Synopsis:

After the brutal Ukrainian campaign and the battles that culminated in Kyiv, the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler is no longer the same. Battered but not broken, its armored core regroups in France just as the push toward Moscow grinds to a halt beneath the weight of winter—and of strategic doubt. No one knows exactly where the war is heading… except for a few.

As Falk Ritter and his crew receive a new long-barreled Panzer IV, still bearing the scars of the Eastern Front, a new destination looms: Africa.

In a sudden redeployment, part of the division is sent to reinforce the Axis campaign in the desert, where the forces of Rommel, Italy… and Spain—under the command of General Yagüe—are advancing toward Cairo, Palestine, and beyond.

But under the scorching sun, there is no shelter for the conscience. Among ancient ruins, dust storms, and enemy fire, Falk and his men must adapt to a different war—without snow, without trenches, but with the same shadow of death… and even more questions left unanswered.

History marches on. The Reich expands. But war, as always, moves faster.

Armored Training Center – North of OrléansJanuary 17, 1943


The morning was cold and gray, with a light mist clinging low to the ground. The platoon stood in formation, full uniform, boots clean for the first time in weeks. The supply officer walked the line with a folder in hand and a formal tone.


—"As of today, by direct order of the refitting command, the 3rd Armored Platoon of the Leibstandarte is designated as a mixed vanguard unit. Five vehicles are assigned as follows…"


A tense silence. No one quite breathed.


—"Zugführer Falk Ritter: Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Ausf. E.—Unterführer Konrad Weber: Panzerkampfwagen V Panther Ausf. D.—Gefreiter Ernst, Helmut, and Vogel: Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf. G, 7.5cm long-barrel."


—"The vehicles have been inspected, armed, and loaded with standard combat ammunition. Intensive instruction phase begins immediately. Technical staff is standing by."


No applause. No wide smiles. But their eyes said everything.


The five tanks were lined up like sleeping beasts. The Tiger stood at the center—massive, its long gun aimed into emptiness. Beside it, the Panther looked leaner, sharper. The three Panzer IVs completed the formation like seasoned brothers.


Falk stood in front of the Tiger. The steel still smelled of the factory—fresh paint, clean oil, untouched machinery. He placed his hand on the thick front plate, saying nothing.


Konrad ran his palm slowly along the side of his Panther, as if recognizing something he hadn't used yet.


—"Nice, isn't it?" Helmut said, examining his Panzer IV. "Like the old one… but angrier."


—"Mine's got new periscopes," Ernst replied seriously.


—"Mine's afraid of me," Vogel joked, tapping the turret cautiously.


Falk climbed up the side of the Tiger and peered into the hatch. He looked inside. Everything was new. Everything was different. But the silence inside—it was the same as always. The silence before every fight.


Helmut looked up at him from the ground.


Falk thought for a moment. Then he closed the hatch, turned to face his platoon, and said firmly:


—"This doesn't need a name. Just direction."


Chapter 71 - Chapter 70 – New Steel