After hours of intense fighting, the defenses of Critical City gradually collapsed. The Foundation's invaders, with overwhelming force, destroyed every resistance stronghold. The torches falling was only a temporary victory; ultimate defeat was inevitable.
As time passed, the battles grew increasingly brutal. The esper of Critical City fought with all their might, but the enemy's numbers and strength far exceeded their expectations. Streets were strewn with fallen warriors and shattered buildings.
Despite their every effort, the enemy's onslaught was relentless, overwhelming them like a tide.
"We can't keep this up. We must retreat," Bai Mo calmly shouted, his voice barely audible amidst the battlefield's chaos.
"But we haven't finished yet!" Bai Yoon fought on with a silly grin, her movements still agile and swift.
Yu Qiang silently controlled metal shards, protecting his teammates as best he could. "Retreat is the only option," he said calmly.
Chen Zhe laughed, wielding the Mirror Domain to reflect enemy attacks. "Retreat, but let's make sure it's a good one, brothers! Hold the line!"
However, with the Foundation's Twelve Envoys joining, the situation became even more desperate. These powerful enemies possessed unique abilities, their combined attacks leaving the espers of Critical City almost powerless.
The defenses of Critical City were torn apart, enemies flooding in like a tidal wave. Thousands fled in chaos, attempting to escape. Foundation soldiers mercilessly pursued, hunting down those attempting to flee.
"Let's go! We need to leave now!" Lin Qifeng calmly commanded his subordinates, his black whip cutting through the air with a fierce whistling sound.
Li Long, as one of the Royal Guards, remained at the forefront of the battle. His competitiveness made him reluctant to retreat, but the current situation forced him to compromise. "Retreat! Everyone, retreat!"
Chen Zhe and Yu Qiang fought desperately to protect their teammates, both exhausted. Chen Zhe maintained his usual humor, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere.
"Looks like we'll have to run faster today, or we'll end up roasted," Chen Zhe joked, though he knew the situation was far more serious than he let on.
Yu Qiang remained silent, focusing on controlling metal shards to pave the way for retreat. His gaze was firm; even in such desperate times, he would not give up.
Bai Mo and Bai Yoon became separated amidst the chaos, each searching for the other in the ruins. Bai Mo's heart was filled with anxiety; he had to find Bai Yoon.
"Bai Yoon! Where are you?" Bai Mo called loudly, urgency in his voice.
"Bai Mo, I'm here!" Bai Yoon's voice came from nearby as she struggled to climb out of a pile of debris.
Bai Mo rushed over, helping her out of the rubble. "We have to get out of here; the enemy could catch up at any moment."
Bai Yoon nodded, her eyes still shining with determination. "We'll make it out. Don't worry."
Meanwhile, Lin Qifeng and Li Long also became separated during the retreat. Each led a group of people, continuing to fight and withdraw. Lin Qifeng calmly analyzed the situation; he knew they couldn't afford to continue fighting aimlessly.
"Follow me, everyone. We need to find a safe way out," Lin Qifeng commanded calmly, his voice remarkably clear amidst the chaos.
Li Long led his Royal Guards, fiercely resisting the enemy's pursuit. His competitiveness made him reluctant to give up easily, but he knew sacrifices had to be made for more people to survive.
Ultimately, the defenses of Critical City completely collapsed, and only a few thousand remnants managed to escape. Foundation soldiers continued to chase down the surviving espers, the battlefield filled with a sense of bloodshed and despair.
Bai Mo and Bai Yoon found a hidden path amidst the ruins, temporarily evading the enemy's pursuit.
"We have to find the others; we can't stay separated like this," Bai Mo said firmly.
"Yes, we will reunite for sure," Bai Yoon smiled back, hope shining in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Chen Zhe and Yu Qiang continued down another street, their goal to find more survivors and lead them to safety.
"Hey, Yu Qiang, don't be so quiet. Say something at least," Chen Zhe tried to lighten the tense mood, but Yu Qiang remained silent, focused on moving forward.
Lin Qifeng and Li Long fought on another front, knowing that even though Critical City had fallen, their battle was far from over.
"We'll find a way out," Lin Qifeng said calmly, determination in his eyes.
"Yes, we won't give up," Li Long responded, the flames of battle flickering in his eyes.
Despite Critical City's defeat, the survivors' spirits remained unbroken. They knew as long as there was a glimmer of hope, they would continue to fight tirelessly for freedom and the future.