Chapter 474 Chaos

Hama City was protected by two moats. Although the Hama Garrison was at a severe numerical disadvantage against the six thousand Crusaders, and their catapults and crossbows frequently malfunctioned, they could still rely on their broad walls. With defensive watchtowers, trenches, and earthen mounds before each gate, they could hold the Crusaders at the outer moat for a considerable time—long enough for reinforcements to arrive.

Moreover, while the Hama soldiers lacked exceptional combat prowess, they were masters of wall repair. Towers damaged by Crusader catapults had already been rebuilt. Though scorched black by fire, they stood as strong as ever. It was always this way.

A few Knights, who had attempted to slip through the breaches under the cover of darkness, stood frozen, their hands gripping the hilts of their swords, utterly dumbfounded by the sight. ’It’s impossible to guess how they do it. That stubborn determination... to have silently repaired the sections we destroyed during the night.’

A Crusader Knight stared, stunned, at the tower and muttered, "They are Devils, or the Devil works for them."

Behind them, the Muslim prisoners fell prostrate on the ground—their favorite position—to thank their god. Enraged, the Crusaders struck them down one by one.

Hama City had three gates, with a hundred armored soldiers assigned to each. Though they were sorely lacking in experience and skill, their sheer numbers were intimidating.

Even if Eric, already inside Hama City, somehow managed to open one of the heavily guarded gates, the Crusaders would struggle to cross the moat and get through it in time. It was not a sound strategy.

But now, things were completely different. Eric, Belem, and their men had successfully sown chaos within Hama City. They had killed the castle garrison, and though they failed to capture Yajisiyan, they had set the castle ablaze—the very symbol of Hama’s authority.

Flames tore through the darkness, consuming the castle’s wooden beams and stone walls. Hissing sparks danced through the air like an all-devouring beast.

The castle’s spires caught fire, launching burning timbers into the air like rockets, proclaiming the doom of Hama’s rule. Below, a sea of flames relentlessly devoured everything in its path, scorching earth and flagstones and belching thick smoke.

The fire spread with terrifying speed, engulfing the streets and houses surrounding the castle and expanding outward.

Residents were jolted from their sleep as screams and cries filled the air. The streets instantly descended into chaos. Women clutching their children fled, merchants’ stalls were abandoned, and roof tiles shattered in the superheated air.

Those once-peaceful streets now bore witness to chaos and death.

Black smoke blotted out the stars. The air was thick with the stench of burning, and the night echoed with fear and panic.

Eric and Belem released the prisoners from the castle dungeons to sow further chaos.

Next, Eric and his men donned Crusader attire, mounted Warhorses they had taken from the stable, and galloped through the streets, unleashing a slaughter amidst the chaos.

Some steadfast members of the Hama Garrison tried to calm the terrified citizens, but before they could even react, they were cut down in the darkness.

Blood quickly stained the ground as screams and frantic footsteps echoed through the alleys.

All this threw the residents of Hama City into a deeper panic. They couldn’t think straight; all they knew was that their city was doomed.

Once they felt they had caused enough carnage, Eric and Belem vanished into the crowd and chaos, leaving almost no trace as they found a relatively secluded spot.

They stripped off their Crusader gear and took the clothes and Armor from the Hama Garrison soldiers they had slain. Clad in the Hama Garrison’s signature Armor and Iron Helmets, they were now indistinguishable from the actual guards.

Working in concert, the men feigned looks of panic and urgency. They ran through the streets leading to the city gates, shouting as they went: "The walls are breached! The enemy has broken into Hama! Traitors sold us out! The city has fallen! We’re done for!"

In the panicked night, these words spread like poison to every corner of the city.

As the frantic shouts of Eric, Belem, and their men echoed through the night, the panic in the city grew even more intense.

Unsuspecting citizens and guardsmen heard the cries of "The city has fallen!" and "We’ve been sold out by traitors!" and mistook them for the truth.

Their hearts filled with fear and doubt, they joined the chaotic torrent, also starting to shout, "The city has fallen! We’re done for! Betrayers sold us out!"

Their voices mingled with the night, seeming to herald the imminent collapse of the once-sturdy city.

The citizens and guards who believed the false reports began running frantically through the streets. Some searched desperately for their families, while others abandoned their posts in terror. The clamor of shouting and crying spread like a plague, infecting more and more of the city. The once-solid defensive lines began to waver. Guards atop the walls grew deeply suspicious, turning to their comrades to ask what was happening.

However, the sounds of confusion and panic did not remain confined to one area. Soon, other parts of the garrison began to hear the rumors and grew suspicious. The more experienced soldiers realized something was wrong. While there was indeed a great fire and chaos erupting along the walls, they knew that a true enemy assault would be preceded by official reports, not just hollow rumors.