chapter 10

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"Report!" Chen Xiwa shouted loudly.

"Speak!" Zheng Sanpao glanced at her impatiently.

"Squad leader," she continued, but Zhuang Yan interrupted, lightly nudging her shoulder. "Why bring that up now?"

Zheng Sanpao's expression darkened. "Everyone, turn back!"

With a sharp command, the recruits instinctively turned to face the right.

"Five kilometers of cross-country, running and walking!"

At Zheng Sanpao's order, all the recruits began to trot toward the playground track in proper formation. After a month of intensive training, they had started to resemble soldiers. Their breathing had steadied, their formations were cohesive, and they moved as a unified group.

"How are they doing?" Miao Lian, dressed in a training uniform, approached Zheng Sanpao and surveyed the recruits.

"Company Commander," he replied, "they're no longer inferior to veterans in formation."

"His physical fitness is exceptional—he has been at the top of the camp since he started."

"What I know for sure is that after this period of training, he's gotten stronger."

"I think the current training regimen is too basic for him; he could skip this stage with his abilities."

Zheng Sanpao knew Miao Lian was talking about Lin Yi. Everyone had been astonished by the transformation of this orphan-born high-achieving student from Yanda. In just one month, Lin Yi shed his immaturity and emerged as a disciplined soldier.

In terms of queue training and memorization of the "Army Regulations," he surpassed many ordinary veterans. Lin Yi was not only intelligent but also possessed determination and conviction, earning the admiration of everyone who saw him.

"I know he's good," Miao Lian replied, "but being that good means he can't be specialized."

"What kind of place is the army? It's completely fair and just. If we give him special treatment, what will the other recruits think?"

Having spent half his life in the army, Miao Lian understood the rules well. He also recognized that giving Lin Yi preferential treatment would be tantamount to hindering his growth.

"Company Commander," Zheng Sanpao said, sensing Miao Lian had more on his mind, and he fell silent.

Miao Lian observed Lin Yi's tall figure on the playground track and said, "If he continues to excel, he will be the only one to earn the quota for outstanding recruits."

"What?" Zheng Sanpao replied, slightly taken aback.

In the army, in addition to first-class, second-class, and third-class merits, there is a commendation known as "Outstanding Soldier." This designation carries more prestige than commendations but less than third-class meritorious service. Those recognized as "Outstanding Soldiers" are reported to their home country's government at the end of the year.

Within the ranks, outstanding soldiers often receive promotions, are selected for schools, and become non-commissioned officers. The title of "Outstanding Recruit" is the highest honor a recruit can achieve before leaving the company.

However, what Miao Lian referred to was not just the "Outstanding Recruit" of the company, but rather the "Outstanding Recruit" for the entire Southeast Military Region.

China recruits approximately 500,000 soldiers annually, primarily during spring and winter conscription. The Southeast Military Region recruits around 40,000 recruits in winter, meaning Lin Yi would need to stand out among these candidates to become the best.

To earn the title of "Outstanding Recruit," one must excel in all subjects and receive approval from the regiment, division, and group army that oversees the unit. Those recognized as the company's "Outstanding Recruits" can skip the private rank and directly achieve the rank of sergeant. In contrast, a "military region outstanding recruit" skips the ranks of private and corporal, earning the title of "sergeant" immediately.

A sergeant is typically the ceiling for junior non-commissioned officers and is usually awarded to soldiers with six to eight years of service. If Lin Yi achieves the title of "Outstanding Recruit," he would be promoted straight to sergeant.

"I believe he's ambitious; he likely knows more than we've discussed," Miao Lian remarked, a playful smile crossing his face.

Zheng Sanpao understood the implication.

Time flew by, and before they knew it, it was February, the final month of the recruit training period. The recruits had mostly mastered the subjects of platoon training, physical conditioning, tactical training, anti-chemical warfare, hygiene training, and emergency assembly drills. They had also trained extensively in combat grappling, shooting, and grenade throwing.

On a sunny morning, the recruit company began the highly anticipated live-ammunition shooting exercise. Each recruit took their position on the firing line, supported by veterans, holding Type 95 automatic rifles in a standard posture and focusing intently on the targets ahead.

"System, start upgrading!" Lin Yi silently recited, without hesitation.

[Shooting Rookie (White)] Upgrade to [100 Steps Through Yang (Gold)]

A dazzling golden light flooded his mind, causing him to inhale sharply. He had expected the upgrade to reach purple at most, but instead, it burst into gold.

[100 Steps Through Yang (Gold)]: This skill enhances shooting ability, allowing the shooter to hit a target with 100 shots at a distance of 100 steps.

While this effect might not be as comprehensive as [Fighting Master (Purple)], it provided Lin Yi with the crucial accuracy he needed to ensure each shot would hit its mark.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The dull sound of gunfire echoed through the wilderness, as some eager recruits fired all ten bullets in rapid succession. Among them, Zhuang Yan demonstrated remarkable efficiency, maintaining calm breathing and a consistent interval between shots.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Lin Yi was comfortable with firearms, his gaze sharp as he locked onto the target ahead like an eagle. His finger hovered over the trigger.

In an instant, ten bullets erupted from his rifle. The veteran supervising him shook his head in disbelief, clearly lacking confidence in Lin Yi's abilities.

On the sidelines, Zheng Sanpao observed the live-fire exercise through a telescope. He was unimpressed by the recruits' performance.

Shooting required professional training and specialized equipment, and while good marksmen often entered the sports bureau, it was rare for recruits to demonstrate exceptional shooting skills.