The once beautiful city now lay shattered, with burning structures and destroyed buildings scattered everywhere. In every district beyond the river's reach, demons marched through the streets, and their infernal banners now fluttered where the Vermilion Kingdom's colors once flew.
All around, the noble territories had been seized, and their respective leaders had gone into hiding within the city. Only the royal island at the city's center remained standing.
On the castle walls, frightened knights in dented armor stood shoulder to shoulder with city guards and a few battle-worn mages. Their breaths came in ragged puffs in the cold air as they scanned the burning skyline. Towering plumes of smoke rose from the districts beyond, casting flickering shadows that made it seem as if the darkness itself was alive and closing in.
