Military training

It was time for the week long rigorous training all students both loved and hated.

Lei Yuanyun had bemoaned the tragedy of having to go through those rigorous drills and I silently agreed. But it's not like we have a choice anyways. If it were by choice, I don't doubt most students would choose to opt out of training.

We had already gotten used to the schedule so the incident that happened on the first day never repeated itself again. Lei Yuanyun still bought us breakfast when he had time though.

At this time we were all dressed in crisply ironed military uniforms and standing in line. The sun was high in the air and I could feel the sweat trickling down the collar of my clothes. I narrowed my eyes and looked ahead.

The drill instructor in front was giving warnings and  strict instructions.

I tried to stand still and maintain my posture but some people obviously didn't have the same reservations as I did.

Zhao Ranchu was standing with one hand on his hip staring off into space with a bored expression on his face. I tried to signal him but whatever he was thinking about had all his attention. That is until the sergeant stopped right in front of him. Without any suspense, he was asked to run laps around the field. After wordless doing his punishment and coming back to the line, he was sweating profusely but at least he paid attention this time.

Our drill instructor, Sergeant Bai was notorious for pushing students to the limit. As we stood in line, his stern voice echoed across the training grounds.

"This week-long military training is mandatory for all students. It's not just about physical fitness, it's about discipline, teamwork, and leadership. You'll be pushed to your limits, but it's essential for your character development. If you feel like you cannot continue anymore, please do indicate"

A student raised his hand

"Does that mean if we can't stand it anymore, we'll be exempted?"

He looked on coldly

"No"

The student shrank back in line. I don't doubt that if anyone dares to say they can't take it anymore without substantial reason, the sergeant will only increase their work load. The other students probably thought about that too so everyone obediently stood in line.

There was a bit of chatter and I could vaguely hear some students talking about how they felt this wasn't just normal military training but training for the special task force or navy SEALS.

I looked at the instructor who looked like he was going to have the best time torturing us and swallows back the words of disagreement that came to my throat.

The students were getting rowdy but he restored order with a single

"SILENCE!"

As the training began, we were divided into teams and thrown into a series of challenges.

First of all, we just did basics like marching, sit ups, press ups. Anyone who complained would be asked to run laps around the field before coming back to start from where they left off.

We navigated obstacle courses, practiced combat techniques, and learned basic military protocols.

Despite the initial hesitation, we began to enjoy the training. After all it is every boys dream to be as cool as the protagonists we see in action movies. We bonded over our shared struggles and laughed together during breaks. Lie Yuanyun's optimism was infectious, while Mu Haoran's strategic mind helped us excel in team exercises. Zhao Runchu's gaming skills surprisingly translated well to simulated combat scenarios.

As the days passed, we grew more confident, more disciplined, and more united. We realized that this training was not just about military skills but about building character, resilience, and teamwork. Although my aching body might have some qualms, I didn't pay much attention. I had been planning to work on my physical fitness but was just too busy(lazy) to do anything about it other than sit down and think 'oh I need to exercise more' so this actually came in handy in getting me started off.

On the final day, we participated in a mock mission, applying everything we had learned. Sergeant Bai observed from the sidelines, a hint of pride in his expression. He nodded slightly and I felt like I had been shown approval by God himself.

As we completed the mission, Sergeant Bai stepped forward, his expression stern once again. "Well done, students. You've demonstrated the skills and teamwork I expect from future leaders. Remember, this training is just the beginning. The real challenge lies ahead, in the world beyond these campus walls."

We stood at attention, our hearts swelling with pride, as Sergeant Bai continued. "You've shown potential, but potential means nothing without action. Go out there and make a difference."

With those words, the training came to a close. We breathed a collective sigh of relief, our exhaustion forgotten in the face of our accomplishment. As we walked away from the training grounds, I turned to my friends, grinning.

"We did it, guys. We made it through. Although my body hurts so much and my joints feels like they have been dislocated numerous times."

Lie Yuanyun smiled, his eyes shining with pride. "We sure did. And we're not the same people who stood here a week ago."

Mu Haoran nodded, his expression serious. "We've been forged in fire. We're ready for whatever comes next. This is the most rigorous training I have ever received. If I die now, I'll die a satisfied man"

Zhao Runchu chuckled "Yeah, but we made it alive so that's a bonus."

We walked off the field and towards our dorm. The thoughts of having a shower all too obvious.

"Do you guys have any plans this evening? Now that military training is over, classes will be more serious and since we're in different departments, we might not see much of each other except at night and by then we would be too tired to talk about anything"

Lei Yuanyun nodded

"Yeah that's true. After washing up why don't we go out for some time. Just do something relaxing to calm our strained nerves"

We all agreed and unconsciously sped up our pace, but of course some people just won't let me be.