First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 122
Chapter 122: Medical
Lian Sheng walked back onto the shooting platform, slamming her gun heavily onto the table before shaking out her legs, which had begun to feel leaden.
Come on, let's all sink together.
The battle at the rear was particularly intense as everyone began replenishing their equipment.
One person wielded two machine guns, firing relentlessly from the shooting platform—one high, one low—without needing clear visibility or precise aim, relying purely on volume to increase hit probability.
Any semblance of brotherly camaraderie had completely shattered. Everyone was striving for mutual destruction.
The instructor stood to the side, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle and encouraging the crowd to unleash even more creative tactics.
Under the overwhelming, near-indiscriminate assault from the rear, all attempts at concealment were futile. Lian Sheng met a glorious end.
This so-called shooting training concluded successfully in less than two hours.
Everyone removed their target vests, returned their weapons, and lined up for roll call.
The instructor in charge stepped forward with an optical computer, ready to announce the results.
Earlier, he had used various excuses to add penalty points, but by the end, he realized it was unnecessary—they had achieved the desired outcome on their own.
"Your... lowest score is negative 68 points, followed by negative 63, then negative 58." The instructor lifted his gaze from the computer, sighing with what seemed like admiration. "You're about to break our base's record. Quite impressive! This batch of shooters is exceptionally skilled—I can see the passion and fervor of youth!"
Everyone's eyelids twitched, their hearts aching.
The instructor cheerfully added, "Let's give special recognition to Fang Jianchen and Lian Sheng. Not only did they secure spots in the bottom three, but they also contributed 381 and 319 effective shots respectively, far exceeding the average. Though their defensive performance was lacking, they set an exemplary standard in the shooting segment. They've lived up to my expectations—applause!"
Pointing at them, he grinned. "Also, grievances have their source—if you're looking for someone to blame, remember these two faces."
Never had they encountered such a shameless instructor.
Fang Jianchen, feeling the hostile glares from all directions, raised a hand to his forehead, partially shielding his face.
Lian Sheng's expression darkened as she returned the murderous stares of her comrades.
"For the bottom three, I'm moved by your efforts and will grant you a special privilege." The instructor put away the computer, adopting a magnanimous tone. "Carry 20 kilograms of weight, and your training load will be halved."
The penalty for 68 points was too severe—they'd never complete it. Their muscles were already weak and exhausted. With the time nearing 8 PM and new training scheduled for tomorrow, these clever students might simply choose to rest.
To ensure compliance, they needed to see a glimmer of hope, however faint.
A hopeful student raised their hand. "What about those ranked fourth and below?"
The instructor replied mercilessly, "20 kilograms, one-third reduction."
The crowd's smiles faded. Unfair world.
A male student raised his hand. "As the fourth-lowest with 55 points, I must say—Instructor, I can't finish 55 kilometers tonight."
The instructor said, "I design your training. It's not necessarily one kilometer per set. I'll adjust based on your previous strength test results and today's performance. Come collect your assignments later."
Whether scores were too high or too low, the instructor would fine-tune them to fit his plan. All score interpretations belonged to him—rules were just a pretext. Half the outcome was predetermined.
He assigned tasks based on individual endurance and physical weaknesses. Those with severe penalties faced harsher treatment, while genuinely outstanding performers couldn't be unfairly punished.
Tonight's shooting session was designed to leave half the students carrying weight into tomorrow's training after a grueling struggle.
Lian Sheng, dead last, calculated: 68 kilometers with half the load meant 34 kilometers overnight. At her speed, she chose sleep.
She raised her hand. "Report. I... will disappoint you."
The instructor: "..."
He looked at her and asked, "Are you invoking your female privilege?"
Lian Sheng said, "If it's available, I'll take it."
"Your explosive power and leg muscles are too weak—your speed won't improve. Fifty-meter frog jumps, 20 high knees, and a 50-meter sprint count as one set." The instructor said, "Complete 25 sets, and you're done for tonight."
The crowd erupted: "Wha—?!"
After ten sets of 500-meter sprints, they now faced frog jumps and dashes.
Even just 25 sets—frog jumps were their least favorite exercise.
Explosive training might not feel taxing in the moment, leaving only weakness, but the next day, their legs would be wrecked.
The instructor added, "Given your shooting performance, no weight penalty."
Fang Jianchen immediately raised his hand, grinning. "Instructor, my shooting was even better!"
The instructor nodded solemnly. "True. But I must maintain fairness."
Fang Jianchen: "Exactly—fairness!"
The instructor said, "You volunteered for this shooting training."
Fang Jianchen spread his hands, arguing, "So? What does my performance have to do with my motives?"
"Everything!" The instructor said earnestly. "Your enthusiasm is high—I can't dampen it."
Fang Jianchen wailed, "Instructor—!"
The instructor's face hardened as he barked, "Fang Jianchen! Are you defying orders?"
His voice boomed like thunder, startling everyone into stiff postures.
They'd almost forgotten—capriciousness was an instructor's defining trait.
"Listen up," the instructor said. "At 10:30 PM, tonight's training officially ends. The third-floor training ground will close. Choose: accept your penalty for tomorrow's tasks, or go to the second floor and join the others to make up for it."
"Tomorrow at 5:30 AM, assemble here again for more shooting training." He eyed them. "Why so tense? Any more questions?"
A student raised their hand. "Report! Instructor, can we ask how things are downstairs? How many ended up with weight penalties?"
The instructor said, "Not bad. We're aiming for about 70% penalized. That's the baseline."
The crowd: "..."
Combined with their group, by the second day of training, they were nearly wiped out.
"If numbers fall short, we'll be troubled too." The instructor sighed dramatically. "We must file reports proving you benefited from this training. How? Through data. Hosting you is a key point in this year's evaluations. Mutual understanding, please."
The crowd: "..."
Understand with their resentment or their near-crippled bodies?!
Fang Jianchen asked gravely, "Will tomorrow's training be the same? What about downstairs?"
"Different. We'll expand here." Seeing their interest, he elaborated: "Tomorrow morning, downstairs will continue combat and running drills—1 kilometer in 4 minutes, shortened to 3 hours. Tonight's first 100 finishers will join our shooting training."
He gestured. "We'll expand the shooting range. You'll run laps outside—about 1 kilometer per loop, reduced to 5 laps. 100 vs. 100—you'll all be teammates."
Lian Sheng pondered.
Five laps still meant 500 attacks, but the distance between attackers and defenders doubled, and shooters' fields of view overlapped.
This arrangement raised shooter standards but eased difficulty for skilled snipers.
Meanwhile, 500-meter sprints and 1-kilometer sprints were entirely different—testing both explosive power and stamina.
It was unclear if the rules were harder or easier, but one thing was certain: the new 100 were unburdened, while those carrying weight tomorrow would start at a severe disadvantage.
The base was stratifying trainees by difficulty.
Compared to this, the second floor was paradise.
Fang Jianchen covered his eyes.
The waters of West Lake were his tears.
The instructor said, "Tomorrow afternoon: combat training. Prepare by selecting suitable mechs. If you lack one, your assigned instructor will provide one."
"Oh, after tonight's training, visit the medical station. Otherwise, tomorrow's aftermath will be brutal." He added, "Limited slots—first come, first served!"
"Hurry—this place closes at 10:30." He clapped. "Top 10 scorers, proceed directly to running drills—1 kilometer per point. Lian Sheng, your assignment stands. The rest, line up for tasks!"
Students queued as the instructor cross-referenced his computer, assigning penalties.
Zhao Zhuoluo and others stepped out to collect their weights.
Their scores were polar opposites to the bottom—only 20-something points deducted. In past years, they'd have kept it under 20. But Lian Sheng and Fang Jianchen's antics had riled everyone up, skewing results.
The top 10 from today's training had also ranked highly at noon. Even with stationary targets, they'd excelled.
As elite among elites, their physical prowess was undeniable. Lacking obvious weaknesses, they only needed maintenance, not correction.
Running was comprehensive exercise, so the instructor sent them off.
Lian Sheng rolled up her pants and selected a track for frog jumps.
With weakened muscles, each jump was shorter, but every exertion strained them further. Fifty meters felt endless.
As she started high knees, Fang Jianchen strolled over, hands behind his back.
Panting, Lian Sheng greeted him: "Hey, how's it going?"
"Terrible. These instructors live up to their reputation." Fang Jianchen shook his head. "The seniors weren't lying."
Lian Sheng: "Same training as last year? Knowing that, you still volunteered?"
"Content differs—no need for tips. I meant their malice—identical! Disgusting!"
Lian Sheng began 60-meter sprints, then returned to Fang Jianchen, jumping alongside him.
"What did your seniors say? Pass it on—I'll tell next year's batch."
Fang Jianchen glanced at her. "Senior Rule 3: Base instructors are like menstruating women—chronically irritable. Instructors add unpredictability. Don't explain. Don't reason."
Lian Sheng frowned. "That's how you view women? Not all are irritable during menstruation."
"True." Fang Jianchen said. "Some are irritable outside it too."
Lian Sheng: "Like me..."
Fang Jianchen cut in: "You're the fuse—igniting others while exploding yourself."
"..." Lian Sheng, "You're no better, brother."
Fang Jianchen: "I'm reactive. Like firecrackers—only explode when thrown."
He began sprinting.
They met again mid-lap.
Lian Sheng: "Go on."
Fang Jianchen cleared his throat. "Senior Rule 7: The kinder the instructor, the deadlier. Their smiles envision your screams."
"Wait." Lian Sheng asked, "Nothing practical? Just this?"
"Mainly venting—expressing love for instructors, encouragement for juniors, and hopes for the future. What did you expect?" Fang Jianchen said, "Training's about endurance. Can't endure? Drop out. Does it matter if you endure standing or lying down? Better drink some poisoned chicken soup—might help."
Lian Sheng: "..."
Done with him, she ran off.
Zhao Zhuoluo's group left before 10:30. Lian Sheng's thighs trembled uncontrollably—frog jumps were torture. Her 50-meter "sprint" resembled a jog. She alternated between resting and punishing herself.
At 10:30 sharp, the third floor closed. The instructor ushered them out.
A few chose to rest. Others, with energy remaining, headed to the second floor—enduring tonight's pain to avoid tomorrow's.
Lian Sheng was nearly spent. Unable to finish, she asked, "Can I visit the infirmary first, then return?"
The instructor said, "Do as you please. Complete your tasks by 2 AM—an instructor will be on duty. Meet the quota, and you pass."
Relieved, Lian Sheng decided to soothe her muscles first.
After prolonged squatting, standing straight made her legs shake violently.
Leaning against the wall, she headed to the Alliance University medical station. The lights were still on.
"Thank goodness." Lian Sheng felt hope rising. "You're still awake."
Their assigned station was surprisingly spacious. Doctor Lin sat at the entrance, nodding inside.
Dozens slept haphazardly on narrow beds—some with rolled-up pants, others shirtless, covered in bruises and ointment, too cautious to use blankets.
They'd fallen asleep within minutes.
Snoring filled the room. Doctor Lin lacked the fortitude to sleep here.
Seeing her unsteady stance, he asked, "Shooting drills tonight?"
Lian Sheng: "Yes."
"Impressive—reaching this stage." Doctor Lin studied her. "Despite poor stamina, your skill is evident. This is the first trial, but every arrangement has purpose. Participate earnestly."
He retrieved a box, placing it beside his seat. "Sit directly. Wash your pants tonight. Hands okay?"
Lian Sheng waved them—intact—then sat cross-legged.
"Your training is rushed—brutal measures are necessary." Doctor Lin said, "Early selections receive focused training. Though harsh, these veterans are experienced."
"I haven't finished my penalty. I'll return." Lian Sheng nodded, hugging her knees. "Dead last—quite special."
Doctor Lin: "Hmm. The difficulty peaks early—persevere, and it eases later."
Lian Sheng tugged at the sticky substance. "What is this? Why wasn't it used last time?"
"Base-provided—free for the taking." Doctor Lin crossed his arms. "Why before? Because it's expensive. Rest. Returning later? I'll wake you in half an hour."
He turned back to his computer.
Lian Sheng sat awhile. Exhausted but unable to sleep.
The liquid greatly aided muscle recovery but exacted a painful toll—waves of discomfort intensifying by the minute.
She wiped her face, trying to stay alert. Seeking conversation, she asked, "What mech position should I choose?"
Doctor Lin paused. "What do you use now?"
"Qixing? Sniper type."
She expected no answer—he was a doctor, not a specialist—but after a moment, he said, "For mech selection combat, vanguard or heavy armor suits you better."
Lian Sheng rubbed her temples. "Uh..."
Doctor Lin turned, brow raised. "Doubting me? Then why ask?"
Lian Sheng said, "My instructor advised against vanguard or heavy armor."
Doctor Lin: "Bullshit!"
Lian Sheng: "..."
He'd just praised them.
Leg crossed, eyes half-lidded, Doctor Lin declared, "Choose vanguard!"
Want to dive deeper into the story? You can request bonus chapters or grab the complete Part 1 (147 chapters) as an EPUB from my Ko-fi shop!
Ty for the update 😗😗
ReplyDelete