93
Every assessment never reveals the top rankings. Only the bottom five are posted as a warning and reminder, with the lowest-ranked individual subtly encouraged to pack up and leave.
This is a unique mechanism of the Green Team.
As Training Instructor Adam put it: "Ranking in the top five simply means you've met the baseline expectations of Level One standards. It's nothing to be proud of, nor does it warrant public recognition."
As a result, Long Zhan and those who had completed their assessments earlier, including Brian, received no positive feedback.
No one knew their exact results.
Since the top five and bottom five rankings were canceled, Long Zhan, after leaving the assessment site and returning to the lounge, could only await one answer:
Who would be packing their bags to leave Green Team after six grueling months of hard work?
No one wanted to be the "lucky one." Even though leaving didn't necessarily equate to failure, every new recruit who had made it this far was already considered a success. Returning to their original units, they would still be among the best soldiers.
However, failing to reach the Navy's pinnacle—DG—would always remain a significant regret in their lives.
The waiting time was often agonizing, even for someone as confident as Long Zhan.
Long Zhan and Brian waited for about ten minutes before Clay, who was behind Long Zhan in the assessment queue, also entered the lounge, his expression visibly disheartened.
Brian, who had just finished listening to Long Zhan's recount of his "heroic deeds," was astonished at Long Zhan's overly cautious approach. Upon seeing Clay's dejected face, his curiosity was piqued, and he quickly inquired about what had happened.
After listening to Clay's disgruntled rant, Long Zhan and Brian exchanged puzzled looks.
The so-called "team parasite," who once aspired to work solo, had astonishingly made a rookie mistake during a sudden crisis in the assessment—he threw himself at a decoy grenade.
Long Zhan had considered every possibility but never imagined that Clay would make such an error.
Brian was equally stunned.
Initially, both were baffled until they connected the dots with Clay's recent significant behavioral changes. Only then did they start to piece together the reason.
It was likely because Clay had been trying to strengthen his sense of teamwork recently. During the assessment, he failed to control his impulses and overcompensated.
Even though Clay had blundered in the assessment, leaving his future uncertain, the fact that his first instinct during a crisis was to save others rather than escape proved his transformation had been more successful than anticipated.
This was a great achievement!
Through the original storyline, Long Zhan already knew that Instructor Adam had always held Clay in high regard. Now, witnessing Clay's shift from a lone wolf to someone with a team-oriented mindset, Adam was likely thrilled.
Long Zhan was almost certain Clay wouldn't be the one eliminated.
And reality proved him right.
Half an hour passed, and all twelve recruits had completed the third phase of the assessment, gathering in the lounge.
Instructor Adam left with the assessment results and discussed them with the chief instructor for about an hour.
When he reappeared before Long Zhan and the others, the person eliminated wasn't any of the trio but rather a newcomer from Poster Team One.
No one knew exactly what mistake this recruit had made to end up as the last one eliminated.
No one cared either.
The remaining eleven recruits, including Long Zhan, were ecstatic. They were now halfway to entering DG and eagerly anticipated the next three months of specialized training.
The specifics of this training were still unknown, and Instructor Adam did not disclose them in advance.
"Phase Four training begins next Monday and will last three months. It's going to be a fascinating period, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Until then, have a great weekend."
Having entered the final selection phase, the training had become relatively less intense. Even Instructor Adam had toned down his initial severity.
For the recruits, who had spent days focusing solely on the assessment, these words brought immense relief.
In less than ten seconds, the eleven recruits who passed the assessment grouped up and left to start their weekend celebrations.
Only the eliminated recruit remained, watching the others' departing backs with a mix of envy, acceptance, and sorrow.
A whirlwind of emotions!
...
Having been berated during the assessment yet lucky enough to avoid elimination—and now halfway to realizing his dream—Clay felt a surge of excitement.
As soon as he stepped out of the "Slaughterhouse," he eagerly asked Long Zhan and Brian, "Hey guys, what's the plan for tonight? Drinks at the usual spot or something else?"
"The usual spot. I like the atmosphere there—some drinks, a bit of pool, a few games. It's perfect," Brian replied.
Brian preferred a routine lifestyle and liked revisiting familiar places rather than exploring new ones. He had become accustomed to the bar outside the base and didn't want to go anywhere else.
"No problem, but I'll be bringing along a new friend. I've already arranged to meet him at the camp gate at 8 PM," Long Zhan added.
"A new friend? Do Clay and I know him?" Brian asked, intrigued.
"An unlucky guy, haha."
Long Zhan couldn't help but laugh at the thought of the person. Seeing Brian and Clay puzzled by his reaction, he added, "You've both met him. As for who he is, you'll find out then. All I can say for now is that he's one seriously unlucky guy."
"You've definitely piqued my curiosity. I can't wait to meet this unlucky fellow," Brian said with a laugh.
"Long, someone's here to see you."
At that moment, a Black officer approached Long Zhan and said, "There's someone waiting for you outside the base gate."
The officer blinked and, with a deliberate emphasis, added, "A very beautiful, young, and charming woman."