Chapter 356: Breaking the Gate

The heavy oaken gate slammed shut with a resounding boom, echoing through the empty streets like a death knell. Orion cursed under his breath, his eyes scanning the towering walls for any sign of weakness. 

"They're buying time," he muttered, his hand tightening around the hilt of his sword. "We need to get through before the army collapses in on us." 

Without waiting for a response, he dashed towards the gate, his powerful legs propelling him forward with incredible speed. The rest of us followed close behind, our hearts pounding in our chests as we prepared for the inevitable clash.

 The gates were massive iron-bound panels of wood, reinforced with sixth-level enchantments. Several squads of soldiers stood before the gates, perhaps fifty in all, a mix between mages and melee combatants. Archers and more mages lined the parapets above, and the unfamiliar magical siege weapons were aimed directly at us. 

"Take them!" Orion shouted, leading the charge.