Though tense, they showed no signs of panic, maintaining a surprising degree of order.
"Musketmen! Front rank, prepare—" the squad leader roared at the top of his lungs.
Just then, the seven or eight Gnolls leading the charge leaped the final distance, lunging at the nearest humans with savage grins.
It was as if they could already smell blood and hear the terrified screams of humans.
However.
But what answered them was a sudden flash of fire from a disciplined line, followed by a deafening, simultaneous roar!
"BANG BANG BANG BANG~!!!"
Blinding flashes of fire tore through the darkness as thick smoke from the gunpowder instantly billowed out.
The Gnolls at the front of the charge slammed into what felt like an invisible iron wall. Blooms of blood burst from their bodies as they were sent flying backward with wretched howls, crashing heavily to the ground and convulsing.
Iron pellets and lead balls tore through their tough hides and muscles, inflicting grievous injuries.
