The difference between the Strong Crossbow-2 assault rifle and the Longbow-3 assault rifle is far more than just a model number or a simple product upgrade. In terms of range, firepower, energy allocation, weight, length, and firing continuity, they are simply not in the same league. Even the most basic manufacturing materials are vastly different.

Among the new recruits, there is no shortage of military enthusiasts—many can recite the models and specifications of various firearms by heart. However, as Instructor Hack continued his introduction, quite a few recruits responded with dismissive sneers and disgruntled complaints. Henry Brooks was, of course, one of them.

So, except for Henry Brooks, who was still panting heavily, every single complaining recruit was called out of the ranks. Whether it was because Henry Brooks's loud breathing drowned out the complaints, or because Instructor Hack felt it was inappropriate to punish Henry Brooks again right after his running penalty, in any case, Henry Brooks luckily escaped this round.

Just as the soldiers who had been called out were nervously preparing to accept the punishment of running laps in full gear, Instructor Hack suddenly broke character with a beaming smile, instructing them not only to put down their backpacks but also to take off their combat training uniforms, leaving only their close-fitting adaptive temperature-regulating underwear.

The soldiers' clothing was uniform, even down to the underwear, which was military-issue. With so many people, both men and women, standing there in just their underwear, it was quite embarrassing. Although this underwear not only provided insulation but also served as a buffer for the individual armor on the combat training uniform, standing together like this—could it be that Instructor Hack was going to...?

While their imaginations were running wild, Instructor Hack "kindly" began a "gentle" ideological education for these bewildered soldiers: "I know what you brats are thinking. But you’ve forgotten one thing I emphasized repeatedly during basic training."

Suddenly raising his voice: "A soldier’s duty is to obey orders! Do you think you get to decide what weapons to use in advanced training? All of you who stepped out, line up and report to the military discipline office—each of you gets six hours of confinement!"

This punishment was completely unexpected. They had thought it would just be a simple run, but it turned out to be an even simpler confinement. All they had to do was stay alone in that little room for six hours, and then they could come out—nothing could be easier.

A group of naive new recruits, full of high spirits, marched off in formation to the discipline office, not taking the impending punishment seriously at all.

Although the others weren’t intimidated by this warning-type punishment, they were awed by Instructor Hack’s subsequent attitude, and listened obediently as Instructor Hack reviewed the knowledge of the Strong Crossbow-2 assault rifle. Afterwards, they followed Instructor Hack in formation to collect the weapons that would be their constant companions throughout this training phase.

Standard-sized military packing crates had already been stacked at the entrance of the supply office, as if they had been prepared for this situation in advance. Each standard crate weighed fifty kilograms and contained all the accessories for six assault rifles, as well as six complete sets of maintenance tools. The main reason everyone disliked the Strong Crossbow-2 was its weight—the gun itself weighed three kilograms, and with the scope, tactical control module, and energy pack, it totaled a hefty five kilograms. Compared to the Longbow-3’s 1.8 kilograms, it was just too heavy.

The recruits paired up to carry the crates back to the squad. Since several people were missing but all the equipment still had to be collected, by the time it was Henry Brooks’s turn, there was no one left to partner with him. But this was no problem for Henry Brooks—these standard crates all had easy-to-grip handles, and Henry Brooks grabbed the last two crates, one in each hand, and hurried after his squad.

Instructor Hack, who had originally planned to carry one himself, watched with pleasure as Henry Brooks briskly walked off, having finished all the work without being told. He felt quite satisfied with his earlier decision to secretly let Henry Brooks off the hook. Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly heard an exclamation from a supply officer behind him: "That kid is really strong! If there’s no other unit that needs him, he should come to our supply office. Right now, logistics troops are the most understaffed!"

Eyes lighting up, Instructor Hack turned to look, a bit surprised, at the supply officer whose rank was clearly two levels higher than his own, and began to make some calculations in his mind.

Chapter Four: Nightmare in the Barracks (Part 2)

Henry Brooks was actually quite obedient, but his habit of spacing out and his extremely clumsy technical movements gave Instructor Hack a real headache. With such impressive physical strength, if he trained well, he could easily make it into the assault team, or even the elite special assault team. But reality was disappointing for Instructor Hack, and also worrying—how was he supposed to assign such a clumsy guy?

The supply officer’s muttering reminded Instructor Hack. If nothing else worked, he could just serve as a logistics trooper. Logistics troops usually just move ammunition and transport supplies, and don’t need to perform standard combat maneuvers. For Henry Brooks, it was actually a perfect fit. Besides, most of the time, logistics troops use machinery for transport; only when supplies are distributed do they need manpower, and they rarely go to the front lines. It’s safe, comfortable, and has plenty of perks!