Acting

From his crossing into Germany to the present, Akkado finally felt the sensation of transversal. He first encountered the kind of devoted admiration that one only reads about in legends. After listening to the Führer's plans for the development of the airborne troops, Student became an ardent supporter of Akkado. This inclination led Manstein to speculate about the Führer's preferences: evidently, the Führer favored innovative tactics. Guderian, Rommel, and now Student, who stood before him, all rose to prominence through the use of armored forces and other modern strategies that the Führer endorsed, securing their bright futures. Manstein couldn't help but smile bitterly at this thought. He remembered when Rommel was merely a junior officer, and now he was a major general, having commanded the German 7th Armored Division during the annexation of Austria, advancing his career significantly ahead of his peers.

Manstein's thoughts were interrupted by Akkado, who didn't allow him much time to brood. With a friendly smile and a pat on Manstein's shoulder, he asked, "Tell me, as a noble, what are your thoughts on how the SS is handling the Junker nobility issue?"

"My Führer," Manstein replied, suddenly feeling uneasy. "Your full name is Fritz Erich von Manstein, correct? You come from the old Prussian aristocracy, with deep noble roots. Presumably, you have connections among the Junker nobles."

Akkado waved his hand, signaling Manstein to continue, "Tell me about the local noble rebellion in the country, what do you think?"

"My Führer, I have sworn allegiance under the national flag! I am loyal to you and the German people, and I will fight for this country until the last moment," Manstein responded calmly. "Having served in the World War and having worked tirelessly to defeat our enemies, I am acutely aware of the detrimental actions the Junker nobles undertook. Personally, I support your decision to handle the Junker nobles decisively."

"In the army, what is the sentiment towards these nobles?" Akkado pressed on, curious. Reports from the SS and secret police indicated that his actions against the Junkers hadn't caused much unrest in the military. The main reason seemed to be that the German nobility had long harbored resentment towards the Junker monopoly.

"There are many, my Führer! The nobility is not monolithic. We have our own grievances. The Junker nobles are widely resented by the true nobility!" Manstein found it easier to speak, knowing that Akkado was aware of his stance during the Junker rebellion. This was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate his loyalty and perhaps gain favor.

"I'm relieved to hear this," Akkado nodded, then suddenly shifted the topic, "What do you think about the French Maginot Line?"

This question seemed like a test, one that Manstein, given his role, should be prepared to answer. "The French are fortifying their Maginot Line. If we attack directly, the cost will be immense, especially without sufficient heavy artillery."

"And how would you propose we breach this defense?" Akkado asked, smiling encouragingly.

"A direct assault would ideally involve heavy artillery bombardment on the core areas of the Maginot Line to destroy the fortifications, followed by a combined arms breach at several points... even then, I estimate we could suffer up to 10,000 casualties on the first day alone," Manstein replied honestly, a figure based on their simulations on the Western Front. If the French reinforcements were timely, the losses could be even higher.

"If the French army mobilizes quickly and we have not yet secured the entire Maginot Line, what then?" Akkado pondered aloud, looking at the map.

"I've seen the staff's proposals, but they read like textbook theory. If I wanted a historical analysis, I would read a history book," Akkado expressed his dissatisfaction with the military's conventional plans.

"Why not convene a war council to redraw the entire plan?" Manstein suggested, raising an eyebrow.

"Do you think I need to gather everyone just to revise a battle plan? With your rank of major general, you should have the opportunity to participate in strategic meetings that I personally oversee," Akkado replied, taking a deep breath. "I want to hear your thoughts as a front-line commander on this French defense line."

"If a direct breakthrough is disfavored by the Führer, then we must consider an alternative route of attack," Manstein, recognized as a master strategist, suggested. "The border between France and Germany is not favorable for a breakthrough."

"Where do you suggest we break through?" Akkado asked, pleased with the dialogue. He enjoyed this type of professional exchange, which helped build rapport with his commanders. This approach was crucial, especially considering how Hitler's historical interference in military command had eventually led to discontent within the ranks. Akkado was determined to learn from that history.

"My Führer, I need time to develop a detailed plan. I will submit a proposal within a month," Manstein stated, understanding the significance of his task. "Is there any international concern the Führer wishes me to consider?"

"No, I need a purely military plan," Akkado clarified. "Once we move beyond the German-French border, it will mark the start of a comprehensive war, so we must not hold back."

"Understood," Manstein nodded, feeling reassured by Akkado's leadership—a sentiment shared by many in the military. He now understood why the Führer was respected; he did not micromanage his generals.

Akkado then shifted the conversation to inquire about the logistical aspects of the military, such as the distribution of tactical vests which had improved soldiers' load-bearing capabilities, allowing them to carry more equipment effortlessly. Manstein was particularly pleased with the introduction of canned lunch meat, which had alleviated the army's chronic meat shortage.

"I plan to form a new 11th Infantry Army on the Western Front, comprising the 11th and 12th Infantry Divisions. After you return, organize the promotion list and promote the qualified officers accordingly," Akkado concluded.

"Thank you for your trust, my Führer! I swear to serve you loyally until the end," Manstein declared, standing up. "Long live the Führer!"

Akkado had promoted Manstein not just for his tactical acumen, but also in preparation for the Western Campaign, where Manstein's new army would play a crucial role. After Manstein left, Akkado received a report about the French equipping large-caliber railway guns, which indicated a strengthening of their resolve to develop powerful weaponry. This prompted a discussion with his aide, Gascole, about the conservative nature of their neighbors and the need to invite various stakeholders, including Colonel Smith, to a forthcoming meeting. Akkado's strategic mind was always planning several steps ahead, ensuring that Germany was prepared for any eventuality.

In fact, the German Siegfried Line of defense isn't accurately depicted in the drawings; a small part of it does exist, albeit minimal. However, it is indeed present and appears quite majestic. Germany constructed a high-standard fortress atop a hill near the German-French border. The fortress was fortified with reinforced concrete walls up to five meters thick, featuring machine gun positions and bunkers equipped with artillery. Additionally, there was concealed barbed wire. More daunting still were the two fortified cannons connected by rails on the high ground, shielded by 350 mm armored iron plates and boasting an impressive caliber of 381 mm.

The decision to build such an almost redundant defense line was not due to its ease of defense but rather its unique geographical conditions. On one side, it bordered a large forest shrouded in white mist, obscuring the length of the defense line. On the other side, a higher mountain with a peculiar stone forest obscured any view of another position above.

The setup was reminiscent of a film set, like those used at Bayi Studio—a mere façade for real play. However, when Acador, along with Smith and the French military attaché in Germany, visited the site, the layout still managed to impress. Upon seeing a yellow warning sign marked with a skull and indicating a minefield, they truly sensed the specter of war.

As they walked carefully alongside German officials and several civilians, they listened to the officials boast about the fortification's impregnability. Colonel Frederick, the commander of the 7th Infantry Division of the National Defense Forces, was effectively an actor in this scenario. His division was charged with defending this section of the border.

"My head of state," Colonel Frederick began, "once the enemy attacks, our line can deploy 400 heavily armed soldiers capable of repelling any offensive. These trenches," he gestured to the reinforced concrete structures at Akado's feet, "and these concealed machine gun bunkers, along with the triangular anti-tank obstacles not far away, ensure that any approaching tanks will be easily repelled."

Smith leaned closer to Akado, whispering, "Dear Head of State, the Siegfried Line has always been a proud defense mechanism for Germany. Is today's display meant to deter France?"

"The Siegfried Line is merely a shield for Germany; it's nothing to boast about," Akado responded with a soft chuckle, audible to the French officials behind him. "In fact, we possess new weaponry capable of destroying fortifications far stronger than France's Maginot Line. It's audacious to flaunt such defenses."

A French official, overhearing this, scoffed and retorted, "Impossible! Our Maginot Line is the strongest fortification in the world. It cannot be breached!"

Frederick smirked disdainfully, which only infuriated the French officials more. Akado, sensing the rising tension, gestured forward. "Come, let's see the kind of weapon we've prepared."

The group hastily concluded their tour of the fortress and proceeded to a railway line behind it. Upon arrival, they were stunned by the sight before them—a colossal land war machine, resembling a three-story oversized carriage with a barrel pointing skyward like a giant chimney. Soldiers bustled around it, their activity frenetic.

Frederick turned away, wiping the cold sweat from his brow. His division, though skilled as infantry, was ill-equipped to operate such a behemoth, which was, in reality, a façade.

Akado had devised this deceptive display with Krupp after lengthy confirmations. The cannon was essentially a shell with a fixed protection around the barrel—a 1919 Collector's Edition Paris Cannon from the Krupp factory, cleverly disguised to look like a mere prop.

"This cannon," Akado pointed to the train gun in the distance, "is still experimental but capable of destroying fortifications buried deep underground."

The French officer behind him gasped, "My God! What caliber is that?"

Frederick proudly interjected, "This is Dora, the King of Artillery, an 800mm caliber cannon that can launch shells weighing over a ton for dozens of kilometers."

As they prepared for a demonstration, an IDF artilleryman distributed earplugs. "This weapon is incredibly loud," Akado explained, picking a pair for himself.

Smith accepted the earplugs with a smile, nodding to indicate he was ready. The area around the cannon was bustling, with special effects artists from a Berlin film production company on site to enhance the realism of the firing.

Cameras were set up to record the event, which would be featured in the military propaganda movie "Imperial Cannon," starring popular actors including Ingrid Bergman.

As everyone braced themselves, the "artillery" crew began to clear the area. The cannon fired with a tremendous blast, sending black smoke billowing and shaking the ground. The visitors, positioned 200 meters away, felt the immense force of the blast.

The demonstration was a resounding success, leaving everyone in awe of the weapon's power. Akado applauded, proud of the display and the impact it had on the observers.

Frederick, relieved that the event had gone smoothly, nodded to his adjutant, signaling the soldiers to begin "clean-up" operations at the firing site.

Removing his earplugs, Akado turned to Colonel Smith. "How was it?"

Smith, also removing his earplugs, shouted back, "It's really a formidable weapon."

The demonstration not only showcased the might of German engineering but also served as a stark reminder of the lengths to which nations would go to protect their interests and intimidate their adversaries.