Chapter 25: First Day at the Prussian War College

Chapter 25: First Day at the Prussian War College



Bruno's life over the following week was rather peaceful. He spent every day at home with his wife. Free from any real worries that may have otherwise caught his attention. Luckily for him, he was not being deployed to some far-away corner in the world.

And instead, when the time came to resume active service, he was still able to return home to his wife every night. As their old manor was located close enough to the military base to be considered within the acceptable range of off-base housing for those soldiers who were already married.

As for Bruno's new unit. He was attached to another Infantry Company. He had a new commanding officer and new subordinates. What with Heinrich and Erich being sent off to other units across Prussia? Bruno found himself in a new and unfamiliar setting.

His daytime job during a time of peace was fairly simple. The usual bullshit that infantry had to do when there was no war to fight. Maintain physical standards, and every now and then go through some shooting drills. Other than that, the soldiers were left in the barracks with little to do. Most commonly turning to drinking and gambling to pass the time.

Bruno himself, as the leader of the Company was relegated to a desk job during the hours he was not actively training his company of riflemen. And because of this, he found his peaceful time in his new unit rather dull.

However, it was only a few weeks of this mundane activity before Bruno received a letter from the Central Division. It was not sent to his home, but rather given to him personally by his new battalion commander. A man who eyed the medal pinned onto Bruno's chest with a sign of respect.

He himself was a veteran of the Franco Prussian War, and had earned himself an iron cross during the conflict. In addition to this, he wore the Centenary Medal, which was an award established by Kaiser Wilhelm II, which honored the hundredth anniversary of his grandfather's birth.

This Medal was issued to soldiers only two years prior to Bruno's graduation from the Academy. And because of this, he did not have one to boast as well. Even so, the Colonel seemed to respect the fact that Bruno had volunteered to fight in the Boxer Rebellion, something that most of the Army, himself included had neglected to do.

It was because of this that his tone was more kind to Bruno than it normally was to his other subordinates, especially as he handed the young captain the letter in his hands.

"This is a letter from the Central Division of High Command, addressed to you personally. I have not read its contents, nor has anyone else for that matter. Whatever the reason, I suspect it is of grave importance. So stop what you're doing and focus on this."Visitt novelbin(.)co/m for the latest updates

After saying this the Colonel departed after a short salute. Where Bruno opened the letter to find some surprising news. It would appear that his application to the Prussian War College had been accepted. There was a time and place designated for him to take the entrance test.

It would appear that his Colonel's letter of recommendation had been enough to convince those in the Army's High Command to make an exception for Bruno, and to waive the five- year minimum requirement that all other potential applicants would need to enter the academy.

In addition to this, he wore many medals on his chest, seemingly having participated in the various conflicts that led to the rise of the German Empire. There were over fifty years' worth of medals pinned to this man's chest.

And that made sense, as he was clearly elderly. What with a bald head and a snow white imperial beard. The man looked remarkably similar to the current Austrian Kaiser Franz Jospeh I. Despite his years of service to the military, his rank had never quite reached that of the General, which would explain why he was a mere instructor.

Instead, he bore the proud insignia of a colonel on his shoulders as he began to yell at the various cadets in front of him, all of which jumped out of their seats to meet his orders.

"Attention!"

Bruno was naturally used to such a thing, considering the fact that he was now enduring his second life of military service. The grizzled old veteran was quick to look at the newest batch of cadets and commented on them all.

"You are here because you are the finest officers which the Reich has to offer. Look to your left, and then to your right. The odds are that only five of you will graduate from this institute within the next three years.

Those by your side will fail to endure the strictness of this academy and the standards that are required of you all. But after whittling out the weak and incompetent, make no mistake, those who remain will be assigned to vacant positions in the General Staff.

I am to be your primary instructor when it comes to military strategy, tactics, and logistics. If you fail even one of my exams, you will be booted out of this college and sent back to your units. So, despite the fact that you have all passed the entrance exam, we are going to start with a test of your knowledge regarding the tactics that our enemies employ.

And make no mistake, when I say our enemies, I mean the French. You, in the back, the young lad bearing the insignia of a captain. I hear you were personally recommended by the General in charge of the French expedition to China.

Supposedly, you were attached to his unit as an advisor. Surely you understand the French Army and its abilities better than anyone here!?! Go on then, enlighten us all!"

Having suddenly become the center of attention Bruno sighed internally. Regardless, this was

a trial he needed to pass if he wished to graduate from the Prussian War College and gain a favorable position within the Army.

Even so... Bruno couldn't help but feel as if the instructor was using this as a chance to purposely expel him from the College... Which was something that he could not allow to happen under any circumstances.