Chapter 16: Individual Third-Class Merit Award!

“Yes, Company Commander, I understand!” Lao Hei knew full well that Xu Guoqing was determined to thoroughly train Qi Tian.

Of course, a new recruit with courage, physical strength, and commendable discipline was truly worth their effort to cultivate well!

...

Ten minutes later, in the regimental commander’s office.

Li Yunfei fixed his gaze sharply on Xu Guoqing across from him.

After a long pause, he sighed deeply and said, “Xiao Xu, you probably shouldn’t be the one directing Qi Tian’s training.

I know you want to protect the squad leader, but you must understand that this matter requires investigation into its cause.

What I can assure you is that Lao Hei’s military career won’t be cut short immediately because of this, but how far he can go from here depends on his fate.

As for Qi Tian… I agree with your judgment. This new recruit is indeed quite remarkable.

Although the higher-ups have made it clear they want to push him hard, to the point of near exhaustion, as long as he doesn’t die from it.

Still, I support you in nurturing him well. Go ahead and do your best. If the higher-ups investigate this, I will back you up.”

Upon hearing this, Xu Guoqing quickly stood and saluted, replying, “Thank you for your support, Regimental Commander!

To be honest, although I’ve only known this kid for less than forty-eight hours, I can already tell he will definitely accomplish something significant in the army.

I want to help him build a solid foundation and witness how far he can rise. Oh, about that commendation…”

“I will personally oversee it. The new recruits’ company will receive such recognition by the next day.

This has already set a new record for our Iron Fist Regiment, and even for the entire Southeast Military District.

Not only you but even I am starting to like this kid!”

With that, Li Yunfei rose and led Xu Guoqing downstairs to handle the related formalities.

Meanwhile, Qi Tian was still in the mess hall, enjoying a sumptuous lunch, completely unaware that he was about to achieve an unprecedented feat!

[ Ding! Congratulations, Host Qi Tian, for successfully saving a comrade and preventing an accident.

Reward: Photographic memory granted immediately! ]

At that moment, the system’s voice suddenly rang in Qi Tian’s mind.

Qi Tian’s expression instantly brightened. He straightened up quickly, his entire body tensing in anticipation of this new reward.

Unlike previous times when receiving physical enhancement and elite discipline rewards, accompanied by strange sensations throughout his body, this time Qi Tian only felt a comforting sensation in his pupils.

It was as if a gentle energy had suddenly emerged within him, nurturing his eyes.

His previously near-sighted and astigmatic eyes gradually restored under this nurturing energy.

Most importantly, his pupils and subconscious seemed to develop an inexplicable connection.

Qi Tian tried recalling the regulations and codes he had reviewed last night.

Extremely precise information immediately appeared before his eyes.

It was as if an ethereal manual of regulations was available for him to browse at will!

“Photographic memory really came just in time!” Qi Tian couldn’t help but exclaim in amazement upon witnessing the power of this skill.

Now equipped with this ability, he could not only thoroughly comprehend all the knowledge in the regulations but also remember the complex texts and even the exact order of every provision clearly.

He could recall and consult them anytime!

He even sensed that his overall memory seemed to have been indirectly enhanced by this reward.

This reward was not only timely but also extremely comprehensive!

Qi Tian was nearly certain this ability would be the most frequently used skill throughout his military career, bar none!

“Brother Tian, what are you talking about? I think I heard you say something about not forgetting?” Lin Mang blinked in mild confusion beside Qi Tian.

Since leaving the tank battalion, Lin Mang had stuck closely behind Qi Tian like a shadow.

Clearly, he regarded Qi Tian, his lifesaver, as an elder brother!

“Nothing, I’m just recalling the regulations I studied last night. Hurry and eat; we have training this afternoon,” Qi Tian lied casually, steering the topic away.

Although he could tell Lin Mang genuinely admired and respected him and wanted to get closer, Qi Tian—having lived two lifetimes—was determined not to reveal anything about the system.

As the saying goes, an innocent man with treasure invites trouble!

Qi Tian also did not want this secret to spread and himself become a test subject locked away for detailed study.

“Brother Tian, eat more meat. This chicken leg is pretty fatty; I’m not that hungry. You take it,” Lin Mang said without hesitation, picking up the chicken leg from his plate and offering it to Qi Tian.

“Clatter!”

Before Lin Mang could put down the chicken leg, the mess hall curtains were suddenly pushed aside from outside.

Then came the voice of Company Commander Xu Guoqing, accompanied by a noisy rush of footsteps.

The two squads of new recruits dining immediately snapped to attention, facing Xu Guoqing.

At the same time, the other eight squads of soldiers, training nearby, filed in one after another.

The entire recruit company assembled in the mess hall, awaiting the superior’s announcement.

“I have gathered everyone here to announce something important.

Our company has set a new honor—a first since the founding of the nation!”

Xu Guoqing stood at the front of the mess hall, his gaze sweeping over the recruits from all ten squads before settling on the first squad.

“Qi Tian of Squad One, step forward!”

“Yes, sir!”

Qi Tian quickly stepped out of formation and stood before Xu Guoqing.

“Confirmed by the higher command, Comrade Qi Tian performed outstandingly during training and saved a comrade’s life this morning.

The regimental headquarters has decided to award Comrade Qi Tian a Third-Class Individual Merit Medal.

I hope Comrade Qi Tian will continue to work hard and always uphold the spirit of fearlessness of hardship and death, serving the people!”

Xu Guoqing’s voice was so loud and clear it seemed to pierce the entire mess hall.

Then, in front of all the recruits, Xu Guoqing accepted a crimson wooden box from Lao Hei, took out a medal, and pinned it on Qi Tian’s chest.

“Congratulations, Qi Tian, on accomplishing a remarkable feat.”

Xu Guoqing patted Qi Tian heavily on the shoulder and smiled, praising, “Since the founding of our nation, no one has achieved what you have.

To receive such an honor on the second day of service—I believe your merit will become one of the brightest chapters in the Dragon Nation’s military history!”

Hearing this, all the recruits’ expressions changed dramatically.

Individual, Third-Class Merit on the second day of enlistment!

A record never before seen in military history since the founding of the nation!

Heavens!

“Glug…”

Several recruits in line audibly swallowed their saliva, clearly stunned by Xu Guoqing’s words.

But soon, relentless applause erupted like thunder.

“Qi Tian! Qi Tian! Qi Tian!”

Qi Tian’s name was chanted in unison by everyone present, the cheers resounding almost throughout the entire Iron Fist Regiment’s barracks!