Chapter 111: Start Running, Show Them Something Excitement
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
At the training ground, Wang Ye chose the first track on the left. There wasn’t anything particularly special about it, but it was away from the group of veterans who were lingering around the left track, enjoying the spectacle of the new recruits.
He had observed them laughing and pointing while watching the other newcomers struggle through the course. At least they hadn’t directed their laughter at him before. However, with the arrival of the new batch of recruits, they were all united in the same journey of training.
Wang Ye understood that laughing at others was, in a way, laughing at oneself too. After all, they were a close-knit group, and when they chatted, they wouldn’t know everyone individually. They would group people together and discuss the new batch of recruits, the current group of newcomers, and so on.
Therefore, Wang Ye made up his mind to show them something remarkable later on.
After waiting for another half a minute at the starting point of the 400-meter obstacle course, the last soldier of the 4th squad finally returned.
“1’11 say it again. When you run, give it your all, but remember to prioritize safety. Don’t fall into the pit,” the platoon leader shouted before they commenced.
With those words, the stopwatch in his hand returned to zero and was raised high.
“Ready!”
“Shh!”
Instead of shouting to start, the platoon leader blew a whistle, and the recruits took off running.
Everyone in class five was well aware of Wang Ye’s reputation at this point.
Therefore, as soon as the whistle sounded, he dashed forward without hesitation.
“Damn, is this rookie really clueless? Didn’t he see what happened to the previous batch of new recruits?” some seasoned soldiers commented, surprised by his immediate rush.
Wang Ye’s pace was impressive, much faster than the others on the track. Although it didn’t compare to a 100-meter sprint, he still outpaced the average person running a 400-meter course without any equipment.
After running just 20 to 30 meters, he was already a few meters ahead of the other runners on the four tracks.
The seasoned soldiers watching the spectacle were genuinely astonished by his speed.
However, Wang Ye paid no attention to their comments.
He knew his speed was based on the experience of mastering the 400-meter skill at the maximum level, combined with his physical strength and a rough estimation of the obstacles ahead.
Although he appeared fast, he had calculated it precisely to maintain enough stamina to overcome the pit obstacle without exhausting himself.
During the first 100-meter sprint, Wang Ye was at least ten meters ahead of the other runners.
As he reached the end of the line, he swiftly circled around the flag and continued running forward.
Although this section slightly slowed him down, it wasn’t a significant problem. The deceleration allowed him to have a clear view of the upcoming obstacles. He prepared himself to sprint and jump accordingly.
Wang Ye regulated his breathing and focused on the five-step stance obstacle right in front of him.
Based on the explanation provided earlier, the first round of obstacles involved stepping on three stakes on the right, spaced 2.3 meters apart.
Wang Ye swiftly circled the flag and observed the stakes before accelerating and running towards them, preparing to jump.
Landing one step after the other, he easily completed this round as it wasn’t particularly challenging. The stakes were close to the ground, so there was no psychological barrier to overcome. Wang Ye didn’t face any hesitation during the race.
As he crossed this stage, his attention shifted to the sizable pit lying ahead.
However, his speed didn’t diminish; if anything, it slightly increased.
With clenched fists, he leaped at least a foot away from the pit.
Wang Ye had confidence in his jumping ability and knew that even with a one-foot gap between him and the pit, he could easily clear it. The pit was two meters in length, width, and height, and he had no trouble making the jump.
As he soared over the pit, he landed safely on the other side, a foot or two away from the edge.
Perhaps he used a bit too much strength in the jump, but he didn’t mind. It was his first time attempting this obstacle, so he wanted to ensure his safety.
After the leap, Wang Ye slowed down slightly, focusing on catching his breath and regaining his balance. Simultaneously, he prepared himself for the next challenge.
“This new recruit is running fast, but he’s so intense. I bet he won’t make it back if he jumps into the pit.”
“Ha ha, he lacks experience. He’s just a hot-headed one. But when 1 look at him, I see myself from back then…”
The seasoned soldiers stood sparsely on the left side of the track, with obstacles on the other side as well. Observing Wang Ye’s actions, they exchanged smiles and commented among themselves.
Ignoring the chatter from the seasoned soldiers, Wang Ye focused on navigating through the third obstacle, a low wall.
Earlier, someone among the veterans had effortlessly flown over the wall, but the platoon leader had advised against it, explaining that such maneuvers consumed more physical strength and could lead to tripping and falling if not done properly. Instead, he recommended using the stepping board or the support board for a safer approach.
Taking this advice to heart, Wang Ye chose the method of using the support board.
This was a decision he had made before even starting the run.
Upon reaching the second obstacle, a small hurdle, he slowed down to use the support position, unlike the flashy moves of the seasoned soldiers. Although it might not be as stylish, it provided better stability and ensured he wouldn’t risk any mishaps.
After successfully crossing this stage, Wang Ye’s breathing became slightly faster, but he soon picked up the pace again.
The tall stool was the next obstacle, but its height of almost as tall as him, 1.78 meters, wasn’t an issue for Wang Ye.
As he approached, he slowed down a bit, and with a well-timed jump, he placed his hands on the high stool, followed by his feet, and climbed up in one smooth motion.
Moving forward, Wang Ye reached the ladder, where he pushed himself up with both hands and efficiently climbed up.
The sixth task turned out to be the easiest one for him.
After upgrading the three steps, although the surface data didn’t change, Wang Ye’s hidden speed remained stable.
So, even though he had slowed down a bit after reaching the single-log bridge to be cautious, he picked up his speed again once he stepped on it.
However, the constant slowing down and speeding up took a toll on his stamina, and he found himself panting heavily.
As he crossed the single-log bridge and landed on the ground, Wang Ye maintained a similar pace, heading towards the high wall in front of him.
The seventh stage involved a two-meter-high wall, but for most people, unless they were particularly short, it was actually easier to pass than the fourth-stage high stool, which had nothing to support the feet.
Wang Ye, with his height advantage, easily utilized his feet to step on the wall and conquer the two-meter obstacle without much difficulty.
“Pay attention to your breathing, maintain your rhythm, and conserve your strength. We’ll need it later!” a shout came from behind.
Wang Ye recognized the voice as Ye Sanshi’s, and he was a bit surprised. The other squad leaders usually remained silent during the runs, intervening only when someone struggled with an obstacle. But now, Ye Sanshi couldn’t help himself.
He couldn’t resist speaking up because Wang Ye’s performance was truly impressive. Despite running fast, he maintained a steady pace and handled the obstacles with ease. Ye Sanshi could foresee that even if Wang Ye had expended some stamina, he would still have a chance to finish the course within two minutes.
As Wang Ye continued the run, he didn’t engage in conversation with Ye Sanshi. Talking would require physical effort and disrupt his breathing rhythm, so he decided to focus solely on the course.
Without rushing, he descended from the high wall, consciously controlling his breathing to conserve energy. His gaze shifted to the next obstacle, a pile net.
He recalled how the other recruits had crossed this obstacle: by crawling. The pile net was made up of twelve pillars arranged in two rows, spaced two meters apart and one meter vertically. The pillars were 50 centimeters above the ground, and elastic ropes connected them. Although it seemed challenging, it was actually not that difficult.
As Wang Ye approached the pile net, he carefully positioned himself. Below was a sand pool, still slightly wet from the earlier rain. Not letting it bother him, he imitated the posture of the platoon leader, half-kneeling and half-crawling, using both hands and feet to navigate through the obstacle, quickly making his way forward.