The Marshal's Last Battle

“God of War Marshal, we bow at your feet—welcome back home!” The shout roared like thunder the moment Alexander stepped out of the private jet. The entire airport had been cleared, leaving only the top brass of the military and the wealthiest politicians in the nation. They lined up in perfect formation, their heads pressed to the ground in reverence. Boom! Boom! Two ceremonial gunshots split the sky. Even those far beyond the airport walls knew what it meant… he was here. The God of War Marshal. The crowd outside erupted, desperate to catch even a glimpse of the man who had become a living legend. They had given him countless titles: God of War Marshal. The Ultimate General. The commander who had once led the devastating Great War five years ago. Before him, their nation had been trampled, mocked, intimidated. But under his command, everything changed. He conquered ten powerful nations, routed half a million soldiers with only fifty thousand, and became the youngest Supreme General in history. His name alone was enough to silence enemies and bring peace. Now, the war was over, and the people had come to celebrate him. “Cobra,” Alexander murmured to his second-in-command, eyes scanning the sea of bowing heads. “What is happening here?” “Sir,” Cobra said, bowing low, “they heard of your return. They came to honor you.” Alexander exhaled slowly, his face unreadable. Then, in a voice heavy with weariness, he said, “It will take hours to greet them all. Send them away for today. I have no time for ceremonies. Right now… I only want to see my wife.” “Yes, Marshal!” Cobra saluted sharply and rushed off. Within minutes, the airport was cleared. No one dared to disobey his word. Cobra hurried back, bowing low. “Marshal, shall we take the Ferrari home?” Alexander’s eyes turned to steel. His voice was clipped, leaving no room for argument. “No need. Just tell me where she is.” Cobra hesitated. His lips pressed together, then he finally spoke, “She’s… at the Imperial Hotel.” Alexander gulped. This was the first time he got scared. He hoped his wife hadn’t already left him. He wondered what she could be doing in a hotel. The fire in his chest left no space for doubt. Without another word, he strode past the gleaming line of luxury cars, climbed into a black sedan that was opened for him, and slammed the door shut. The city blurred as the car sped through the night, neon lights streaking across the windows. Alexander sat rigid, his hand closing around the silver pendant at his chest. Inside, behind the glass, was his wife’s photo. Kate, smiling as she once had in the days before war stole everything. His thumb brushed over her face and memories flooded back in him. Once, he had been nothing more than a poor orphan and an ordinary security guard. Back in college, when life was harshest to him, the only thing he owned was his love for Kate. She was from a small but affluent, middle-class family, and her relatives despised him. They saw him as a trash fellow! He could remember what they said: “A bodyguard dares to dream of marrying into our family? Never!”. “He’s nothing… he will only drag you down.” “Do you want to live in poverty your whole life, Kate?”. “You shame us by even speaking to him.” “Choose him, and you will regret it forever.” But Kate never wavered. She loved him, and she defied them all, even going so far as to give herself to him before marriage. They had s*x and got pregnant, and the family had no choice but to accept him. The night before their wedding, his unit was suddenly deployed, unexpectedly. He thought it would just be a month long. But that mission entangled him with international forces. And strangely, he was put in front. Military confidentiality swallowed him whole. Letters could not be sent. He couldn’t even make calls. Months turned into years. During this time, he became the God of War. And while the world came to fear the name God of War Marshal, Alexander carried one truth like a wound in his chest: he had left Kate behind. Five years gone without a word to her. Now, returning with glory, he felt no pride. Only guilt. And a desperate, single thought consumed him. He had no time for politicians or any honor meetings. He only wanted to see her. And prove her family wrong, because now he was the strongest, most powerful, and wealthiest person in the country. The car screeched to a halt at the hotel entrance. Alexander didn’t wait for anyone to open the door…he stepped out. He rode the elevator in silence, every floor dragging like an eternity. As he made his way to the room number his deputy gave him. Room 807. Getting there, he stopped in front of the door. His hand hovered, about to knock. Just then, a voice drifted through the door, whispering, “No… please, ahh…” Alexander’s heart lurched. His breath caught in his throat. He immediately recognized the voice. That was Kate. He could never forget the sound. And then, another deep voice chimed in. it was obviously a male. “You like it this way, don’t you?”. Alexander’s blood ran ice-cold as he froze.