Chapter Eighteen: The Final Test—A Defining Moment for the Recruits!

The three months of gruelling training finally led to this moment. The recruits of the new soldier battalion had reached the decisive stage of their journey.

“Double-time, march! One, two, three, four!”

The thunderous calls echoed across the military compound as rows of soldiers moved in perfect sync, their boots striking the ground with a steady, disciplined rhythm. The once-green recruits, fresh off the streets, had been forged into something more—something sharper, more resilient.

Step, step, step…

Each footfall was precise, each movement crisp. The recruits assembled swiftly into a tight formation, standing at rigid attention as they awaited further orders.

“At ease! Attention!”

A sharp command sliced through the crisp morning air.

Swish!

The recruits executed the movement with practised precision. Their shoulders squared, their gazes steady. The timid, uncertain expressions from three months ago were gone—what remained were the eyes of soldiers.

“Count off!”

From the front of the formation, the recruit company commander’s voice rang with authority.

“One! Two! Three! Four!”

The counting continued down the line, each recruit responding with unwavering discipline.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.

“Commander!”

“The new soldier company is assembled and ready for review. Awaiting your orders!”

The company commander turned toward the reviewing platform, saluting smartly.

Seated at the front was Captain Miao, accompanied by officers from the 8th Regiment Headquarters. Their gazes were sharp, scanning the ranks for excellence, for potential.

“Begin!” Captain Miao ordered.

“Yes, sir!”

The company commander turned back to the recruits and began the evaluation.

“Left face! Right face!”

The recruits pivoted as one, their movements synchronized to perfection. Every drill they had endured—every push-up, every march, every moment spent standing under the scorching sun—had led to this.

There was no hesitation, no misstep. This was more than just a drill—it was their final exam.

From basic standing positions to salute execution, from marching in cadence to precise turning manoeuvres, each recruit demonstrated what they had learned. Three months of discipline had honed them into soldiers.

Among them, Lin Yi stood out like a beacon. His movements were flawless. A full score across the board. One hundred points. First place.

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The parade ground was quickly transformed. Rows of wooden stools were set up, each recruit was handed a clipboard and pen.

This was the military theory exam—a test of their political knowledge, rules, regulations, and military doctrines. Though many viewed it as easier than physical training, those who had neglected their studies now found themselves breaking into cold sweats.

Rustle, rustle, rustle…

The sound of pens scratching against paper filled the silent air as the recruits furiously answered each question. Among them, Lin Yi stood out yet again. He didn’t just finish the exam first—he completed it in under ten minutes. The reviewing officers raised their eyebrows, some exchanging glances. Not a single moment of hesitation. When the tests were scored, the results shocked even the regiment officers. Another perfect score.

Lin Yi had dominated both the practical assessment and the written examination. This had never happened before in the history of the 8th Regiment.

“Impressive.”

One of the regiment officers nodded approvingly. The discussion at the command post quickly turned toward one subject—the “Outstanding Recruit” selection. It was clear as day who deserved the title.

……………………………………………………………………………………………

Later that evening, as the camp settled into its usual rhythm, Captain Miao found himself surrounded by regiment officials, all eager to discuss one topic.

“Miao, looks like you hit the jackpot this year,” one of the officers remarked.

Miao, ever humble, chuckled. “Eh, new recruits are like wheat—you get a good harvest some years, and other years… well.”

But he wasn’t fooling anyone. Everyone knew Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company had submitted a nomination for “Outstanding Recruit.”

And it was obvious who the candidate was.

Lin Yi.

If approved at the regiment level, the nomination would move up to the division, then the military district command, where the final selections were made.

Everyone in the room knew—if Lin Yi became the “Outstanding Recruit” of the Southeast Military District, he wouldn’t just skip the rank of Private First Class—he would leap straight to Sergeant. An unprecedented achievement.

……………………………………………………………………………………………

Meanwhile, inside the barracks, Chen Xiwa sat uneasily beside Lin Yi.

“Vice Squad Leader,” he hesitated. “Zhuang Yan didn’t even participate in the assessment. Do you think they’ll… send him home?”

Lin Yi chuckled. “You’re overthinking it, Xiwa.”

There were only two ways a recruit could be dismissed from the army:

1. 1. Medical Discharge – If a soldier was deemed physically unfit for service.

1. 1. Voluntary Discharge – If a soldier refused to serve, leading to dismissal and severe penalties, including bans from government jobs and academic institutions.

Zhuang Yan fell under neither category.

“Relax,” Lin Yi reassured him. “They’re not sending him home.”

Chen Xiwa’s brows furrowed. “But he’s in confinement…”

Lin Yi smirked. “The military never rejects ‘troublemakers.’ In fact, they love them. Especially in recon units.”

Zhuang Yan wasn’t being punished. He was being tested. Someone in command—likely Captain Miao—had already decided Zhuang Yan belonged in Night Tiger Recon. But if they let him openly complete training, other companies would fight to take him. So they locked him away.@@novelbin@@

“By keeping him out of the final assessment, they’ve made him ‘undesirable’ to other units. That way, he has no choice but to join Night Tiger.”

Chen Xiwa’s eyes widened. “They planned all that?”

Lin Yi nodded. “Yep. Clever, right?”

“Damn…”

Chen Xiwa shook his head, finally realizing how deep the military’s strategies ran.

“Well, as long as he stays, I’m happy.”

He gave a relieved smile. After all, no matter how much Zhuang Yan complained, Lin Yi and Xiwa both knew—deep down that he was born to be a soldier.