Death Notice

“Major Montana Max, it seems you missed us very much. I remember our last meeting was less than two weeks ago!”

In a spacious hall, Major Montana was sitting upright on a classic, long-backed chair. His fingers were interlocked in front of him as he watched a huge screen. The silver screen was split into two. On the left and right sides, there were video feeds showing half-body figures.

The speaker was a middle-aged gentleman on the left with a small mustache. Even though it was summer, his appearance was still meticulous. He wore a shirt, a vest, and a black tailcoat. His gloved hands were folded over a cane. He seemed very well-mannered.

Compared to this gentleman, the person on the right side of the screen was a bit strange. He wore a casual T-shirt and beach shorts. He had sunglasses on, and he was leaning lazily against a palm tree. He had his arms around two modern women in bikinis. He was happily drinking from a glass held by one of the women. Above him was a large sun umbrella. It looked like he was on a beach vacation.

However, these were not the reasons he stood out. The most bizarre thing was his face. It was a crimson, blood-red skull, completely as if the skin had been peeled off. Even under the bright sun, it sent chills down one’s spine.

Yes, the two people talking with Major Montana were the leaders of the two remaining secret organizations of the Nazi Third Reich. They were the Blood Clan Baron Wurdenbeller and Red Skull.

“Gentlemen, I found Major Gerthard and Captain Kluge!” The fat major looked at the two of them. He did not beat around the bush. He directly stated the reason for summoning them.

Upon hearing the fat major’s words, Wurdenbeller’s grip on his cane tightened suddenly. Red Skull slowly straightened up and pushed away the modern women beside him. “Fatso, have you verified their identities?”

“Yes, fatso, are you sure it’s that ‘Gerthard’?” The vampire baron asked half-believing, half-doubting.

“Gentlemen, please call me Major Montana, okay?” The fat major sighed, sounding a bit helpless. “You have both seen him in person. See for yourselves!”

Montana brought up the half-body photos of Qin Lun and Grant, placing them on the screen. Red Skull and Wurdenbeller looked very carefully. They stared intently at the two people in the photos.

“That’s right. Although there are some changes, his face has matured a lot, but it should be him!” Wurdenbeller let out a long sigh. His eyes flickered as he fell silent, clearly recalling some unforgettable past events.

“Major Montana, you should know that appearances can be changed. Especially in the current situation, it wouldn’t be strange for the Euro-American Alliance to take any measures to stabilize the situation and eliminate unfavorable factors!” Red Skull’s expression was somewhat serious. Years of infiltration and spy activities had filled his mind with conspiracy theories.

“I asked them some special questions. Things that Anglo-American agents were unlikely to know. I believe it is really them.” Major Montana replied with a smile.

“In that case… If, I mean if, they were coerced by the Allied Forces or something…” Red Skull’s eyes darted away. He suddenly stammered sheepishly.

“Red Skull, if you dare slander the two empire heroes again, I will personally go to the Caribbean beach and stuff that red head of yours up your ass!” Baron Wurdenbeller suddenly stood up from his armchair, his face gloomy.

“Alright, my mistake. Given Major Gerthard and Captain Kluge’s loyalty to the empire, the probability is indeed very small.” Red Skull raised his hands in surrender, looking embarrassed.

Actually, after all these years, it was impossible to say that the three of them still completely trusted Qin Lun and Grant. It was just that Qin Lun and Grant’s Plot Identity made it very difficult for them to betray. They had too many mortal enemies among the Allied Forces. The Allies, led by Britain and America, simply couldn’t recruit them as spies.

“We lack excellent commanders. Their joining is a good thing. However, Major Montana, fifty-four years have passed now. Can they still adapt to modern combat forms?” Baron Wurdenbeller asked with some concern.

“Baron, please don’t be so pessimistic! No matter what, Major Gerthard and Captain Kluge are two famous combat heroes. Their joining should awaken many old-timers’ memories and loyalty to the Third Reich.” A glint flashed in Red Skull’s eyes as he smiled meaningfully.

“Redhead, watch your words! The two empire heroes are not your propaganda tools!” Wurdenbeller angrily thumped his cane.

“Alright, gentlemen, please listen to me!” Major Montana rubbed his temples, feeling a headache. Their loyalty to the empire was beyond doubt, but their ideological differences were huge. Decades ago, it was precisely because of this that the Aryan Ark Corps eventually split into three major organizations.

“At our last meeting, didn’t we already decide to unite and cooperate? Then we should put aside our differences!” Major Montana put away his smile and said seriously. “Originally, regarding Superhuman research, we were always ahead of the world.

However, because of the threat from the mythical creatures, the world’s major powers have abandoned research on weapons of mass destruction. They are putting their scientific power into developing Superhumans. Time is not on our side. The appearance of Major Gerthard made me decide to move the plan forward!”

“Major Montana, I agree with your point of view. But, wouldn’t this be too rushed?” Wurdenbeller and Red Skull stopped arguing. The baron asked hesitantly, “Shouldn’t Major Gerthard and Captain Kluge rest and adjust for a while longer?”

“Baron, please don’t worry. The best way to learn war is to wage war!” Major Montana said with a smile. “Major Gerthard has already agreed to my test of his combat abilities and command skills…”

When Major Montana said this, a smile appeared on his face. “However, the Major also made a demand on our three major organizations. And in my opinion, this demand is very reasonable. That’s why we are having this meeting now!”

…

After the meeting with Red Skull and Wurdenbeller ended, Major Montana opened another communicator. “All of you, come in!”

“Major, you asked for us?” Led by Dr. Shahil and Captain Hans, dozens of officers and scientists in gray military uniforms filed into the command room. They saluted Major Montana.

“Everyone, I have good news to share. Major Gerthard and Captain Kluge have agreed to serve again. They also accepted my test. However, the two combat heroes also made a demand on our Millennium Bug Corps. Allow me to relay it to you all!”

Major Montana grinned, showing a set of white, shiny teeth. He sneered and said, “Major Gerthard’s exact words were these: Major Montana, I accept your test! However, the Millennium Bug Corps and the three major organizations must prove to me that you are still the undefeated, fearless imperial army from fifty-four years ago. Not the gutter rats that can only barely survive now!”

Major Montana paused, his burning gaze sweeping across the faces of his many subordinates. He showed satisfaction at their flushed faces and gradually heavier breathing.

“Everyone, are you feeling anger and resentment? Good. Not just me and you, the leaders of the other two major organizations also felt humiliated by these words. However, we cannot refute Major Gerthard. He is right. Right now, we are just a bunch of gutter rats hiding in dark corners.

Fifty-four years ago, the German Third Reich fought the whole world alone. Indeed, we ultimately failed. But we left the entire world a cursed legacy of merit and glory.

Everyone, we need a war! We need to awaken those who have long forgotten us. We need to awaken the most terrifying memories deep in their hearts. I have decided to restart the plan that was shelved before. Let the whole world see with their own eyes how fragile their peace is.”

Major Montana, wearing white gloves, slammed his fist onto a blueprint on the desk. He laughed fervently and said, “Right here, right in this place, their heroes will be slaughtered by us! Everyone, we have waited too long. Now is the time to return before the world. Let them recall the iron and blood, the flames behind that glory. We shall finally drink the sweet wine of victory!”

“Hail, hail!” The command room erupted with thunderous cheers.

Watching the excited crowd file out of the command room one by one, Dr. Shahil walked towards Major Montana with a grave expression.

“Major, didn’t we decide to continue waiting for the right time? The world is not in chaos now. If we launch an attack rashly, all three major organizations will suffer great losses! And… the major powers will also shift their attention away from the mythical creatures. Our situation will become very difficult!”

“Haha, Doctor, you are not a soldier. You wouldn’t understand.” Major Montana picked up his wine glass and turned his gaze calmly to Hans beside him. “Captain, what is your opinion? Do you also agree with the Doctor’s view?”

“…” The Captain clenched his fist and shook his head coldly.

“Doctor, war is a symphony woven from iron and blood. It includes not only that of the enemy, but also our own.” Major Montana sneered. “We have been away from it for too long. Some sacrifice is necessary.

Major Gerthard was right. Before the bigger war begins, we first need to test our own will to fight. If even we are afraid of sacrifice, then what right do we have to talk about the ideal of reviving the empire? He and Captain Kluge would not cooperate with a bunch of gutter rats either!”

…

While Major Montana was issuing the war mobilization to his subordinates, the three people in Qin Lun’s room all had a change in expression. Their Main Plotline had undergone an unexpected change…