Chapter 4-5-6

Chapter 4 – A New Beginning

The training camp was bustling on that morning of timid sunshine. The recruits' formations were impeccable, with their uniforms clean and neat. It was graduation day from basic training, the moment when these young men and women would officially become soldiers in the British Army. Among them, Alex Rider stood out, not only for his posture, but for the recognition he had earned.

The months of training had been intense, but Alex had overcome each challenge with determination and skill. His reputation as the best recruit of that cycle was already known among the instructors, and even among his peers. Some admired him; others, like Davies, simply couldn't help but joke about the fact that Alex always seemed one step ahead of everyone.

"There he is," Davies said, nudging another recruit as they waited for the ceremony to begin. "The perfect gentleman. I bet they'll have a medal hanging around his neck before the speech is even over."

Alex smiled slightly, but didn't respond. He didn't see himself as anyone special; he just did the best he could.

As the base commander began his speech, Alex looked out over the crowd of guests. There weren't many people there for him, but in the distance he saw a familiar figure: Jack Starbright, his former nanny and the closest thing he had to family. She was waving enthusiastically, a proud smile lighting up her face.

After the speech, each recruit was called to receive their official Army badge. When Alex's name was announced, the commander added something else.

"Alex Rider," the officer said in a firm, respectful tone, "not only completed basic training, but distinguished himself as the top recruit in this class. For his dedication, discipline, and leadership, he has been promoted to the rank of corporal, effective immediately."

There was a murmur of surprise and admiration among the audience. Davies whistled softly as Alex marched to receive his badge and promotion.

As Alex approached the officer, the officer gave him a firm handshake and a respectful salute.

"Congratulations, Corporal Rider," the commander said. "Your performance here is an example of what we expect from a soldier in the British Army. Keep it up, and I'm sure you'll have a brilliant career."

"Thank you, sir," Alex replied, maintaining his formal demeanor but with quiet satisfaction.

As the ceremony progressed, Alex felt the weight of responsibility. He was no longer just a recruit; now he had the rank and duty of being a leader.

After the ceremony, Alex found Jack near the tents. She hugged him tightly, nearly knocking off his cap in the process.

"I knew you'd do well, Alex," she said, her eyes shining with pride. "You've always been brilliant, but now you're proving it to everyone."

"Thank you, Jack," Alex replied, smiling. "It means a lot that you're here."

She stepped back, looking him up and down. "And already a corporal, huh? Looks like my boy's really grown up."

Alex laughed, shaking his head. "I only did what needed to be done."

"Don't be so humble," she snapped. "You deserve it. And I'm sure your Uncle Ian would be very proud, too."

Jack's words struck a chord with Alex. Though he had mixed feelings about Ian Rider, he knew his uncle had prepared him to face challenges like this.

The next day, Alex was assigned to his new infantry unit. The platoon was made up of seasoned soldiers, and he knew he would have to prove himself again, even with his initial promotion.

His new team leader, Sergeant Wilkinson, was a burly man with a look that seemed to see right through you. He gathered the team together for a quick introduction.

"This is Corporal Alex Rider," the sergeant said, looking around at the group. "He excelled in basic training and was promoted straight to the top. But know this: in the field, everyone starts from scratch. You can be a corporal, a general, or the king himself, but here you have to prove that you deserve to be among us."

Alex nodded, understanding the message. He didn't expect privileges. He was here to learn and contribute.

After the presentation was over, Alex approached the sergeant.

"Sergeant Wilkinson, may I ask you a question?" Alex began, keeping his tone respectful.

"Speak, Corporal Rider," Wilkinson replied, crossing his arms.

"I was wondering if there was any possibility of me applying to Sniper School in the future. It's something that interests me and that I think I could do well."

The sergeant raised an eyebrow, assessing Alex.

"Sniper, huh?" he asked, with a hint of curiosity. "Why is that? Is it something you've done before, or do you just think it would be good?"

Alex hesitated for a moment. He couldn't bring up his experiences with MI6, but he knew the truth was essential.

"I've trained in sharpshooting before, sir. And I think I have the patience and focus needed for the job. I also believe I could be an asset to the team."

Wilkinson was silent, studying the young corporal.

Finally, he nodded. "Well, Rider, it's a tough road, but not impossible. First, you need to prove that you have what it takes here in the infantry. Show that you're more than just a good shot; show that you understand the role of a sniper on the battlefield. If I think you're ready, we'll talk about it."

"Yes, sir," Alex replied with determination.

Over the next few days, Alex began to settle into the routine of the infantry. He soaked up as much knowledge as he could, learning from the more experienced soldiers. Although he was young, his determination and humility quickly earned him the respect of his peers.

Davies, who had been assigned to another unit, found Alex during a break between drills.

"So, Corporal Rider," Davies said with a playful smile. "Are you planning on taking over the world yet, or are you going to wait until you're a sergeant?"

"No, I'll wait until you're a colonel," Alex replied, laughing.

"Seriously," Davies continued, "I heard you wanted to be a sniper. I can't say I'm surprised. You have the eye of someone who always hits the target."

Alex shrugged. "It's something I want to try. But I still have a lot to learn here first."

"Well," Davies said, "if anyone can do it, it's you."

As Alex threw himself into his new role, he felt a new sense of purpose. Unlike his previous assignments, where he had been manipulated and forced into action, he was now in control of his journey. He knew the road ahead would be long, but for the first time, he was prepared to face it.

Wilkinson's watchful eye and the challenges of the infantry would be just the first steps in a career Alex could only begin to imagine.

Chapter 5 – The Sniper's Eye

The first rays of sunlight were breaking over the horizon as Alex Rider walked across the infantry training ground. He was efficiently adjusting his equipment, ready for another day.

The young corporal was determined to impress his sergeant, Wilkinson, and earn the right to enter Sniper School. Ever since they first talked about his interest in becoming a sniper, Alex had worked tirelessly to show that he was not only a good soldier, but someone with the potential to be exceptional.

That morning, Alex's team was in a simulated combat exercise, testing coordination and accuracy in a battle scenario. Wilkinson, as always, was watching closely, evaluating each member's performance.

"Alpha team, cover the left flank! Rider, find an elevated position and give me eyes on the terrain ahead," the sergeant shouted.

"Roger, sir," Alex replied, already on the move.

He quickly climbed a nearby rise, from where he could survey the simulated combat field. Lying prone, his rifle adjusted, Alex identified a "threat" on the other side of the field.

"Contact, 10 o'clock position, 200 yards," he radioed, remaining calm.

"Neutralize," came Wilkinson's reply.

Alex adjusted his sights, controlled his breathing, and squeezed the trigger. The blank round hit the target perfectly.

"Target neutralized," Alex reported.

Wilkinson smiled slightly at the precision in the young corporal's tone. He knew Alex had potential, but it was something deeper that impressed him: the calm, the clarity under pressure, qualities that only the best marksmen possessed.

Later, Wilkinson called Alex aside for a private conversation. They were standing near a warehouse, with the sound of training in the background.

"Rider," the sergeant began, crossing his arms. "I've been watching you for the past few weeks. Your results are consistent, and your performance under pressure is better than I expected."

"Thank you, sir," Alex replied, maintaining his formal demeanor.

"I don't give compliments easily, so take advantage of this," Wilkinson continued. "You mentioned wanting to go to Sniper School. I think you're ready."

Alex's eyes lit up for a moment, but he kept his composure.

"Does that mean I've been recommended, sir?" he asked, trying not to sound eager.

"It means I'm going to submit your name," Wilkinson confirmed. "But listen to me, Rider. This school is no joke. You may be the best shot in the infantry, but there, you'll be with the best in the army. Every mistake will be noted, every weakness will be exploited. Are you prepared for that?"

"Yes, sir," Alex replied firmly.

Wilkinson nodded. "Very well. Don't let me down."

Sniper School was a place unlike anything Alex had ever faced. Located in a remote and isolated area, the environment was harsh and brutal. The instructors were veterans with years of real combat experience, men who had seen the worst of war and lived to tell the tale.

On the first day, Alex was introduced to the L115A3, the British Army's standard issue sniper rifle. It was an impressive weapon, designed to hit targets at ranges of up to 1,500 meters with lethal accuracy. Alex held the rifle carefully, studying every detail.

"This rifle will be your best friend," said one of the instructors, Sergeant Harper, as he walked among the students. "Treat it right, and it won't let you down. Treat it wrong, and it will be the difference between life and death on the battlefield."

The first few days were spent familiarizing the students with the weapon. Alex excelled from the start. While others struggled to adjust the sights and control the recoil, he seemed to operate the rifle as an extension of his body.

On the third day, Harper noticed something that caught his attention. Alex was adjusting the scope precisely, as if he knew exactly what he was doing.

"Rider," Harper called, stepping closer. "Have you ever used anything like this before?"

"Not exactly, sir," Alex replied. "But I did have some practice with precision shooting before I enlisted."

Harper narrowed his eyes, studying Alex. "Well, you've got the knack. Let's see how you do in the field."

For the first long-range practice, Alex and the other students were taken to a shooting range with targets at different distances, hidden among trees and bushes. The students had to locate the targets, calculate the distance and wind, and make their shots accurately.

Alex lay on the ground, adjusting the scope of his rifle. He controlled his breathing, remembering the training he had received in MI6, although he would never admit it.

"Target at 800 meters," Harper said, peering through the binoculars.

Alex located the target quickly. He adjusted the angle and focus, put his finger on the trigger, and fired.

"Center," Harper announced in surprise. "Next target, 1,200 meters."

Alex repeated the process, adjusting for the wind blew. The shot was true again.

The other instructors, who had been watching from afar, began to notice Alex's consistency. One of them commented, "There's something special about this kid. He reads the field like a veteran."

As the weeks went by, Alex continued to excel. He didn't just hit targets; he did so with a precision and speed that impressed even the most seasoned instructors.

During a nighttime exercise, Alex was the only one to locate a hidden target at over 1,300 yards, firing with near-perfect accuracy. Harper, who had been watching closely, nodded in approval.

"Rider," he said after the exercise, "you're exceeding all expectations. It's not just your technical ability. You have an instinct that can't be taught."

"Thank you, sir," Alex replied, keeping his tone humble.

"But don't get complacent," Harper continued. "The real test is yet to come."

The last week of school was dedicated to a final exercise: a test of survival and accuracy. Each student was sent into the woods with a rifle and a mission: to locate and neutralize a specific target while avoiding detection by the instructors, who were acting as enemy forces.

Alex used all his skills to track the target, moving silently through the vegetation. He found the perfect spot to shoot, adjusted the scope, and waited. Patience was key.

When the right moment arrived, he pulled the trigger. At the end of the exercise, Harper gathered the students to announce the results.

"Congratulations, Rider," he said, with a rare smile. "You didn't just pass. You were the best in the class. Welcome to the world of snipers."

Alex felt a surge of pride, but also of responsibility. He knew this was just the beginning of a new challenge. As he was packing up his equipment after the ceremony, Harper approached him again.

"You've got something special, kid," he said. "Keep it up, and you'll have a brilliant career. But remember: accuracy is only part of the job. Patience, focus, and the ability to make tough decisions are what make a true sniper."

Alex nodded, taking in every word. He knew there was much more to learn, but he was ready. His training at Sniper School had been a test of both mind and body, and he had proven himself up to the task.

Chapter 6 – The Team's Sniper

The grey British morning sky covered the base's training grounds as Alex Rider returned to his team. The insignia embroidered on the shoulder of his uniform, indicating that he had completed Sniper School, stood out clearly. His newly earned brief was not just a piece of fabric; it was a symbol of excellence and even greater responsibility.

Upon arriving at the barracks, Alex was greeted with curious glances and a few respectful bows. Many had heard rumors of his performance at Sniper School, and while some seemed impressed, others were a bit skeptical. It was rare for someone so young to achieve such an accomplishment, but Alex knew he would have to prove, once again, that he deserved to be here.

Sergeant Wilkinson was waiting for Alex at the team's training center. He stood with his hands behind his back, watching the other soldiers practice combat tactics.

"Rider," he called as he saw Alex approaching. "Welcome back."

"Thank you, sir," Alex replied, standing at attention.

"I heard good things about you at Sniper School," Wilkinson continued, smiling slightly. "They say you impressed even the most demanding instructors. Is that true?"

"I did my best, sir," Alex said, remaining humble.

"Good. Because now the real work begins." Wilkinson paused, assessing the young corporal. "Starting today, you are the designated sniper for this team. That means your job isn't just to pick off targets. You will be our eyes and ears in combat situations, and the lives of your fellow officers may depend on your accuracy and judgment. Understood?"

"Yes, sir," Alex replied firmly.

Wilkinson nodded. "Very well. Let's assemble the team."

When all team members were present, Wilkinson made the formal introduction.

"Listen up, everyone," he began in his characteristic authoritative tone. "As you know, Rider has just completed Sniper School. He not only passed; he was top of his class. From now on, he will be the sniper for this team."

There was a murmur of approval, but also a few appraising glances. Alex could tell that not everyone was completely convinced, but he knew that was normal. This was an environment where respect had to be earned constantly.

After the brief introduction, one of the more veteran soldiers, Corporal Henderson, approached Alex.

"Sniper, huh?" Henderson said with a smile. "I hope you know that means you'll be carrying even more weight in your backpack."

Alex smiled slightly. "It's part of the job, right?"

"That's right," Henderson replied. "Well, kid, I hope you're as good as they say. We'll need you on the next mission."

Team Integration In the days that followed, Alex trained hard for his new role. He spent hours fine-tuning his L115A3 rifle, making sure every part was perfectly calibrated. To him, the rifle was not just a weapon; it was an extension of himself. He knew every detail, every nuance, and it showed in his performance.

During a simulated urban combat environment, Alex was positioned in an abandoned building, tasked with covering his team as they moved through the streets below. He watched through the scope, identifying potential threats and relaying information over the radio.

"Wilkinson," Alex said, keeping his voice calm, "I see two hostile targets on the second floor of the building ahead. Permission to engage?"

"Permission granted, Rider," the sergeant replied.

Alex adjusted the scope, controlled his breathing, and fired. The dry crack of the rifle echoed, and the target was "engaged" with precision. The second shot followed shortly after, with the same result.

"Targets engaged," Alex reported.

"Good job, Rider," Wilkinson said over the radio. "Keep your eyes open. We're moving in."

After the exercise, Wilkinson called the team together for a debriefing. He looked at Alex with a serious but approving expression.

"Rider, you gave us the edge today. Good job."

"Thanks, sir," Alex replied, pleased with the recognition.

Later, in the barracks, Alex sat down to clean his rifle, a routine he found almost therapeutic. Henderson approached again, a mug of coffee in his hands.

"Hey, kid," Henderson said, pulling up a chair. "You know, you're starting to earn the trust of the guys. That's not easy."

"I'm just doing my job," Alex replied, never taking his eyes off the rifle.

"Yeah, but there's more to being a sniper than just shooting," Henderson continued. "You have to stay one step ahead. Know what your team needs before they know it."

Alex nodded, understanding the depth of what Henderson was saying.

"And there's another thing," Henderson said, leaning forward. "You're going to carry the weight of every shot you make. No matter how much you train, on the battlefield you're going to be real, every decision will be yours. And the consequences too."

Alex stared at Henderson, absorbing those words. He knew that the responsibility of being a sniper went far beyond hitting the target.

Shortly thereafter, Alex's team was assigned to an advanced training mission, simulating a reconnaissance operation in hostile territory. The mission required precision, coordination and, above all, Alex's skill as a sniper.

During the infiltration, Alex was positioned on an elevated vantage point, tasked with observing and protecting the team as they approached the "objective." The setting was dense forest, with limited visibility, but Alex used the scope on his rifle as if it were an extension of his own eye.

"Rider," Wilkinson called over the radio, "status?"

"No hostile movement so far, sir," Alex replied, adjusting the scope to widen the field of view. "Stand by... movement at 3 o'clock. Two armed individuals."

"Can you handle them?" Wilkinson asked.

"Yes, sir," Alex said, already positioning himself.

The first shot was accurate, hitting the simulated "target" with precision. The second came soon after, so fast that the instructors monitoring the simulation were impressed.

"Targets neutralized," Alex reported, keeping his voice steady.

Thanks to Alex's cover, the team was able to complete the mission without "casualties." Wilkinson, visibly pleased, made a point of praising the young sniper's performance during the debriefing.

"Rider, you proved today why you were chosen for this role," he said. "Keep it up, and you will have a brilliant career ahead of you."

That night, back at the barracks, Alex sat alone, looking up at the starry sky. He knew he had earned the respect of his team, but he also felt the weight of his new responsibilities. Being the team's sniper meant that everyone depended on him, and he could not fail.

Jack Starbright called at that moment, bringing a smile to Alex's face.

"How's the best sniper in the army doing?" she asked playfully.

"Doing what I can," Alex replied, laughing.

"I'm proud of you, Alex. I know it wasn't easy to get here, but you deserve it."

"Thank you, Jack," Alex said, feeling grateful to have her in his life. "That means a lot."

As the call ended, Alex took a deep breath, feeling more determined than ever. He knew he still had a lot to learn and face, but he was ready for whatever came his way. After all, that was what being a soldier was all about: responsibility, courage, and the will to always give your best.

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