Chapter 95: Outpost Fortress Dilemma, New Recruit Training

Lin Feng noticed Li Ran's new captain's insignia, surprised by his promotion from lieutenant. Although he had reached Lv16, mid-Tier 1, after fighting the insects at the front lines when visiting Qin Hu at the field hospital, such rapid advancement was unusual given the current circumstances. With the awakening population growing, promotions now required exceptional merit or waiting for vacancies due to deaths or further promotions.

Curious about the rapid rise, Lin Feng observed the new recruits, sensing something amiss. These young soldiers struggled to handle heavy machine guns, clearly not enhancers. A close inspection confirmed it. Out of nearly a hundred, only seven or eight were low-level enhancers.

As if sensing Lin Feng's displeasure, Li Ran sighed and explained:

"Qin Hu did his best. The outpost project at the service area was his initiative. Given the situation, convincing the command to send even a platoon of new recruits was his utmost effort."

"Even my promotion was his final push."

"The soldiers originally intended were supposed to be battle-trained enhancers, but someone blocked it."

Lin Feng frowned, suspecting the culprit:

"Major Cheng?"

Li Ran nodded grimly:

"Yes."

"After taking over as the awakener camp commander, Cheng Zhan strongly opposed the outpost assignment, arguing it was a waste of valuable manpower on useless southern outposts..."

"Qin Hu fought hard and sacrificed his rank to secure these fresh recruits."

Li Ran's eyes moistened. They were Qin Hu's final arrangement, his last gamble. Without a field-grade rank, Qin Hu's post-frontline life would significantly diminish.

Fixing his gaze on Lin Feng, Li Ran said firmly:

"Lin, our turnaround depends on this battle! Qin Hu instructed me to follow your lead!"

"The fate of the 201st Company is in your hands!"

Lin Feng nodded solemnly. With the insect expansion just ten kilometers away and only a few days left, there was still hope. However, the plan for all to reach Level 9 enhancers and become awakeners post-battle seemed increasingly unlikely.

Lin Feng refused to bow to adversity. If progress lagged, more effort was needed:

"No problem, but they enlisted late. Training will be tough, with likely casualties."

Li Ran understood their weakness, agreeing:

"Survival depends on skill."

"Follow your plan."

Lin Feng nodded, instructing Li Ran to gather the recruits after they settled into the outpost's accommodations.

The recruits formed eight rows of twelve, totaling ninety-six. Lin Feng stepped forward, scrutinizing the young faces. Most were in their early twenties, with some as young as Shen Jie. They lacked service experience but understood basic commands from rear instructors.

Though inexperienced, their youth made them more trainable than seasoned veterans. Despite their low overall strength, this was a silver lining.

Addressing them sternly, Lin Feng questioned:

"With the battle imminent, why are you only now enlisting?"

"Do you realize your enhancement progress lags far behind others?"

"Joining now is akin to marching to your deaths!"

The intensity of a Tier 1 awakeners filled his voice, pressing on the young recruits, who felt an overwhelming aura from Lin Feng, far surpassing any awakener they had encountered.

After a tense pause, a few brave voices reported:

"Sir, I answered the call of justice and responsibility from the recruitment video to fight for the Federation and humanity!"

"Sir, I saw my idol Jiang Yuner fighting for the Federation in the recruitment ad, inspiring me to enlist."

"Sir, I simply want to kill insects and enhance myself, aiming to become an awakener with superpowers!"

Lin Feng nodded. Jiang Yuner's departure had led to several recruitment ads edited from footage of her on the front lines, proving effective. The influence of fandom was strong; many young people, unaware of battlefield dangers, were inspired by their idols' involvement to enlist passionately.

Entering was easy; leaving was not.

Most recruits likely shared the last speaker's motivation: enhancing themselves by joining the military to gain power safely, rather than going it alone.

Unfortunately, their timing was poor, coinciding with an impending major battle, leaving little preparation time.

Yet, their luck held, meeting Lin Feng. With Shen Jie, a "battle enthusiast," experienced in rapid enhancement, they had guidance.

Lin Feng continued:

"Good, regardless of your reasons for joining, if you want to kill insects and grow stronger, I'll help you achieve it!"

"Hard work pays off. There's no time for sweat; to grow quickly, you must train on the front lines!"

"Time is short. It's 10:30 now. Grab two rations and your weapons, and regroup in five minutes!"

The recruits scattered to the outpost, packing bags and rifles before returning to the assembly.

Checking his watch, Lin Feng noted only four and a half minutes had passed, nodding in approval:

"I'm Lin. Call me Officer Lin or by my rank, Sergeant Major."

"I'm now in charge of your command."

"To ensure your safety, I've arranged for eight awakeners to lead your field training."

From the nearby hotel emerged eight fully equipped men. Shen Jie and his team, clad in Lin Feng's crafted Red Armor in full-body mode, exuded an air of mystery and formidable presence, appearing as elite combatants. This boosted the recruits' spirits, providing a sense of excitement and security.

After assigning roles, Lin Feng boarded the Flying Wing Vehicle, departing the service area under the recruits' astonished gazes.

Having been briefed by Lin Feng, Shen Jie ordered the recruits into eight squads of twelve, using abandoned vehicles from the roadside.

Thanks to logistical support from Hu Fei and Han Yuxin, fuel was abundant. Fueled vehicles, both off-road and large trucks, were back in service.

As the convoy set off, Li Ran and his unit remained at the outpost's bunker, watching the recruits depart, unsure how many would return unscathed that night...

In front, the Lv19 Flying Wing Vehicle led the way, followed by Shen Jie's security off-road vehicle, and a truck loaded with frozen poultry joined the convoy.

In fifteen minutes, they reached the insect front, advancing steadily. On the highway, Red Beetle progress was unhindered by major attacks, advancing faster than other fronts.

Lowering the car window, Lin Feng instructed Shen Jie below:

"These Red Beetles have had it too easy."

"Go teach them a lesson."

Shen Jie opened his faceplate, nodding with a smile. He ordered the recruits to unload thawed poultry from the truck.

The smell of blood...

Quickly attracted swarms of eager Red Beetles.

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