Tens of thousands of Orcish Cavalry charged toward the Aldo Army positions like a black tide, kicking up clouds of dust several yards high across the grassland.
Paul stood on the elevated platform atop the command vehicle. With a calm expression, he drew his saber, pointed toward the charging Orcish Cavalry, and shouted, "Change formation! Hollow Square!"
A clear military horn rang out at once. The soldiers, originally deployed in a line, sprang into action. The soldiers from each battalion drew inward by company. Those in the front rank dropped to one knee, rifle butts braced firmly against their shoulders, while those in the rear rank remained standing, their muzzles angled between those of the front rank to form overlapping layers of firepower.
Within a few minutes, dozens of Hollow Squares had taken shape across the grassland. Like sturdy steel fortresses, they sheltered the Supply Convoy and medics in their centers while steadily facing the onrushing Orcish Cavalry.
"Three hundred yards!" the Company Commander in the front rank shouted.
"Prepare to fire!"
The Orcish Cavalry drew closer and closer. Their howls carried clearly to the Aldo Army soldiers, who could already see the longspears and battle-axes in their hands flashing with cold light beneath the sun. When the distance had shrunk to two hundred paces, the officers of the front ranks shouted, "Fire!"
"Bang! Bang! Bang!" Dense gunfire erupted across the grassland. Bullets shrieked toward the Orcish Cavalry, and the orcs at the very front were struck one after another. Their massive bodies tumbled straight from their horses. Some were trampled by the War Horses charging behind them, while others writhed in agony on the ground.
But the Orcish Cavalry did not stop. They continued charging madly toward the Hollow Squares.
When they had used muzzle-loading Flintlock Guns, Aldo Army