Chapter 26: The Fall of the Canglang Empire

The Final Siege Begins

The sky above the Canglang Empire's capital darkened beneath heavy storm clouds, as if the heavens themselves mourned the empire's impending downfall. Massive siege engines rolled steadily toward the city walls, their wheels churning through mud churned by thousands of marching feet. At the head of the advancing army rode David Haipoli, his cloak billowing fiercely in the biting wind, his eyes locked upon the city that once represented his childhood dreams, now become the final battleground for his revenge.

The Canglang capital, once a beacon of prosperity under the Haipoli Merchant Guild, was now a shadow of its former glory. Chancellor Bismarck's ruthless rule had drained the city of its wealth, its people burdened beneath oppressive taxes and harsh laws. Even from this distance, David could sense the city's suffering—the dim streets, the silent markets, the banners torn and stained, all telling stories of tyranny and hardship.

David raised a gloved hand, signaling his generals. Peter rode quickly forward, face hardened by resolve yet cautious of the coming battle.

"Our scouts report heavy resistance awaiting within the walls," Peter informed him clearly. "Bismarck has gathered every loyalist soldier remaining. They will fight fiercely, desperately. The gates are heavily fortified. They expect us to storm directly."

David nodded thoughtfully. "Then we must give them what they expect—briefly. Let them believe our focus lies at the main gate. Meanwhile, your elite cavalry will strike the eastern gate swiftly, breaching their weakest defenses while they focus upon our main assault."

Peter nodded firmly. "Understood. Once inside, we'll create chaos, drawing defenders away from the gates, opening the city fully for our army to enter."

David's voice hardened with determination. "Once inside, find Bismarck. Capture him alive if possible, but do not hesitate—this siege ends today."

Peter saluted sharply, riding swiftly to join his troops. David turned toward Athena, who rode silently beside him, her expression calm yet tense.

"Jacques awaits news of our victory," she whispered quietly. "His faith remains steadfast in you, David."

David regarded her gently, strength resonating deeply in his voice. "Then today we deliver justice, Athena. Today, Bismarck's tyranny finally ends."

---

Breaching the Gates

At noon, the siege commenced violently. Catapults launched fiery projectiles over the city walls, flaming stones crashing heavily against fortifications. Soldiers shouted commands fiercely, ramming siege engines against the gates repeatedly, the wooden barriers shuddering violently beneath each strike.

Bismarck's troops fought desperately, arrows and boiling oil raining mercilessly from the ramparts, yet David's disciplined soldiers pressed forward relentlessly, shields raised firmly, determination blazing clearly in their eyes. Amidst the chaos, Peter and his elite cavalry silently flanked the city, moving swiftly toward the eastern gate—poorly defended and strategically vulnerable.

The ruse succeeded perfectly. Enemy soldiers gathered anxiously along the western walls, confronting David's relentless frontal assault, oblivious as Peter's cavalry breached the eastern gate swiftly, soldiers flooding silently into the city streets, swiftly overwhelming scattered defenders.

Within an hour, chaos gripped the Canglang capital. Fires ignited fiercely, battles erupted in streets and squares, defenders scattering desperately. David's soldiers breached the main gates soon after, advancing swiftly, methodically through the city, securing block after block, leaving Bismarck's remaining troops fleeing desperately toward the central palace.

---

A Ghost from the Past

David moved steadily forward, flanked protectively by Lily and a unit of elite guards, until he reached the gates of the imperial palace itself. As he stepped inside, sword drawn calmly, he froze instantly at a sight he never expected—a figure stepping quietly into view from the shadows of the grand hall.

"Aisha…" David whispered softly, shock gripping him deeply. She stood quietly, her once vibrant eyes now shadowed by regret, sorrow, and lingering pain.

"D-David…" Aisha spoke softly, her voice trembling slightly. "You've come at last."

David regarded her cautiously, every nerve tense. "I thought you were dead, Aisha. Betrayal suits you poorly. Yet here you stand, alive, at the end of everything."

Aisha's eyes shimmered with tears, yet her expression remained steady. "Betrayal was never my choice, David. My grandfather forced me, threatened my family. I had no choice but to obey."

David shook his head bitterly, voice cold yet pained. "Choices always exist. You betrayed me, my family, my entire future. Now you beg forgiveness? For what purpose?"

Aisha stepped forward, voice desperate yet clear. "I seek no forgiveness, only understanding. Bismarck forced my hand, threatening my family's lives. Yet I regret deeply every moment of that betrayal. Allow me to help you now—Bismarck awaits inside, desperate yet dangerous. He still believes the Dark Dominion will aid him. He will not surrender quietly."

David regarded her silently, his eyes softening slightly at her obvious sincerity. "Lead me to him—but do not mistake this moment for redemption. Your betrayal remains etched clearly in blood."

She nodded solemnly, guiding David and his soldiers swiftly toward Bismarck's chambers. The corridors of the palace echoed faintly with distant combat, the final defenders retreating deeper within, each step bringing David closer toward his destiny.

---

Bismarck's Final Stand

At last, they reached the grand throne room, doors already ajar, revealing Chancellor Bismarck standing rigidly at the center, alone yet defiantly poised. He wore ceremonial armor, a sword clasped tightly in his trembling hands, eyes blazing fiercely with defiance and desperation.

"So, you've finally come, Haipoli," Bismarck's voice echoed bitterly, laced with venom and fury. "The orphaned heir, returned as conqueror. You truly believe killing me erases your past?"

David stepped forward calmly, sword leveled carefully toward Bismarck. "My past will never change—but your cruelty ends now. Yield, Bismarck. Your empire falls today."

Bismarck laughed harshly, eyes burning with contempt and desperation. "You've won nothing! Even now, Dark Dominion reinforcements march to aid me. Your victory is hollow. Kill me, and you invite their wrath."

David's gaze hardened fiercely. "Your Dominion allies abandoned you, Bismarck. No reinforcements come. Your defeat is complete. Surrender now and face justice, or die in disgrace—your choice."

Bismarck hesitated visibly, fear finally surfacing clearly beneath his bravado. Yet desperation overrode caution—suddenly lunging forward recklessly, sword aimed directly toward David's heart.

David anticipated the attack instantly, sidestepping smoothly, blade slicing swiftly across Bismarck's exposed chest. The chancellor stumbled heavily, falling to his knees, sword clattering uselessly to the marble floor.

---

Justice Delivered

David stood calmly, blade poised at Bismarck's throat. "Yield now, Chancellor. Your tyranny ends today."

Bismarck fell heavily to his knees, defeat finally evident upon his features. He stared bitterly up at David, voice filled with hatred yet quiet resignation. "End it, then. Finish your revenge."

David shook his head slowly, lowering his blade carefully. "Death comes too swiftly for you, Bismarck. Justice demands you face judgment openly. You'll answer clearly for every cruelty, every betrayal."

He nodded to Lily, whose guards swiftly seized Bismarck, binding him firmly in chains. "Take him to the dungeons. His trial begins tomorrow."

As Bismarck was dragged away, David turned quietly toward Aisha, who stood silently nearby, her eyes filled with quiet pain.

"Your fate remains uncertain," David told her gently but firmly. "Yet your truthfulness today earns you consideration. For now, you will remain here, imprisoned but unharmed, awaiting judgment."

Aisha inclined her head respectfully, accepting her fate silently, eyes still shadowed by regret.

---

A New Dawn

Hours later, David stood atop the palace balcony overlooking the conquered city, flames extinguished, peace finally returning to streets freed from oppression.

Beside him stood Athena, Peter, and Lily, each quietly proud yet weary from battle. David regarded them thoughtfully, finally speaking clearly, voice resolute with victory yet tempered by caution.

"Today, we won justice. Bismarck's reign ends forever, and the Canglang Empire is liberated. Yet greater threats remain. The Dark Dominion, the Kingdom of Light—they will strike soon, sensing weakness. Today marks victory—but our true battle is just beginning."

Athena touched his arm gently, her eyes firm with trust. "Yet today, David, you delivered justice clearly. Our people stand united, strong, and loyal beneath your leadership. Whatever comes next, we face together."

David nodded resolutely, turning toward the horizon once more, ready to face whatever darkness lay ahead.