Zone C, Barracks 5:
This is the temporary base of the "Pioneers" squad in Rocky City. After magnetic card verification, the heavy alloy security door silently slid open, revealing an equally stark space dominated by cold alloy and white light.
Gestalt's voice was as hard and cold as the barracks' walls.
"Standard triple room with a private bathroom. Energy and basic supplies are allocated according to B-class squad standards."
"Daily inspection at 05:00, roll call at the camp entrance at 05:30."
"All actions must be carried out in groups of three. Leaving the camp alone is prohibited."
"Any questions? Report to me."
"Understood, sir!" Ryan and Nadeshiko responded immediately.
Shen Kai nodded silently. The heavy, lead-gray aura emanating from Gestalt enveloped the entire space like a tangible presence, putting a faint pressure on his colorless core.
"Good. Dismissed. Tidy up your quarters." Gestalt added, "Assemble in the public area outside the barracks in half an hour."
He didn't spare them another glance, turning and striding away.
Ryan was the first to break the silence, excitedly tossing his backpack onto the bunk bed by the window.
"Ha! Private bathroom! B-class squad standard rations!"
"Did you hear that? 'Pioneers'! That name, that treatment! We're definitely going on the most honorable mission!"
Nadeshiko gave him a helpless glance, chose the bed nearest the door, and began methodically organizing her belongings. Shen Kai silently walked toward the last bed in the far corner of the room.
Half an hour later, the three of them arrived at the barracks entrance on time. Gestalt stood there like an iron-gray statue with several thick tactical manuals printed with the words "Federal Standard Combat Procedures" spread out on the table in front of him.
"Ryan Flame, step forward," Gestalt commanded.
"Disassemble and reassemble your AR-18 assault rifle according to standard procedure in front of me within one minute."
"Yes, sir!"
Ryan quickly stepped forward and began the procedure. He tried to stay calm, but the clinking sound of metal parts colliding echoed clearly in the silence. Shen Kai "saw" that the "fiery red" energy on Ryan's body was flickering violently due to tension.
Ryan nearly sent a spring flying, drawing a cold "hmm" from Gestalt, and he broke out in a fine layer of sweat instantly. Ultimately, he finished fifteen seconds past the time limit.
"Unqualified," Gestalt announced without emotion. "Punishment: Tonight, you will be responsible for cleaning all public area floors."
Ryan's face fell instantly, but he didn't dare argue.
Next was Nadeshiko. Gestalt tasked her with assessing and bandaging a severely injured patient within the allotted time. Though her movements trembled slightly from tension and her "pale pink" energy aura flickered in response, she executed each step with extraordinary care and precision. Ultimately, she completed the task within the specified time.
"Barely passing," Gestalt commented harshly. "There's no time for hesitation on the battlefield. Every decision you make affects the lives of your teammates."
Nadeshiko bit her lip tightly and nodded firmly.
Finally, it was Shen Kai's turn.
"Recite the section on the standard response protocol for encountering unknown high-risk energy reactions from the tactical manual," Gestalt ordered.
Shen Kai raised his head and began to recite the text calmly. He recited the lengthy, tedious text almost word for word, his voice steady and emotionless. To him, the content felt as familiar as his own being. Terms such as "unknown energy characteristics" and "risk of mental contamination" had been a part of his daily life for the past decade.
Gestalt gave him a deep look, his eyes flickering with an imperceptible hint of something else.
"Theoretical knowledge is excellent," Gestalt said in a lower voice, "but remember, Shen Kai, the battlefield is not an exam hall."
"What I need is not a scholar who can only recite textbooks, but a warrior who can transform knowledge into survival instincts."
Shen Kai nodded silently.
"Now, take out your tactical manuals," Gestalt ordered. "Before dinner, I need each of you to accurately draw at least three standard squad assault and defensive formation diagrams and verbally explain their key application points."
Leaving behind three new recruits with varying expressions, Gestalt turned and walked away. Ryan let out a wail and plopped down onto the cold chair. Nadeshiko took a deep breath and carefully began flipping through the manual.
Shen Kai also picked up a copy. He gently ran his fingertips over the rough cover of the manual, feeling the residual "lead-gray" energy imprint left by Gestalt—hard and heavy.
This so-called "welcome gift" was merely the beginning. The path ahead would only grow more arduous.