“The accuracy of marksmanship only improves through daily accumulation. As for [Xing’ao Basic Marksmanship], you make it sound easy, but the fifth ring is not something you can comprehend so easily. In our family’s history, those who managed to grasp the fifth ring before the age of 20 can be counted on one hand.” Myron responded in a low voice.

　　Among the graduates of the major academies, students who can reach the fifth ring of [Xing’ao Basic Marksmanship] are also extremely rare.

　　Moreover, even if one can reach the fifth ring, it’s still difficult to maintain a hit rate above 70% in moving target shooting.

　　If someone can achieve both, just this accomplishment alone is enough for direct recruitment into the Imperial Elite Training Camp.

　　“Next, Charles Lynn.”

　　Instructor Colin said this, glancing at Charles Lynn. Noticing that the latter’s expression was a bit off, he added, “Don’t be intimidated by the results of Shawn Moore and Myron. Their assessment scores would far surpass third place in any session. Just relax and perform as you usually do.”

　　Charles Lynn nodded, but secretly scratched his head. He wasn’t actually nervous; he was just thinking that if Myron knew that the “Lynn” who crushed him in third grade was standing right in front of him, this guy might just rush over and fight on the spot.

　　Walking to the center of the training field, Charles Lynn drew his standard-issue pistol, waiting for the timing command.

　　“Stationary target shooting, begin.”

　　Instructor Colin pressed the timer button and turned to walk toward Shawn Moore and Myron, wanting to get closer to these two new-generation geniuses from the Moore family.

　　Gripping the pistol, Charles Lynn suddenly felt a strange sensation, just like the state of mastery he experienced last night while practicing [Xing’ao Basic Marksmanship] in the virtual training ground.

　　Instinctively channeling his core energy, the square mark on the pistol grip lit up. As he pulled the trigger, a halo appeared around the muzzle.

　　One, two, three... three halos appeared in succession. At this moment, Charles Lynn felt everything around him quiet down, his focus reaching an unprecedented level, entering a state he had never experienced before.

　　At the same time, there was a faint heat in his chest, and that strange pattern surfaced again, glowing softly.

　　In the next instant, Charles Lynn could sense the bullet being fired from the barrel. After the third halo appeared, the fourth and fifth halos were emerging.

　　[Xing’ao Basic Marksmanship] · Fifth Ring!?

　　“When did I reach the fifth ring?!”

　　As soon as this thought surfaced, Charles Lynn snapped back to his senses. With a flick of his wrist, the just-appeared fourth and fifth halos at the muzzle instantly vanished.

　　Bang!

　　The humanoid target shook, a shot hitting dead center.

　　Charles Lynn stood there, staring at the standard-issue pistol in his hand, a bit dumbfounded. How did his [Xing’ao Basic Marksmanship] reach the fifth ring in just one night?

　　Could it be that practicing marksmanship in the Core Network can also improve real-world skills?

　　Training on the Core Network was supposed to be just for assistance and error correction...

　　This is too outrageous!

　　This isn’t scientific?!

　　Wait...

　　Charles Lynn suddenly snapped out of it and turned his head, only to see Instructor Colin with his back to him, walking toward Shawn Moore and Myron.

　　As for Shawn Moore and Myron, they were staring wide-eyed, not blinking as they watched him.

　　Looking at the two, Charles Lynn twitched the corner of his mouth, forcing an awkward yet polite smile.

　　“Charles Lynn, what’s wrong?” Instructor Colin turned around and asked with a frown.

　　“Sir, I’m a bit nervous. Can I take a break?” Charles Lynn said.

　　“Sure, take five minutes.”

　　Instructor Colin nodded and walked back, standing at the edge of the field to give Charles Lynn some psychological counseling, telling him not to feel pressured and not to dwell on the results of Shawn Moore and Myron.

　　……

　　“Myron,” Shawn Moore said quietly, “did you see that just now?”

　　“Of course. This guy probably lost control for a moment and accidentally unleashed the fifth ring of [Xing’ao Basic Marksmanship], but then reacted in time and withdrew his power at the very instant the bullet was about to fire, ending up with three rings.”

　　There was a hint of shock in Myron’s eyes. “This is the level where the fifth-ring marksmanship can be controlled at will. I didn’t expect such a sharpshooter to quietly show up in this session of the training camp.”

　　Staring at the info about Charles Lynn on the screen, Shawn Moore muttered, “Charles Lynn, his background is really ordinary.”

　　“That’s not surprising. Many geniuses from powerful factions choose this kind of approach for training, or they’ve been part of a hidden genius cultivation plan since childhood. Since Uncle Colin didn’t notice, let’s just pretend nothing happened...” Myron said.

　　“But it’s so embarrassing! Uncle Colin keeps using our scores to comfort this guy.” Shawn Moore stomped her foot lightly, feeling quite uncomfortable.

　　“It’s nothing. Didn’t this guy almost mess up his act too? We’re all in the same boat.” Myron said in a low voice.

　　Shawn Moore thought about it and realized that was true.

　　At this moment, Charles Lynn continued with the assessment, finishing three rounds of stationary target shooting, all hitting the bullseye.

　　“Charles Lynn, moving target hit rate—35%, [Xing’ao Basic Marksmanship]—three rings.”

　　Looking at the screen, Instructor Colin showed a look of surprise. “Not bad! This score earns you an excellent rating.”

　　“It’s all thanks to Instructor Colin’s psychological counseling. I was really under a lot of pressure just now.” Charles Lynn said with a smile.