Hemgart, Southern Axe Bite Pass Wall, atop the cliff.

Towering, the massive Justice Church is built atop the cliff of Axe Bite Pass Wall, snow-covered and picturesque, long serving as the faith center for the entire city.

The golden dome covers the tall building, viewed from afar it greatly intimidates cultists and dark creatures, but the flames burning on the nearby walls, the collapsed walls, and the piles of bodies on the walls tell the story. Hemgart's defenders have always been on high alert to prevent possible invasions from Beastmen, Green Skins, and Brittania Knights. After quickly conquering the barracks, the ratmen intended to immediately capture the walls. However, the staunch defenders, led by a dozen Great Swordsmen, held their ground, repelling wave after wave of rat swarms.

Paladins and Combat Priests guarding the Justice Church also joined the fray, charging onto the walls, chanting divine art, engaging in a grueling blood battle with the Skaven ratmen.

Wave after wave of rat swarms came, but the defenders on the walls struggled to hold on. The battlefield stretched from the gates to the stairwells, then to the towers on the walls, and finally to the wall surface. The rat swarms were beaten back multiple times, but they always returned.

The soldiers were anxious, and Count Hemgart Reinhardt was nowhere to be found. The defenders repeatedly sounded the horn to communicate with the Count and request support. Initially, the ratmen showed clear fear and panic upon hearing the horn. But with no response after several soundings, these ratmen began mocking the humans for their cowardice, many Skaven ratmen even mimicked the horn-blowing gesture during lulls in the fight.

"Human toys! Diedie!"

Just as the rats were smug and the defenders' morale hit rock bottom, unexpected reinforcements arrived.

Cold winds howled, a blizzard and Frost Nova swept across the battlefield. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Two Rick guardsmen led their dozen escorts into the battle. A witch unleashed magic, casting several enhanced spells in succession. The defenders finally gathered courage to continue fighting.

The presence of Rick guardsmen meant that the chaotic wall defense finally had leaders they could rally behind. Whether Rudolph or Wagner, both were sons of high-ranking nobles with military accomplishments. The Rick guardsmen's status allowed them to quickly assume command. Even so, the defenders paid a hefty price before finally repelling another wave of rat swarm.

At this time, inside the Justice Church, about six hundred refugees cowered in the hall of the cathedral, with the giant statue of the God of Justice emitting a warm glow, barely maintaining the last trace of morale among the refugees.

People gathered in groups of threes and fives, laying out simple blankets and clothing, huddling together for warmth. In such a large cathedral, the sparse firewood barely provided enough heat, and the icy ground sent cold deep into their bones.

Rick guard Rudolph stroked his brown beard. The duke's eldest son was very composed. He held grape wine and white bread in hand, the bacon-stuffed white bread providing necessary nutrition for his battle-weary and hungry body.

Wagner was eating too, the two sat in the corner, with the master of engineering fiddling with the revolver. He said to Rudolph, "Hemgart has at least five thousand people, but now besides soldiers, there might be six hundred in the hall."

"Maybe not even six hundred. I mean, not counting those militia and soldiers, this is all we've managed to rescue." Wagner sighed softly, "The ratmen's attack came too suddenly. Many humans even considered them friends."

"Hey, that reminds me, do you remember the Brunswick parade a few months ago? A group of noble ladies protested, claiming that humans eating meat was very excessive. They believed we must treat all life equally." Rudolph chuckled, "The Emperor generously agreed to their demands, saying since you've made the request, you must take responsibility for it. His Majesty had these noble ladies go to Brunswick's market and use their own money to buy all the cattle, sheep, chickens, ducks, and pigs about to be slaughtered as 'rescues.'"

"Afterward, the Emperor let soldiers spread the news that livestock was being bought at high prices at the market. Farmers from all directions brought their animals to the capital to sell. In under three days, these noble ladies were overwhelmed and finally had to abandon their request to ban meat consumption. The farmers even praised His Majesty's benevolence." Wagner smiled listening to this, but the smile soon faded.

Now was not the time for jokes.

"We have fifty-three musketeers, sixteen Great Swordsmen, and fewer than a hundred defenders left. Many of them are injured. You and my escorts together total fifteen, aside from that, the militia is more apt to wave flags and shout. To rely on them alone against the rats, I don't think it'll work."

"What about the Combat Priests and Paladins?"

"There are a few Combat Priests, and around twenty paladins. They count as a combat force, but they're hard to command."

"How much longer until the Emperor's reinforcements arrive?" Wagner checked his ammunition supply. He had over fifty bullets left and suddenly felt regret for firing too much in previous battles.

"With such a big event occurring in Hemgart, His Majesty has no reason not to know." Rudolph nodded, "At any rate, it won't be more than two days."