The Flames in the Trap

The "Quill Pen Strategists" had their own magazine. Some fellow often submitted seemingly sensible articles under pen names like "Bald Logistics Minister" and "Pig Who Understands Tactics." Of these, the most popular was "Drum Theory."

Other than the Wesen Army and its staunch allies, many armies used guns that couldn't fire in succession. As a result, finding ways to shorten the intervals between shots became a hot topic of study.

Rotating methods such as Three-stage Shot had evolved from crossbow volleys, but those were meant for stationary formations. Thus, "Drum-style Offense" came into being.

The army was divided into three to five rows. The first row fired and reloaded, then the second row stepped forward and shot, repeating the cycle.

The tactic had since been refined. For instance, armies using Folding Hunting Rifles had developed Prone Shooting and Reclining Reloading. Troops with Double-barrel Hunting Rifles fired only one shot at long range to suppress the enemy, then fired both barrels at close range—or saved one shot to deal with cavalry.

Baron Sende had read the magazine cover to cover and worshiped the tactic. Over the past two years, he had drilled his mercenaries in it plenty.

The four companies formed four rows. After the first row aimed and fired, they reloaded where they stood. Then the last row stepped forward five paces and fired.

Splinters and fragments of stone flew as the port's walls and arrow towers were battered. Two defenders fell after being hit, while the rest ducked behind the wall.

Sende excitedly ordered, "Attack at ten paces!"

After another volley, the next row advanced to within ten paces of the firing line and started shooting at the wall.

More stone fragments flew from the battlements. Someone tried to raise his head, but quickly ducked back down in fright.