However, what grounded Vance's gears and pushed him into greater despair was yet to come.

Ramon and his forces had returned to Throne City. Entering through the north gate, they completely sealed off the Coven of Heavenly Radiance warriors' escape route.

"Lord Ramon has returned! Kill them! Wipe out these invaders!"

The Ludendorff family's morale surged.

The Coven of Heavenly Radiance warriors were done for.

Ramon, his face cold and hard, attacked furiously from behind. With each strike, three Coven warriors were torn apart and dismembered. Tears welled up in Iridessa's eyes as she cried out, "Vance, let's go! We've lost!"

Vance's longsword struck out wildly, forcing Alonzo back as he roared, "No! I won't be defeated. Hold your ground! We'll fight our way back out!"

His mind had spiraled entirely into chaos, unable to accept this outcome. But in that brief moment of hesitation, he'd given Ramon another opportunity.

Ramon's forces blocked the Coven's warriors inside Throne Ci