Chapter 136: Compete, Don’t Do An Injustice to Yourself
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Wang Ye’s gun had already been carefully maintained by Ye Sanshi, but this didn’t affect the current operation. In fact, everyone’s guns were in excellent condition due to their proper maintenance.
Although Wang Ye hadn’t undergone any formal training, he had retrieved the gun from the storeroom just now, and the process of handling it was a learning experience on its own.
Taking cues from Ye Sanshi, Wang Ye carefully proceeded with the steps to handle the gun. He removed the magazine, pulled down the bolt, and checked the chamber to ensure there were no bullets.
Of course, it was evident that there were no bullets in the magazine, as it would have disastrous consequences if there were any. Nonetheless, adhering to the correct procedure was crucial.
Due to his lack of experience, Wang Ye’s movements weren’t as swift as Ye Sanshi’s. He encountered some difficulties, and it required a bit of effort to dismantle the gun properly.
After spending about a minute, Wang Ye finally succeeded in dismantling the gun, placing all the parts on a cloth in front of him before proceeding with the maintenance.
Following Ye Sanshi’s guidance, Wang Ye maintained the gun’s parts using similar steps and techniques. Despite his current memory being only 1.5, he was able to recall the information learned from Ye Sanshi accurately.
After the maintenance, Wang Ye remained silent and focused as he began to assemble the gun again. This time, the process was a bit faster, thanks to his familiarization with the assembly structure during the dismantling process.
Within about 30 to 40 seconds, Wang Ye successfully assembled a fully maintained 81st Crossbow. He then changed the toilet paper on the gun barrel, making sure it was completely empty.
Ye Sanshi was the first to applaud, praising Wang Ye for quickly and skillfully completing the task just by observing once. Others in the dormitory also clapped, though Wang Ye could sense that some of them were not genuinely impressed and were probably eager to try it themselves.
Despite the applause, Wang Ye’s mind was preoccupied with the system’s response.
“Skill transformation failed!” The system’s feedback had surprised him.
He looked down at the pike in his hand, lost in thought about what could have gone wrong during the skill transformation process.
It seemed that the issue with the skill transformation wasn’t about firearms being unable to be converted, but rather the time taken during the disassembly and combination process. Wang Ye realized that spending over six minutes on the task might have exceeded the system’s criteria for a successful skill transformation.
Despite this setback, Wang Ye decided not to dwell on it too much. He knew that he could try again later and even attempt to perform the task without relying on the system.
As Ye Sanshi selected the next person, Deng Hai, to attempt the challenge, it was evident that Deng Hai was determined to compete with Wang Ye. Deng Hai’s movements were swift and efficient, and he managed to complete the entire process in less than four minutes, much faster than Wang Ye.
However, Ye Sanshi didn’t applaud Deng Hai’s achievement. Instead, he calmly reminded him, “Did you forget the authorization oath just now?”
Deng Hai was taken aback by this statement. It appeared that Ye Sanshi was not only evaluating their skills but also emphasizing the importance of adhering to the rules and maintaining discipline during their training and operations.
Ye Sanshi wore a stern expression, disappointed with what he had just witnessed.
“When you took the oath, you promised to cherish your guns as if they were your own lives.”
“But look at what you were doing just now.” Blackface Ye stared directly at Deng Hai.
The gun was disassembled and reassembled hastily, with little concern for the impact and wear on its parts. Control over their strength was lacking.”
“Let me tell you, Deng Hai,” Ye Sanshi said in a deep voice, “You can’t judge a competition by its surface. As a newbie, holding a gun for the first time, your focus should be on following my orders and treating your gun and life with care, step by step.”
“Yes, sir! I was wrong!” Deng Hai admitted straightforwardly. Though Wang Ye noticed his clenched fists, he quickly lowered his head and apologized.
Wang Ye didn’t know what to say to him; it seemed like Deng Hai had lost his way.
“Put down your gun and run five kilometers on the field. Reflect on how you should value your life. And write a 5,000-word essay, due before tomorrow’s roll call!”
Deng Hai looked up at Ye Sanshi, clenching his fists even tighter and breathing heavily.
“Still not convinced?” Ye Sanshi raised an eyebrow.
“Report, I’m convinced!” Deng Hai gritted his teeth.
“Your expression tells me otherwise! Step aside for now. You can run those five kilometers when you can smile at me.”
Ye Sanshi’s calm voice stunned everyone in class five.
As the vice class monitor and a soldier of the 4th Company, Wang Ye could have pleaded for mercy. However, he chose not to.
To be honest, ever since Deng Hai drank the smoked water, he had been trying to compete with Wang Ye. However, Wang Ye never saw him as a threat and allowed him to grow.
But now, something had happened, and Wang Ye wouldn’t help Deng Hai, nor would he hinder him.
He knew that if he pleaded for Deng Hai now, it might improve Ye Sanshi’s opinion of him, seeing him as a compassionate and friendly soldier. However, Wang Ye didn’t want to create that impression. He didn’t see himself as kind or value camaraderie.
While Wang Ye had comradeship with the others in Class Five, especially Qin Li, Wan Baojiang, and the rest, Deng Hai was different. Wang Ye couldn’t bring himself to pretend or maintain a friendly facade with someone who secretly resented him.
If Deng Hai remained in the same company in the future, Wang Ye might even consider finding a way to remove him. Trusting someone who harbored such ill feelings was dangerous, especially on the battlefield, where your life depended on your comrades.
Even though Wang Ye knew that eliminating enemies was better than keeping them, he hesitated to take such action. He didn’t want to cause unnecessary grievances.
Under the watchful eyes of Class Five, Deng Hai gazed up at Ye Sanshi, reminiscent of the night they drank and smoked together.
Indeed, Deng Hai must be feeling very angry and frustrated at the moment. He had been putting in a lot of effort, trying to prove himself to Ye Sanshi and the rest of Class Five.
Despite seeing other classes change their vice class monitor, Ye Sanshi had never brought up this matter within their class. This likely fueled Deng Hai’s belief that if he outperformed Wang Ye, he would be praised and recognized.
However, the reality was disappointing for him. Instead of receiving applause and acknowledgment, he faced the consequence of his hasty actions.
“Yes sir!”
With a mix of emotions, Deng Hai eventually gave in, gritting his teeth and agreeing once again to Ye Sanshi’s orders after a brief moment of resistance.