Sucide

William Street, the headquarters of the Grand German Party, was heavily guarded by SS soldiers, most of whom were equipped with pistols. In the dormitories behind, guards armed with rifles stood watch. These individuals were the most trusted members of the Great German Party, always ready to lay down their lives for the glory of the party. They were known as "the inner flag team." Selected from the elite who swore allegiance to Akado Rudolph, these guards were not only the best fighters in the National Defense Forces but also more loyal, fanatical, and elite than any other unit. Akado, a man who greatly valued his own life, was not willing to risk it unnecessarily. The pleasures of money and power were too intoxicating, a sensation he had never experienced before, making him cherish his current status above all else.

Akado had risen to power through an obscure advantage he referred to as the "golden finger," which granted him the ability to perceive future events and understand the personalities of key figures. However, his Achilles' heel was maintaining the vast network of relationships his position required, which demanded great patience and strategic thinking. His current invincibility in battle was largely due to his mastery of future insights and an unparalleled ability to intimidate.

With these unique capabilities, Akado had amassed significant power, standing fearlessly against rivals like Hitler Denborg. This did not necessarily mean he was superior in all aspects, but it highlighted his unique strengths. While Hitler's Nazi Party faced increasing setbacks, and Hindenburg, seemingly weak, still held onto the presidency, Akado ensured his stronghold remained secure. His close confidant, Anna, was almost always by his side to guarantee his safety.

At this moment, Akado awaited a response from the Nazi Party at his headquarters. He fixed his gaze on a young party cadre who had just entered his office. Although his look was not severe, it was enough to make the young man tremble.

"Mr. President, we have received a reply from the Nazi Party. They have agreed to hand over the perpetrators of the recent incident, curb hostilities, and compensate the National Defense Forces and the families of the deceased generously," the cadre stammered.

Akado nodded slightly, his voice cold, "And yet you appear so frightened. They didn't agree to all our demands, did they?"

"No, Mr. President... the list of perpetrators... it does not include Gober," the cadre confessed, wiping sweat from his brow.

Power was indeed intoxicating, Akado thought to himself. He had never naturally possessed an imposing aura; his initial experiences were far from commanding, evidenced by his clumsy beginnings in the trenches. But now, with power bolstering his confidence, he realized that respect often stemmed more from one's position than from personal charisma.

Narrowing his eyes, Akado dismissed the cadre with a wave, then summoned his top officials. "Call the ministers and above. I have tasks to assign."

Soon, prominent figures like Krupp, Merkel, and others gathered in his office. Krupp, now a key figure in Berlin's business circles, had even relocated his family from the Ruhr to be closer to the epicenter of power. Merkel had become the unofficial voice of Akado, handling the party's diplomacy.

As they entered, no one sat until Akado invited them to. Once seated, he began outlining his strategy. "The Nazi Party has refused our terms. They want to test our resolve. So, what shall we do to demonstrate our strength?"

Merkel, hesitant, suggested, "Shouldn't this be something for Mr. Reinhardt to handle? We don't want to overstep."

Krupp chimed in, "If they're prepared for the consequences, let Heidrich take care of it. We can fund it if needed."

Akado, sipping a Coca-Cola, smiled wryly. "Hitler thinks he can outplay us in the shadows. That's why I established the SS. Now, they want a showdown to see who can be more ruthless."

The room was charged with tension as Akado continued, "We won't use the SS this time. We'll hit them where it hurts, legally."

"Legally?" Streisman, the Chancellor, asked, puzzled.

"Yes," Akado confirmed with a smirk. "We'll push a motion in Congress to dissolve the Nazi stormtroopers."

The suggestion sparked excitement. Merkel applauded the cunning plan, recognizing its potential to strip the Nazis of their power through legal means.

Akado, pleased with the reaction, added, "It's a simple reminder to Hitler that he's not on our level."

The audacity of the move thrilled everyone present. Later that afternoon, a bill proposing the dissolution of the stormtroopers was introduced in Congress. Though not immediately discussed, its implications were clear, sending shockwaves through the political landscape.

The Nazi Party, caught off guard by this bold, legal challenge, found themselves at a loss. Hitler, enraged and desperate, faced a critical decision between preserving his stormtroopers or his close ally, Goebbels.

As the tension escalated, Akado's strategy seemed to be paying off, proving that in the game of power, he was a master of both the shadow and the law.

As soon as he entered the door, Roma couldn't contain himself and blurted out, "Leader! I've heard that this situation is out of control! I'm not sure what your plan is, but if you're considering sacrificing the stormtroopers, you must ensure Dr. Goebbels' safety. Otherwise, I will have no choice but to order my men to retaliate."

"Retaliate?" Hitler inhaled sharply before asking, "Do you really think your counterattack could work? Could it disrupt social order enough to force Congress to reconsider their sanctions against the stormtroopers?"

Roma fell silent, knowing the weight of the question. If he truly had the power to incite the stormtroopers to create chaos and challenge the entire German government's rule, he wouldn't be currently subjugated by the SS, unable to assert any dominance. His so-called counterattack would merely be a futile struggle, the thrashing of a dying beast.

"What did Dr. Goebbels say?" After a pause, Roma broke the silence.

"Wouldn't suffer too much?" Hitler rebuked sharply. "Are you a fool? If I sacrifice Krupp, do you think it's a significant loss for Akado?" His gaze bore into Roma, filled with anger. "If there were any other choice, I would prefer to use the backbone of the stormtroopers instead of sacrificing Dr. Goebbels! The stormtroopers have been a disappointment! Aside from embezzling funds and creating chaos, you've accomplished nothing."

Roma kept his head bowed, his lips curling into a slight, prideful smirk. Despite everything, he sensed a victory; Hitler's reluctance to charge the stormtroopers meant that if there were to be a sacrifice, it wouldn't be them. Indeed, after a half-hour tirade, Hitler finally calmed down and slumped into his chair, signaling to his secretary, Martin Bauman.

"Bauman, fetch Dr. Goebbels. I need to speak with him," Hitler commanded wearily.

"Yes, Leader!" Bauman responded and promptly exited. Moments later, he returned with Goebbels in tow.

Goebbels' appearance was gaunt, his high cheekbones giving him a spectral look, as if he had risen from the depths of hell. His gaze fixed on Hitler, there was an almost mad glint in his eyes.

"Goebbels, you have been my most loyal companion in the dream of revitalizing this depraved country," Hitler began, not shying away from Goebbels' intense stare. "Yet, I have failed! I couldn't defeat Akado, and now a price must be paid."

Goebbels, maintaining eye contact, finally let out a laugh. "Hitler, you know I've always seen you as a godlike figure. I've admired and respected you, never doubting that you would lead us to ultimate victory. I've dreamed of making you the leader of the German people!"

Approaching Hitler, Goebbels examined his face as if memorizing every feature. "Yet, I too have failed. But I still believe you are the best choice for our people. You haven't disappointed me!"

"Remember, we have supporters in France, and they hope we can stop or at least contain Akado. We have abundant resources! And to the east, Poland feels increasingly threatened and will also stand with us," Goebbels began outlining his strategies. The more he spoke, the more animated he became. "The most crucial task is domestic propaganda. Fanny is a genius in this realm—unmatched in her ability to sway public opinion. You should consider eliminating her when the opportunity arises."

Hitler started to interject, perhaps considering the difficulty of removing Fanny, but Goebbels raised his hand to stop him, silencing the words of his 'god' for the first and possibly the last time.

"A single failure means nothing, nor does a second," Goebbels continued, patting Hitler's arm earnestly before falling silent, his gaze locked with Hitler's. After a long moment, he nodded solemnly at Hitler and left the room without another word or backward glance.

Hitler knew this parting was a final farewell but found himself unable to utter any words of salvation. He had even prepared a small, unreliable French-made pistol for Goebbels, which held only five bullets due to its size.

Minutes later, Bauman reentered Hitler's office and placed the small pistol on the desk. "Dr. Goebbels has just committed suicide. Fearing that Akado might grow suspicious, he shot himself in the chest five times."

Thus, Dr. Goebbels exited the world stage in a manner both humble and fierce, his departure marked by a certain cruel decisiveness. In contrast, Hermann Goering had met a more ignominious end years earlier on the streets of Munich.

Drained of his last vestiges of energy, Hitler slumped in his chair, his eyes closed in contemplation. After a long silence, he spoke, "Call Roma. Tell him to arrange a meeting with Akado. I wish to speak with him."

Two hours later, after the Nazi Party had delivered Goebbels' body along with those of several other conspirators to the party headquarters of the Greater German Party, the motion to dissolve the Nazi stormtroopers was enacted. This time, the stormtroopers seemed to vanish without a trace. The Jewish parliamentarians left satisfied, more resolute in their support for the German Party, which had acted decisively and propagated the myth of Akado, the hero who saved the German people.

Meanwhile, Akado Rudolf, the mythical figure himself, was in his office at the top of the Greater German Party headquarters, meeting with Adolf Hitler, leader of the Nazi Party.

"Recently, you've crossed the line as a German," Akado remarked, swirling his glass of red wine. In his professional and military capacities, he abstained from alcohol, preferring Coca-Cola, but in social settings, he opted for wine or coffee to suit his status.

"It's you who has forgotten what it means to be German, Akado!" Hitler retorted, his eyes narrowing as he faced the man he once considered a comrade in arms.

"I've been striving for the power of this country, while you've been undermining it!" Akado chuckled, taking a sip of his wine before continuing, "Despite your failures, you've caused plenty of trouble."

"For the sake of an insignificant Jew, you forced me to kill a true German national elite!" Hitler's anger flared, but he managed to keep his composure. "If you continue to target the Jews in Germany, I will keep causing you trouble."

Akado sighed, "I have always respected the German nation, which has never lacked true patriots—Bismarck, Seeker, Denborg. Even those who have opposed me loved this country. But you, Hitler, your love for this nation is misguided. That's why I am increasingly convinced that I must defeat you."

"We are enemies, a fact you established long ago. Now, there's only victory or defeat left to us. The upcoming congressional election will decide it," Akado stated firmly.

"Goebbels told me that failing once or even twice means nothing. I will ultimately win," Hitler declared, rising from his seat.

Akado also stood, setting down his glass. "I will defeat you again and again, until you can no longer rise. Until you watch from the ground as I revive Germany."

"I will make you pay," Hitler vowed as he turned to leave.

"I'll be ready to collect," Akado replied with a grin.

Hitler exited the headquarters, pausing to look back at the imposing building. Clenching his fists, he descended the steps, his resolve and fighting spirit reignited. He was determined to win more seats in the upcoming election.

Upstairs, Akado relaxed into his chair, eyes closed as Anna massaged his shoulders. "You're provoking him, but he'll only bring trouble upon himself," she remarked.

"It's not time yet, Anna," Akado murmured contentedly. "I still need him to stir the waters and make the situation muddier."

Downstairs, Hitler climbed into his car, only to find a kind-faced old man waiting inside. He wasn't surprised, recognizing the power this man represented.

The old man wasted no time. Narrowing his eyes, he asked directly, "Mr. Hitler, we're looking for a partner to handle Akado. Are you interested?"