Magic Array

After Hudson finished explaining the entire situation, everyone's expressions turned grave. Being targeted by an influential Count was no small matter.

Especially since they had actively provided the excuse, giving him leverage. Fortunately, Hudson was loyal and didn't betray them; otherwise, they would have lost a significant part of themselves, if not their lives.

However, it was obvious to anyone with eyes that Count Pierce wouldn't let things end so easily after taking action. They didn't know how much more trouble awaited them.

After understanding the full story, the way everyone looked at Hudson changed. Deep down, they all felt, "This young man is reliable," mixed with a trace of guilt.

Of course, this shame didn't last long before it was overcome by self-interest. No matter what, they couldn't spit out the meat they had already swallowed.

Hudson felt no surprise receiving his share of the spoils. Nobles cared about face and were also greedy. If it weren't for the need to silence him, they probably wouldn't have even given him the promised spoils.

The essence of putting on this act was to diffuse everyone's jealousy towards him and prevent unnecessary trouble.

Judging by the current situation, it was quite successful. Everyone's attention was drawn to "Count Pierce causing trouble," so they had no energy to be jealous of Hudson hogging the credit.

It made sense. From the moment he refused Count Pierce's overtures, Hudson had offended the leader of the allied forces. No matter how great his achievements, they would inevitably be discounted.

Destined to be targeted, what was there to be jealous of?

After exchanging pleasantries with their own agendas, the Fifth Army resumed its march. They didn't even have the time or inclination to retrieve the conscripted serf soldiers who had been reorganized.

Returning to their established formations meant that the current supply transport mission also had to be reassigned. No matter how efficient they were, it would still take half a day to sort out.

After all, the allied forces had only brought seven days' worth of supplies, and it was already the sixth day with over thirty miles left to travel. If they delayed any longer, disaster would surely strike.

Continuing to command the main force, Hudson felt a mix of joy and worry. He wasn't blind; how could he not see that the Fifth Army was already fractured? The alliance was only maintained because they were forced to stick together under the pressure of Count Pierce.

The combat effectiveness of such a force was predictable. As long as Count Pierce employed even a little strategy, the Fifth Army's fragile alliance would crumble.

The grim outlook forced Hudson to become even more cautious. Deep down, a voice kept reminding him – "Stay steady, don't mess around."

In Dadir City, the bloody siege battle was about to begin. Within the allied forces' formation, five star-shaped points, protruding at the front, were connected by intersecting lines.

Under everyone's gaze, five mages, clad in white robes and holding staffs, stepped into the array. Following closely behind, a group of apprentices hurriedly inserted crystals along the star-shaped lines.

"Astun Croatia, Tamret the slumbering..."

As the incantations continued, the five-pointed star array emitted pillars of earthy yellow light, clearly visible for miles around.

The allied forces' grand display quickly alerted the city's defenders.

"Magic" was always a synonym for the sublime and powerful, especially for ordinary people, it held immense deterrent power.

The arrogant Skeleton Lord, upon receiving the news, also appeared on the city wall. With just a glance, his brow furrowed deeply.

"High Priest, you are the most knowledgeable in the organization. Do you know what the enemy is doing?"

Hearing the question, the Grey-robed Elder's heart sank. He harbored no good feelings towards this mysterious Skeleton Lord.

When he was useful, they said all sorts of nice things, but once he was no longer needed, they would discard him. He, a veteran of the Skull Society, had made countless contributions to the organization, yet due to a few previous mistakes, he was assigned the arduous task of presiding over the centennial sacrifice.

However, remembering the Skeleton Lord's methods, his inner resentment was extinguished. Obedience offered a sliver of hope for survival; refusal meant a fate worse than death.

"My Lord, the enemy seems to be setting up the Five-star Earth Splitting Array, a magic array specifically designed to attack city walls.

In the Fadan War thirty-five years ago, I had the fortune to witness it once. However, because mages were involved on both sides, the grand array couldn't unleash its full power.

But since the enemy is using it now, the power of this magic array must be considerable. We don't have enough mages to stop them, so it's best not to let them successfully cast it."

Hearing this explanation, the Skeleton Lord rolled his eyes inwardly. He found this bothersome old man utterly detestable.

Calling him knowledgeable was one thing, but apart from naming a magic array, the rest was all useless drivel.

Stopping the enemy's spellcasting sounded easy. If someone could just get close, the weak mages could be taken down with a flick of the wrist.

But the problem was that the enemy's mages were protected by layers of the army. Getting to them was like trying to snatch the enemy commander's head from the midst of thousands of troops.

"Angela, immediately lead the Third Army and Fourth Army out. You must disrupt their spellcasting. If necessary, use the Blood Moon Horn."

The Skeleton Lord said coldly.

Regardless, the Skull Society's centennial sacrifice could not be disrupted. All his strength came from the blessings of the Lord of Skeletons, and he would never allow anyone to interfere with him obtaining more "divine grace."

The magical beasts serving as sacrifices were on their way. Before then, he had to protect the offerings and not give the enemy any opportunity.

In the eyes of the Lord of Skeletons, as long as the centennial sacrifice proceeded smoothly, any price was worth paying.

If the troops in the city weren't mostly a rabble, even with the formidable Blood Moon Horn, they wouldn't be a match for the enemy outside the city, and he would have ordered a decisive charge long ago.

With a command, the sealed city gates began to slowly open, and large numbers of Rebel Army soldiers surged out.

Unfortunately, it was still a step too late. The sky-piercing light pillar directly targeted Dadir City. Cracks began to appear in the ground along its path, expanding visibly at an astonishing rate.

The city walls, struck by the light pillar, struggled for a moment before ultimately succumbing to their fate and cracking open.

One after another, fissures appeared, and the once-impenetrable city walls began to collapse at a visible pace.

The crystals on the magic array were also rapidly consumed, soon turning into dust. The five mages casting the spell now had pale faces.

Clearly, the casting had not been easy. Even with the aid of the magic array, it had put considerable pressure on them.

"Tell Angela to halt her attack and order the First Army to send troops to block the breach. We absolutely cannot let the enemy charge into the city."

The Skeleton Lord hastily ordered.

Fortunately, the magic's coverage was limited, and the cracked section of the city wall was only a small segment. Otherwise, he truly wouldn't know what to do.