As the soldiers stood stoically in their gear, some students felt overwhelmed by the weight of the items before them. A few bold souls ventured to try on a pair of equipment, only to find that it weighed twice as much as their own. Instantly, they wanted to flee, but turning around, they saw Benjamin Blake already donned in gear, smiling at them from behind.
"Alright, you've come this far, no turning back now. Put on what you just picked up!" Benjamin's voice was as gentle as a breeze, warming their hearts. But the sight of their own heavy gear compared to his caused their expressions to turn grim, as if they had lost their parents. However, seeing Barrett Walker calmly standing there, provided some comfort. At least this annoying guy was also wearing the same gear and had been standing there for so long!
"From today, this set of cross-country gear will bear the mark of your name. Don't even think about slacking off or taking it lightly. Treat it with the love of a son and the respect of a father. I don't care what your specialty is! The future will be an era of war based on physical strength, so being physically fit is truly important. Don't tell me about how great Guangzhou is, I don't buy into that! Remember, meet at the back hill in half an hour, five kilometers! The gear will have the maps you need. Off you go!"
With a wave of his hand, Benjamin, the students started running out with nearly thirty kilograms of gear on their backs. Barrett knew his gear was twice as heavy as theirs, and his rifle was an upgraded AK47. Looking at the gear of the people running past him, he smirked, thinking that his rifle was better and even heavier. With no dramatic behavior, Barrett followed behind the group, with Benjamin smiling mischievously behind him.
"You've got half an hour to run ten kilometers! Why are you dawdling? What are you trying to do?" Benjamin looked at Barrett with an indifferent expression, not wanting to let Barrett feel comfortable.
"I'm just going to jog and get some exercise, what's it to you?" Barrett glanced back at Benjamin before heading out of the military fortress. Outside, there was a muddy path, surrounded by dense forest. Despite carrying thirty kilograms of gear, some people found the scenery on either side fascinating and took the opportunity to strike up conversations with the girls.
Benjamin watched Barrett's figure and suddenly realized that he was just like him in the past - rebellious, handsome, and wise. However, he didn't say anything, knowing that the soldiers behind him would ridicule him for his youthful mistakes.
Listening to their laughter, Barrett didn't find it amusing. "You're laughing now, city folks, but you haven't seen the countryside. You'll cry later!" He knew that the five-kilometer armed cross-country run would be a huge challenge for them, and many would probably be driven out of the team. He wanted to warn them, but decided against it, knowing they wouldn't listen. It was better to conserve energy and keep quiet.
"Those two up ahead are the school flowers."
"School flowers! They're pretty, but they're new students. How could they be school flowers already?"
"You think I'm lying? Let's go up to them and see their real faces!"
"Hmph! What are you afraid of? I, Black-faced Lion, have seen countless beauties. I'm known as the 'Master of Flowers, the Nightclub Veteran.' There's a senator's daughter up ahead, pretty and arrogant! She dared to show off in front of me! I drugged her that night."
"Ryan Smith! Stop boasting about your pathetic deeds. I know you too! Besides using drugs, all you do is threaten people. It's despicable and bullying. Learn from me - if someone dares to compete with me for a woman, I'll knock him out right there."
"Yes! Yes! Big brother, teach us!"
"Good! Watch me, brothers, we're in luck today. Each of us will have one!" Ryan Smith nudged Farrell Weng with his elbow, and the two of them grinned at each other, their eyes gleaming with unsuitable thoughts. Encountering the two school flowers was truly a blessing for them.
"Hey, beauty, don't run off! Let me help you with these things, okay?" Farrell Weng was the first to run up and lifted the backpack from Monica's back. Monica glanced back at Farrell but said nothing. She was happy to have someone help reduce her burden and continued running forward.
Farrell Weng was ignored by Monica, and Ryan Smith laughed loudly. He approached Julia and tried to take off her helmet. But before Monica could react, the butt of the gun hit Ryan's hand hard, causing him to wince in pain and curse at her.
"Idiot!" Julia continued running without looking back.
Suddenly, Monica accelerated and caught up with Julia. This left Farrell struggling to balance the heavy load on his back. He stumbled and fell, the weight of the equipment causing excruciating pain.
The two brothers, in a fit of rage, called on their companions and prepared to fight. But before they could reach them, they both felt a sharp pain in the back of their heads and collapsed. Barrett Walker had swiftly approached them and knocked them down with a swift blow, just in time.
The two girls stopped and looked at Barrett, slightly surprised. They glanced at the surrounding crowd and realized how many people Barrett had angered since yesterday. They were concerned for him and approached to remind him to be careful. The group of men, seeing Barrett carrying such heavy gear and being alone, decided to act. "There are more of us, he's at a disadvantage! Let's get him. Even public opinion was against Barrett, blaming him for stealing their chance at heroically saving the girls.
Perhaps it was because of the morning incident, or maybe it was because Barrett had thwarted their chance to be heroes, but the men were determined to take him down. Even the crowd was on their side, condemning Barrett.