Chapter 988 - 137: The Evil Son of Manan and Hesse Territory’s Powerful Offensive
When the troops of Hesse Territory completed their formation, the sun had already risen, and the dawn that was cast down enveloped each soldier in a golden glow.
This scene was truly awe-inspiring, especially when viewed from Rapids Castle. Every steadfast defender gasped in shock.
At this moment, they felt like beleaguered humans witnessing the sudden arrival of countless gold-helmeted, gold-armored Elf armies during the Five Armies Battle.
Moreover, the sense of awe was even deeper because the Hesse Territory army assembled below was much larger, their armors shining in the sun, their banners shading the sky.
Baron Grant, as the Commander-in-Chief, felt his heart tremble, gazing at the formidable enemy army below, secretly astonished. Is this the might of the Sun Goddess’s army?
And above Rapids Castle, they could see the original location of Right Bank Camp now flying Hesse Territory’s vermilion banner. Against the backlight, several golden figures stood solemnly, overlooking below.
Standing here were Su Li and his powerful Divine Chosen Knights. The change of ownership of this Right Bank Camp drastically shifted the strategic position for both sides.
From this camp, Hesse Territory could clearly observe the chaotic defensive maneuvers of Rapids Castle below. At night, this advantage was not evident, but with the sunrise, the bright light made them completely aware of the defenses.
Unfortunately, Hilude had not had time to master Valley of Memory over there. Otherwise, commanding the war here would be like having the tactical map of the Sun Goddess. But it’s not a big issue; Hesse Territory has plenty of air cavalry. Whether Griffin Knights, Flying Horse Knights, Giant Eagle Knights, or Swan Knights, crossing the several-hundred-meter battlefield is just a matter of seconds, leading to real-time command of the battle.
Blue Mirror Territory did not expect Hesse Territory to have so many air cavalry, or they would never have easily given up this camp.
The three armies stood solemnly, formations towering, and the war was imminent. Su Li glanced at Dorglin, who was in charge of commanding the artillery, and asked, "Is the cannon calibrated?"
Dorglin, holding his War Axe, excitedly swung his right arm, replying in a high and powerful voice: "No problem, Lord. The firing line is so perfect, the distance is only a few hundred meters, just watch the craftsmanship of the dwarves! Experienced dwarves can hit even with their eyes closed!"
Su Li did not hesitate and decisively ordered: "Then fire away! Let us witness the artistry of your dwarven artillery!"
Dorglin immediately walked to the artillery position, shouted loudly: "Heirs of the mountains, it is time to showcase the mighty power of the dwarves. Aim at the dense crowd below at Rapids Castle and fire with all your might, smash them!"
With Dorglin’s roar, the 2 cannons and 6 crossbow cannons simultaneously roared to life.
"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom—!"
In an instant, the thunderous roar tore through the morning’s tranquility, overpowering the roar of the Brionne River! From the artillery positions on the cliff camp, eight black cannon muzzles simultaneously spewed fiery tongues and thick smoke, the massive recoil seeming to make the whole cliff shake!
Eight heavy cannonballs, carrying the unique dwarven blend of precision and brute force aesthetics, carved brief yet deadly arcs, smashing down towards Rapids Castle below!
Dorglin wasn’t exaggerating. With such a perfect firing line and relatively close range, the dwarven gunners displayed their fearsome skill.
The solid iron balls fired from the two cannons were like the iron fists of the Death God. One ball struck precisely under the main castle of Rapids Castle, extending to a sturdy crossbow cannon platform built against the rocky wall! Wood chips, rocks, and twisted metal parts sprayed along with the defenders’ screams, the entire platform instantly collapsing halfway, sending the heavy crossbows and soldiers operating them into the surging river below. Another ball, scraping past the battlements, slammed into a dense area of barracks behind the main castle, instantly plowing a bloody path, causing greater chaos and flames!
The six crossbow cannons then raised their muzzles high, launching deadly exploding shells. These shells exploded on the narrow streets of Rapids Castle, atop the crowded parapets where defenders gathered! The explosion flared repeatedly, deadly shrapnel and burning iron rain swept down like a storm. Especially one shell, precisely fell into the small square at the center of Rapids Castle — where a large reserve force was gathered to reinforce the parapets! After the deafening explosion, only a smoking blackened crater and a mess of severed limbs remained, as the intense smell of blood instantly spread.
In the previous second, Rapids Castle, still merely intimidated by the Hesse military’s presence, instantly transformed into a purgatory on Earth.
The defenders behind the battlements were stunned by the sudden artillery barrage. The precise strikes made their fortifications seem like paper-mache. The blast waves threw soldiers into the air, deadly fragments piercing armor and flesh. Screams, wails, and the futile shouts of officers mixed together. The previously somewhat orderly defensive line instantly opened gaping holes and descended into chaos.
The cannonballs that fell into the castle caused even greater panic. Soldiers collided as they fled the streets, tax stations, and barracks by the road ignited, thick smoke billowing. The reserve forces scattered, and the logistics area also burst into flames. Manan’s Divine Hall (although not a primary target of the first artillery round) was also affected, flying debris smashing the stained glass windows, making the priests inside tremble.
