Brandt fulfilled his promise and applied to the War College of Vienna immediately after returning home.And though he was a high school dropout, he was given the opportunity to pass a series of tests in order to enter the university. After all, Germany was a nation built upon merit, and if one could prove they were intelligent enough to enter the War College, then they were free to do so.
After acing the tests put in front of him, Brandt began the life of a cadet. Any and all prestige he once had was gone, as he became just another cog in the German War machine. This would last for another eight years of his life. During his time at the War College, he would not speak with Zara again, nor see her pretty face. Thus, beginning a decade long quest to earn the girl's hand in marriage.