When Marsha reached the top of the castle, dark clouds began to roll in from the direction of the mountains. From this height, she could see the entire city and its surroundings. The steel bridge connecting Grinda to the mainland had been withdrawn. On the far side of the mountain pass stood countless soldiers clad in black. Beyond them, the forest burned fiercely, and the smoke from the flames fed the spreading storm clouds.
Strong winds carried the acrid smoke into the city, yet the warriors stationed atop the walls, along with those manning the magical ballistae, remained unmoving. Their gazes were fixed firmly on the enemy army ahead, grim determination etched onto every face.
Above them, the dark clouds blanketed the sky. Lightning writhed through the heavens, and thunder boomed ominously in the distance.
It had been three hours since sunset. The seawater still served as the city's defensive moat, but it was steadily receding as the tide approached its lowest point.
