The lieutenant colonel's gaze was clearly burning as he looked at Long Yuxue. "I don't believe he's that impressive. If Yuxue praised him, what rank do you think he's qualified for? Second-class soldier?"
Long Yuxue shook her head. "First-class."
"Impossible." The lieutenant colonel was visibly shocked. "You know how difficult it is for a new recruit to be rated as a first-class soldier. We all know how high the bar is to get a promotion in the Blood God Legion without military merit!"
Long Yuxue didn't seem interested in continuing the conversation and turned away to continue waiting in line.
The lieutenant colonel appeared used to her attitude. He turned his attention to Gu You. "Kid, Yuxue says you're first-class material?"
"I'm not sure either. Their evaluation criteria are too complicated. I still don't know how my overall performance will be rated," Gu You replied with a shrug.
"I don't buy it. What are you best at?" the lieutenant colonel asked.
Jiang Qiyue stood nearby, looking at Gu You with curiosity.
Gu You's brows furrowed slightly. 'Is this guy treating me like a romantic rival or something?'
From the way the lieutenant colonel looked at Long Yuxue, Gu You could tell the man probably had feelings for her. 'So I'm just collateral in someone else's battle? Great.'
"Strength," Gu You said calmly. He didn't want to stir up trouble, but that didn't mean he would tolerate being pushed around. In the military, strength always spoke loudest.
The lieutenant colonel laughed heartily. "Strength? Alright then! Let's have a match. If you can last three seconds against me, I'll believe you're worthy of first-class rank."
Gu You's face turned cold. "Whether you believe I'm worthy or not doesn't have anything to do with me. Why should I compete with you?"
Jiang Qiyue's eyes widened in surprise, and even Long Yuxue turned back to look.
They all knew how many new recruits came in brimming with confidence—most of them ended up learning their place quickly.
Yet the lieutenant colonel wasn't angry. Instead, he looked at Gu You with interest. "Then tell me—what would make you willing to compete?"
Gu You suddenly smiled, warm and relaxed. "Sir, I just got here and have no military merits. How about we bet on dinner? If I win, I get to eat my fill at any window I want, and you foot the bill."
The lieutenant colonel looked him up and down. "Alright, deal. If you lose, I won't make it hard for you—just come wash my clothes for a month. Sound fair?"
The offer wasn't excessive. Gu You's impression of the man actually improved a bit. At least he wasn't abusing his authority. But… did he really understand what kind of bet he'd just made?
A twinge of pity crossed Gu You's heart. "So how do we compete?"
"Simple. A handshake. Whoever gives in first loses." As he spoke, the lieutenant colonel stretched out his broad, fan-like hand.
Gu You looked toward Jiang Qiyue and Long Yuxue. "Would you two officers be willing to witness this?"
Jiang Qiyue sighed. "Handsome boy, washing my brother's clothes for a month isn't so bad. You might even learn a thing or two about combat from him."
Gu You smiled. "Commander, are you so sure I'll lose?"
Jiang Qiyue grinned. "Sounds like you've got confidence! In that case, I'll raise the stakes. If you win, I'll treat you to dinner too. But if you lose, you'll wash my clothes for a month—minus the undergarments, of course."
The surrounding soldiers, already watching for entertainment, erupted in laughter.
Gu You wasn't annoyed. He smiled brightly. "Deal."
As he spoke, he extended his hand and clasped it around the lieutenant colonel's.
The man raised his eyebrows. "Newbie, remember my name—I'm Jiang Wuyue."
Gu You's lips twitched slightly. 'Wow, this family really doesn't waste time naming kids.'
Jiang Wuyue's hand was much thicker than Gu You's. While Gu You had longer fingers and palms, Jiang Wuyue's hand was absurdly broad—like a bear paw—forming a stark contrast with Gu You's long, pale fingers.
Their hands locked tightly.
"A pure contest of strength—no soul power, no martial soul," Jiang Qiyue cheerfully reminded them, bouncing on her heels.
Jiang Wuyue grinned mischievously and began to squeeze. What he didn't see was the flicker of sympathy in Long Yuxue's eyes.
'Trying to overpower someone who went toe-to-toe with Be'an just on strength alone… Wuyue, you idiot.'
Gu You kept smiling as his right hand clasped Jiang Wuyue's effortlessly.
"Huh?" After a few seconds, Jiang Wuyue's expression began to change. It didn't feel like a human hand in his grip—it felt like solid metal. No matter how hard he squeezed, there was no response. Not only did Gu You's hand remain perfectly still, his expression didn't shift either.
'What…'
There were no soul fluctuations, so it had to be raw strength. 'Is this guy's strength… even greater than mine?'
The soldiers watching began to realize something was wrong. Three seconds had passed. Ten seconds, even. But nothing changed. Jiang Wuyue had said earlier that if Gu You lasted three seconds, he'd consider it a win.
Among all officers below the colonel rank in the Blood God Legion, Jiang Wuyue's strength ranked top three. Yet this new recruit was going toe-to-toe with him like it was nothing. That could only mean one thing—Gu You's strength was at least on par with his.
"Sir, it's been more than three seconds now," Gu You said innocently.
Jiang Wuyue's pride refused to let go. He channeled all his force into his grip. His expression grew tense. There were too many people watching—he couldn't just back down.
Gu You sighed softly. He'd meant to give Jiang Wuyue a way out, but it seemed the man was still stubborn. So he began to close his fingers, slowly tightening his grip.
Jiang Wuyue felt as if an iron clamp had locked onto his hand. His strength was being swallowed—effortlessly. A sharp pain shot through his bones.
His face started to pale. It finally dawned on him—this rookie's strength was far beyond his own.
Then, suddenly, the pressure vanished. Gu You had let go, loosening his hand. The strain lifted. Jiang Wuyue understood the gesture instantly. He wasn't stupid.
He let go first and raised his eyebrows. "Not bad. To hold out against me this long—you're the real deal."
He turned toward the officers nearby. "I'm recommending him to Melee Battalion One."
(End of Chapter)
---
Hey Guys, It's the Start of the New Month and I would like to Thank You All for Sticking with me for so long specially those who have have been with me from the start, from my Heart I Thank You All, Go check out my Patreon, new fanfic will be uploaded soon.
---
This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on Patreon, There is 2 Chapters Ahead of Release for Free Memebers on my Patreon.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.