Just like all the Archons, General Norton had his own life-saving artifacts.
Thirteen knew this and specifically told his allies to do everything in their power to finish off their enemies before they could activate these artifacts.
Erasmus already had a plan in mind from the very start, so he sacrificed the Wyvern King, Vannaroth, Azoh'Ran, and Commander Dravon to ensure his opponent wouldn't be able to react in time.
And he succeeded.
The Corpse Explosion of three Rank 9 Sovereigns from three directions devoured General Norton before he could even react and scream in pain.
Erasmus and Azoh'Dar had dug a tunnel underground to escape the effect of the explosion, which extended for nearly a mile, annihilating the Artemians who were at the rear of their battle formation.
The earth above trembled violently, soil collapsing and ash raining down into the tunnel where Erasmus and Azoh'Dar crouched.
