Encirclement (Part Two)

At first, the Orks hesitated, surprised by the attack from the flank.

But before long, they turned around and began fighting the humans advancing under the cover of smoke from burning vehicles.

"Charge!!"

As the Orks turned to deal with the flanking force, the long-suppressed commander of First Company immediately ordered his men to rise and rush them.

At the same time, convinced that surrounding and concentrating fire on the Orks before them offered their best chance for a swift victory, Nightblade began advancing as well.

Time was of the essence. Every moment they delayed was another moment their relief force fell behind.

But the soldiers soon discovered that the idea that the loss of their leader would paralyze the remaining enemy was completely wrong. Though these Greenskins seemed somewhat startled, they did not fall into disarray. They even launched a highly organized counterattack.

The battle was urgent and fierce. At such close range, the Greenskins had no need to aim their oversized guns. Soldiers attempting to advance were blasted backward, their chests ruptured by the impact of the enormous rounds.

"Waaaaagh!!"

The 66th Regiment's attempt to encircle the Greenskins instantly devolved into a melee when they charged head-on. The Orks cast aside their emptied guns and lunged at the humans with blades, axes, and clubs in hand.

The soldiers quickly struck back, dodging the screaming blades before thrusting their bayonets at them.

The officers led from the front, carving bloody paths through the Greenskins with their sabers. Every Black Legion soldier was well trained in close combat, with particular emphasis on dodging and striking vital points when fighting Orks.

But the Greenskins' sheer brute strength was unstoppable. They needed no skill; a full-force swing alone was enough to threaten them.

Crude blades clung with indistinct flesh and blood. Torn