The conflict between the Storm Special Operations Team and the National Guard surrounding Von Palen is escalating.

The two sides were already locked in a fierce battle, each believing the other to be the traitor. They tacitly refrained from using guns, because whoever fired first would likely be labeled the "traitor."

Meanwhile, von Palen, who was under Bowerman's protection, could not show himself at this moment. Even if he shouted, it was to no avail, because the square was now filled with roars and screams.

As the conflict escalated, the Storm Special Combat Team, which had received more rigorous training, gradually gained the upper hand. The guards were unable to break through their fortifications, while more special forces soldiers rushed in from all directions.

Police forces were also on the move, wielding batons and constantly dispersing the crowd, driving them out of St. Marín Square.

However, because so many people came to the rally, the square was packed with people, and the streets outside were also crowded with people. Therefore, dispersing the crowd became extremely difficult. By this point, many people had fallen to the ground while being driven away. Before they could get up, they were trampled over by the people behind them.

Screams, cries, and wails gradually rose up, and in a very short time, dozens of people had been trampled to death. This made those who were still unable to leave the gathering realize that the situation was completely out of control.

Do you know what you're doing?!

Behind the podium, enraged special forces soldiers and guards were locked in a brawl, many with bruises on their faces. Von Palen was being tightly protected by Bowerman, but several guards had already rushed in front of him.

The guards who rushed over even pulled out their batons and started hitting the special forces soldiers on the head. Some of the special forces soldiers fell down with blood streaming down their faces. The situation was escalating and the conflict was getting more and more intense. But Bowerman was no longer as anxious as before, because the special forces had gradually surrounded the guards and more people were coming to support them.

Those who intend to rebel are about to be completely suppressed!

As the Emperor said last night, although some unplanned things happened today, overall it was still within the plan.

He not only successfully gained the support of the people, making them feel the emperor's will, but also exposed all the rebels who intended to overthrow the regime.

Without a doubt, the rebels were the group of officers led by Wolfgang.

If His Majesty can leave safely, then all these rebels will be wiped out and eliminated, the Emperor's rule will be more solid, and the people will trust the Emperor completely after this gathering.

Just as Bowerman was waiting for the special forces to quell the rebellion, several special forces soldiers in front of him suddenly fell backward. Bowerman raised an eyebrow and saw several guards ramming forward with their bodies.

Affected, Bowerman gripped von Palen's shoulders tightly and retreated rapidly, shouting repeatedly, "Stop them!!"

The special forces soldiers roared and threw punches, knocking the guards who had charged at them to the ground in just a few breaths. The human wall remained solid, and Von Palen didn't even reveal half of his body.

Suddenly, a special forces soldier standing in front of him swung his elbow backward, and the direction of the impact was Von Palen. Bowerman saw this action, but he didn't have time to reach out and block it.

With a "bang".

Feng Palen, who was bending over and trying to hide his body as much as possible, was hit squarely in the chin by the elbow. Before he could even react, his pupils dilated and he instantly lost consciousness.

Bowerman was horrified and quickly supported the falling Von Palen. After checking Von Palen's breath with his finger, Bowerman's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, was relieved; he had just fainted.

Immediately following, a surge of intense anger erupted, and Bowerman turned and roared:

"You bastard! What are you doing...you...!"

The human wall formed by special forces soldiers remained firmly in front of him, but Bowerman could not recognize the man who had thrown the elbow; he had only seen the man's back.

"Damn it..." he cursed, assuming it was just some clueless guy who did it by accident.

But the next moment.

A gunshot rang out, and a wisp of smoke rose from the crowd.

Bowerman's pupils dilated, and before he could utter a sound, several panicked shouts rang out along with the gunshot:

"They fired! They fired!"

"They fired at His Majesty!!!"

"Quickly! Protect His Majesty! Protect His Majesty!"

In an instant, several shouts rang out, followed by a series of gunshots.

Bowerman had no way of knowing who was shouting or who the shooters were targeting. He didn't have time to think about it; he simply pushed Von Palen to the ground and shielded him with his own body.

"Bang bang bang bang bang!"

"Bang bang bang bang bang!"

The continuous gunfire was deafening, smoke began to fill the air, bullets weaved through the crowd, and screams and cries became the most frequent sounds in St. Marienplatz.

Blood splattered everywhere, and the strong smell of blood filled the air.

The fleeing civilians clutched their heads and panicked as they tried to escape, only to run into the police force that was clearing the area. The police officers, wielding batons, were knocked to the ground, some without even having time to utter a sound.

All five exits of the square were blocked, including the special passage leading to the Royal Castle, where the Storm Special Combat Team was originally stationed on both sides. However, as the situation escalated, many people chose to leave the square through that passage, and the special forces members were scattered by the crowd.

During this time, countless people had fallen to the ground, and the number of casualties had increased from dozens a few minutes earlier to hundreds.

Around the podium, guards were firing wildly, most of them even forgetting that their mission was to "protect" Von Palen.

On the other side, the Storm Special Forces were also in a frenzy, firing their guns at each other. Like the guards, most of them had forgotten that their mission was to "protect" Von Palen.

Bowerman, the only one who remembered what he was supposed to do from beginning to end, didn't even dare to raise his head. He simply used his hands and feet to shield Von Palen beneath him, listening to the sounds of gunfire that resembled a battlefield.

It is now 3 p.m.

However, the Holy Bell of West did not ring as usual, and even the hands stopped moving moments earlier.

——

Meanwhile, Elsenburg, less than 100 kilometers from Salvia.

A squad of Golgar signalmen was entering the town at that moment, and the terrible news they brought caused great panic throughout the city in a very short time.