Chapter 10: A Day Long Awaited
Life in the Academy was tough, but fair. It was no walk in the park, but because Bruno already had experience in this regard from his past life, he was more than capable of fulfilling what was required of him.
In fact, he excelled where others had lagged behind. Even the drill instructors could not help but express surprise at Bruno's ability to complete the tasks required of him. Despite having no formal military training, the boy could march, salute, run, and shoot with the best of them.
On top of this, Bruno performed with the highest marks in all subjects, whether it was strategy, tactics, mathematics, science, history et cetera. He had demonstrated a clear mastery of all.
In addition to this, Bruno appeared to be quite innovative and forward thinking when it came to the subject of grand strategy. Gaining praise from all of his instructors for his revolutionary use of tactics within war games.
In the three years that Bruno spent in the academy, he had grown close to two of his fellow cadets. Heinrich Koch, and surprisingly the arrogant young nobleman Erich von Humboldt. As Bruno had anticipated, Erich had a hell of a first week at the Academy.
Growing up as a pampered nobleman, Erich was in no shape to perform the physical tasks required of them as Army Cadets. But through sheer perseverance, he had survived, and somehow managed not to get cut from the roster.
As a result, he became much more humble and realistic about his own limitations. Going so far as to begin approaching those who excelled in various fields searching for their guidance. This was an admirable quality which attracted Bruno's attention.
Erich would ultimately improve his performance over the first semester, to the point where Bruno had no problem including him into his study group, as the man had actually turned out to be a hidden talent he could make use of in the future.
Today was the day before Bruno's wedding day. Heidi had just turned eighteen a few weeks prior. Whereas Bruno was twenty years old at this very moment. He would be granted a day of leave from the Academy to attend his wedding.
But that would only happen tomorrow. For today, he was still at the Academy. Currently discussing the ongoing geo-political situation among his two friends. Heinrich and Erich.
"The Kaiser challenges the British Navy on the seas. This Naval Arms race is destined to cause conflict between our two great nations. And if handled poorly, will result in a war on a scale which will cost the lives of tens of millions of men on both sides.
But it may very well be a decade and a half before such a war breaks out. My immediate concern is the outbreak of war within Qing China. As we speak, the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists, or the Boxer Movement, as we more commonly refer to them as. Have gained considerable size and strength.