Aids from Valeria

The second wave of reinforcement reached the contact line, and Chernov was in it.

"How was the situation now?" Chernov ask Slyusarev.

"Great. Everything is going as planned. Only some remain below the ground. I was waiting for you all to bring the nerve gas to eliminate them. I have ordered to continue advance when the sunrises."

"Good. The biochemical troops are here, and they will do their job. Since there is not much enemy here, I will ask my men to advance further first. Your troop can be followed up later."

Then the reinforcement spread to two, one followed Chernov to continue their advance, and the other, the biochemical troop started their deployment.

A team of troopers carrying massive steel canisters moved forward, placing them along the tunnel entrance. These were R-55 nerve gas dispersal units, their contents far deadlier than any mere poison. With a synchronized hiss, the canisters vented their lethal payload, releasing a thick, colourless fog that slithered into the darkness like a living entity. 

More canisters were rolled into the tunnels, their pressurized nozzles pumping out waves of Novichok-based neurotoxin designed to cling to flesh, metal, and stone. The nerve agent seeped into the underground corridors, filling every crevice and suffocating the oxygen. 

The first victims were the sentries stationed near the entrance. The gas crept into their lungs before they could react, one moment they were gripping their rusted axes, the next they were convulsing violently, foam spilling from their mouths as their muscles locked in excruciating paralysis. Their eyes bulged as their nervous systems overloaded, sending their bodies into agonizing seizures. 

Inside the tunnels, the orcs realized too late what was happening. 

Within minutes, every tunnel was filled with lifeless bodies, their once green skin now pale and twisted with the frozen expressions of their final suffering. 

The biochemical troops monitored the scene through specialized unmanned ground vehicle cameras and underground seismic sensors. Screens displayed footage of the orcs collapsing in heaps, the tunnel floors becoming mass graves. 

As the dust settled, and the wind carried away the last whispers of nerve gas, the battlefield was silent once more.

"Commander, the orcs have been eliminated, no survivors. These orcs... they all die like rats."

"Alright, continue our advance, Colonel Chernov has been waiting for us."

On the other side, Chernov is at a high point, looking at the river far.

"Man, this river is almost as wide as the Dnieper River seems like we can only take down those river crossing points, or find a ford. Sokolov ordered our troops to prepare for an assault."

In front of those crossing points, is the 3rd line of the orcs, and opposite the river, is what they call the river line. The 3rd line is just an easy fortification, with some fortifications and an easy trench, perhaps it is just used to protect those crossing points.

However, for the river line, Chernov did not see any fortification. This confuse him, maybe this is just a trick from the orcs? 

As usual, they bombarded first and then attacked with an armoured assault, easily taking down the third line. Troops of the 106th Airborne Division also arrived not long after that.

"Our friendly forces will be a little slower than us. Perhaps we should strengthen our defence first and cross the river with them. I will send forces to assist them, but now let our troops rest first and replenish ammunition and stamina. We will start building a pontoon bridge at night to allow some troops to cross the river first, while the main force will cross with friendly forces tomorrow." Slyusarev explained.

Chernov and Sokolov return to the high points, looking at the opposite of the river again.

"Did you find anything abnormal? Sokolov."

"I only see that the plants and grass colour on the hill at the opposite are different than other places. This is the only difference I could find, perhaps the orcs build tunnel again there?"

"Probably, but I don't think it's a high possibility. You don't need to dig out all the soil on the surface to build the tunnel. You need to clear all the obstacles to have a good visual. But look at it, most of the places are planted with trees. Even if they are playing tricks on those trees, we need to ask artillery to clear them. And we do not have a good understanding of the ecosystem here, maybe it is just how their nature works, who knows?"

Sokolov nodded.

"Maybe we can ask Serina and Aria, the Karak has been here a long time before."

Opposite the river, a few humans looked at the position of the red army with their binoculars on top of a hill. Beside them, are the guards from the orcs.

"General Gregor, shall we attack them now?" One of them asked.

"No, this is just their Vanguard, hold your fire, we will fire when they cross the river. From the information given by Karak, there would be thousands of vehicles for a full division or brigade." Gregor said.

Below them are men wearing sailor suits moving supplies into the hill. They are from Valeria. They are moving some huge metal balls as big as three men. Similar things happen to all the hills along the river. They are not concentrated but dispersed, knowing that the Soviets have superior firepower to destroy them.

These people and General Gregor arrived after the truce between the orcs and the Soviets. Valeria came to help the orcs at Karak's request.

"I think with this speed, by tomorrow they will start crossing the river, let our men ready for battle, check everything again. I want everything to be done perfectly, give these Soviets a little surprise."

Everything happened here, the Soviets the opposite have no idea, and still doing what they were doing. According to the spy satellite and recon air vehicle, there is nothing here, but a bunch of trees. 

A horrible ambush are waiting for them.