Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 334: Harune Attacks!

Marco left the estate after he informed the second prince about the situation.

“My lord, how was your discussion with His Highness? Will he help us defend the fortress?” Asked one of his subordinates who was waiting outside.

The rest looked at the marquis, hoping to hear the good news from him.

To their dismay, Marco shook his head with a grave look. “His Highness has two thousand warriors, but he didn’t promise me anything so we should not place our hopes in him.”

“What should we do then? At this rate, those bastards from Harune will be here in two or three days.”

“Should we evacuate the civilians and take refuge in Windy Valley?”

Everyone revealed anxious faces as they discussed amongst themselves. The situation was dire and the enemies could attack them at any moment.

Marco listened to his subordinates’ suggestions with a somber mood.

He had been protecting Iron Sand Fort for many years, so he was reluctant to abandon the fortress city. He had grown attached to the place, for it held precious memories.

How could I even think of abandoning this city?!

Suddenly, his eyes flashed with strong determination.

Many of my subordinates died to defend this place! I wouldn’t be able to face them in the underworld if I choose to leave!

“Silence!” He muttered, his Transcendent aura leaking out like an erupting volcano

Everyone was scared stiff when they sensed the sudden eruption of his aura.

Looking at his subordinates, Marco muttered in a cold voice. “We will defend the fortress even if it means death!”

Hearing this, everyone was stunned. They were infected by his glorious spirit.

“We will follow your commands, Lord Marquis!”

“We are not afraid of death, my lord!”

Marco felt proud in his heart. These were the people he had nurtured for decades.

“Good! Inform everyone to make preparations!” He barked out.

“Yes, my lord!”

“Your subordinate obeys!”

***

Two days later, Marco stood atop the walls, observing the approaching army with a deep frown.

With his keen eyes, he estimated that there were over twenty thousand warriors on the opposing side. Furthermore, he could also sense numerous powerful auras which weren’t any weaker than his own!

“Once the enemies reach our range, fire the artillery at once!”

“Archers, wait for my signal and keep your eyes peeled!”

“Support unit…”

He issued a series of commands.

Their army is mostly composed of cavalrymen and about a fourth of them are infantry. They also have a small unit of beast soul warriors…

Marco clenched his fists when he saw the formidable formation of Harune. He only had four thousand soldiers left. Including the fortress’s army, they had about ten thousand warriors. However, most of these soldiers were just ordinary men. Some were even young teens who had been conscripted due to the urgency of the situation.

Thinking about the huge difference in their power, Marco’s heart sank.

There was no movement on the enemy side for the next three hours, but something changed when the four-hour mark came.

The beast soul warriors of Harune stepped forward and chanted spells.

Seeing this, Marco furrowed his eyebrows.

What are they doing?

He couldn’t understand their plan, but when the beast soul warriors released their spells, he found out that those beast soul warriors actually had long-ranged spells that could decimate their sturdy walls!

“Activate the walls’ defensive abilities at once!”

As one of the key fortress cities in the West, Iron Sand Fort’s walls were engraved with strong defensive abilities. Regular artillery wouldn’t be able to penetrate its defenses.

However, the heavy bombardment of the beast soul warriors caused cracks to form on their seemingly impenetrable defenses!

“Prepare for impact!” Marco shouted, urging everyone to take cover when he noticed that their defenses were about to collapse.

Rumble!

Boom!

A small part of the mana shield collapsed before everything fell apart and turned into motes of light.

After the mana shield collapsed, the walls of Iron Sand Fort were left bare.

The heavy bombardment from the beast soul warriors didn’t cease and their powerful spells struck the walls of the fortress, causing massive damage and destruction!

Some unlucky warriors on top of the walls were blasted into smithereens. A few caught fire and burned to death, while others were flattened by falling large debris!

To prevent further destruction, Marco instructed the artillery crews to focus their offensive on the beast soul warriors.

Soon, large burning rocks were hurled into the enemy formation, looking like meteorites about to fall onto the surface!

Bang! Bang!

As if expecting their retaliation, a defensive artifact was activated, protecting all the beast soul warriors from the burning rocks.

With most of their attention focused on the beast soul warriors, the enemy commander took the chance to command a portion of their infantry to charge, bringing with them their siege weapons.

The warriors of Iron Sand Fort panicked when they saw how prepared Harune was. Only Marco’s subordinates managed to remain calm.

“Do not falter! Our reinforcements will come soon! We just need to hold them off for two days!” Marco shouted to the troops, hoping to ignite their wavering fighting spirit.

Unfortunately, most of the warriors were greenhorns so they were unable to shake off their trepidation. Some of them were even shaking, barely able to hold their weapons.

Seeing this, Marco’s face fell. He thought that they would somehow be able to defend the city for a day, but from the looks of it, Iron Sand Fort would likely collapse in just half a day.

Should I send out my elite troops to buy us some time?

He gritted his teeth as he organized his thoughts.

The enemy infantry was approaching the walls with their siege weapons. If the enemies rushed in, Iron Sand Fort would quickly collapse!

Just as he was about to send his elite troops, he suddenly sensed movement behind him.

He frowned and turned his head.

To his elation, the second prince had come with his soldiers.

He is here!

The second prince’s troops were mostly composed of elites. Their presence could turn this battle around!

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!