It was extremely difficult to train wardens, and losing over 3,000 would nullify any defensive divine arts that they had put in place. The fossilized gods burst out of the exit and reduced the remaining wardens to mincemeat.
The Holy See had reserve forces, but they consisted of only just over 2,000 cavalry units. The instant death magic spells that Saleen cast from his tower had an unusually high rate of success in such environments, and had messed up the Holy See's plans.
By the time the cavalry arrived, it was too late. Over 1,000 fossilized gods had been released, and they rampaged on the plains.
The Holy See was still able to press forward, and retreat was not an option. After all, while the forces from Daliang City could retreat under the protection of the magic net, but there was nothing but a vast plain outside the city, which meant that there was nowhere for the Holy See's forces to run.
