August 21, 2012, in the picturesque Alps.
Mr. Friedrich von Hoffmann, wearing a Knight's Cross, stood on the platform, gazing into the distance.
This day held special significance for him; his grandfather, the elder Hoffmann, had been a lieutenant colonel staff officer in the Third Reich's High Command and tragically died in a car accident on August 21, 1942, at the very location of the former Eagle's Nest—the Imperial Headquarters.
The Knight's Cross pinned to his chest was also a relic left by his grandfather.
Although the Hoffmann family had produced several notable figures during the Holy Roman Empire, by the 20th century, apart from the elder Hoffmann serving as a Wehrmacht lieutenant colonel in the Third Reich, there was no other history to boast of.
This Knight's Cross was the only source of pride.
Even during the family's most difficult post-war times, his father had always cherished it, unlike many families who sold such items for money.
Every August 21st, his father would meticulously polish the long-treasured medal, wear it, and take the whole family to the former Eagle's Nest to pay respects.
After his father's passing, Hoffmann took over this tradition, bringing his family.
Unfortunately, before this trip, his son suddenly fell ill with pneumonia, so his wife had to stay in their old home in Hamburg to care for him.
Influenced by the elder Hoffmann, Hoffmann joined the German Wehrmacht after earning his doctorate, dedicating himself to studying World War II history and military strategy.
Now past forty, he had achieved great success in this field, enjoying a high reputation in military circles and among WWII historians.
He also served as a historical consultant for numerous WWII games and war films, and he was a chief expert member of the famous "Hearts of Iron" game series.
The post-war Eagle's Nest had been transformed into Germany's premier mountain resort.
Except for the complete dismantling of its armaments, all other facilities and furnishings remained exactly as they were 70 years ago.
Every year, people from all over the world came to visit.
As the sun set, Hoffmann, worried about his son's illness, decided to end his vigil and return to Hamburg that very night.
The elevator was still the one installed 70 years ago; it was a massive contraption capable of holding 53 people at once.
Although it had weathered many storms, thanks to the quality of German engineering and careful maintenance by the engineering department, it was still fully functional.
There weren't many people in the elevator.
Standing next to Hoffmann was another young man wearing a medal, though it was clearly a 21st-century replica.
Seeing the other person staring intently at the genuine article on his chest, Hoffmann smiled, unconcerned.
The elevator was descending steadily; in a few more seconds, it would reach the ground.
But suddenly, Hoffmann felt the elevator accelerating downwards rapidly.
Before he could react, the elevator plunged into darkness.
"Ah..." Amidst desperate screams, there was a deafening crash.
Hoffmann felt himself violently thrown upwards, then lost consciousness.
The next day, all major German newspapers carried front-page headlines about the accident at the Eagle's Nest site.
A total of 7 people died and 1 was missing.
The local police department had promised to find the missing person's whereabouts as soon as possible, vowing to find them alive or their body.
He didn't know how much time had passed, but the unconscious Hoffmann seemed to perceive a faint light.
He struggled to open his eyes, but his eyelids felt as heavy as lead.
In a hazy state, a person dressed in a field-gray Wehrmacht uniform walked towards him.
"My child..." A kind voice, a benevolent face.
The appearance somewhat resembled his father, but Hoffmann knew it couldn't be—his father had never served in the military, let alone worn a Third Reich-era uniform.
However, this appearance did somewhat resemble his grandfather.
Had he reached heaven?
"My child, you are a lucky one, blessed by God.
If not for this medal, you would have gone to heaven.
But you are also the most unfortunate, for you are about to face an empire so thorny and difficult..."
Thorny?
Difficult?
Empire?
Countless questions swirled in Hoffmann's mind.
What did this all mean?
Before he could figure it out, the holy light surrounding his grandfather had vanished, and the elder Hoffmann seemed to fade away into a wisp of faint smoke in the air.
Hoffmann was startled; a different kind of strength seemed to surge through his body.
He suddenly opened his eyes, desperately trying to reach out and grasp the other person...