Chapter 1

On August 21, 2012, in the picturesque Alps, Mr. Friedrich von Hoffmann, wearing the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, stood on a platform, gazing into the distance. This day held special significance for him. His grandfather, the elder Hoffmann, had been a lieutenant colonel in the Third Reich's High Command and unfortunately died in a car accident on August 21, 1942. The place where he served was the Eagle's Nest, the site of the Führer Headquarters.

The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on his chest was a relic left by his grandfather. Although the Hoffmann family had produced several notable figures during the Holy Roman Empire, by the 20th century, the only distinguished history they could boast of was the elder Hoffmann's role as a lieutenant colonel in the Wehrmacht. This medal was the family's sole source of pride. Even during the most difficult times after the war, his father always cherished it, never selling it like many other families did to make ends meet.

Every August 21st, his father would polish the cherished medal and wear it, leading the family to the Eagle's Nest to pay their respects. After his father's passing, it was Hoffmann who brought the family there. Unfortunately, this time, his son suddenly contracted pneumonia, so his wife had to stay in Hamburg to take care of him.

Influenced by his grandfather, Hoffmann joined the German Bundeswehr after completing his doctorate, dedicating himself to the study of World War II history and military strategy. By the time he was in his forties, he had achieved significant success in this field, earning high regard in both military circles and among World War II historians. He also served as a historical consultant for several World War II games and war films, and was a chief member of the expert panel for the renowned "Hearts of Iron" series.

The Eagle's Nest, after the war, had been transformed into Germany's first mountain resort. Apart from the removal of all military equipment, everything else remained unchanged from 70 years ago. Every year, visitors from around the world came to tour the site. As the sun set, Hoffmann, concerned about his son's condition, decided to end his visit and return to Hamburg that night.

The elevator was the same one installed 70 years ago, a large contraption capable of holding 53 people at once. Despite its age, thanks to the excellent quality of German manufacturing and the meticulous maintenance by the engineering department, it still functioned properly. There were not many people in the elevator, and standing next to Hoffmann was a young man wearing an Iron Cross, clearly a 21st-century replica. Noticing the young man's fixed gaze on the genuine medal on his chest, Hoffmann smiled, not minding. The elevator descended smoothly, and in a few seconds, it would reach the ground. Suddenly, Hoffmann felt the elevator plummeting rapidly. Before he could react, the elevator went pitch black.

"Ahh..." In a scream of despair, a loud crash echoed, and Hoffmann felt himself being jolted before losing consciousness...

The next day, major newspapers across Germany featured the accident at the Eagle's Nest site on their front pages. A total of 7 people died, and 1 person was missing. The local police promised to find the missing person, dead or alive.

After an unknown amount of time, the unconscious Hoffmann sensed a faint light. He tried to open his eyes, but his eyelids felt as heavy as lead. In a daze, a man in a field-gray Wehrmacht uniform approached him.

"Child..." A kind voice, a gentle face, and a resemblance to his father, though Hoffmann knew it couldn't be—his father had never served in the military, let alone in a Third Reich uniform.

But he did look a bit like his grandfather.

Could he be in heaven?

"Child, you are a fortunate one. God has blessed you. Without this Iron Cross, you would have gone to heaven. But you are also the most unfortunate, for you will soon face a very difficult and challenging empire..."

Challenging?

Difficult?

Empire?

Hoffmann's mind was filled with questions. What did this mean?

Before he could figure it out, the holy light surrounding his grandfather disappeared, and the elder Hoffmann seemed to dissolve into a faint wisp of smoke, gradually fading away. Hoffmann was startled, feeling a surge of strength. He suddenly opened his eyes and tried to reach out to grab the figure...

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