Chapter 943: The End of Life

It often takes a long process to make a person collapse, but sometimes it only takes a small factor to catalyze the final node of collapse, such as a small telegram.

The moment after receiving the telegram, Paulus almost felt that his world collapsed.

This was the second time he personally sent a telegram to the Führer in the name of the commander of the Sixth Army Group. The only thing he asked for was a simple surrender, but such a simple and not excessive request was once again ruthlessly rejected by the Führer.

Unlike the last time he was rejected, Paulus did not continue to be confused after being rejected for the second time.

After the initial extreme shock, Paulus quickly began to think about some of the next things, such as what caused all this to happen? Why did the Führer repeatedly refuse to let him surrender? What is the purpose of doing this? Where will the final result go?

Paulus had never thought about these questions before, and of course he did not dare to think about them, and subjectively thought that there was no need to think about them.

But when the telegram was really in his hand, Paulus changed his mind. He felt that it was time to consider what he should do in the future.

"What do you think we should do next, Adam?"

Colonel Adam didn't know the content of the telegram, but he could guess it based on the expression on Paulus' face at the moment, and there was no need to doubt the content of the telegram.

"This is your decision, Paulus, I am just providing advice."

Colonel Adam paused halfway through his words. Although some words are difficult to say, it is time to say them now.

"We should prepare a few useful Russian words, so that we won't be too embarrassed when facing the Russians, and we can avoid some unnecessary troubles. At least the Russians won't misunderstand us because of this."

Colonel Adam's words were more obscure, but what exactly was implied by such words? Basically, he was speaking in line with Paulus's true thoughts. Colonel Adam just expressed the words that Paulus lacked the courage to say in his heart in a more obscure way, that's all.

"Do you think the Russians will let us go? I mean, they won't kill us all, like they did to the captured soldiers."

With the help of Colonel Adam's words, Paulus finally dared to face his inner fear and admitted openly that he didn't want to die.

Of course, this was not shameful in Colonel Adam's eyes. No one stipulated that soldiers must die as the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield. Even the head of state in Berlin did not have this power.

"It shouldn't be, or there is a high probability that it will almost certainly not happen."

"Since the war began, the Russians have never won such a big victory, nor have they captured a Wehrmacht general. This should be a surprise that the Russians are eager for. I guess they will offer you some conditions. As long as you can meet some of the conditions, I think you will at least be able to survive."

"Of course, if cooperation can satisfy those Russians, there may be other rewards, such as a better private life and daily treatment. I don't think these are a problem."

Colonel Adam's analysis makes sense, at least in Paulus' subjective opinion, and he even has to admit that these possible situations are very tempting compared to losing his life.

But the only problem is that Paulus still can't let go of his last loyalty and faith in the Führer.

Although most of it has collapsed, the remaining part still stands stubbornly on the ruins, just like the German soldiers in Stalingrad who are still fighting and refuse to lay down their weapons.

"Wait a little longer, wait a little longer, let me think about it carefully. This is a very important decision that concerns the future fate of all of us."

Colonel Adam can understand Paulus's state of mind at the moment. To be precise, a soldier's dedication to duty, fulfillment of oaths and loyalty are the noblest essence. However, the good qualities that Paulus also possesses have now changed a little, becoming a noose-like thing that tightly strangles the throat of the entire Sixth Army.

Paulus has a gun in his hand. As long as he shoots the man behind him to death, he can get out of this predicament.

The key question is whether Paulus has the courage to pull the trigger. If he never does, the person who will die in the end may be himself, and the entire Sixth Army that will be buried with him.

Colonel Adam asked himself whether he had already prepared to die generously, but if he could survive, it would naturally be the best. No matter what the result is, he can accept it calmly. A person who has already looked down on everything does not have much burden and pressure.

On the contrary, Paulus, who wanted to put down something but couldn't, was now more like a trapped beast struggling in a cage, making people a little impatient but helpless to watch.

"No matter what choice you make, I will support you, Paulus, this is our common destiny."

Colonel Adam closed the door and left, no longer interfering with Paulus's thinking, leaving a quiet and free space for him to make a choice, even though the last time left by the Russians was running out.

"What kind of person am I? I really can't see myself more and more clearly"

The footsteps outside the door slowly faded away, leaving a deep sigh echoing in the silent room.

Whoosh——

Boom——

"There are German infantrymen ahead! Take cover!"

A mortar shell that came from nowhere exploded in front of the search formation.

This small-caliber mortar shell with poor accuracy failed to kill or injure any Red Army soldier, but the scattered bullet fragments made the car of Malashenko, who was walking in the front, clang and bang. He felt as if he was drenched in iron rain. Captain Valosha's loud order with rapid reaction echoed in the crowd instantly,

"First floor, right front, one o'clock! The German anti-tank gun is aiming, kill it!"

It is not known whether it was due to improper cooperation of the German army or pure hand shaking.

The anti-tank gun that should have spoken first was still adjusting the muzzle and turning the direction, but the mortar that took the initiative and did not get anything had already exposed the German army's goal.

Malashenko looked in the direction of the artillery sound, but did not find the German mortar. Instead, he saw a German anti-tank gun with a black hole in the muzzle in a half-collapsed building on the street, and several panicked German artillerymen who were busy aiming the gun.