[Phantom Sword]

Shrieks and panicked yelps reverberated throughout the underground chamber, accompanied by the clanging of dropped tools and the frantic scurrying of tiny paws. The air became heavy with smoke, causing Noah's eyes to sting even from his elevated position.

He wasn't proud of the chaos he had unleashed. The gnoll settlement, once a distorted reflection of life, now lay in ruins. But the alternative, a merciless slaughter from house to house, felt even more repulsive. This was a desperate gamble, a way to create an opportunity without resorting to complete annihilation.

With a solemn nod, Noah loaded a magical flame arrow onto his bow. He wouldn't target the fleeing villagers, refusing to contribute to the carnage. But any gnoll that emerged from the inferno with violence in their eyes would be fair game.