The Vanishing of Half-Horn Mountain

In the distance, seemingly in the direction of Half-Horn Mountain just outside the city, everyone could see with their naked eyes two enormous light spheres, one silver and one fiery red! These two spheres clashed violently and fiercely, their collisions becoming increasingly frequent. Each collision emitted such intense light that it almost illuminated the night, rendering the moon above pale in comparison.

Along with the intense light came a series of deep, booming noises that struck fear into anyone who heard them. Each boom felt like a heavy hammer pounding on one's heart.

The city's remaining light infantry, tasked with patrolling the walls, were also caught in the chaos. These soldiers, responsible for maintaining order among the panicked residents of Half-Horn City, found themselves powerless—both in numbers and in spirit.

The most terrifying news finally arrived! Someone had run to the garrison outside the city for help, only to discover, in horror, that the few dozen cavalrymen left behind were also injured and unconscious, including the well-known local Peter Knight, who was gravely wounded. The garrison was in disarray, with fires still smoldering, as if it had just been attacked!

Panic drove people to flock towards the city gates, with some even climbing to higher vantage points in desperation.

At this moment, a sound like rolling thunder echoed from the direction of Half-Horn Mountain... followed by a series of explosive noises akin to thunderclaps in a summer storm...

"The mountain has collapsed! Half-Horn Mountain has collapsed!!"

Someone from a high point cried out in alarm! This terrifying news spread rapidly among the crowd.

Indeed, Half-Horn Mountain had collapsed!!

In the distance, where the once-famous peak of Half-Horn Mountain used to be visible from the city walls, people watched in horror as it crumbled and fell. The entire mountain seemed to disintegrate as if it were not made of rock but sand, collapsing in an instant!

From afar, the intense light was visible even to those miles away! Keen-eyed individuals claimed to see two enormous shadows moving within that bright light...

For the residents of Half-Horn City, this night would be unforgettable. Under the shroud of unknown terror, they anxiously awaited the dawn!

When the first rays of the sun finally pierced the horizon, the terrifying booms and fierce lights that had flashed through the night finally faded away!

An hour passed before people dared to believe that this unknown disaster had truly ended, and their hearts began to calm.

Peter Knight, who had been rescued by soldiers during the night, finally regained consciousness, along with Andrew and others.

They had been powerless against the might of the Wizards, quickly knocked unconscious. The ice witch's magic had caused the entire hall to collapse, injuring several people further.

The first to wake was Calista, the female knight.

Having been severely injured in the daytime battle and losing much blood, she had been resting during the night. Ryan had given her some sleeping medication, so she remained unscathed during the night's attack. However, she was still weak from blood loss, as it couldn't be replenished quickly.

Next to awaken was Andrew Knight, followed by Peter Knight and the Russell family guards. Discovering their young master and the terrifying female assailant were missing threw everyone into a panic.

Upon learning the situation from the surrounding people, the severely injured Andrew, disregarding his burnt wounds, immediately mustered a few lightly injured subordinates and prepared to head to Half-Horn Mountain. Peter Knight, realizing the Russell family's young master was missing, was devastated but too injured to move. He ordered all able-bodied soldiers to follow Andrew to Half-Horn Mountain immediately, as the residents indicated the female assailant had likely fled there last night.

Simultaneously, Peter Knight dispatched a messenger to the spring military exercise site for reinforcements and reported the events to the governor of Lille Province.

Meanwhile, Andrew Knight, despite his pain, took a carriage with several men to the now-ruined Half-Horn Mountain, accompanied by Calista.

The sight before them was enough to leave the most stoic person speechless!!!

These people had all been to Half-Horn Mountain! Just a day ago, they had scoured the area for Magical Creatures, their footprints covering the entire mountain.

Yesterday, it had been a typical southern hill range of the empire, with a three-to-four-mile stretch of lush, wooded hills, the highest peak in the middle forming a "U" shape, offering a distant view of Half-Horn City from the summit.

But now...

Both Andrew and Calista, as they were carried out of the carriage, stood agape, hardly believing their eyes!!!

Heavens! If this were a nightmare, please let it end soon!!!

Even a local guard swore that this was indeed Half-Horn Mountain... or rather, the place where it used to be.

Yet, even the swearing guard himself was full of confusion and fear in his eyes!

Before them...

Half-Horn Mountain...

No, there was no "mountain" anymore!

What lay before them was a massive circular pit, at least three miles in diameter!!

Where was Half-Horn Mountain? Where had it gone?

This question spun in everyone's mind!

The carriage had stopped right at the edge of the gigantic pit, and Andrew felt a chill run through his body as he gazed at the astonishing and bizarre scene before him...