The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

The defenders hadn't yet recovered from their shock when the second cannonball quickly followed, accurately striking the city wall.

The solid fortifications turned into crumbling ruins under this blow, with heavy stones crashing down like shattered porcelain, bringing despair and death.

Screams and the noise of fleeing melded into chaotic laments, as terrified soldiers stumbled, seeking cover, yet the relentless cannon fire granted them no reprieve.

The Magic Crystal Cannon was unlike mortal artillery, for each strike was accompanied by the curse of the Abyss.

Soldiers caught in the artillery blast, even if lucky enough to survive, turned into charcoal amidst screams, with their bones shattering in the flames, and flesh burning away.

More terrifying was that some souls were torn apart by magic power before death could claim them, screaming as they turned into ghostly figures, wandering the ruins, struggling to seek warmth from living flesh.

That wasn't solely the work of the Magic Crystal Cannon, much was due to the little demon battalion launching sneak attacks amidst the chaos. They used Undead Magic to magnify the damage aftermath caused by the Magic Crystal Cannon, while also amplifying the human soldiers' fear—

The undead are awakening!

The fire engulfed the granary, chain explosions echoing from the ammunition depot, with the entire port resembling a purgatory under the light of the flames.

On the sea, panicked sailors desperately maneuvered their ships to retreat, yet their efforts were in vain—continuous artillery fire capsized ships in flames, with wreckage and bodies floating in the blood-red waves.

Amidst the desolate ruins, the Governor of Seldo Port appeared as pale as a sheet.

His fingers trembled slightly with fear as he finally penned the last plea for help, then released the messenger pigeon summoned by the accompanying mage, sending it toward the sea under the cover of flames and smoke to send the last cry for help to the Empire.

Yet, can reinforcements really arrive in time?

He dared not ponder the consequences of their failure to arrive.

...

The nearest military base to Seldo Port was Saint Yil Castle.

When the plea for help reached this ancient fortress, General Hamoldon made no hesitation in ordering the troops to board ships, sailing toward Seldo Port at full speed.

Fifty thousand troops, forming a grand procession, with steam-powered warships lined up across the sea like a long snake!

However, upon reaching the port's territorial waters, an apocalyptic scene awaited the Imperial navy's arrival.

Seldo Port was still burning, its city walls in ruin, with broken walls and remnants recounting the pitilessness of war.

The port's waters were stained red with blood, bodies drifting with the current, while on the northern mountains, the Magic Crystal Cannon positions were still slowly charging as if Death awaited to swing its next scythe of destruction.

The Deputy Officer stood by Hamoldon's side, eyes focused intently on the distant battlefield, holding his breath.

"General... Forgive me, but our odds of victory are less than one in ten."

Perhaps, even one in ten was an overestimation.

They faced not only the ravaged Seldo Port but also the looming Demon Fortress. Garrisoned within it was possibly their most troublesome old adversary—the infamous General Sibyl, the Butcher.

That Horror Demon, merciless to both himself and foes alike, held a notorious reputation in Hell and the mortal world!

Hamoldon nodded slowly, his gaze sweeping across the battlefield. He knew well that this was destined to be a brutal battle.

The Imperial siege weapons were outdated, relying solely on catapults and traditional artillery, insufficient to shake the defenses of Hell. Meanwhile, the enemy's Magic Crystal Cannon carried a terrifying magic curse, with long-range capabilities.

Once the battle commenced, the Imperial losses would be immeasurable!

"We have no choice."

The Deputy Officer gritted his teeth, lowering his voice: "We can't even touch the edge of that fortress! General, are we to die for a port that's already fallen?"

"Seldo Port hasn't fallen yet!" Hamoldon roared, interrupting the Deputy Officer's words.

Staring blankly at him, the Deputy Officer swallowed the words in his mouth, unable to speak.

"We have no choice." Clasping his shoulders tightly, Hamoldon repeated, with a steady gaze and unwavering voice, "If we don't attack, Seldo Port will truly fall, and in the future, we'll pay an even more painful price to reclaim it from Hell's claws! Do you know why those demons haven't come over? They're right there, waiting for us!"

Saint Sis above—

Please lend me your strength!

He took a deep breath, gazing down at the warship's deck—

The Griffin Knights were assembled and the mages united in casting were also quietly awaiting orders.

This was their only advantage!

They didn't have the Magic Crystal Cannon, nor powerful siege weaponry, but they had the sky, and the wisdom of the Imperial mages. And maybe, this was their only way to break the deadlock.

"Give the order to the entire army."

Hamoldon's voice was calm and decisive, "Tomorrow morning, the entire army will land! At noon, we face the legion of Hell in battle!"

"I shall lead the charge myself!"

The Deputy Officer's pupils contracted slightly but he quickly stood upright, saluting solemnly.

"Yes, General!"

A moment later, he added, no longer hesitant in tone.

"Please let me follow you."

Hamoldon revealed a slightly pleased smile, patting the Deputy Officer's shoulder.

"Holy Light will be with us."

Though deep down, both knew this was merely self-consolation.

Nightfall gradually descended, the Imperial warships silently anchored at the burning port, while in the distance, the Magic Crystal Cannon positions continued to flash coldly in the deathly stillness.