In less than half a month, the news of the complete fall of Azure Cloud Ridge and the devastating defeat and retreat of the Border Army spread like wildfire, quickly engulfing the rear territories.

"The Barbarian army is fast approaching; the three thousand defenders at Azure Cloud Ridge have been completely annihilated."

"The border is utterly lost, the Barbarians are burning, killing, and looting, committing every atrocity imaginable. We're going to lose our country!"

"Everyone, run for your lives! If we delay, it will be too late."