These rockets had all been purchased from the Austrian Empire. Both their power and accuracy surpassed Russia's domestically produced rocket weapons.
And at this range, no matter where they were made—even the original Indian versions—they could easily hit their targets.
That was why that small Russian unit had been able to blast open a breach despite the layers upon layers of Ottoman Imperial Guard defenses.
The more elite the troops, the more despairing they were when faced with a generational gap in weaponry. That advantage had usually belonged to them, so the reversal was all the more crushing.
The rockets used by the Russians were monkey-model knockoffs, but they were more than enough to deal with the defenses of Topkapi Palace at this moment.
Countless streaks of fire rose from every direction, then fell into the magnificent Topkapi Palace.
Ancient, splendid buildings collapsed in an instant, throwing dust high into the sky. Palace maids, eunuchs, and servants within screamed one after another in terror.
Those rockets quickly kindled great fires, and costly silk draperies and wool carpets alike were swallowed by the flames.
The blaze rapidly spread through the imperial palace. The palace staff and guards tried to put it out, but even more rockets came crashing down.
Those who fought the fire soon became fresh fuel, consumed by the inferno. A horrifying, sickening stench filled the entire courtyard.
Topkapi Palace had three gates: the Imperial Gate, the Gate of Salutation, and the Gate of Felicity, each representing a line of defense.
In theory, anyone wishing to capture the palace would have to break through these three lines one after another. But now, all three were under attack at once.
As the fire rained down, breaches were blasted open in every line of defense. The harem had already become a