A new day in a new world

Passing out twice in two days was not something Hans was particularly fond of. But exhaustion had a way of winning, and there was nothing he could do about it.

He woke up a few hours later only to find himself in a bed with Hetzer still fast asleep beside him. The warm morning sunlight filtered through the window, casting soft rays on his face.

Blinking against the brightness, Hans slowly took in his surroundings. The walls, the faint scent of herbs—this was Asper's house, the same room he had been offered before.

Beside him, Hetzer lay curled up, her chest rising and falling in steady, peaceful breaths. Yet, even in her sleep, Hans could see traces of exhaustion etched onto her face.

The battle had taken its toll—while he had been manning the MG, she had endured the brunt of the monsters' claws and teeth all night.

He considered waking her but decided against it. She needed rest. Quietly, he slid out of bed and made his way downstairs.

The house was empty, but the moment he stepped outside, he was greeted by an entirely different atmosphere than the night before.

The village, which had been filled with cries and panic, was now alive with laughter and cheer. People bustled about, gathering supplies, talking animatedly.

It seemed like they were preparing for a feast in the afternoon. 

Hans exhaled, relieved that their efforts had paid off. But as much as he wanted to embrace the victory, something gnawed at the back of his mind.

His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.

"What's wrong, lad?"

Hans turned to see Asper, the village chief, standing beside him, he was carrying various food items. The old man had a wide smile on his face, but his sharp eyes caught Hans' distant expression.

"So, where's your partner?" Asper asked after Hans didn't immediately answer.

Hans blinked. "Oh, Hetzer? She's still sleeping."

Asper nodded in understanding. "Can't blame her. You two fought the monsters for the entire night."

Hans wasn't sure how to respond. He had contributed, sure, but without Hetzer, he doubted he would have made it out alive.

She had been the one out there, fighting in her real form, shielding him from the claws and teeths of all those ugly monsters. He had just been inside, controlling the turret.

"You should rest a bit more," Asper suggested. "The village owes you both more than just gratitude."

Hans opened his mouth to respond but hesitated when Asper's next question came.

"So, how did you two fight off so many monsters on your own?"

The villagers nearby, overheard the conversation and began to gather. Their curious gazes settled on Hans, making him shift uncomfortably.

"Umm… well," he started, scratching the back of his head.

It wasn't like he could just say, Hetzer turned into her real form and blew up the monsters with a 7.5 cm KwK cannon.

Asper's patience thinned. "Well? What's the matter, young man?"

By the time the entire village has gathered around him and Hans was more desperate to get out of this crowd.

He forced a smile. "Ah, well… we just managed to pull it off somehow."

The vague answer wasn't satisfying anyone, but before they could press further, he took his chance to escape.

"I should go check if Hetzer's awake. She might need some help."

He quickly turned and strode back to the house.

As he reached the stairs, Hetzer was already coming down. Her clothes were tidied, her hair neatly combed—she looked refreshed, but Hans noticed the slight stiffness in her movements.

"You okay?" he asked, studying her closely.

Hetzer blinked at him, then pouted. "Hetzer is fine! Just… a little tired."

Hans raised an eyebrow. "Only a little?'"

Her stomach chose that moment to betray her. A loud growl echoed through the room.

Hetzer's face turned bright red. "C-Commander, please don't stare at Hetzer like that. It's embarrassing…"

Hans crossed his arms, suppressing a smirk. "You're going to need to eat a lot today, don't you?"

She nodded, looking away. "Hetzer used too much energy… need to replenish."

Hans was caught off guard, "what do you mean by replenish?" He asked raising his eyebrows.

"It seems, whenever, Hetzer fights for too long, she needs to eat to replenish herself." She said.

Hans blinked, "So instead of fuel and ammo, you need food, is that it?" he asked.

"Yes, won't commander feed Hetzer just like how you used to load Hetzer's ammo and fuel?" She asked widening her eyes and joined her hands together to the point where no man could resist.

While declining her, Hans felt like he was committing a crime. But he still decided not act on the girl's whim.

"You have hands, you can eat yourself." He said. Crushing all of the girl's hope and making her pout.

"Commander is so mean." She whispered.

They made their way downstairs, but as soon as they stepped outside, they were greeted by a large crowd of villagers.

"The heroes of the village!" someone shouted, and before Hans or Hetzer could react, they were practically swarmed.

Hans had been in situations like this before—parades before deployment, flowers thrown at them as they rolled through towns. But Hetzer, unused to such attention, froze in place, her face burning with embarrassment.

Some toddlers along with Asper's wife placed a flower crown on Hetzer's head. "Such a beautiful young lady! And so strong!"

Hetzer's entire body tensed. "U-uh… Hetzer thanks you?"

She immediately hid behind Hans holding his arms surprising the gathered crowd.

Seeing everyone surprised Hans stepped in to control the situation.

"Ah, don't worry, she is just shy." He said waving his arms to the public.

The villagers brought out food, offering it to both of them in thanks. The moment Hetzer caught sight of the feast, her earlier embarrassment disappeared, replaced by wide-eyed wonder.

Hans sighed, "Well, at least refueling won't be a problem."

And so, while Hans took the time to think about the previous night's battle, Hetzer happily stuffed herself with food, earning a few chuckles from the villagers.

For now, though, he let Hetzer enjoy her meal. After all, even a tank destroyer needed to recover.

After this feast, Hans spoke to Asper. He had many questions about the world he needed answering and many things he would never believe if he didn't see with his own eyes.

He also wanted to leave the village for the city and see things out for himself. However, after the splendid breakfast, Hetzer fell asleep again.

"Herr Asper, what happened last night, will it happen again in the future?" Not knowing what and how to ask Hans asked about the only thing he could think of.

"Not in a very long time according to the prophecy." Asper replied.

"Ah, thank God. I was worried if something like this happened again after I left." Hans said relieved.

Asper didn't react much. He knew they had their own journey ahead.

"So when will you be leaving?" He asked.

"After lunch," Hans replied.

"As you wish. I pray that you will reach your destination safe and sound."

Hans was not feeling very tired so he decided to roam around the village while trying to understand the world he was in.

He looked around the village again. The people and their lifestyle, it was something very different from what he had seen. Even in the furthest Russian village.

Their works resembled more of the medieval stories he had heard about. The weather and climate was also very different.

"There is no way, I can be transferred to a very far away land after being bombed." He thought.

Suddenly another thought crossed his mind.

"C-could it be one of those rebirth things many people believe in?"

Hans was fairly educated and also knew that many people in the uncivilised world believed in rebirths after death. However, being the staunch Lutheran as he was, he quickly rejected it.

"There is no way that can be possible." He said shaking his head.

So he decided to see for himself and check whether he was still in his old world or in a new one. For that he had to leave this village.

 While Hans was walking around some curious people asked him about his home and where he was going.

Though he was hesitant, he tried to answer as much honestly as possible.

"uh, actually I am from a very faraway land called Germany. You might not have heard of it."

"Oh, it must be very far away. I have never heard of it." Said someone from the crowd.

"So, where are you going now?" asked another person.

"I am trying to return back to my home again." Hans answered.

Mentioning home he again remembered about his mother and Emma, which made him a little sad. As he looked down, the crowd understood that he misses home.

"We hope you and your partner can return back safely." They said trying to cheer him up.

Hans smiled a little, "Thank you." He told them.

Hans and Hetzer had lunch at Asper's house. Before leaving together.

"It's a shame. I hoped you two would remain in the village for longer." Asper said sighing.

"Anyways have a safe journey." He bid them farewell.

Everyone from the village gathered to bid farewell to Hans and Hetzer. They gave them flowers and some foods. Hetzer though uncomfortable was much more composed than morning.

"Thank you for you hospitality." Hans and Hetzer bade them farewell and went on their journey again.