Chapter 198: The Test Begins, The First to Get Full Marks

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

The following day, which was Monday, saw the arrival of six new recruits. Even the wake-up call seemed harmonious as they all gathered together.

Simultaneously, this marked the official commencement of the assessment.

They didn’t wait until eight o’clock, as the assessment began at six o’clock when the entire company assembled. After a brief speech from Wu Jianfeng and the instructor, the company’s chief of staff announced the commencement of the examination.

Everyone proceeded upstairs to the classroom and took their seats.

The first segment of the recruit graduation assessment was the theory assessment.

Seated in his chair, Wang Ye maintained a straight posture, pen in hand. Upon completion of the test papers, he earnestly began answering the questions.

The questions weren’t overly complex. They pertained to regulations and general military knowledge.

For instance, the essentials of marksmanship, firearm specifications, formation fundamentals, and the like.

One could confidently say that no one within the entire classroom would falter in this exam.

After all, the class monitors were not to be underestimated.

These particulars needed to be memorized repeatedly. If not memorized, the various squatting stances, duck-like steps, and even the rigorous newspaper-punching drills would prove overwhelming.

Hence, when the assessment concluded, those leaving the classroom bore relaxed expressions.

Hehe, I feel like acing this round. The theory seemed daunting at first, but now it’s evident it was a piece of cake!” In the restroom, a line of soldiers stood, urinating, with one from the fifth squad chuckling as he relieved himself.

Wang Ye stood by, and Qin Li couldn’t resist a smug grin. “I’m certain I’ve gotten a perfect score. Even if not perfect, a 95 is guaranteed!”

Turning to Wang Ye, he inquired, “Brother Wang, how about you?”

Wang Ye chuckled, beginning his response.

Hehe, I won’t believe it until I hear it. The questions were so straightforward, and 1 feel so at ease. How could Brother Wang have struggled?”

“That’s the truth!”

Adjusting his pants, Wang Ye continued with a grin, “Truth be told, the theory assessment wasn’t particularly challenging. It’s all part of our training. However, the focus lies in the subsequent evaluations—where we can truly gauge everyone’s capabilities.”

“Certainly, I won’t falter!”

Qin Li vowed. However, as the morning’s exams commenced, his self-assured demeanor waned.

At 8 a.m., following the second assembly, the entire company embarked on the second evaluation: formations.

One by one, they followed their class monitors’ commands, flawlessly executing each formation’s sequence.

Class One was the first to take the stage. With ten members, two made errors, incurring substantial point deductions.

“Damn it, Brother Wang. I’m nervous too. I’ve got to pee!” Qin Li’s voice could be heard from the line of those awaiting their evaluations.

Wang Ye glanced over and whispered, “Relax, don’t let nervousness take over.

Regard it as another training session. Our turn is coming up soon.”

His voice carried, allowing those nearby to catch his words. This could be considered Wang Ye’s deliberate effort to offer a reminder.

The reason for this was that the two students from Class One appeared unduly anxious.

Upon joining the army, everyone initiated their training in formations—the most extended training segment. In fact, they had excelled in this drill during their initial training. Practicing formations to a satisfactory level was almost a given for anyone.

Thus, any issues encountered now stemmed from heightened nervousness.

Individually summoned to demonstrate the formation movements, the awareness of this being an assessment weighed heavily on their performance, leading to immediate on-the-spot blunders.

In reality, prior to the commencement of the exam, both Wu Jianfeng and Kang Hua, alongside the class monitors, had offered comforting words, urging everyone to remain calm and composed.

Yet, achieving such a state was not as simple as adhering to a few outsider’s words. This disposition was an outcome of each individual’s nature.

Luckily, despite their less-than-stellar performances, Wu Jianfeng did not lose his temper.

Even when a glaring mistake resulted in substantial point deductions, his expression would turn sour. However, considering these were soldiers he had trained, the formations’ test’s deterioration impacted his training outcomes gravely.

Nevertheless, his countenance only transformed in response to errors. Swiftly, he reverted to his affable and serene demeanor.

This choice was driven by his apprehension that yielding to anger and venting aloud or even donning a disgruntled look would only augment the anxiety of those recruits about to undergo the evaluation.

Ordinarily, had this not been an assessment and devoid of officer surveillance, if someone bungled a right turn when commanded to turn left, he would assuredly administer a kick. A swift kick would be followed by a spew of words targeting the recruit’s incompetence, all directed at the squad leader.

“Zheng Youwei…”

“Commander Lu…”

The evaluation progressed, names echoing out one after another.

The spectrum of performances varied, encompassing both competence and shortcomings. Generally, however, their displays were relatively positive. Predominantly, just one or two individuals per class succumbed to excessive nervousness, warranting substantial deductions.

Of course, a significant deduction in one area didn’t necessarily spell failure.

The formation evaluation’s cumulative score reached 300 points, dispersed across the 11 assessment maneuvers.

Ultimately, based on the tally of deductions, participants were categorized into three tiers: pass, good, and excellent.

Should a single major deduction occur, passing the evaluation remained feasible. Yet, the fear was that an onslaught of blunders spurred by anxiety could unfold.

Furthermore, the assessment’s aggregate score, set at 300 points, was attributed to its meticulous nature and rigorous criteria.

From promptly responding to commands, to sustaining the right gaze and synchronizing bodily motions, even encompassing the overall composure, stringent standards were enforced.

If these standards were not upheld, point deductions ensued.

Small details culminated in significant impacts. As a result, only a handful of individuals across the entire company could secure the top rank.

“Wang Ye!”

At last, on the assessment grounds, Ye Sanshi’s voice boomed, heralding Wang Ye’s turn.

“Present!”

Wang Ye responded robustly.

In the formation assessment, vocal projection was also a point of evaluation.

It was termed as a display of presence.

This evaluation component, in fact, held significant weight.

“Advance!”

“Yes, sir!”

Wang Ye’s reply resounded powerfully, bringing his turn to a start. He advanced, impeccably executing his stride. The distance covered when his foot met the ground measured precisely at 75 centimeters.

He reached the opposite side, positioned before Ye Sanshi.

“At ease, attention!”

Following the command, the three examiners from the regimental headquarters enveloped Wang Ye, silently grading his performance. Only then did Ye Sanshi proceed with the next command.

“At ease! Eyes forward…”

Command upon command, Wang Ye exhibited remarkable responsiveness, endeavoring to execute each motion flawlessly.

Though Wang Ye refrained from employing any special techniques for these actions, none were necessary.

They were rudimentary maneuvers.

As for his mental composure, Wang Ye radiated vigor.

Three months had transformed him into a figure of renown within the Iron Bones Hero Regiment, let alone the Recruit Company. What reason was there for apprehension?

His determination to secure the top rank in the recruit assessment remained unwavering. Wang Ye harbored the belief that he could clinch the first position in all segments.

After all, he was a man equipped with a system.

After nearly a minute of evaluation, Wang Ye’s performance was flawless. Though he remained uncertain about his score, the examiner at his side conveyed approval for his performance.

Yet, Wang Ye possessed confidence in garnering more than 290 points, potentially even attaining a perfect score.

Promptly, Ye Sanshi resumed the calling of names.

Following the assessment, Class Five’s evaluations concluded.

Ye Sanshi returned, a smile gracing his features.

“Nicely done, your performances were commendable. Song Yuejin, though nerves got the best of you momentarily, you managed to pass. Same goes for Qin Li. You’ve both met my expectations!”

Ye Sanshi truly beamed.

Within Class Five, his primary concerns lay with Song Yuejin and Qin Li. These two individuals weren’t exactly thriving.

Yet today, Song Yuejin’s anxiety-induced slip in a minor segment didn’t obstruct his passage.

Qin Li experienced a parallel outcome.

Having shared this, Ye Sanshi shifted his gaze to Zhang Ping’an, affirming, “Ping’an, don’t worry. It’s alright if you don’t fare as well. It’s merely a formation test. You’ve been training diligently. The subsequent makeup assessments won’t involve invigilators.”

In the end, there was one individual in Class Five who didn’t pass.

Yet, this outcome wasn’t a surprise to Ye Sanshi.

Zhang Ping’an hadn’t particularly excelled in the formation assessment. Even if he improved his practice in the future, he remained timid and prone to nervousness.

Consequently, he had mentally braced himself for this outcome.

Of course, the principal reason was Zhang Ping’an’s decision to transition to the kitchen.

Should they fail, so be it. The army was notably lenient toward cooks.

“Class monitor… Me!”

Zhang Ping’an’s voice held a touch of reserve.

“I’ve said it’s alright. Relax. You should try to calm down a bit!” Ye Sanshi offered counsel anew.

Having shared these words, he glanced at Wang Ye before looking at the rest.

“Our vice-president performed remarkably this time. Everyone, take note and learn, alright?”

“Class monitor, how many points did Brother Wang score?” Qin Li couldn’t contain his curiosity.

“A perfect score!” Ye Sanshi chuckled. “He’s definitely secured the top spot in the formation assessment!”

“Wow, a perfect score. Brother Wang, that’s quite the accomplishment!” Qin Li whispered in awe.

“Alright, keep your voice down. Others are still being evaluated. Let’s avoid causing any distractions.”

Wang Ye instructed with a grin.

Wang Ye was genuinely surprised to have achieved a perfect score.

He had indeed secured first place in the assessment….