"Somme River, German defense line, Position B, Third Company.
September 11th, 1916.
Wang Weiya - Lieutenant Ernst Blaime has officially taken over the Third Company.
In this war that has nothing to do with justice or injustice, German soldiers have indeed shown their excellent qualities. The Third Company had already suffered significant losses in previous battles, with only sixty-one men remaining. If we count Lieutenant Blaime and Adolf Hitler, there are only sixty-three men left.
But this did not dampen their high spirits in the slightest.
In a short period of time, Wang Weiya became familiar with most of the soldiers in the Third Company.
Sergeant Hall, his assistant; Bonkereray, the renowned sharpshooter of the entire company; Stike, unmatched in strength among the company; Shawn, Bifrey, Aiken, the gunner and ammunition carriers of the MG08 heavy machine gun...
These German soldiers, wearing their peaked caps, exuded an unwavering enthusiasm that Wang Weiya could clearly see in their eyes.
"Lieutenant, the enemy may launch a large-scale attack in the next few days." Sergeant Hall wasted no time in exchanging pleasantries, quickly briefing the new Lieutenant Blaime on the situation. "We have just received ammunition supplies, but personnel are severely lacking. If the enemy attacks, I fear we won't have enough manpower to defend effectively."
"This is not something a German officer should say." Wang Weiya interrupted his words with a serious expression. "Sergeant, speaking like this before a battle will only shake the morale of the troops."
"Yes, Lieutenant, but I must report the current unfavorable situation to you." Sergeant Hall was stubborn, insisting on his viewpoint. "I believe we must request reinforcements from Major Deng Xiwai, at least to replenish our losses."
"Sergeant, there will be no reinforcements." Wang Weiya's expression remained stern. "There is only us. Cowards can leave my company."
Sergeant Hall seemed to feel deeply insulted, his face turning red. "You cannot insult me like this, Lieutenant. I am willing to sacrifice myself for my country, but not blindly."
"If I spoke out of line, I will apologize to you." Wang Weiya restrained his emotions, sensing Sergeant Hall's dissatisfaction. "But I do not wish to hear such words before a battle."
With that, he gathered all the soldiers of the company together. "Soldiers, today is my first day in office, and many of you are not familiar with me. I, Ernst Blaime, am the Lieutenant and Company Commander of the Third Company. From today onwards, I will lead you into battle. If I fall into the hands of the enemy, Sergeant Hall will take command..."
The soldiers were taken aback. Had the Lieutenant already prepared himself for death?
"At least that's what I believe. A soldier unwilling to sacrifice is not a qualified soldier." Wang Weiya's tone was firm. "At the same time, as your commanding officer, I must honestly tell you that Major Deng Xiwai has made it very clear to me that we cannot expect any reinforcements. That means, from now on, the Third Company only has sixty-three men..."
He scanned the soldiers one by one.
"The enemy will soon attack. From now on, each one of us must unleash strength several times beyond our own. Cowards will not be allowed to stay in my company. Soldiers, let us summon our courage and fight for our country! Everything for Germany!"
"Everything for Germany!" The soldiers responded in unison, loud and clear.
"Let those British bastards die naked before us!" Stike suddenly chimed in.
The soldiers burst into laughter, then shouted together, "Let those British bastards die naked before us!"
Wang Weiya also smiled. Who said Germans didn't have a sense of humor?
This was Wang Weiya's first formal meeting with the soldiers of the Third Company, and he had made his attitude clear to all:
What the Third Company needed were the bravest men!
Not for anything else, but because he wanted to go home!
The first requirement for going home was to complete the mission here.
And this, the soldiers of the Third Company would never know...
Adolf Hitler might have been the most excited among this group of soldiers. When the soldiers began to prepare actively for battle, Hitler approached Wang Weiya and showed great curiosity about the gun on Wang Weiya's back:
"Lieutenant, what kind of weapon is this? Why have I never seen it before?"
"The Bergmann MP18 submachine gun, a new weapon we've developed, hasn't been officially issued to the troops yet." Wang Weiya replied casually. "I'm fortunate to be one of the first to test this weapon."
Hitler suddenly realized, "Lieutenant, where are you from?"
"Regensburg." Wang Weiya didn't know why he mentioned that place.
"Regensburg, a beautiful city on the banks of the Danube." Hitler admired. "I've been there. The cathedral stands tall in the city center, surrounded by brick-red houses of all kinds. It's like the most beautiful landscape painting. I even painted a picture with that background..."
A third-rate painter like Hitler? Wang Weiya suddenly had this thought in his mind.
"I come from the small town of Braunau am Inn, on the border of Bavaria." Hitler didn't notice what Wang Weiya was thinking. "I've done many jobs, but eventually ended up in the military. I can't imagine what I'll do after the war ends."
"The war will not end..." Wang Weiya said with an implied meaning.
Hitler completely misunderstood Wang Weiya's words. "Don't you believe that Germany will ultimately win this war?"
Wang Weiya fell silent, not directly answering the question. "Adolf, whether Germany can win this war is not the most important thing. What's most important is that even if you leave the army, you will still achieve extraordinary and great things in the future!"
Hitler could hardly believe what he was hearing. No one had ever spoken to him in such high terms before. His face flushed with excitement.
"Believe me, Adolf!" Wang Weiya said very seriously. "You will succeed, and your achievements will surpass those of most people. But for now, what you should focus on is how to fight and protect yourself well in battle."
"Lieutenant, thank you. I will always remember your words. You don't know, no one has ever said such things to me before. Everything for Germany!"
"Everything for Germany!"