The relentless barrage of siege attacks from the Xaos Kingdom had continued for sixty hours straight. Explosive boulders, flaming spears, and massive metal pillars rained down upon the white walls of the capital without pause, testing the endurance of the Azarin Empire's defenses to their very limits and steadily draining its energy. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the attacks ceased.
Richard stood atop the white walls, his face pale and drawn. Dark bags hung beneath his eyes, clear evidence of sleep deprivation. He had not rested in over two days, nor had his fellow generals. The constant pressure and weight of responsibility wore them down, but they could not afford to falter.
Vlad's ultimatum loomed over them, pushing the generals to their breaking point. Not only were they tasked with defending against the unrelenting siege, but they also had to manage the terrified civilian population inside the city walls.
