NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 16 - Kill me, this military posture doesn't want to stand down for a moment!
Chapter 16: Kill me, this military posture doesn’t want to stand down for a moment!
The training ground was situated on unused land behind the barracks, extensive enough to meet the entire company’s training needs. There was no gunfire or shooting range on the training ground, just heavily trodden earth and soldiers from other squads undergoing training.
As everyone observed, their initial sense of anticipation quickly faded away. The squad leader guided them to an open area where the sun-exposed ground emitted warmth.
“This afternoon’s training involves standing in the military posture,” declared the squad leader, positioning himself in front of the recruits.
He gazed at the recruits and emphasized, “A proper military posture is the first impression that reflects a soldier’s professional demeanor. Standing in this posture is the initial step toward becoming a qualified soldier.”
With that, the squad leader demonstrated standing straight with feet together, heels touching, and toes angled outward, forming a 60-degree angle. Legs close together, knees pressed tightly, forming a straight line. Arms hang naturally, fingers together and extended, middle finger pressed on the trouser’s midline.
Shoulders relaxed, on a horizontal plane, eyes focused straight ahead. The squad leader exemplified a perfect military posture, resembling a sturdy and upright poplar tree.
“Now, follow my movements,” he instructs, correcting each recruit meticulously.
Once everyone was in a position, the squad leader announced, “This is the stance. Maintain it for an hour.”
Concerned whispers arose at the prospect of sustaining one posture for an hour, but the squad leader silenced them sternly. Individuals struggled under the intense sun, sweat pouring within minutes. The squad leader continuously inspected and corrected any deviations.
As impatience sets in, the squad leader’s corrections became more forceful, accompanied by stern admonishments. He Dong, being overweight, drew particular attention. The squad leader scolded him for shrugging his shoulders and kicked him as a corrective measure.
A collective gasp follows as He Dong was sent sprawling, covered in dirt. The squad leader, undeterred, reinforced the importance of maintaining the posture without allowing any movement.
He Dong, looking distressed, explained, “Squad leader, I was itchy.”
The squad leader responded firmly, “Feeling itchy doesn’t justify movement. Did I permit you to move?”
The squad leader asserted, “I’ll make it clear – when I order you to stand in military posture, even if someone points a gun at your head, you stand still until I command otherwise.”
“Hurry up and return to the team!”
“After disciplining He Dong, the instructor sternly surveyed the group. You all made noise just now, didn’t you!” The squad leader’s cold voice echoed.
The group’s expressions changed as He Dong was kicked out earlier, and some involuntary sounds escaped their mouths.
The squad leader snorted, “Stand at intervals of 30 centimeters!”
Quickly, they formed up with more than 30 centimeters of distance between them.
“Get ready for push-ups!” The squad leader shouted.
The squad leader barked, “One command, one move!” It meant they could only move when instructed.
“1!” The squad leader roared, and everyone bent down.
The number 2 was delayed, and they endured the painful position, just a fist’s distance from the ground.
After an eternity, the squad leader shouted, “2!” They quickly pushed themselves up.
This pattern continued, making ten push-ups last nearly half an hour. Even Chen Ming, despite enhanced fitness, felt the soreness.
The squad leader, seeming to know their limits, allowed short rests at critical points.
When they finished, everyone’s arms trembled, muscles aching. The squad leader sneered, “Remember, in the army, punishment is abundant. If you disobey, I’ll demonstrate!”
“Now, stand in attention. Don’t move without my command!” The squad leader roared orders.
Each became like a startled birds, standing rigidly, enduring the scorching sun. The entire afternoon consisted of military posture. Any deviation met with a harsh response. Exhausted, they endured under the relentless sun.
Under the blazing sun on the exposed training ground, it felt like every inch of land was seared. The unshaded training ground intensified the heat, bouncing it back onto the soldiers. The scalding ground seeped through their shoes, reaching the soles of their feet.
The scorching pain on their soles was akin to a skilled acupuncturist stimulating their nerves on the verge of collapse.