First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 115
Chapter 115: Training
After the New Year celebrations ended, their remaining vacation days were few. Then it started snowing.
The military academy wasn't that big, and Zhao Zhuoluo's group had extensive social connections. When their roommates heard through the grapevine that they had spent the New Year together and even eaten food cooked by the legendary Lian Sheng, they were immediately energized with envy, feeling completely unsettled.
"My jealousy could melt all the snow in the Alliance capital this winter!" Roommate C shouted dramatically, "Why didn't you call me! I was in the central district too for New Year's!"
Lian Sheng: "..."
Roommate C: "Is there any recording?"
Lian Sheng: "Probably..."
She asked Fang Jianchen and confirmed he had indeed recorded it, so she had him forward it to her, which she then passed to Roommate C.
Roommate C waved her off: "I'm going to worship the screen now, you may leave."
Lian Sheng: "..."
After the vacation ended, Lian Sheng didn't return directly to school. Military academy students first had to participate in the new semester's training exercises.
However, because the weather was too cold, this session's exercise duration was shortened to only ten days.
Considering the intercollegiate mech competition was approaching, third-year students were separated for specialized physical and shooting training. Command and logistics students, or those not participating in the selection trials, could apply separately to continue with the main group for field combat exercises in the mountains.
Moreover, since this was the second semester, most fourth-year students already had their paths set and didn't remain at school. Specially recruited students had their own training plans and locations and wouldn't participate in these exercises.
Thus, the number of participants for second-semester exercises was significantly reduced.
Lian Sheng submitted an application and went to the training base with the few remaining command department students.
It had snowed a few days prior, so temperatures had dropped sharply. Lian Sheng used to be cold-resistant, but perhaps due to her poor physical condition, she now felt somewhat sensitive to cold.
With Lin Lie not at home, she wasn't sure what to pack. The base, being a military-related facility, wasn't publicly disclosed, and Lian Sheng couldn't find any information online.
Money probably wouldn't be useful at the training site, but she should bring some anyway—for that slim chance of unexpected needs. Life shouldn't lack hope.
Then there were clothes and bedding. During previous combat exercises, tents, uniforms, and daily necessities were provided by the school. Plus, it being summer, just wearing the uniform was enough. This time at the base, she wasn't sure if such services would still be available.
Lian Sheng asked around. Zhao Zhuoluo said: "You can bring them, but they won't let you wear them."
Lian Sheng: "..."
In the end, Lian Sheng brought a large scarf and her optical computer before heading out.
The training base was located in a very remote area. Following navigation, Lian Sheng took three transfers over two hours from her doorstep just to reach the stop. Yet the drop-off point only had a station marker, and she had to continue walking inward.
Along the way, she encountered several students. They walked in pairs, gesturing excitedly but speaking too quietly to be heard.
Lian Sheng glanced at them, finding the group unfamiliar. She had some confidence in her memory—these weren't Alliance University students.
Fifteen minutes later, Lian Sheng finally reached the proper gate along the road. The perimeter was almost entirely enclosed by electric fencing, stretching endlessly in all directions.
After swiping her card and queuing for identity verification, she received a rough map and schedule, scanned into her optical computer. Ahead was another straight path.
Lian Sheng scratched her head. This damn place was too big.
The roadside was flat grassland all the way. After another fifteen minutes of walking, Lian Sheng saw distinct building clusters.
"Students, this way please," a uniformed robot stood at the intersection, pointing to an entrance on the left front.
Lian Sheng followed directions inside.
The interior was heated, with staircases on both sides and a broad, seemingly endless corridor ahead flanked by various rooms.
Following the map's markings, Lian Sheng went to collect uniforms, bedding, and other supplies before returning to her assigned dormitory.
Few female students had come for this training session—eight to a room. Compared to Alliance University, conditions were quite crude. When she arrived, her roommates had already arranged their belongings, though none were present.
It was currently dinner time, with the cafeteria open, so earlier arrivals were likely all eating there.
Lian Sheng subsequently headed to the cafeteria as well.
The building had no superfluous decorations, with only the occasional passerby adding some liveliness.
Pushing open the cafeteria doors, the previously contained noise burst forth. The cafeteria was a normal, clamorous cafeteria—Lian Sheng nodded approvingly.
Ye Buqing, standing nearby, noticed her and immediately waved her over.
Lian Sheng jogged to him.
"It's your first time here. Only two or three from your department came this year—you can stick with us," Ye Buqing said, holding a tray. "But in this base, there won't be any team activities. Everything here is individual training."
Ye Buqing warned: "Also, never clash with the instructors. The instructors here aren't as easygoing as before. They're all Expeditionary Force reservists."
Lian Sheng nodded, also taking a tray. After a moment's thought, she asked: "You... this isn't your first time?"
"It's our first time, but we have senior advice," Ye Buqing smiled. "Every year, returning seniors share glorious histories about this place while strategizing how to bring honor to our academy."
Ye Buqing led her to the middle queue. Soon after, Cheng Ze, Zhao Zhuoluo, and others trudged over listlessly.
"You actually came?" Cheng Ze patted her shoulder with a sigh. "Good luck surviving here—physical fitness is key. No one can help you."
Fang Jianchen glanced at her: "You might get rolled into a ball."
Lian Sheng stood on tiptoe to peer at the front of the line, noticing the servers were humans—and seemingly students.
"We came early, and the instructors put us through a round of training," Cheng Ze tossed his hair, gesturing ahead with his chin. "They're the ones who failed training and got pulled for hard labor."
Lian Sheng: "Why?"
They surely didn't normally use manual serving here. The mountains lacked proper facilities, but this base had everything.
Cheng Ze said: "Servers can only eat after everyone else has finished. By then, the next training round has already started."
Lian Sheng understood: "Oh, those who can't complete training don't get to eat."
Cheng Ze: "They can eat. When evening training ends, they return to clean the cafeteria. Then they can scavenge some plain buns to gnaw on."
"Isn't that great motivation?" Fang Jianchen clutched his chest. "That's what's kept me alive until now!"
Among them, Fang Jianchen had the worst stamina—though still a tier above Lian Sheng's.
Lian Sheng sighed: "On my first day, I might become the base's permanent cafeteria staff."
Carrying her tray forward, the dispirited male server scooped a portion onto it.
Lian Sheng looked down, marveling at how delicate these boys were with portions. Unexpectedly, the laborer looked up and urgently called: "Wait! Come back!"
Lian Sheng turned in surprise.
The boy scooped an extra large portion of meat, stretching to dump it onto her plate.
Fang Jianchen's eyes turned red at the sight. He inhaled sharply: "Yo—!"
"This is our cafeteria tradition," the boy fist-pumped encouragingly. "Be kind to your eventual successor. Do your best! Cherish these days!"
Lian Sheng: "..." Screw that!
After wolfing down their meals, Zhao Zhuoluo's group hurried for seconds before finally having time to speak. They urged her to change clothes first, gathering at the second-floor training hall by six.
Prepared, Lian Sheng rushed to the training room.
The room was completely empty—just a spacious area. Many were already waiting, their uniform insignias differing from Lian Sheng's.
She found the Alliance University group and lined up with them.
Lian Sheng asked: "Are these others here for training too?"
Cheng Ze explained: "Students from other schools—we're sharing the facilities."
Lian Sheng nodded.
Shortly after her arrival, the inner doors opened, and several instructors entered. The leader shouted brusquely: "What's this noise? No discipline! In the training room, you will conduct yourselves as soldiers! This isn't a social lounge!"
The students quickly fell into formation, silent.
"Latecomers run ten laps!" the instructor shouted toward the entrance. "Arriving after instructors on the first day—what were you doing in the dorms? Catching up on sleep? Conserving energy? Sense of urgency, now! No objections accepted!"
The scheduled assembly time was six o'clock—it was currently 5:52.
An instructor approached them.
"Alliance University." The instructor scanned the list on his optical computer before looking toward Lian Sheng. "You—Lian Sheng?"
Lian Sheng replied: "Yes, Instructor!"
The instructor examined her, nodding: "Do well!"
"But there are no privileges here for women or command students—understood?" The instructor put away his device. "Don't say I'm being harsh. If you can't continue, you may withdraw anytime. Also, pushing yourself to 'try a bit more' doesn't apply here. Our goal is cultivating the best—stragglers aren't our concern. Unlike your previous instructors, we're not nannies and have no interest in being such. We only care if you can perform."
More students entered, noticing the instructors' presence with resigned sighs before starting their penalty laps.
The instructor said: "Everyone gathered here aims for the selection trials. These trainings have no application requirements, but that doesn't mean anyone can participate. My opinion? Those who can't endure here shouldn't embarrass themselves at selections."
The instructor continued: "The intercollegiate mech competition is essentially a singles selection. This training focuses on individual combat. Prepare to be disappointed in yourselves!"
"Among Alliance military academies, Alliance University's military college is indeed outstanding. As top students, you all have pride. But for military service, you're currently the best of the weak. To become phoenixes requires tenfold effort. Historically, fewer than ten of you will join the Expeditionary Force within five years."
The students lowered their heads, knowing he wasn't exaggerating. Ten would already be exceptional.
Each school could send fifteen to the competition finals—a team event. Without placing top three, they wouldn't even enter the Expeditionary Force's radar. How many schools eyed those spots? Over a hundred.
"Sanyao's mechs are child's play, though they reflect agility. First, you must identify suitable mech types and roles." The instructor asked, "Anyone still unsure of their position?"
A boy raised his hand. Hesitating, Lian Sheng followed suit, as did others.
"No matter." The instructor crossed his arms. "Training will clarify this. Adjustments may follow. I'll offer suggestions, but the choice remains yours. Now, follow me for strength tests."
He led them left, swiping his card at the wall. From the floor emerged a black machine.
Instructor: "Step forward one by one for strength testing."
Students queued to punch the machine as the instructor nodded occasionally.
Lian Sheng's turn came. She planted her stance and struck. The impact zone barely trembled.
The instructor glanced at the readout, frowning: "Harder!"
Lian Sheng tilted her head, indicating she'd tried her best.
The instructor studied her briefly before saying: "Next."
Lian Sheng: "What mech type suits me?"
"Anything but vanguard or heavy armor." The instructor said. "If agile, reconnaissance. If accurate, sniper. Previous mech type?"
Lian Sheng: "Sniper."
The instructor nodded: "Stick with it."
Lian Sheng: "..."
Had he phrased it more tactfully, she might have convinced herself this wasn't just process of elimination.
While they tested, another group began training. Lian Sheng noticed their methods seemed unusual.
Soon, the instructor ordered everyone back. After clearing space, he reset the equipment.
A minute later, different machines emerged.
These were crude combat robots—no heads or torsos, just limbs anchored to the floor. Their hands wore boxing gloves, feet padded softly. Each stood 1.5 meters apart, beside full protective gear sets.
"Split into two groups—45 minutes per rotation." The instructor said. "They won't move or chase, detecting via infrared. Can't continue? Crouch and exit. Watch each other—drag out anyone struggling. These robots show no mercy. Carelessness could land you in emergency care."
Checking his device: "Tonight's session: four and a half hours. Begin! Front rows step up! Others warm up with me!"
Lian Sheng was in the front rows. Donning gear, she approached the marked spot. Before adjusting position, a dark shape swung at her head.
The strike was swift. Instinctively, Lian Sheng raised her arm.
Blocking it, she startled. Though successful, the machine's strength nearly pressed the glove to her face before retracting.
Despite padding, her elbow surely bruised already.
The robot's combinations were rapid. Before she recovered, another punch came from the right.
Lian Sheng leaped back, dodging.
Nearby, a boy already lay clutching his head wisely.
Onlookers gasped: "That intense?"
The strikes were lightning-fast—entering range triggered immediate attacks.
"Intense? Get moving! No gawking!" The instructor shouted. "Curious? Try it yourselves later!"
Hands on hips, he addressed the group: "Three sets tonight. Anyone not enduring 240 robot strikes fails! Failures choose: punishment tomorrow or go home tonight!"
A student timidly asked: "Must we block? Does getting hit count?"
"Counts! Feel free to tank hits with your flesh—if you fancy the ER tonight."
Seeing their dismay, he clapped: "Excellent! Quitters already! Pack up and catch the last bus—don't waste time!"
Lian Sheng shook her arm, assumed stance, and stepped forward.
The instructor watched before scoffing: "Students, your faces feel pain. Your dignity? Your hearts? Do those not? Or have you sold them cheap? This is just the start! Show some spirit! Look at the others! On your feet!"
Thus chastised, the students refocused. Initially caught off-guard by the robots' ferocity despite humble appearances, they now eyed the arms warily. Seeing the strikes coming, they could block one at a time.
Yet this time, some robots kicked instead. One aimed straight between a student's legs.
Survival instinct and paternal hopes spurred extreme reflexes. The student shoved down hard on the leg, eyes wide, yelling.
Both hands successfully blocked the kick—then a punch flattened him.
Lying stunned, he mumbled: "Dick... punch... meow?"
The males present collectively winced, legs tightening.
"Two moves blocked—good." The instructor consoled. "Relax—sensitive areas won't be hit hard, plus padding. Can't react? Just jump. Kicks won't follow through."
The students' faces twisted.
This was all life-threatening!
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