Prologue, Return to the German Headquarters
All major newspapers in Germany have featured on their front pages the incident that occurred at the Eagle's Nest site: a total of 7 people have died, and 1 person is missing. The local police department has promised to search for the whereabouts of the missing person as soon as possible, insisting that the living must be found and the dead must be identified.
Hoffman was taken aback, feeling as if a different kind of strength surged through his body. He suddenly opened his eyes, straining to reach out his hand to grasp the other party.
Child, you are a fortunate one, blessed by God. If it were not for this Iron Cross, you would have been destined for heaven, yet you are also the most unfortunate, for you are about to face an empire that is so thorny and difficult
The elevator was descending at a constant speed, and it would reach the ground in a few dozen seconds. But suddenly, Hoffman felt the elevator plummeting rapidly, and before he could react, the elevator was engulfed in darkness
This day holds special significance for him, as his grandfather, old Hoffman, was a lieutenant colonel staff officer in the General Staff of the Third Reich. Unfortunately, he died in a car accident on August 21, 1942, and the last place he served was the Eagle's Nest, the location of the Reich's headquarters.
There were not many people in the elevator. Standing next to Hoffman was a young man wearing an Iron Cross medal as well, but it was evident that it was a replica made in the 21st century. Noticing the other person staring intently at the genuine medal on his collar, Hoffman smiled and remained indifferent
The child... a kind voice, a gentle face, and an appearance somewhat resembling that of the father, but Hoffman knew it could not be—his father had never served in the military, let alone dressed in the uniform of the Third Reich.
It is unclear how much time has passed, but Hoffman, who had lost consciousness, seemed to sense a glimmer of light. He struggled to open his eyes to see, but his eyelids felt as heavy as if they were filled with lead. In a daze, a figure dressed in the field gray uniform of the Wehrmacht approached him
The elevator is still the same one installed 70 years ago, a large unit capable of accommodating 53 people at the same time. Although it has weathered many storms, it remains functional thanks to the excellent quality of German manufacturing and the meticulous maintenance by the engineering department
This is somewhat reminiscent of grandfather
August 21, 2012, the picturesque Alps
Have I already arrived in heaven?
Although the Hoffman family produced several notable figures during the Holy Roman Empire, by the 20th century, apart from Old Hoffman serving as a lieutenant colonel in the Wehrmacht of the Third Reich, there were no other historical achievements to boast of. This Knight's Iron Cross medal is the only source of pride worth mentioning. Even during the most difficult times for the family after the war, the father kept it as a cherished possession, rather than selling it for money like many other families did.
Empire
Influenced by the late Hofmann, after obtaining his doctor's degree, Hofmann joined the German Armed Forces, dedicating himself to the study of World War II history and military strategy. Having reached the age of maturity, he achieved great success in this field, enjoying a prestigious reputation in both military circles and the academic community of World War II history. He also served as a historical consultant for several World War II games and war films, and has been a chief member of the expert team in the renowned "Hearts of Iron" series of games.
Every year on August 21, my father would polish his long-preserved medals and wear them, taking the whole family to the Eagle's Nest site to pay their respects. After my father's passing, it was Hoffman who brought the family there. Unfortunately, just before this trip, his son suddenly fell ill with pneumonia, and his wife could only stay in their hometown of Hamburg to care for him, leaving Hoffman to come alone.
Before he could fully comprehend, the holy light surrounding his grandfather had already vanished, and old Hoffman transformed into a faint wisp of blue smoke that gradually dissipated into the air
The post-war Eagle's Nest has been transformed into Germany's premier mountain resort. Aside from the complete dismantling of military equipment, all other facilities and furnishings remain unchanged from 70 years ago. Every year, crowds from around the world come to visit. As the sun sets, Hoffman, concerned about his son's illness, decides to end his visit and return to Hamburg overnight
Countless question marks swirled in Hoffman’s mind, what could this possibly mean
The knight's Iron Cross medal he wears is also a relic left by his grandfather
Difficulty
Ah! In a desperate scream, a loud bang resonated, and Hoffman felt himself being jolted awake, only to lose consciousness again
Mr. Friedrich von Hoffmann, wearing the Knight's Iron Cross, is standing on the platform gazing into the distance
tricky