Chapter 205: 100km Selection Test Begins!
Tie Lu specifically went to find Chen Jun for a chat, but unfortunately Chen Jun didn’t come at all.
The Engineer Battalion had already sent down one company, which moved into Steel Seventh Company to start building a supplies storage depot. These past few days were the busiest time for Seventh Company.
As the deputy company commander in charge of the company’s logistics, Chen Jun had no time to go to the training ground to watch the tests.
Moreover, he was about to leave for several months to poach talent from A Team’s selection training camp. Before officially leaving, Chen Jun still needed to arrange the main matters, making his time even more precious.
Tie Lu couldn’t find Chen Jun at the training ground and had no way to make a special trip to Steel Seventh Company again.
He could only regretfully give up, looking forward to the next meeting.
As A Team’s captain and the main person in charge of this recruitment, Tie Lu truly had very little free time now; he had a lot to do.
Some troops where talents were located were hard to deal with, so he had to personally go to each one to talk to them.
For example, Navy’s Wu Zhe, Air Force’s Tuo Yonggang, and others.
Talents scattered across sea, land, and air—visiting each place took time, and with dozens of soldiers piled up, it wasn’t a small project.
If not for being so eager for Chen Jun and thinking he would bring the team to the training ground, Tie Lu wanted to take the chance to chat privately with Chen Jun.
With time so precious, Tie Lu wouldn’t have come at all today.
Unfortunately, Steel Seventh Company had too many things lately, so the idea of chatting privately with Chen Jun fell through, and Tie Lu could only leave with this regret.
Yuan Lang didn’t pay attention to so much over here and soon began the competitors’ basic tests.
With guidance from people sent by Seventh Hundred and Second Regiment headquarters, Yuan Lang and the others from A Team only needed to supervise as each project unfolded in an orderly manner.
The basic test was actually a physical fitness test, checking the competitors’ most basic physical fitness.
All test items were standard subjects.
Such as sit-ups, push-ups, single bar exercise, 3 kilometer sprint, 5 kilometers cross-country, 400-meter obstacle course, rifle 150-meter shooting at the target, and so on.
More than 200 competitors were divided into fifteen groups, with the test subjects shuffled and crossed.
One group doing sit-ups, two groups doing push-ups, three groups doing single bar tests…, each group finished and swapped fields with another group, maintaining high rhythm test density without letting any group stop.
Under the fast-paced test, progress was very quick.
The test for more than 200 competitors was estimated to take only one day in total.
There was almost no dedicated rest midway; after such a fast-paced high-density test, it was a considerable test of the competitors’ individual stamina and physical fitness.
Fortunately, the competitors who could be selected were all outstanding performers from their respective companies.
No matter how fast the test rhythm, they could all keep up.
However.
The performance gaps between competitors were still quite large.
Among them, Wu Liu Yi, who in this life only admired Chen Jun’s strength and respected only company commander Gao Cheng and squad leader Shi Jin, the “lifelong persistent” one who refused to admit defeat, shone brightly in the test.
Upholding “People from Steel Seventh Company, no matter where they go, must be top students and must take several first places.”
Plus the task arranged by Chen Jun—he had to display his strength brightly, not play it safe, and make himself shine enough.
Wu Liu Yi, whose body had already been conditioned by Chen Jun, was practically a rampage in this test.
Push-ups, sit-ups, machine gun shooting, 3 kilometer sprint, 5 kilometers cross-country, 400-meter obstacle course…
Wu Liu Yi swept through these test projects like autumn wind sweeping fallen leaves, taking all the first places with absolute leading strength.
He took more than ten first places in one go!
Yuan Lang originally had little impression of Wu Liu Yi, only knowing he was quite fierce in the mid-year competition two years ago, with results just a bit behind Chen Jun.
Purely paper data, after all, didn’t have that much impact.
But witnessing this basic test with his own eyes, Wu Liu Yi sweeping the whole audience with absolute strength, really made Yuan Lang’s eyes light up.
Such a comprehensively strong warrior could almost be called the template for a special forces soldier.
Ordinary people need hard training to become an excellent special forces soldier, but template-level Wu Liu Yi only needs a little teaching, learn the corresponding special warfare techniques, and he could become an ace special forces soldier.
Such a great special forces seedling.
How could Yuan Lang not drool over it.
The other warriors taking the test were basically all familiar with Wu Liu Yi and were convinced by his sweep, without any displeasure.
And besides Wu Liu Yi this shining new star that made Yuan Lang’s eyes sparkle.
In shooting, aside from light machine gun, he took almost all other first places; Cheng Cai’s various physical fitness test data were also at the excellent standard.
This similarly greatly impressed Yuan Lang!
“A natural sharpshooter; cultivate him well, and he will definitely become an ace sniper.” Yuan Lang’s evaluation of Cheng Cai was already very high.
In addition.
Ba Te Er, the muscular big guy who stood out visibly, was only at the excellent line in other aspects, but in various strength assessments, he was almost the “dominator.”
Especially hurling a grenade 107 meters, causing an uproar in the whole audience.
Yuan Lang couldn’t help but click his tongue in amazement!
There was also Xu Sanduo, whose abilities in all aspects were above excellent, especially with exaggerated individual stamina and photographic memory ability, which also brightened Yuan Lang’s eyes.
Single bar exercise strict pull-ups over a hundred, easily taking first place.
Basic military theory he could recite backwards fluently; nearly half the books in Steel Seventh Company’s library had been memorized by him, from code A to M.
Such exaggerated memory ability.
It was indeed very rare!
If not for push-ups and sit-ups counting effective scores only within the time limit.
Yuan Lang had absolute reason to believe that with Xu Sanduo’s perverted stamina and physical fitness, Wu Liu Yi’s first places in those two items would be snatched away.
And the exaggerated points weren’t just these.
Yuan Lang also discovered that these standout warriors were all without exception from Steel Seventh Company.
Thinking of the freak-level officer Chen Jun ahead, who could do both civil and military things so well that even Yuan Lang had to admire him, but unfortunately too excellent and unattainable.
All the excellent competitors emerging behind were almost all from Steel Seventh Company.
Yuan Lang couldn’t help but sigh:
“This Steel Seventh Company really is a place of hidden talents; no wonder Qi Huan couldn’t gain any advantage on the exercise field and was even suppressed by Steel Seventh Company.”
Hidden talents in Steel Seventh Company.
Thus, after “never abandon, never give up,” it became Yuan Lang’s second impression of Steel Seventh Company.
The basic test continued until after 7 p.m., and since the selection assessment followed closely, Yuan Lang didn’t return to A Team.
Instead, he took people to stay at the regiment guesthouse and did the screening that very night.
From these more than 200 warriors who took the test, he picked nearly a hundred competitors meeting the selection assessment standards, made a list, and gave it to Seventh Hundred and Second Regiment.
Seventh Hundred and Second Regiment would notify the selected competitors to participate in the formal selection assessment two days later.
Early the next morning.
Regiment headquarters sent down the list of selected personnel to the respective companies.
Steel Seventh Company, as Seventh Hundred and Second Regiment’s flagship, had the most selected competitors, a total of twelve, accounting for nearly one-eighth.
Gao Cheng heard more than ten people were selected and his eyes turned red when he received the list.
He rolled up his sleeves ready to go to the regiment.
Fortunately, Chen Jun pulled him back in time and explained by inference and speculation.
Learning that A Team was only recruiting three people from Seventh Hundred and Second Regiment this time, and Chen Jun firmly stated that if any from Seventh Hundred and Second Regiment were taken, he would find a way to get them back to Steel Seventh Company.
Gao Cheng knew Chen Jun had signed an agreement with Yuan Lang and would soon go to A Team as a teaching assistant for a few months, and believed Chen Jun could deliver.
So he didn’t make any more fuss over this matter.
Time quickly came two days later.
All competitors who passed the preliminary selection assessment gathered at Seventh Hundred and Second Regiment’s No. 1 training ground assembly point, led by their respective team leader officers.
To assist this preliminary selection assessment, the division reconnaissance battalion, upon receiving the order, also sent over a reconnaissance company.
More than a hundred people, more than twenty military vehicles—the lineup looked quite imposing.
The team leader was an old acquaintance.
Because Sixth Company disbanded and got certain compensation, it was like a blessing in disguise; replacing original drama Gao Cheng, he became the division reconnaissance battalion deputy battalion commander Wei Tianlei.
Gao Cheng and Chen Jun brought the competitors over and spotted Wei Tianlei arranging work at a glance.
“Yo ho, Old Six, doing well huh, these two bars and one star really look the part; how’d you end up here today?”
Gao Cheng was quite happy to see a familiar face and ran over for a round of teasing.
Completely forgetting the man was already deputy battalion commander.
And Wei Tianlei, already a rank above Gao Cheng, wasn’t displeased by Gao Cheng’s lack of decorum; he even felt gratified inside that Gao Cheng remembered his old comrade.
Happily saying: “Hey Old Seven, don’t tease me; everyone knows you’re Gao Cheng, bound to be combined arms battalion deputy battalion commander sooner or later.
Combined arms battalion is hot stuff now; your deputy battalion commander outshines mine, so don’t poke fun at me.”
After humbly countering, Wei Tianlei then got to the point: “Well, you’re doing an exercise here, division sent me to do the grunt work, help that guy ahead catch the chicks.”
While speaking, Wei Tianlei pointed at Yuan Lang standing with his back turned not far away.
His eyes held complex emotions!
Envy, a bit of displeasure, mostly helplessness.
Yuan Lang’s usual expression outside was indeed cocky-looking, with obvious arrogance that made it hard to like him.
At the same time, his aura was very strong, giving a don’t-mess-with-me feel that made people involuntarily fearful.
“So you’re here to help; that’s good.”
Gao Cheng stepped forward closer, lowering his voice: “We’re all family; you gotta help out, be harsh on our Steel Seventh Company competitors, best to eliminate them all.”
“Hahaha, you…”
Wei Tianlei instantly got Gao Cheng’s meaning, pointing virtually and laughing heartily.
Gao Cheng loved poaching excellent elite soldiers and had a very strong personality; this was well-known throughout Seventh Hundred and Second Regiment.
He always wanted to steal soldiers from other companies; how could he willingly hand over his own.
“Give me a word; just say if you can or not.”
Gao Cheng was too lazy to chatter with Wei Tianlei; he just wanted a direct answer. They were all old acquaintances; no need for more nagging.
“Alright alright, I’ll try; that good enough?”
After all, longtime colleagues with Gao Cheng, and not wanting too many from his old unit poached, Wei Tianlei readily agreed.
“That’s a deal then; it’s on you.”
Gao Cheng showed a satisfied smile, thus reaching consensus with Wei Tianlei.
The warriors from each company ahead were all in place; after a team leader officer organized the ranks and reported, Yuan Lang, helmet tucked under his armpit, strolled to the front of the ranks.
Face bearing his signature fake smile, he opened with his signature reversal routine.
“Why so serious; relax, I won’t eat you. Next is very physical; don’t waste effort now.”
Yuan Lang’s words sounded caring, but the next second, his smiling face said something unsettling.
“Today I’m host, you’re guests; I have to entertain guests well, so I specially prepared a big meal for everyone.
Two-day itinerary within a 100-kilometer diameter range; weapons pick any within provided range, food pick however you like.
Anyway, each person only one portion; no matter how you pick, can’t pick fancy.
You’re all experts from your companies; isn’t it just wilderness survival? Wild game and wild vegetables everywhere; for you, definitely small case.”
Yuan Lang’s face was all smiles, tone very relaxed.
But everyone wasn’t fools.
Only one portion of food provided, two days, 100-kilometer diameter—converted, average 50 kilometers per day.
Putting this info together, the competitors couldn’t smile.
With food and water, 50 kilometers a day is grueling; let alone no food no water, still walking continuous 100 kilometers.
Where was this small case; this was a challenge.
But this wasn’t the hardest; Yuan Lang’s next assessment rules made all the on-site competitors inwardly cry trouble.
“Assessment requirement: cross 100 kilometers, penetrate enemy main position, complete map assignment.
Suggestion: move in groups, because a reinforced company’s troops will pursuit and interception midway, trying to eliminate you.
Aren’t you all great? Then show me how great you really are.”
Yuan Lang said this, raised his right wrist, checked the time on his watch: “Now 8 a.m.; deadline this time day after tomorrow, I’ll wait for you at the destination.
Pre-declare: I only drive one car, with three seats.
When the car is full, it leaves; I’ll only take those who get on, remaining competitors all eliminated.
If no one arrives by deadline, means none qualify; I won’t wait an extra minute.”
Competitors hearing the rules and final requirements suddenly felt Mount Tai pressing down.
Breathing became heavy!
No food no water, two days 100 kilometers, full reinforced company troops pursuit and interception, finally only pitiful three quotas.
This elimination rate wasn’t just high; it was terrifyingly high.
The only one in the whole audience who could still smile was Xu Sanduo, who had no goals at all, just obediently doing whatever ordered.
He hadn’t even thought about the assessment difficulty.
Xu Sanduo’s thoughts were very simple; he just felt participating in the competition with so many people must be very meaningful.
As long as doing something meaningful, he was very happy.
Never considering victory or defeat, benefits, etc.; his simple mind couldn’t anyway.
Yuan Lang saw the only one grinning Xu Sanduo, not knowing what this fool was grinning about, deepening his impression of Xu Sanduo.
Then he made the final announcement.
“For the next 48 hours, I’m your enemy; enemies won’t tell you coordinates or positions.
Destination you find yourselves; I only provide a few reference points.
Southeast direction, grassland edge has a Shuipaozi, mountain beside it; over the mountain is a pine forest, car at forest edge.”
After Yuan Lang announced the selection rules and details, next up was No. 1 underling Qi Huan.
He gave each competitor a smoke grenade, telling them if encountering danger or unable to persist, pull the smoke grenade; a car would pick them up back to camp, cost being forfeit and eliminated.
Then issued each a pack of field rations as the only food supplies for two days.
Regiment Commander Wang had been watching from the side; after seeing the whole thing, his brows were locked, face full of dissatisfaction, almost erupting.
In his view, where was this selection; it was tormenting his soldiers.
As an old generation old leader, Regiment Commander Wang really treated every soldier like a son; how could a father bear watching his son tormented.
Conversely, Gao Cheng standing behind, after hearing the rules, was grinning.
He didn’t care about any damn A Team, looked down on special forces; Gao Cheng hoped all Seventh Hundred and Second Regiment competitors eliminated.
Higher difficulty meant higher elimination rate; in Gao Cheng’s view, this was good.
Naturally in great mood!
And Chen Jun, knowing the original drama plot, seeing this familiar scene reappear with huge changes in everyone, had truly complex emotions.
He couldn’t help sighing: “Still that original batch of people, yet all changed.
Cheng Cai without special forces obsession; Wu Liu Yi with strength just wanting to prove himself; Gan Xiao Ning, Bai Tie Jun, and Ba Te Er with absolute belonging to Steel Seventh Company, purely curious mindset wanting to play; Xu Sanduo without deep interaction with Yuan Lang…
Familiar selection, familiar people, yet completely different mentalities.
I’m really quite curious what kind of sparks this entirely new group joining this familiar preliminary selection assessment will collide into.”
