160 Retreating To Mountains

Meanwhile, hundreds of soldiers gathered and gradually armed themselves. The titled knight in command remained at the leadership building, delaying deployment as he continuously called for more to amass. He also demanded more intelligence and promptly sent anyone who suggested accelerating the reinforcement to scout the enemy's position.

Some of the earliest parties dispatched managed to return, while others did not. Hence, no one dared to propose such suggestions again. By the time nearly two hundred soldiers were prepared to mobilize, the Temple's alarms had been ringing for over an hour. Flames erupted in its direction, quickly developing into an inferno that illuminated more than half the port city and sent plumes of smoke billowing skyward.

Lord Valorus stood at the apex of his castle, his expression volatile as he observed the flames engulfing the Temple in the distance.