>7< New Recruit Assessment

Chapter 7: New Recruit Assessment

As the end-of-month assessment approached, the mental state of the recruits grew increasingly strained, and the intensity of their training ramped up considerably.

Kuro's threats were indeed daunting.

However, for those recruits who had been enlisted for more than three months, failing to complete the basic fitness assessment could result in being discharged.

This was something they found even harder to accept.

Especially since many recruits joined the navy to support their families; only after becoming an official Third-Class soldier would they receive a salary.

The only ones who remained at ease were the newcomers who had just enlisted.

On the day of the assessment.

In the newcomer training area, when they saw Reon heading towards the assessment registration point, the others exchanged glances and seemed quite astonished.

It was only the first month, after all.

"Reon, are you going to take the assessment?"

"That's right."

Reon turned to look at the newcomers from his training group and encouraged them with a smile, "You all work hard, too, and become official marines soon."

"Uh, we will!"

The newcomers watched Reon leave in silence.

The gap between them had indeed widened.

Yet, curiously, they didn't feel the resentment they had expected to feel.

The newcomers exchanged glances and shared a bitter smile.

When they first arrived, they had indeed been quite hostile towards Reon, mostly due to jealousy. However, over time, as they got to know him, that jealousy gradually turned into admiration.

They had witnessed Reon's hard work and dedication throughout, and honestly, even now, they felt they couldn't match it.

Damn, he deserved to become stronger!

"Go for it, Reon!"

"Make sure you pass the assessment!"

"Show those conceited veterans what the newcomers can do!"

The newcomers cupped their hands around their mouths and shouted at Reon's retreating figure, drawing the attention of many.

Reon didn't turn back. He raised his hand, bringing his index and middle fingers together and sweeping them from his ear forward, signaling that he understood.

He absolutely would not fail.

On the training field, the recruits participating in the assessment had mostly assembled, totaling more than twenty. They looked somewhat surprised upon seeing Reon arrive.

It was quite rare for a newcomer to participate in an assessment after only one month of training, but given that it was Reon, it wasn't too surprising.

Just a week prior, Reon had already caught up with their training pace.

This kid is really putting in the effort!

Reon walked over to Fullbody and stood up straight beside him.

"Hey, Reon."

Fullbody kept his gaze straight ahead, teasing him in a barely audible voice.

"You looked pretty cool just now."

"Not bad."

Reon curved his lips into a smile.

After a month of hard training, it was finally time to see the results. This fitness assessment meant more to him than just a test; it was also a validation of himself.

He firmly believed that hard work could really lead to strength!

The first challenge was standing at attention for half an hour.

In front of the military formation, a row of tables and chairs had been set up, with Colonel Rhodes and several officers from the branch all present.

Not a single small movement would escape their watchful eyes.

The new recruit assessment was a significant event for the branch, an opportunity for good fortune; the future backbone of the branch would come from these recruits.

Colonel Rhodes smiled as he scanned the new recruits. He paused slightly when he spotted Fullbody and then turned his attention to Reon standing next to him.

His expression gradually became peculiar.

A mix of three parts joy, three parts admiration, three parts relief, and one part seething anger—like a pie chart.

"Morgan, is that the kid?"

"Yes, it is."

Morgan replied in a muffled tone, his gaze towards Reon filled with confusion.

Before coming, Colonel Rhodes had specifically inquired about the recruit assignment details, especially regarding those responsible for the top two floors of the tower.

He wasn't sure why.

"Well, that's impressive," Rhodes said nonchalantly, but inside he was cursing up a storm.

That little brat!

For the past month, he had to avoid using the restroom too often, walking up and down two extra flights of stairs each time, and he wondered why Reon kept the toilet so spotless every single day.

There wasn't even a female soldier in the branch; everyone was just a rough man!

Fortunately, this kid was about to become a full-fledged marine, which meant he wouldn't have to deal with the chores anymore. His days of hardship were finally coming to an end.

"Make sure to take care of him during the training later."

"Understood!"

Morgan's expression shifted slightly.

What does that mean? Keep a close watch on him?

Could it be that Reon had offended the Colonel?

It was entirely possible. He had heard that recently, the Colonel had been making a special trip to the bottom of the tower just to fight for a toilet with the marines.

It was likely due to the upper bathrooms not being cleaned properly.

Morgan understood now.

However, even if the Colonel hadn't mentioned it, he would have strictly supervised the recruits; he couldn't tolerate any lapses in performance!

Half an hour passed quickly.

All the recruits stood like statues, successfully completing the standing at attention assessment. If they couldn't pass the first stage, it would truly be a joke.

Next up was the running assessment!

A total of 20 laps around 10 kilometers; completing the entire distance in 30 minutes would be considered passing, while finishing in under 25 minutes would be deemed excellent.

"Go!"

With the order given, the recruits immediately began to run around the training field, and Reon followed behind the group, gradually picking up speed.

When he first arrived, he had run 10 laps in 15 minutes with the other newcomers. Considering the average physical fitness of humans in this world, it was manageable.

But completing 20 laps in 30 minutes was a different story—simply doubling the distance wasn't that straightforward. Many veterans with three months of training struggled to achieve it.

And this was just the beginning; there were still five or six more physical assessments to come, so he needed to conserve enough energy to possibly clear them all.

Minutes passed.

"What's going on?"

While running, Reon suddenly felt a chill run down his spine; every hair on his body stood on end, as though a ferocious beast was watching him.

He quickly identified the source.

Sergeant Morgan!

The huge figure loomed next to him like an iron tower, matching his speed with every stride, leaving a deep footprint in the sandy ground with each step.

That weight could crush a person!

Moreover, whether it was a trick of the light or reality, Reon felt like Morgan's gaze was fixed on him, which was deeply unsettling.

"Gulp!"

Reon swallowed hard.

During the running assessment, several junior officers ran alongside to monitor the new recruits' training performance.

Reon didn't expect to be targeted by Morgan.

"Ha—my breathing is a bit off," Reon said, adjusting his breath and stride. With a formidable figure like Morgan watching him, it was impossible not to feel some pressure.

Although in the story, Morgan was just a minor stepping stone, the fact that he could eventually become a leader of Branch 153 was proof of his strength.

Not to mention, the massive axe he carried weighed at least several hundred pounds—something Reon couldn't even lift.

Wait, a massive axe?

Reon turned his head slightly to look at Morgan, and his heart jolted again.

Carrying such a heavy weapon while running smoothly without even breaking a sweat—how impressive!

For the first time, Reon felt real strength at such close range. Even when he encountered Colonel Rhodes, he had never felt this way.

Truly unmovable like a mountain!

"Hu—"

Reon felt exhilarated.

Instinctively, he focused and observed Morgan's running form: how his feet landed, the swing of his arms, and the center of his gravity.

And most importantly, his breathing rhythm.

"Huh?"

Morgan had been paying close attention to Reon and immediately noticed the change in him, a look of surprise flickering in his eyes.

This kid is learning from me?