The deafening bombardment lasted for half an hour, until every cannon began to turn red and hot. Only then did the gunners stop reluctantly.
When the bombardment stopped, everyone was surprised to find that all the buildings within the range of the cannons were gone, leaving only ruins.
Many soldiers and dockworkers who did not manage to escape in time were killed by the terrifying bombardment. All kinds of broken limbs were piled up in the streets. A large number of women and children wandered the streets, crying. It was a doomsday-like scene. Only the ships docked near the docks were spared.
Because the sailors had long regarded these ships as their own spoils of war, they were not willing to indiscriminately bombard them. They even planned to take away all the ships of the enemy and use them to store the people and treasures they had plundered.
Looking at the fireworks in the harbor, André felt that the power of the Prince of Fire Elements, Aesoldesir, in his body was rapidly expanding. In just half an hour, it had doubled in size.
The special title of Aesoldesir's Chosen had also been upgraded from level 1 to level 2. In addition to the special abilities of Flame Control, Immunity to Fire Damage, Flame Regeneration, Long Life, Raging Flame Eruption, Extraordinary Life, Flame Flight, and Control of Fire Elements, there was also the addition of Flame Shaping.
As the name implied, it was the ability to transform flames into any known form. It could even consciously control the direction of the flames. For example, it could burn a person's clothes without harming the person.
Although Flame Shaping did not sound very powerful, one would immediately realize how terrifying it was when one thought about it carefully, especially for Spell Casters.
Because it could adapt to local conditions, it could make certain fire spells with fixed shapes kill more enemies.
To give the simplest example, there was a level 1 arcane spell called Burning Hand, which spouted flames from the palm of the hand to burn all enemies in a fan-shaped area in front of it.
However, due to the limitation of its energy level, its effective range was only about one and a half meters. However, if Flame Shaping was used, it could narrow the shooting range and increase the shooting distance. If used in a narrow passage, it could often produce unexpected effects.
Similarly, Fireball, Flame Breath, Flame Shield, and so on could produce similar effects. As for the specific power, it depended on the user's imagination and creativity.
It was clear that the Fire Elemental Prince, Aesor Desir, was very satisfied with the destructive nature of his chosen, so he generously bestowed him with new power.
This was both affirmation and encouragement. It encouraged André to continue attacking Bakarov City, making the entire material world tremble under his might and making the mortals crawl at the feet of the Lord of the Raging Flames in reverence.
But it was a pity that André wasn't someone who could be easily manipulated.
After feeling the changes in his body, he did not immediately give the order to launch the second round of bombardment. Instead, he turned his head and said to General Zach who had fallen into a daze, "Dear Mister Messenger, I believe that you now have a general understanding of the strength and determination that I have grasped. Now, help me pass a message to your commander.
Tell him that if he wants to keep Bakarov City from becoming history, he'll have to agree to a few conditions.
First, I want half the population, wealth, and goods of this city;
"Second, I want to take away all your shipbuilders and destroy half of the city near the port. From then on, Bakarov City will no longer have a navy or shipbuilding ability. All your maritime transport and trade will be taken over by another organisation.
"Lastly, and most importantly, give up on cooperating with Lauretta Boatons and become my vassal.
Remember, this isn't a negotiation, but an ultimatum.
I'll give you an hour to consider. If you don't give me an answer in an hour, I'll personally take action and turn this city into history.
Please don't doubt my determination and ability, and don't use those boring tricks of the nobles on me. Understood? "
"Un … Understood …" General Zach had a bitter expression as he answered.
He had already lost the courage of a soldier, only fear and reverence left in his head. After all, any normal person would be afraid of a lunatic who didn't play by the rules, especially one who possessed incomparable power.
Soon, the members of the diplomatic group took a small boat and quickly sailed towards the burning city. It didn't take long for them to explain André's conditions in front of the nobles.
Silence!
Terrifying silence!
There was no clamor, as General Zach had expected.
There were no arrogant youths who rushed out and shouted that they would take the enemy down with them!
In fact, those who were qualified to participate in this meeting that would decide the fate of Bakarov City were all old foxes of power. What they cared about was profit and the survival of their families. They wouldn't lose their minds over a little verbal contempt.
After a long time, the weakened Grand Marshal Nehemiadina sighed and asked, "Let's hear it. What should we do?
Should we agree to their conditions, or take a gamble? "
"Grand Marshal, before I express my opinion, I'd like to know if the magi and knights have a way to stop the Flaming Duke.
If there is, then we can take a gamble. If there isn't, then this discussion is meaningless. "An old man who looked to be in his early seventies stood up and said.
Although he couldn't stand properly, his cloudy eyes still gave off an oppressive aura.
Nehemiadina didn't immediately answer the question. Instead, he looked at the magi in grey robes.
He was not the only one. Everyone present also had expectant looks on their faces, pinning all their hopes on the mysterious magic.
However, it was a pity that the mage representative dashed their hopes the moment he opened his mouth.
He hesitated for a few seconds and then shook his head with a serious expression. "I'm sorry. According to the books, as long as there is fire, the Duke of Flame can never be killed. No matter if it's a physical attack or a magic attack, it will be healed by the raging fire.
One-fifth of the city is now engulfed in flames. Unless the flames are extinguished in an instant, killing the Flaming Duke is an impossible task.
In fact, according to historical records, the Flaming Duke has never been killed by mortals. Most of their deaths occurred in the dangerous lower realms, so I don't think it's wise to fight them head-on.
I'm sorry, but we magi can't do anything about it. The most we can do is to teleport you to a safe place in times of danger. "