Special Forces: From the very beginning, I can upgrade the entry

“What’s with that serious look? What are you thinking about?”
Chen Xiwa chuckled at Zhuang Yan’s stern expression.
Zhuang Yan glanced at him, hesitating for a moment, before his eyes drifted to the train carriage entrance. Seeing Zheng Sanpao standing there, his expression darkened slightly, and he turned away before muttering, “I’m wondering why I even came here in the first place. What do you think?”
“City kid? Fresh high school graduate?”
Chen Xiwa studied Zhuang Yan for a moment before grinning.
“I’m already in my first year of university.”
“High school?”
Zhuang Yan rolled his eyes.
Chen Xiwa was momentarily stunned. “Wait, you’re a university student?”
“Yeah, I study at the Academy of Drama.”
“Then why are you here in the army?”
Chen Xiwa was so taken aback that his voice involuntarily rose in pitch.
“It’s complicated. I’ll tell you another time if there’s a chance.”
“Oh?!”
Now knowing that Zhuang Yan was a university student, Chen Xiwa suddenly became a little self-conscious. “Uh… Here, have an apple.”
“I’ve got more. If you’re still hungry, I have plenty.”
“I’ve lost my appetite just looking at him. I can’t stand him. Move over, let’s switch seats.”
Zhuang Yan grumbled, tilting his head towards the train’s entrance. Clearly irritated, he got up and swapped seats with Chen Xiwa.
Chen Xiwa was still confused, blinking at the sudden change.
Lin Yi patted him on the shoulder and spoke gently, “Xiwa.”
“Lu Province is one of the strongest recruitment bases in the country, famous for producing outstanding military officers and role models.”
“I believe you have the potential to be one of them.”
Chen Xiwa’s momentary self-doubt dissipated, replaced by a glimmer of determination in his eyes.
Standing at the entrance, Zheng Sanpao silently took in the scene.
An experienced soldier who had served for eight years, he appreciated Lin Yi’s sense of camaraderie—team spirit and mutual support were invaluable in the military.
At the same time, he firmly committed Zhuang Yan to memory.
However, Lin Yi had little interest in external affairs at that time.
With their arrival at the military camp imminent, he needed to make the most of his monthly entry upgrade opportunity.
His previous self, as a student of Yanjing University, had already accumulated numerous entries—most of them blue-tier, which was quite impressive.
From his collection, he selected
Master of Learning (Blue)
and confirmed the upgrade.
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
A mechanical voice echoed in his mind, and a brand-new entry materialised before him:
Lin Yi’s eyes gleamed with excitement.
A hundred times the efficiency—whether in studying or training, this meant he could reach the level of veteran soldiers, special forces, even legendary warriors in an unbelievably short time.
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
Meanwhile, the train, loaded with recruits, rumbled through mountains and valleys, winding its way deep into the remote southeastern region.
Upon arrival at the station, Lin Yi and the others disembarked and boarded large military trucks, which carried them directly to a heavily guarded military base.
A massive red banner over the entrance read: “Welcome, New Comrades-in-Arms!”
On either side, sentries stood at attention, gripping their rifles, their postures sharp and disciplined.
Each recruit sat with a different mix of emotions, their eyes constantly scanning their new surroundings.
For most, this was an entirely unfamiliar world.
“Where are you from?”
“Hefei, Anhui Province. What about you, mate?”
“…”
Chen Xiwa, clearly in high spirits, was busy chatting with fellow recruits.
Lin Yi, on the other hand, sat with his eyes closed, resting.
Zhuang Yan too was fast asleep.
After what felt like an eternity, the convoy of military trucks finally entered the base’s main training grounds and came to a halt on a vast cemented area.
Veteran soldiers, already waiting by the trucks, stepped forward to unlatch the rear panels and pull back the canvas covers.
The first thing the recruits saw was a familiar, fearsome figure—Zheng Sanpao.
Dark-skinned, tough, and definitely not someone to mess with.
“Everyone, off the trucks!”
His deep, authoritative voice cut through the chatter.
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
One by one, the new recruits leapt down from the vehicles.
Lin Yi strolled off calmly, basking in the bright sunlight.
“Xiao Zhuang!”
“Wake up! We’ve arrived!”
Chen Xiwa nudged Zhuang Yan urgently.
“Huh?”
Zhuang Yan rubbed his sleepy eyes and groggily followed the others.
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
On the vast parade ground, the recruits still had no sense of military discipline. They whispered amongst themselves, the atmosphere buzzing with low chatter. Opposite them stood a row of seasoned soldiers—stern, motionless, and impeccably disciplined.
At their centre was the Second Lieutenant, the officer in charge of the new recruits.
Under his arm, he held a roster.
“Recruits!”
“Silence, please! We will now begin selection!”
His voice carried authority, yet the recruits continued their hushed conversations, not fully paying attention.
“QUIET!”
Zheng Sanpao’s voice boomed across the field, slicing through the noise like a blade.
Instantly, the murmuring ceased.
Every recruit instinctively straightened up, faces stiff, postures rigid.
Nobody dared make another sound.
“We are now proceeding with selection.”
“When your name is called, answer ‘Present!’ and report to your designated squad leader.”
The Second Lieutenant continued, scanning the recruits.
“Understood?”
A half-hearted chorus answered, “Understood.”
Zheng Sanpao’s eyes narrowed.
“I SAID—UNDERSTOOD?!”
His thunderous command jolted every recruit to their core.
“UNDERSTOOD!”
This time, they shouted with everything they had.
No one doubted it now—this veteran sergeant was not to be trifled with.
The Second Lieutenant bellowed: “First Squad Leader!”
“Present!”
Zheng Sanpao stepped forward sharply.
His every movement was crisp, precise, and effortlessly authoritative.
Pivoting cleanly on his heel, he marched towards the recruits—each step exuding the confidence of a seasoned soldier.
Every recruit watched in admiration.
Even Lin Yi had to admit—Zheng Sanpao was an outstanding professional soldier.
Only Zhuang Yan remained unimpressed, smirking as he turned his gaze away.