Chapter 6

Ferdinand Schörner, now commander of the 19th Infantry Battalion stationed in Munich, with the rank of Lieutenant, turned out to be the subordinate of Alex!

Alex could not bring all his men with him when he joined Hitler's revolution. He had left the army without authorization to participate in the uprising in his own name. However, in Hitler's camp, there were already about a dozen men from the Defense Forces, showing that the seed of rebellion was beginning to sprout.

The memory of later generations had told Alex that, although the man before him had received orders to block the parade, deep in his heart, Schörner sympathized with Hitler and his group. For many, Hitler was the only hope to save Germany from the chaos it was submerged in.

Schörner was an unconditional follower of the Führer. He excelled in commanding mountain troops and fighting in difficult terrains, having proven his worth in defensive battles. During the Battle of the Courland Peninsula and the Battle of Berlin, the Soviet army suffered greatly under his leadership.

After the end of World War II, Schörner was declared a war criminal and imprisoned for his unwavering loyalty to Hitler. Although he was released a few years later, his fidelity to the Führer led him back to prison in 1957, being released in 1960 due to health issues.

It was easy to conquer such a man! And for Alex, this was a perfect opportunity to make his presence felt.

"Battalion Commander," Schörner was surprised to see him. The commander had been absent from the army for the past few days, and it was rumored that he had returned to his hometown. No one imagined that he had actually participated in Hitler's uprising!

"Very well, Schörner, you still recognize me," Alex's voice resonated strongly, and the soldiers behind him could hear it clearly. "Perhaps you wonder why I am here, in this parade. Yes, I am with the great Adolf Hitler. This is my only option, and the only option for us Germans!"

"Our country is submerged in chaos," Alex continued. "The Weimar Government is weak and impotent. The French have sent troops to seize our industrial zones. If our homeland wants to be strong, it needs a leader to guide it to greatness. Hitler is that leader! He will pull us out of this abyss and make us strong again. We failed in World War I, but we will not sink! With a great leader, a new Empire will rise. And this time, it will last ten thousand years!"

Alex looked at the soldiers, his words filled with passion: "My sons, are you willing to continue serving a corrupt and decadent government, or will you join me in this wave of change? Will we overthrow the Weimar Government and fight for a powerful empire alongside Adolf Hitler?"

In later generations, Hitler would be remembered as a Demon, a cold-blooded Dictator. But at that moment, in a defeated and humiliated Germany after World War I, with the economy in ruins and millions unemployed, Hitler represented the only hope for many.

Alex's image in the army was not bad. Many soldiers recognized him, and his words ignited the fire of rebellion in their hearts.

"A powerful empire is born today!" Alex shouted. "Join us and fight for the glory of Germany!"

Hitler's words, though not yet directly spoken, seemed to have a magical effect. That was the final catalyst.

"We are willing to participate!" Schörner exclaimed, with contained emotion.

Ludendorff, who was traveling with Hitler, watched the scene with satisfaction. The incorporation of these troops was a clear sign that even the army was beginning to distrust the Weimar Government. Such a government would not last long.

"Lieutenant Schörner," Ludendorff said firmly, "I promote you to Major General. You will be in charge of forming the new defense force. All present soldiers will be promoted two ranks."

Suddenly, Alex's heart skipped a beat. The uprising was far from succeeding, and already Ludendorff was trying to take control. Was cooperation with him just a temporary strategy?

Hitler was still in his early stages. Even if his entire National Socialist German Workers' Party mobilized, it would not exceed 30,000 members. It was a small but ambitious party. To achieve his rebellion, Hitler needed Ludendorff, a former General of the Empire who could give him momentum and credibility.

In return, Hitler had promised Ludendorff the position of Leader of the Defense Forces. But Alex knew that, in this power game, alliances could be as fragile as spring ice.

Ludendorff, without hesitation, directly promoted the commander of the defense force that had just joined his side, even granting him a rank superior to Alex's. For Ludendorff, controlling the army was the top priority, and he was not willing to miss any opportunity to consolidate his power. If he were to take total control of Germany, the future would undoubtedly be a disaster.

Hitler, on his part, also immediately understood the implications of this decision. However, he knew it was inappropriate to internally divide the revolution before it had achieved success. Unity was crucial, and any internal fracture could mean failure.

"Yes!" Schörner saluted Ludendorff firmly and announced: "The 3rd Company of the 19th Infantry Battalion is now under your command. We await your orders."

Ludendorff, with a firm and authoritative voice, exclaimed:

"Forward with the parade! Defeat the surrounding troops of the Ministry of the Army and save the just German people."

Hitler, who was by his side, listened attentively. Ludendorff turned to him and said:

"Let's move forward!"

The fog of doubt in Hitler's eyes suddenly disappeared, replaced by a spark of determination.

"Yes, let's move forward!" he responded fervently.

The plan was clear: rescue Himmler and Röhm from the Ministry of War, advance towards the center of Munich, and continue with speeches to attract more people to their cause. With a growing force, they would march to Berlin and take control of the country.

"Great president, be careful," Alex warned as they approached the Department of War. "We are approaching a dangerous area. There could be gunfire."

Historically, the Beer Hall Putsch had started near the Department of War and ended in a ridiculous failure. Thugs, after all, were still thugs, and their bravery vanished as soon as the first shots were fired. What Hitler did that day was even more shameful: he was the first to flee.

Only Göring had the worst luck. He suffered severe injuries for Hitler's cause and, to alleviate the pain, ended up depending on morphine. Over time, he became addicted, and his health deteriorated, leading him to obesity.

"Do not worry, I will protect your safety," Göring said firmly after listening to Alex. At that moment, Göring followed Hitler every step of the way, being his most loyal and devoted bodyguard.

Ludendorff, upon hearing his companions' words, turned his head and gave them a look of disdain, as if to say: 'You are all a bunch of cowards!'