry someone else."

"Besides, I don’t like Young Master Kendrick."

Seeing the mocking gazes of her relatives and her father cowering in plea, Kate felt a surge of heartache. She gathered all her courage to contradict Luke clearly.

"Stupid."

"How does the Worthington family have two people who are both stupid and useless?"

The members of the Worthington family each chipped in a comment, eager to stir up trouble.

For the first time, Luke had been contradicted. He felt his authority as the patriarch was being insulted. His face darkened with rage.

"Damn it, you useless, foolish girl."

"Do I provide for you both just so you can talk back to me like this? That brat Duncan is probably a beggar somewhere by now. You should be happy to be rid of him. And you, since you’ve done nothing for the Worthington family, don’t stand in the way of our advancement."

As he spoke, Luke used his cane to jab at Kate and Gianni’s faces, then kicked Gianni.

Caught off guard, Gianni tumbled over. Kate rushed to help her father up.

"Grandfather, if you are angry, hit me. My father has done nothing wrong. He is ill, please, grandfather."

Kate cried as she hugged her father. In this family, she and her father had endured countless grievances. But with nowhere to go and her father’s need for expensive medicine, she had gritted her teeth against the family’s insults.

She even knew they were using her, but she did it all for her father.

"You still have the nerve to say that. Your father has cost this family a fortune in medicine. If you just marry Young Master Kendrick, wouldn’t it all be settled?"

"I won’t say more. Either go to Young Master Kendrick tonight of your own accord, or the two of you can pack up and leave."

Luke sat down, his voice like a decree. He and the rest of the Worthington family were certain Kate would agree. For the sake of her sick father, Kate would have to reconsider.

Gianni suddenly found a burst of strength. He pulled Kate back and shouted.

"No, Kate. You must not marry that evil man. I would rather die than let you marry that Kendrick person."

Watching this scene, Luke angrily threw a teacup at Gianni. Because he was too slow, the cup struck Gianni in the head.

Seemingly unsatisfied, Luke raised his cane to strike Gianni. Kate, terrified, rushed to shield her father.

But the cane stopped mid-air, unable to descend.

"Who gave you the right to strike my father-in-law?"

The voice was filled with such authority that it seemed to force Luke back.