"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
On the German positions, a multitude of machine guns fired furiously, their barrels glowing red from relentless fire. The gunners had no time to change barrels and opted for the most extravagant approach: to continue firing until the barrels failed. While this would certainly escalate costs, it ensured a sustained barrage, reducing the frequency of barrel replacements.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The front-line mortars and grenade launchers also unleashed a furious onslaught. Shells rained down on the Russian soldiers as if they were of no cost at all. Each explosion among the ranks claimed numerous Russian lives.
The overwhelming firepower of the Germans was unleashed to its fullest in battle. However, for the Russian forces, this was decidedly not a fortuitous circumstance. Under the grotesque intensity of German fire, they suffered catastrophic casualties.
The bodies of Russian soldiers piled up before the German lines at a visibly alarming rate. This rapid accumulation instilled fear in the attacking Russians while simultaneously shocking the defending Germans. They came to believe that this was no longer a battle; a more fitting description would be a slaughter. Indeed, the confrontation had devolved into a grim scene of Russian demise and German carnage, resulting in a steep rise in Russian losses.
"General, the front-line troops are suffering devastating losses and are about to crumble. The Germans were well-prepared, continuously firing illumination flares. Our forces are on the verge of collapse," reported a Russian general to General Letzski.
"Deploy three more infantry divisions to launch an attack!" Letzski commanded through clenched teeth.
"Yes, General." The staggering losses rendered the Russian generals silent. Even in their careers, they had likely never experienced such a demoralizing battle. This fight was particularly suffocating for them.
"Also, prepare the cavalry. If the infantry cannot breach the German lines, it will be their turn to charge," Letzski ordered. The cavalry was his only remaining trump card; if they too failed to penetrate the German defenses, there would be no recourse left. Naturally, Letzski hoped for their success.
"Yes, General."
The Russian generals grasped Letzski's determination. They too yearned for the night's assault to succeed, though a trace of apprehension lingered within them. The sheer might of German firepower was becoming an increasingly heavy shadow on their hearts.
As the first wave of soldiers entered the fray, the second wave soon followed, creating the impression that the Russians were inexhaustible, seemingly endless in their numbers. Despite the thick layer of bodies accumulating before the German positions, the Russians appeared undeterred.
"Damn it, do those Russians truly fear nothing? So many have died, yet they remain unfazed."
"Let them come; we just need to keep firing. No matter how many show up, we will eliminate them all!"
The German soldiers, once exhilarated, had become numb. The act of killing had dulled their senses, reducing them to mechanically pulling triggers to extinguish Russian lives.
"General, the Russians have evidently deployed even more troops. Can the front hold? The 8th Armored Division is ready for battle at a moment's notice," said Guderián.
"Rest assured, Colonel Guderián. The 24th Infantry Division can still withstand. If the Russians maintain their current level of assault, they shall not breach our lines," Major General Bessen replied confidently about his troops.
Guderián nodded, saying no more. Yet, the armor crews of the 8th Armored Division remained vigilant, ready for immediate engagement.
An hour later, after sending thousands into battle, the Russians still could not penetrate the German defenses. While they had expended considerable German ammunition, they ultimately inflicted no substantive harm.
"Order the cavalry to charge immediately. The Germans have fought for so long; they must be weary. If we seize this opportunity, we may succeed," Letzski commanded.
Over ten thousand Russian cavalrymen commenced their assault. The sound of thundering hooves reverberated, shaking the very ground.
The German defenders quickly reported this development to Major General Bessen.
"Cavalry! The Russians have not given up; they are deploying their cavalry!" Bessen's expression darkened.
"General, let the 8th Armored Division engage. We have experience dealing with Russian cavalry," Colonel Guderián volunteered.
Bessen nodded, no longer hesitating. He knew that without the 8th Armored Division's support, the 24th Infantry Division might not withstand the Russian cavalry after a grueling battle.
"Ura! Ura! Let's slaughter the Germans!"
Thousands of cavalrymen shouted their battle cries, brandishing their sabers as they surged towards the German positions.
However, as they neared the German lines, the terrain suddenly illuminated. The headlights of hundreds of tanks flared to life in that moment.
Many Russian cavalrymen were momentarily blinded by the brightness.
"Boom! Boom!"
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
At this moment, the German tanks opened fire. Hundreds of tanks unleashed their cannon and machine guns upon the Russian cavalry. The dense hail of bullets knocked the once-feared cavalrymen from their mounts.
The cries of dying horsemen mingled with the whinnies of panicked steeds, creating a cacophony of chaos.
Before the German tanks, the Russian cavalry was instantly stripped of its momentum. Even those who occasionally broke through the German lines found their sabers posed no threat to the armored behemoths.
As the Russian cavalry faced overwhelming loss against the German armored units, their generals were left utterly speechless. They realized that this time, it was truly over.