Just A Little More
For the next few weeks, Adam and his squadmates endured various practices. Physical fitness training, combat readiness, environment awareness, basic studies, and much more. Time went by so quickly that Adam didn't even realize that some of his actions had become second nature.
"Throw me a mag." [Adam]
"Gotcha." [Leo]
Standing at a firing range, Leo tossed Adam a black rectangular box. Adam took a quick peek inside and slid it into the long firearm he was wielding.
"Single shots." [Adam]
He fired at a target in the distance within five second intervals.
"Spotter?" [Adam]
Leo stood by his side with binoculars, mouthing something while looking at the target.
"Five shots. Three head, two chest." [Leo]
"Not bad if I do say so myself." [Adam]
"Switch with me. I'll show you how it's done." [Leo]
"Sure." [Adam]
Adam flicked a switch on the gun and removed a magazine before placing the firearm down.
"Are you going to need a shoulder pad?" [Adam]
"Duh. Do you think I'm like you?" [Leo]
He strapped on a device located between his shoulder and chest. Leo then picked up the weapon Adam had previously used and quickly assembled all the necessities before placing the stock on his shoulder device.
"Single shots." [Leo]
Firing with five second intervals, Leo felt the recoil press into the shoulder device. Luckily, it was functioning properly since he couldn't feel much force.
"Spotter?" [Leo]
"Five shots. Two head, two chest, one miss." [Adam]
"Are you kidding me?" [Leo]
"You nicked the border." [Adam]
Leo let out a sigh.
"God damn it. Alright, your turn." [Leo]
They switched out with different weapons and repeated the system. First was the rifle, second was a handgun, third was a large projectile type weapon, fourth was throwing explosive devices, and so on.
"I can't believe you don't use any recoil support." [Leo]
"What can I say? It makes me feel weird." [Adam]
"How? You don't use the shoulder pad, you don't use the gloves, you don't even use grounding shoes." [Leo]
"It doesn't even hurt." [Adam]
Leo rolled his eyes.
"Of course you'd say that." [Leo]
Over time, Leo had noticed that Adam was physically strong at a strangely superhuman level. It was only passed off as being strong until Adam was able to fire a 1.25 ammunition energy rail rifle without any recoil support. Usually, firing such a weapon could dislocate a shoulder.
"In any case, I think we should clean up. It's almost time." [Adam]
Leo glanced at the provided watch the camp gave him.
"Oh crap. We've only got five minutes." [Leo]
"That's more than enough." [Adam]
Adam and Leo started cleaning and organizing all the weapons, finishing just before the senior officers arrived.
"Attention!" [Senior Officer]
Everyone at the shooting range immediately stood straight.
"You all know that this training camp will end next week! So, we will be introducing one last test! In light of your recent efforts, you all are rewarded with the rest of the time off." [Senior Officer]
("Rest of the time off? Like, no training?") [Adam]
"You can choose to train or relax until the final test! No further information will be given! Dismissed! " [Senior Officer]
With that, the senior officer spun on his heel and left.
"Uh… What?" [Leo]
Adam and Leo passed glances at each other.
"So… What do you want to do now?" [Adam]
"Let's ask the others first." [Leo]
"Sounds like a plan." [Adam]
Adam and Leo gathered their squadmates in an effort to understand their situation.
"I think this was a well deserved break." [Robert]
"I think so too." [Alice]
Bryan shook his head.
"I think this is a trick." [Bryan]
"What do you mean?" [Howard]
"What if they wanted to see discipline in us over the course of a week. I say we keep training." [Bryan]
Everyone groaned.
"I was kind of looking forward to some r&r." [Adam]
"Look, I get it. The training is annoying as hell. It's just that we can't really afford to fail their last test. You wouldn't want to look bad in front of your sponsor, right?" [Bryan]
Most of his squadmates nodded.
"I guess we're left with no choice." [Robert]