Ramon fell silent for a moment, then strode away to organize the city's defense. His voice drifted back faintly, "If we can't hold it, I won't be as stubborn as you. I believe that as long as you're alive, there's still a chance to recover. Once you're dead, that's it, the end."

Suddenly, a massive artillery shell streaked across the sky and crashed into Throne City.

One explosion after another erupted as a new wave of assault began.

Alonzo lay half-sprawled on the ground, looking up at the a