Special Forces: From the very beginning, I can upgrade the entry-Chapter 39 - A Surge in Strength—The Military Competition Begins!

Chapter Thirty-Nine: A Surge in Strength—The Military Competition Begins!

As the National High School Equivalency Exam concluded alongside the College Entrance Exams, good news spread across Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company— Zheng Sanpao, Chen Xiwa, and the others had all passed. With their high school diplomas now secured, the entire company and the regiment celebrated the achievement. One Staff Sergeant, nine Sergeants, and one Private—all now holding formal diplomas.

This meant that their biggest obstacle—educational qualifications—had been resolved.

They were now eligible for NCO School, paving the way for future promotions.

With this, an unusual situation arose in First Squad, First Platoon.

Aside from Squad Leader Zheng Sanpao, Vice Squad Leader Lin Yi, and Private Chen Xiwa, everyone else had been sent to NCO School for training.

The entire company was envious.

Everyone knew— With high school diplomas in hand, these Sergeants were guaranteed promotions to Staff Sergeant—and eventually, Master Sergeant—as long as they met the skill requirements.

For now, Zheng Sanpao continued leading Chen Xiwa and the remaining squads in training. Meanwhile, Lin Yi trained alone— Preparing for the Military District’s Grand Competition—the biggest challenge of his military career so far. This event would determine whether or not he would be promoted to officer rank.

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After returning from H City, Lin Yi used his June skill upgrade on his Swimming-related ability.

His current gold-tier skills:

[God of Self-Improvement (Gold)][Perfect Marksmanship (Gold)][Photographic Memory (Gold)][Master of the Waves (Gold)]

His purple-tier skills:

[Combat Mastery (Purple)][Iron Body (Purple)][Born Leader (Purple)]

Even among the Special Forces, there were few who could match his capabilities.

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“What are you standing around for?”

“Time to go!”

Miao Lian burst into the dormitory, his voice loud and commanding.

“Captain Miao?”

Lin Yi looked up, slightly confused.

“The Military District Grand Competition has nine individual events:

200m Standard Rifle Shooting (Precision & Rapid Fire)500m Obstacle Sprint (20 obstacles)50m Practical Swimming (4 obstacles)Grenade Throwing (Accuracy & Distance, 4 Techniques: Prone, Kneeling, Standing, Running Attack)8km Cross-Country RunHand-to-Hand CombatBasic Tactical ManeuversWeighted Endurance Training400m Low-Crawl Under Barbed Wire

“You opted out of the last three due to scheduling conflicts.

“You’re officially registered for six events.

“The rest of the company already left for the team competitions—our Political Instructor is leading them.

“As for you? You get an escort from me, an Army Captain. That’s enough rank, right?”

Miao Lian smirked.

“Of course!”

Lin Yi jumped up, grabbing his gear, and followed Miao Lian out.

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As soon as Lin Yi stepped out of the barracks—

A sea of soldiers stood before him.

The entire Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company was gathered—saluting him in unison.

“Miao Lian, this…”

Lin Yi was caught off guard.

“You’re the only one from our company competing in the individual events this year.”

Miao Lian’s voice was serious.

Thud!

Lin Yi’s heart skipped a beat. He looked around at his entire company— Chen Platoon Leader, Old Cannon, Xiao Zhuang, Xiwa… Every single face filled with expectation. In that moment, something inside Lin Yi ignited. Squaring his shoulders, he stood tall and returned the salute with full military discipline. Then, without another glance back, he boarded Miao Lian’s military jeep leaving Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company behind.

As the jeep rolled away, Lin Yi felt something burning inside him.

A flame—

A fire ready to erupt.

This isn’t just about me alone. I am representing his entire company.

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The Southeastern Military District’s Grand Competition was held in a concealed base deep within the jungle. Looking at a map, the area appeared untouched. But in reality, most major military events were hosted there. When Lin Yi arrived at 3 PM, thousands of elite soldiers were already gathered. The energy was electric.

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“Well, well!”

“Miao Lian, you’re actually late for once. That’s a first.”

“So this is the ‘prized treasure’ of your unit, Lin Yi?”

As soon as Miao Lian stepped into the base, dozens of officers turned their attention to him.

Most of them were Company Commanders, the lowest-ranked among them being Captains. Several were Majors and Lieutenant Colonels. This was the first time Lin Yi truly felt Miao Lian’s status.

Night Tiger Reconnaissance Company wasn’t just a name—

It was a legendary unit.

As for Lin Yi, the moment they saw his youthful face and Staff Sergeant insignia, their suspicions were confirmed.

“This must be him—the military district’s ‘Exceptional New Recruit’.”

Everyone had heard of Lin Yi.

A top scholar, a Yanjing University student, a published military analyst—

Who wouldn’t want someone like him in their command?

That was a career-making recruit.

“You all look like a bunch of starved wolves.”

“What’s with those hungry eyes?”

“Scaring the kid before the competition even starts?”

Miao Lian grinned at his fellow officers.

Tch!

The others rolled their eyes—clearly used to Miao Lian’s antics.

One Lieutenant Colonel spoke up.

“Miao Lian, your company already sent men for the team events.”

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“But what about the individual competitions?”

“This isn’t like you to skip out.”

Another officer chimed in.

“Yeah—word is you sent nine of your best men to NCO School.

“Don’t tell me… you don’t have anyone left?”

“That can’t be it!”

The officers chuckled, ribbing Miao Lian.

Scram, scram!

Miao Lian waved them off.

“My company is full of hidden talents. Losing a few veterans is nothing.”

“And who told you we’re not competing in the individual events?”

“Oh?”

Their expressions shifted.

Then—

“Wait a second.”

“Are you seriously sending Lin Yi in alone?”

One of the Majors stared at Lin Yi—his voice tinged with disbelief.

“Hah!!!”

The entire group of officers turned their eyes on Lin Yi.

Everyone knew— This new recruit had shattered multiple basic training records. But this was the Military District Grand Competition. That was a whole different level. Miao Lian simply grinned.

“We’ll talk later.”

“For now—time to check him in.”

And with that, he dragged Lin Yi away—

Leaving behind a crowd of officers deep in thought.