Unlike Greenskin Goblins, whose bodies were driven entirely by desire and instinct and could hardly be called "intelligent creatures,"
Gnolls were a cut above them in both average individual combat strength and intellect.
Though they were likewise savage and hostile toward humans under the influence of demon blood, they were clearly far more flexible in battle.
At the very least, they knew to have individuals skilled in ranged attacks hide in the woods and wait for an opportunity after the fight began, rather than showing themselves and swarming forward all at once like Goblins.
However... that was all.
The Gnolls knew to avoid traps and launch raids late at night while Adventurers were resting; they could also employ some effective, crude, beginner-level tactics.
But once the battle truly began, facing "weak" prey whose numbers were clearly fewer than their own, these simple-minded, barbaric hyenas threw all their plans and preparations to the back of their minds.
That included the elite individual known as "Flesh Eater," whose body was several sizes larger than its kin. It charged at the members of Green Blood Squad with swift, reckless momentum, running on all fours.
This gave Xia Nan a chance to circle around and cut in from behind.
He gripped the sword hilt tightly with both hands, the blade angled slightly upward and tilted back, maintaining the posture best suited for moving and exerting force.
With one stride of both legs, he broke away from the squad's original formation and arrived at the side of the battlefield.
The ground was open and flat, with no cover, so his movements were naturally exposed to the Gnolls' eyes.
Perhaps thinking he wanted to flee, one of the five Gnolls rapidly closing in split off from the main group with a low howl.
Xia Nan did