The Betrayal?

The hail of gunfire flared to life, but the bullets met a very strong mana shield—an intense blood-red barrier that surrounded the large mound. Meanwhile, the rate of blood consumption from the pipe connected to the mound significantly increased.

It became apparent that low-caliber weapons were ineffective against the shield; only high-caliber bullets, such as those from autocannons, could make it crack. However, even when cracked, the shield quickly mended itself. The troops, realizing this, swiftly switched to more powerful weapons, notably rocket launchers armed with supercharged magic explosive warheads.

"Take aim!" shouted a squad leader among the troops.

Soldiers held their rocket launchers in unison, aiming at the same spot.

"Fire!" came the commanding order, and the soldiers launched their rockets in perfect synchronization.