[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-ember-dragon":3,"chapter-ember-dragon-ember-dragon-chapter-575":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Ember Dragon",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1162784,1504,"Chapter 575: Molten Iron and Heavy Cavalry","ember-dragon-chapter-575",575,"\u003Cp>Chapter 575: Molten Iron and Heavy Cavalry\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another barrel filled with liquor and gunpowder exploded mid-air, engulfing hundreds of orcs in raging flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The roaring fire blazed before the wall like a searing barricade, halting the orcs in their tracks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do not fear!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Father Gruumsh watches us! The brave shall be reborn in the flames!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An orc officer burst from the crowd, raising his spear and letting out a fanatical roar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Charge!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For Father Gruumsh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, the hundreds of orc warriors behind him grew frenzied, rushing into the fire and charging the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the ground before the wall suddenly gave way—traps collapsed into deep pits, impaling the orcs on sharp steel spikes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it, a trap!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, help! I haven’t even fought the dwarves yet—I can’t die like this!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the chaos of explosions and war cries, the screams from the pit were barely audible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unaware, the orcs behind them kept pushing forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Until they saw the spike-filled pit littered with bodies. But by then it was too late, and they fell in too, their flesh filling the trench.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, the officer atop the ridge noticed and ordered hill giants and half-giants to lay logs across as makeshift bridges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orc shamans waved bone staves, chanting ancient spells, causing rock to rapidly grow and seal the gap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dwarven archers on the walls continued firing—flaming and poisoned arrows rained down like a storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The few hundred meters of open ground became a meat grinder, shredding the orcs who entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dwarven craftsmanship—thousands of years in the making—manifested in traps and sharp weapons, ruthlessly harvesting lives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When orcs came within a hundred meters of the bastion, another trap activated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dwarven statues on the wall opened their mouths, revealing metal tubes that sprayed poisoned silver needles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Buzz—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A shrill whistle filled the air—entire rows of orcs fell, their corpses exuding thin poisonous mist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orc shamans raised their hands, chanting reverently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Praise to Father Gruumsh, the One-Eye!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You are strength incarnate—you are wind, you are storm! Your eye makes the world tremble, bringing the will of vengeance!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their raspy voices echoed across the battlefield—and miraculously, it seemed to work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whoosh—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blood-scented wind swept through, dispersing the poisonous fog, lifting orc morale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Braving arrows, exploding barrels, and falling iron balls, the orc horde finally reached the base of the wall—at great cost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Avenderdan is right ahead!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Climb the walls! Crush the dwarves! Take Avenderdan!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hurry! Charge! Gruumsh watches us! He will bless the one who reaches the wall first!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hill giants, half-giants, and ogres unloaded ladders onto the towering walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orcs swarmed like ants, scrambling to be the first atop the ramparts, eager for Gruumsh’s favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dwarves toppled the ladders, shooting orcs as they fell, crushing many below—hundreds died in moments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kill them!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We must defend Avenderdan! These mongrels must not get up here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By Moradin! For dwarven glory!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the orcs’ sheer numbers overwhelmed the traps and arrow fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They clustered below the wall like crashing waves, repeatedly battering the fortress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the rampart, Bjorn furrowed his brow. Though over 400 years old and stooped, his eyes were filled with resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By Moradin, the orcs shall pay for their greed and foolishness. I watched them be driven north 387 years ago by brave dwarves. Today, history shall repeat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old minister entered the tower and slowly pulled an iron lever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Clack.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crisp mechanical sound echoed. Flames burst from Avenderdan’s central forge, spewing hot steam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The molten iron meant for homes was diverted—tons of searing metal flowed toward the walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orcs looked up, feeling the heat and hearing the roar. Fear filled their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Watch out! What are these dwarves doing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Metal hatches on the wall clanged open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, with a thunderous roar, red-hot molten iron poured like waterfalls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sparks flew—thousands of orcs and giants were doused and consumed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s so hot!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Molten iron! Run! These cursed, filthy dwarves!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orcs screamed in agony, trying to flee, but it was no use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steam burst around them. Once the moisture evaporated, their flesh met molten metal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steam veiled the battlefield—pops and crackles filled the air, orc screams faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this steel inferno, flesh burned instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first orcs to reach the wall were completely melted—reduced to slag.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the iron solidified, no orcs remained—only warped metal lumps radiating heat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Taste the burn, orc scum!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahaha! This is Moradin’s punishment!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dwarves on the walls laughed openly, delighted by the orc carnage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Such fine iron—could’ve made weapons. What a waste.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah, dumping it on Gruumsh’s mongrels—it’s criminal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Moradin, forgive us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Veteran craftsmen looked at the solidifying metal, sighing in regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the terror, the orcs didn’t retreat. They still believed they would take Avenderdan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More orcs gathered, crowding the iron-covered wall, starting a new assault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For Father Gruumsh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Crush the dwarves! Take the fortress!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ladders were mounted again—hundreds of orcs clinging to them like teeth on the bastion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Death reigned in this narrow battlefield, but the orcs, spurred by their shamans, fought bloodily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside Avenderdan’s gate, the air was solemn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hundreds of dwarven cavalry sat silently—armored, wielding hammers and iron rods, mounted on giant-horned goats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their armor gleamed; even the goats wore well-crafted leather armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These heavy cavalry were the kingdom’s fiercest—unmatched for a century. Bards sang, \"They charge like avalanches.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, 500 of them waited, ready to counterattack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the orc tide battered the walls, Avenderdan’s defenses grew thin. If breached, the fortress would fall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only retreating demoralizes us—action must be taken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We strike back now—dwarves never yield! Avenderdan shall not fall!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deafening cheer echoed among the cavalry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd finally made his choice, mounted his huge goat, and gripped his warhammer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Open the gates!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He commanded, pulling down the metal faceplate of his helmet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a rumble, dwarf guards turned the winch, and the massive gate slowly opened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orcs outside, seeing the gate open, shouted in excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The cowardly dwarves surrender! Avenderdan is ours!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahaha! They can’t resist the orc assault!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait... what’s that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the orcs soon saw—it wasn’t surrender. Awaiting them were eager dwarven heavy cavalry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At their head, King Edd, face masked, was a mighty presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All troops—charge!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Charge!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground trembled. Dust rose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iron surged from the gate. Armored goats trampled orcs like twigs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mounted dwarves smashed orc skulls with hammers and rods—harvesting lives with ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the Highland Kingdom—Avenderdan shall not fall!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the vanguard, Edd raised his warhammer. His goat leaped meters high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bang!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A hill giant’s skull exploded—blood and bone flew. A headless corpse crashed down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riding the momentum, Edd slammed his hammer to the ground—it blazed with Moradin’s blessing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impact made a crater. Cracks and scorch marks spread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fire burst from holes and cracks, burning nearby orcs to ash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Acrid smoke rose. A metallic stench spread. Edd swung again, targeting hundreds of orcs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By Moradin! Dwarves shall never be slaves!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, a rock hammer hundreds of tons heavy materialized midair, crashing down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground collapsed. Rocks flew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shockwave shook a hundred-meter radius.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The orc squad—over 200 strong—was buried and blended into the earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One blow sent hundreds to Gruumsh’s dark realm. Yet it wasn’t over—King Edd charged solo into the horde.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wherever he went, dust and rubble followed. All who dared approach were crushed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a few charges, nearly ten thousand orcs outside the wall were slain—none dared get close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the dwarf king revered as \"Highland Lord\" and \"Master of the Forge.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Edd Klayne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A legendary warrior, wielding Moradin’s own \"Hammer of Bedrock,\" clad in ancestral armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A century ago, he saved the Highland Kingdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that war, he alone held back the godspawn of Holy Fadlan, ending their emperor’s ambitions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, history seemed poised to repeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Moradin above— Father, grant us strength in this crisis.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd gripped his hammer, staring at the restless orcs—his heart heavy with dread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, the orcs were all-in. They were determined to take Avenderdan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gruumsh’s savage blood surged in them, driving ambition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monk Brokenbody, Gruumsh’s Eye, stood on a slope, raising his twin-headed axe—his one eye bloodshot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Traps and cavalry can’t stop us! Dwarves won’t make us fear!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Until we take what’s ours, we are worthless! Gruumsh’s dark realm won’t welcome cowards!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Remember—do not stop until Avenderdan is ours!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Red light flashed in Monk’s eye. His veins bulged like tree roots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Awoo—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive black dire wolf leapt over the ridge, crouching before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—The strongest wolf of the Bloodfang Tribe: \"Black Hill.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had killed seven beastmasters, refusing all riders—except Monk, who tamed it barehanded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monk leapt atop the beast, raising his axe and roaring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Charge!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For Gruumsh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inspired, the wolf riders howled—their wolves answered with piercing cries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spears and axes in hand, they charged—glowing-eyed, ravenous wolves leading the assault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd raised his hammer again, rallying the dwarven cavalry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By Moradin’s name—dwarves shall never be slaves!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dwarves shall never be slaves!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The earth quaked. Armored goats galloped. Dwarven cavalry formed a steel wall, charging the orcish wolf riders.\u003C\u002Fp>",1492,"2026-06-03T12:47:18.890Z","2026-06-03T12:47:22.748Z",1,"novelbin.me","b9a59d69e42db06be1e4284356e07062e8645c2ebfc8767a547611f64301a837","ember-dragon-chapter-576","ember-dragon-chapter-574",603,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fember-dragon-cover.jpg"]