Chapter 5, Defeat

However, Lei and the others remained oblivious. After the new recruits set up camp, they were utterly bored and had already shared the secret dealings of Kairo and Karlin with other teams. As a result, an hour later, over three hundred thousand soldiers outside the city felt relieved: "So those big shots have already come to an agreement, huh? What do we have to worry about? We just need to wait to be called back and collect our rewards. We are the ones who reclaimed the 'Iron Blood Fortress' from the Smart Empire, after all. This is an immense achievement, and each of us should at least receive ten gold coins as a reward, right? Ha, the Empire is going to lose a fortune."

The knights of the Smart Empire were left speechless. The Vant Empire, having risen to power through its formidable legions, naturally had a strong inclination towards building powerful castles. In contrast, the highest-ranking individuals in the Smart Empire were magicians, and a significant portion of their funds was directed towards magical research and the production of magical weapons. Where would they find spare funds to construct such extravagant castles? The so-called 'Divine City,' claimed to be the first in the continent, was also built through the combined efforts of several nations.

Subsequently, over 50,000 heavy infantry wielding long spears, more than 150,000 light infantry carrying swords, and over 10,000 archers drawing strong bows, divided into four teams, charged towards the camp of the Vante Empire from four directions. In the sky, over 20,000 mages desperately cast the most basic spells, which consumed the least magical energy. Occasionally, low-level mages exhausted their magical power and awkwardly floated away into the distance. In the sky, over 20,000 mages desperately cast the most basic spells, which consumed the least magical energy. Occasionally, low-level mages exhausted their magical power and awkwardly floated away into the distance. Occasionally, an unfortunate soul, unable to hold on any longer, fell into the camp of the Vante Empire, ensuring that a team of over 100 would immediately rush in to rescue him, slaughtering the new recruits who had no intention of resisting along the way.

Lei looked at the stars in the sky and murmured, "Hmm, it's been over ten days since I planted the seeds in the field; they should have sprouted by now. Oh dear, I wonder if Uncle the village chief has arranged for someone to help me with the weeding... Strange, that star is so bright... Why is it getting bigger? My goodness, what is that?"

As night deepened, a convoy of supply wagons stealthily transported provisions towards Karlin's large troop. After a while, a series of horse-drawn carts returned, entering the main camp

His adjutant, who is also the deputy captain of Duke Green's personal guard, asked in a low voice: "My lord, is that Karlin's information reliable? If we just go over there, what if..."

The new recruits were all stunned; they could not bear the situation before them. Was it not said that a secret agreement had been reached? Was it not stated that their commander had sworn there would be no war? Why were they attacking again?

Karlin looked at Lei, who was in a daze, with a triumphant expression. He casually thrust his bloodless longsword into a corpse to affirm his identity as a battlefield knight, then smiled and commanded: "Three days from now, release this kid and let him bring the ransom; otherwise, I will permanently possess his weapons and armor... Oh, he has no weapons. Well, he is wearing light leather armor, so let's strip off his leather armor."

Kalin, with a smile, was leading several beautiful women towards his team, while Klaus had already begun to mutter under his breath: "What a dandy, engaging with women even in the military?"

Kailuo stood on the city tower, murmuring, "Strange, why don't they leave? The show is over, what do they want?" He felt increasingly frustrated, thinking, "Didn’t they say they took out those leading vanguard troops? But how did they manage to return safely? What is that fellow Karlin really thinking?"

A few female mages followed Karlin back with smiles, while the silver knight angrily waved his fist at Karlin, commanding: "Lord Kairo has stated that you are to be stationed outside the north gate as the camp's sentinels. Lord Kairo himself has entered the fortress with the main army and one hundred fifty thousand soldiers. If there is anything, report to the city. Do you understand?"

Carlin laughed maniacally, as his childhood dream had finally come true. He couldn't help but howl with joy. The several high-ranking mages beside him felt a deep sense of shame; a veteran of the Mage Association had actually become a Black Iron First-Class Knight. Moreover, it seemed there was no hope of advancing in rank for the rest of his life. For the mages of the Smart Empire, this was simply a disgrace.

The morale of the new recruits quickly plummeted from minimal to zero, and even into negative territory. They discarded all their equipment and fled in a panic. Many of the new recruits were abruptly awakened from their sleep, and before they could even comprehend what was happening, they were overwhelmed by the forces of the Smart Empire. Some of the unluckier ones were struck by a magical projectile and were subsequently reduced to ashes in the roaring flames.

Struck by a magical projectile, Lei was fortunate to land in a small depression in the ground, whereupon two corpses fell atop him. It was precisely this circumstance that spared him from being trampled to death amidst the frenzied charges of the heavy cavalry of the Smart Empire. After regaining consciousness with great difficulty, he used his extraordinary physical strength to push aside the bodies and crawl out.

Lei looked at Karlin with a terrifying gaze, filled with wildness; he seemed to transform into a beast, emitting a growling sound from his throat.

The new recruits were all smiles, feeling good about themselves. They also understood that if the 'Second Great City of the Continent' were to be reclaimed under their efforts, it would be a monumental achievement. Hehe, they wouldn't even need to take risks or engage in actual combat, which was truly a wonderful prospect

Kalin spoke in a serious tone: "This is my first captive. According to the code of chivalry, let me see, yes, yes, it states that I must treat him well, confiscate his weapons and armor, imprison him for three days, and then release him, allowing him to redeem his equipment with money; otherwise, his honor will be completely stripped away, correct?"

Klaus furrowed his brow, ignoring him, and waved his hand, signaling Lei to take a few people over to take a look. Lei nodded, picked up a long sword, slung a bow and arrow over his shoulder, and ran towards the 'Iron Blood Fortress' with several new recruits. Karlin watched as Lei and the others rushed into the city, a satisfied smile appearing on his face, and cheerfully said: "Where is General Kairo? Hurry and send word for him to come quickly, and remind him not to forget his knightly oath; he must not pursue me."

Everyone is left speechless when a person, accompanied by a large number of subordinates, storms into your home, eliminates your guards, and suddenly declares that everyone is friends. What would you think in such a situation

The light infantry of the Smart Empire quickly retreated, leaving behind a circular formation composed of over a thousand villagers. The sound of thundering hooves echoed as, under the command of the general, two thousand heavy cavalry charged forward, shouting their battle cry.

It seemed that the magical crystal weighing one pound was buried beneath Kairo's body. When the explosion occurred, Kairo's body shattered into pieces accompanied by a blue light, and none of the high-ranking knights nearby were spared; they were all torn to shreds by the terrifying force of the explosion.

The more seasoned veterans, upon hearing this news from their comrades present that day, felt a slight sense of relief. This is good; they no longer have to fight desperately against an advantageous enemy. They are not war fanatics; if problems can be resolved peacefully, why risk their lives?

Olie saw Bit being lifted high by a cavalryman with a lance, and then heavily smashed to the ground, his head crushed by the hooves that followed. They could not help but roar in anger, charging forward in a frenzy. However, the lances came at them like a forest, each one lifting them high before slamming them down to the ground. Olie's last thought was: "Uncle Ster was right, we light infantry cannot compete with heavy cavalry..." They charged forward in madness, but the lances pierced through like a thicket, each one lifting them high before they fell to the ground. Olie's last thought was: "Uncle Ster was right, we light infantry cannot compete with heavy cavalry..."

Two days later, along a route that is thirty miles wide, an army of five hundred thirty thousand from the West Siri Province, which can be said to possess no combat capability, is slowly making its way towards the 'Iron Blood Fortress.' It can be imagined that even the most skilled generals on the continent would find it impossible to launch a rapid attack under such circumstances. The soldiers are grouped together according to their usual friendships, with some on the east and others on the west. In densely populated areas, over two hundred people are crammed into a space of several dozen yards, while in sparse areas, a small team is moving slowly every hundred yards or so. It can be imagined that even the most skilled generals on the continent would find it impossible to launch a rapid attack under such circumstances. The soldiers are grouped together according to their usual friendships, with some on the east and others on the west. In densely populated areas, over two hundred people are crammed into a space of several dozen yards, while in sparse areas, a small team is moving slowly every hundred yards or so.

A top-tier silver knight, accompanied by a dozen high-ranking bronze knights, rushed over and happened to overhear the last few words of Carlin. He immediately began to scold, "Nonsense! Hmph, it was merely a stroke of bad luck that the 'Greenfield Legion' was annihilated by you. Do you really think that the armies of your Smart Empire are that formidable? Hmph, our empire's most elite legions have already arrived, along with three private legions of dukes. In a direct confrontation, you are bound to lose without a doubt."

Kailuo's cavalry stood on a small mound, the knights frowning, anxiously watching the defeated soldiers pass by. These soldiers showed no awareness of the impending battle, each one boasting wildly about how easily they could take down numerous enemies.

Countless new recruits, bewildered, stumbled out of their tents, shouting loudly: "What happened? What happened? What is that sound? Is it thunder?"

Kalin, riding a white warhorse, shrugged and said, "Alas, what a bunch of naive young men. They just handed over the city without a hint of suspicion"

Within the city, Kairo looked at the scene before him with a pale face, cursing madly: "Karin, you shameless, despicable bastard who has betrayed your own oath."

Apart from the subordinates of Klaus, the young people from Carly Village led more than twenty small teams, while the other new recruits equipped with full sets of armor and weapons rushed into the city. This group consisted of the slightly stronger recruits, in other words, those with better equipment, and naturally, they were stationed in the city as a reserve force. Meanwhile, the other recruits, armed with iron-tipped wooden sticks, set up camp outside the city under the leadership of their own commanders

Subsequently, the four city gates were engulfed in roaring flames, and both armies cheered simultaneously. Approximately five hundred jin of firewood produced such an effect, sufficient to scorch the city walls as if they had undergone a bloody battle.

The people around were stunned, and the stuttering sixth-level mage of the Diamond Dragon asked, "My lord, what did you say? Do you want a sword?"

What astonished the soldiers of this team was that Karlin had actually set up a carpet with six beautiful young ladies beside a small thicket, and they were having a picnic. Upon seeing Klaus and the others approaching, Karlin, with a chicken leg in his mouth, mumbled a greeting and exclaimed: "Heavens, why have you delayed for two days? Don't you know that time is of the essence in military affairs? My personal supplies are nearly exhausted. Fortunately, I won a bet and bought a few chicken legs from the quartermaster to roast and eat. You all have truly disappointed me."

He had just stood up when a gleaming long sword was pressed against his neck. A gentle voice exclaimed with excitement: "Alright, dear, I am so happy that you are still alive. My goodness, I can finally become a knight. Damn the knightly code; one must either defeat three junior knights or capture someone alive on the battlefield to become the most basic knight. My skills cannot match theirs, but I have finally captured a prisoner. Starting tomorrow, I will be Lord Carlin, a first-tier black iron knight... Damn the knightly code; one must either defeat three junior knights or capture someone alive on the battlefield to become the most basic knight. My skills cannot match theirs, but I have finally captured a prisoner. Starting tomorrow, I will be Lord Carlin, a first-tier black iron knight... Hahahahahaha..."

Lei Daidai stared blankly at the surrounding troops of the Smart Empire, his mind a complete void, until a knight clad in exquisitely crafted golden armor kicked him hard, jolting him back to reality. The knight, Shaboke, the captain of Karlin's personal guard, furrowed his brow and shouted: "Get up, you lowly peasant. By the command of my lord Karlin, I must teach you something. You have three days to learn the knowledge of fighting spirit; otherwise, I will have violated the promise I made when I pledged my loyalty to my lord, and you will tarnish my reputation. Do you understand?"

Kailoton paused, patted the sword at his waist, and laughed, "Moreover, since Karlin has sworn by his own reputation, and also by the gods of their Smart Empire, it stands to reason that there is at least some reliability in it. We just need to proceed with caution. Besides, even if they have some tricks up their sleeves, hehe..." Kailoton glanced back at the path they had taken, a strange smile appearing on his face. The knights beside him raised their eyebrows, their faces revealing a knowing smile, as if to say, 'So that's how it is.' Besides, even if they have some tricks up their sleeves, hehe..." Kailoton glanced back at the path they had taken, a strange smile appearing on his face. The knights beside him raised their eyebrows, their faces revealing a knowing smile, as if to say, 'So that's how it is.'

Klaus and the others were at a loss for words, standing there in a daze, staring blankly at Karlin, who looked aggrieved. Without a care for decorum, Karlin wiped his greasy hands on his robe, desperately swallowing a mouthful of chicken. Supporting himself with two young women, he pointed and said: "Ah, you all, split into one team to the west gate, one team to the north gate, and one team to the east gate. Get ready to set fire; we have prepared the firewood, just waiting for you to go in and ignite it... Sigh, once the fire starts, I will earn enough military merit to go home. Hurry up, hurry up, my army has been camped outside the city for three days, just waiting for you."

Bitter and his companions had undergone training under Ster, and under Bitter's command, they, along with hunters from other villages, formed a tight circular formation to staunchly resist the countless attacks from the outer Smart light infantry. The marksmanship they had learned proved to be highly effective; with each shot fired, a dense cluster of enemy soldiers would inevitably fall.

Before long, Lei's head appeared on the city wall. After looking around, he quickly ran back with some people and reported loudly: "My lord, the city is desolate. There are some piles of firewood at the city gate, and approximately fifty thousand troops are stationed outside the south gate. The soldiers have not set up tents but are resting directly on the muddy ground. They are not wearing armor, and the warhorses are without saddles. There are no other troops in sight, near or far."

Klaus nodded, waved his hand, and divided his team into two groups to head to the west and east gates. Since Kelo had given such orders and the other party complied, it would be a good thing to achieve a merit without bloodshed. Klaus was indeed not confident in the combat capabilities of his subordinates.

In the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, over a thousand hunters who fought desperately were completely wiped out. Karlin rubbed his chin and suddenly let out a frenzied scream

Karlin spread his hands and said, "Alright, I always keep my word. To conserve food, I have already sent back one hundred thousand people yesterday. Now, that guy Shalin is preparing to leave with his men, just waiting for you to take over. We are merely pretending to engage in a battle."

Kalin spat, "What? Isn't he a knight? Damn it, but what does it matter? I am the heir of the family, and according to imperial law, I have the right to appoint anyone other than myself as the family's guardian knight. Therefore, I hereby appoint this young man as the Golden Fifth-Order Guardian Knight of the De Edwards family, and that is that."

Kailuo let out a grunt: "The propaganda of the Empire is truly absurd. Although one of our regular soldiers can absolutely handle three soldiers from the Smart Empire, and one of our senior knights can take down two of theirs, those are all regular troops. Look at these guys; do they really think they can take on the vast army of the Smart Empire just because of their presence? What a joke."

Massacre, this is a one-sided massacre

Klaus nodded, saying no more, and simply watched as the troops approached the "Iron Blood Fortress." After surveying the condition of the castle, they entered the city. Kelo stood on the southern city wall, smiling at the more than 50,000 soldiers of the Shimate Empire, and said, "These are no problem. Relying on this city wall, even if they deploy 500,000 troops outside, we can withstand them. The 'Iron Blood Fortress' is simply impossible to destroy by external forces..." He continued, "These are no problem. Relying on this city wall, even if they deploy 500,000 troops outside, we can withstand them. The 'Iron Blood Fortress' is simply impossible to destroy by external forces..." ... He instructed the rear troops to quicken their pace, saying, "We need to show the Shimate Empire's army a bit of our strength."

Kailuo roared, "Damn it, do they think they can extort me? If it weren't for the knight's oath I took, I would definitely order the battalion to eliminate them... Damn it." Kailuo's words were fierce, but he knew he would never dare to send those new recruits to attack the fifty thousand men, unless he had lost his mind. A group of trash attacking a formation of elite soldiers was a death wish. Even if the enemy was not armored, their combat quality was not something the new recruits could compare to. But he knew he would never dare to send those new recruits to attack the fifty thousand men, unless he had lost his mind. A group of trash attacking a formation of elite soldiers was a death wish. Even if the enemy was not armored, their combat quality was not something the new recruits could compare to.

A lazy voice came through: "What a bunch of useless bastards. If you can't handle them, let the heavy cavalry take care of it. Save time, save time, you idiots. The 'Silver Wolf Legion' sent by the capital of the Vant Empire is about to arrive. Although there are only 20,000 of them, I would still feel sorry if they got hurt."

Shalin said with a mix of laughter and helplessness, "Lord Karlin, this fellow is merely a low-ranking infantryman. Is it too much to discuss the code of chivalry with him..."

Kailuo whispered, "Tell them that the supply and transport vehicles will not arrive until midnight, and they must wait. By dawn tomorrow, they must leave; otherwise, the 'Silver Wolf Legion' sent from the imperial capital will arrive... I do not want the lords from the imperial capital to see me colluding with the people of the Smart Empire. This is a capital offense..." Kailuo's eyes darted around as he began to devise a plan to deal with the thousands of soldiers present who had witnessed the meeting between Karlin and him. This is a capital offense... Kailuo's eyes darted around as he began to devise a plan to deal with the thousands of soldiers present who had witnessed the meeting between Karlin and him. Originally, the arrival of the advance troops from the imperial capital was a good thing, but now what Kailuo wanted most was to send someone to inform the people from the imperial capital that everything here is fine and there is no need to rush.

Kailuo roared: "Let me open the city gates, and then you will seize the opportunity to attack the city? Let them die; I only need to defend the 'Iron Blood Fortress', and I will be a hero. Damn it, do you really think that with ten thousand magicians, you can conquer the 'Iron Blood Fortress'?" On his body, the white aura, tinged with a hint of golden yellow, was already boiling fiercely.

Karlin turned around in anger and scolded, "Damn it, am I afraid of dying? Hmph, let me tell you, these young girls are magicians, and they are indeed virgins. However, it would be incredibly easy for me to take them as lovers; who would refuse? Hmph, as for you, if you're afraid of dying, you might as well hide by the river in the west. Who knows, you might even encounter a few river demon beauties and flirt with them."

The officers beside him understood and quickly ran off to convey the orders, while all four city gates were tightly shut. Kairo still worried that the Smarter Empire might have some tricks up their sleeve. Regardless, it was always much safer to close the gates and raise the drawbridge. Countless new soldiers, fully equipped with armor and weapons, rushed up the city walls with excitement, pointing and gesturing.

The group of high-ranking mages beside him resolutely rejected his request: "My lord, it is impossible; your safety is of utmost importance"

Before the group of legitimate knights led by Shalin could react, Karlin's longsword had already struck heavily three times on Lei's shoulder. According to the laws of the Smart Empire, Lei officially became a knight of the Karlin family. Anyone who questions the authority of this conferment would be equivalent to questioning the legitimacy of the heir of the De Edwards family, and it is unlikely that anyone would dare to do so

Kailuo summoned a bronze knight and commanded him to inquire about the intentions of the Smart Empire's army. After a while, the knight rushed back on horseback, his face filled with a strange expression. Kailuo asked, "What did he say?"

Ray saw Karlin stabbing the corpse with a sword, and he suddenly began to scream frantically: "Oh my God, Oriel, Oriel, oh my God... and that, that, that is Bitter, they, they all..."

The silver knight snorted coldly: "Lord Klaus, haven't you noticed? Those young ladies are all very powerful magicians. Just look at the way they walk; they are still virgins. How could they possibly be Karlin's lovers? Hey, he is afraid of dying, so he brought a few bodyguards to protect himself, right?" He raised his voice just enough for Karlin to hear.

The advance team personally led by Klaus consists of a total of 5,000 individuals, which is the equivalent of five team formations, having arrived at a location two miles away from the 'Iron Blood Fortress'. These five teams are precisely those individuals who were observed conversing between Kelo and Karin the day before yesterday, and they have now all been dispatched.

A courteous voice echoed from the air: "My goodness, General Kairo, is this something a noble should say? How rude! How can one noble insult another by calling them a bastard? You truly are a foolish bastard. Alas, look at the more than 300,000 people who have perished because of your foolishness... As for my oath, have you forgotten the other name of the God of Wisdom?"

The mages stared at Karlin for a long time. Karlin, with his habitual smile and a slight upward curve of his lips, remained silent. After the passage of two tea times, a finely crafted longsword made of high-quality steel, enhanced by the blessings of over a dozen high-ranking mages, was delivered to Karlin's hands.

When the first fireball exploded, a silver knight had already ridden away to the west on horseback, followed by a golden knight and seven bronze knights. They fled to the bank of a river in the west, where a group of cavalry intercepted them, and the two groups merged into one as they galloped southward

Karin's hand waved gracefully, as if at a court ball, tenderly caressing the cheek of his beloved. A red halo shot forth from his hand, and then the entire "Iron Blood Fortress" erupted in a violent explosion. Indeed, the entire "Iron Blood Fortress," the whole stronghold, exploded.

Kailuo laughed and said: "What if? What is there to be afraid of? As long as we don't approach the 'Iron Blood Fortress', we won't need to attack the city, and the facilities inside the city will be of no use to us. Hehe, what can they do to us? With five hundred thousand people, even if they want to kill us, it would take them two days. Moreover, these soldiers are all armed, and no matter what, they will make sure to give them a good time."

Here, the sound of hooves thundered as approximately 15,000 heavy cavalry formed into a charge formation, roaring as they surged through the breached wooden palisade into the recruits' camp, their massive pikes glinting with a chilling cold light. The recruits had just drawn their swords when a series of cold flashes swept across; they were lifted into the air, drenched in a rain of blood, and gently thrown out.

Lei Meng reacted quickly, seizing the moment when Karlin was laughing maniacally and the sword had slightly moved away from his neck, preparing to strike with a punch. However, over thirty finely forged long swords and spears swiftly pointed at his body, while more than fifty mages bearing the emblem of the flying dragon, each with at least four olive leaves on the olive branch in their mouths, summoned whirlwinds, lightning, and pillars of fire. Every one of them was fixated on him. Lei sighed deeply, collapsing helplessly to the ground, with only one thought in his mind: "Who have I provoked? Any one of these people could kill a thousand of me. Do they really need to come together to deal with me?"

Karin cast a haughty glance at Lei and lightly issued a command that would make him regret for a lifetime: "Alright, strip him of his armor, take him with us as we retreat, and release him in three days... During this time, treat him well; no one is allowed to mistreat a captive of such noble standing as a knight, understood? At the same time, Shabo, my dear captain of the guard, to ensure he lives up to the reputation of our family's knights, please teach him a bit about combat energy. That's all."

When the Iron Blood Fortress exploded, the tremendous force of the explosion engulfed everything within a mile outside the city walls. A squad of soldiers led by Klaus was near the city gate at the time, and they were instantly reduced to ashes

Kailuo's face turned pale: "The God of Conspiracy, a God of Conspiracy with no credibility whatsoever." He looked up, glaring at Karlin, who was floating in the air

Shalin and the others nearly fainted on the spot, my goodness, what is going on? What is this? The code of the knights, could it really be trampled upon by Karlin like this? That damned fellow, he has conferred the title of guardian knight of his family upon an enemy, and even captured his own knight, demanding ransom from his own knight... ? Moreover, how could a lowly soldier possibly be conferred the title of the highest knight... ? According to the rules, this fellow could at most be accepted as Karlin's own knight attendant... ?

Before Sha Bo could express his opinion, Ka Lin had already soared into the sky and began to shout: "Brothers, let's tidy up, no need to look for those missing arms and legs, everyone, let's go, the main force of the Vante Empire's army is about to arrive... Haha"

Among the 350,000 new recruits, apart from the villagers of Keli Village and those from the mountainous areas who took up arms to resist, all the other recruits fled. Duke Green's calculations were completely erroneous; untrained soldiers, soldiers who have not experienced battle, are worth less than ten fierce warriors.

Karlin's robe billowed, and his jet-black hair spilled out from the cloak, in the chilling night wind, he seemed almost like a king of the dark night, both terrifying and sinister. He chuckled softly and pointed towards the hell outside the city, asking: "What is it? Aren't you going to save them?"

Karlin looked at them seriously: "Of course, a sword. In fact, my dream since childhood has been to become a great knight. Unfortunately, apart from riding girls, I don't have much spirit for horseback riding. However, I am still happy to wield a sword and chop down a few worthless minions."

Kalin turned around in surprise, looking at the silver knight, and a faint smile gradually appeared on his face as he opened his mouth to laugh: "Ha, ha, ha, of course, I admit that the legions of the Vant Empire are the strongest on the continent. However, haven't I already prepared to retreat? By the way, please convey a message to General Kairo for me. If there is an opportunity, please tell your Majesty Shagru that, well, this time we went to war was actually instigated by my father to earn some merit for me. Sigh, I hope your country does not misunderstand our friendship towards you, heh heh. After all, we are allied nations that have signed a treaty."

Kalin snorted coldly: "My safety? If my safety cannot be guaranteed with your protection, then what use are you to me? www.hetushu.com? Give me a sword, or I will strip you of your positions and send you back to be magic apprentices."

Karlin murmured, "Heavens, is it getting dark? Hmm, give me a sword."

The entire queue was delayed for a length of fifty li, which is equivalent to more than half a day's journey. In such a formation, if a cavalry unit were to charge, the only outcome would be total annihilation, as by the time they reached the end of their charge, the horses would be exhausted to death, making it impossible for them to fight any longer

Unable to sleep, Lei quietly got up and stood outside the tent to gaze at the stars, contemplating how much bounty he could earn if this battle were to end, and thinking that he might be able to return home to farm. He chuckled to himself, considering that regardless of the outcome, he would have had a military career. In the future, he could boast in the village just like Uncle Ster. If he could earn five gold coins as a reward, he could buy some good medicinal herbs for his mother's illness and treat her properly.

Moreover, the sky is filled with flames, and the ground is soaked in blood. Those are blood, blood, blood, and also flesh, flesh scattered everywhere. Blood and flesh are everywhere, corpses are everywhere. Look, isn't that the blacksmith who usually boasts about his great strength? He was actually cut in half by a mere soldier with a single blow. My God, these people are not human; they are demons.

Karlin nodded: "Indeed, it is quite normal for them to think this way. If we were to seriously attack them instead of having General Shalin, that traitor, oh my, General Shalin, I do not mean to look down on you; you are a noble of our Smart Empire. Yes, damn it, how could I dare to look down on you? Trust me... um, to conquer the 'Iron Blood Fortress' from the outside is a thought only a madman would have. I am a normal person, so... Trust me... um, to conquer the 'Iron Blood Fortress' from the outside is a thought only a madman would have. I am a normal person, so... how could our empire not be able to build such a fortress?"

Kalin emanated a powerful aura of magic, and a tornado enveloped his body. His eyes sparkled with a sinister light as he chuckled: "Oh... right, the 'Iron Blood Fortress', it is extremely difficult to breach from the outside. However, what if we consider the inside? Hehe... Do you not think that after occupying the 'Iron Blood Fortress' for over a month, we might have done something within?"

Countless basic magic orbs shot down from the sky, blooming in all directions within the new recruits' camp. Tents ignited, and the new recruits inside were set ablaze, screaming in agony as they rushed out with their eyes closed, their bodies engulfed in flames. The supply carts transporting provisions had long been transformed into the most elite squad of the Smart Empire's soldiers. They hacked open the wooden gates of the camp, toppled the wooden fences, and then frantically slaughtered the panicked and fleeing new recruits of the Vant Empire, who had lost their weapons. The supply carts transporting provisions had long been transformed into the most elite squad of the Smart Empire's soldiers. They hacked open the wooden gates of the camp, toppled the wooden fences, and then frantically slaughtered the panicked and fleeing new recruits of the Vant Empire, who had lost their weapons.

Karlin sighed: "A month, it took a whole month to bury so much gunpowder and magical crystals. My goodness, I barely managed to pry up two bricks and stuff a pound of magical crystals inside... Really, a pound of magical crystals is worth five hundred gold coins. Fortunately, it is crystals produced by the Empire itself; otherwise, to blow up your 'Iron Blood Fortress,' our Empire would have gone bankrupt."

Kalin swiftly dove to the ground, roaring, "Where is my sword, you bunch of bastards?"

The knight bowed and replied: "My lord, he, he stated that they have consumed all their provisions and will run out of food tonight. If we do not provide enough food for them to last three days, they will not leave. Fifty thousand people require only one hundred fifty thousand pounds of food for three days, yet they are demanding three hundred thousand pounds."

Leimeran nodded slightly, his dazed gaze fixed on the bloodied remains on the ground, the bodies of comrades who had been vibrant just an hour ago...

Bitter let out a roar, and his spear swiftly thrust forward. A pure steel spear lightly flicked, and his spear instantly split into two sections. The spear quickly lunged forward, and Bitter suddenly felt a chill in his chest, as if all the warmth in his body had drained away. Immediately afterward, a piercing pain shot through him, and he lost all awareness.

The entire "Iron Blood Fortress" turned to ruins in an instant. Karlin looked at the violently exploding ruins with a peculiar expression and sighed, "No wonder my master told me that human destruction is always a thousand times easier than creation... The Vant Empire took ten years to build this castle, and I destroyed it in a month. Am I too cruel? However, Duchess Winston said she actually likes this little bit of cruelty about me... The Vant Empire took ten years to build this castle, and I destroyed it in a month. Am I too cruel? However, Duchess Winston said she actually likes this little bit of cruelty about me... Hehe."

A sixth-tier mage of the Diamond Dragon beside him sneered: "My lord, the Vant Empire is overly confident in its military strength. In their view, the 'Iron Blood Fortress' is absolutely impossible to breach"

Kalin nodded with a smile and said, "Since that's the case, I will return to my team. Well, I advise you generals not to draw your bows during the attack; if you accidentally injure me, hum hum, I assure you that the army of the Smart Empire will return immediately. That's it, I'm leaving, no need to see me off." With that, Kalin, flanked by six beautiful women, headed towards his own team's location.

Lei let out a final scream: "What is that?" Immediately afterward, there was a deafening explosion, and a massive shockwave surged forward, propelling Lei several meters away. By the time he fell to the ground, he was already in a deep state of unconsciousness