——Pistol shooting.
This was the optimal solution based on Rod's current condition.
And the instructor responsible for this training course was Mina, the college's specially-appointed researcher and a grand, big sister figure.
Perhaps it was because big sister Mina was too lovely, with a sweet voice and a broad mind; she was extremely skilled at pistol shooting, her proficiency was exceedingly high.
Even when Rod was on drugs, he managed only twelve shots in seven seconds, but once she started, she fired seven shots in one second, each one hitting the bullseye, which amazed Rod.
Under her patient guidance, Rod's pistol shooting skills greatly improved. For the first time, he realized that there were so many techniques and details to pistol shooting; he used to just fire roughly and be done with it, not knowing that he could also fire slowly, powerfully, lightly, alternate between fast and slow, or do nine powerful shots followed by one light shot.
The functionality of the "Raven" Spirit Gun that Lauren had given him also far exceeded his expectations.
According to Mina, it was a limited edition firearm meticulously crafted by the Simans factory. After the year 1301, the factory stopped production because limited edition elite weapons were too time-consuming to make. Although powerful and versatile, they were not cost-effective, and mass production of standard weapons was the best choice.
"However,"
Mina said with a light laugh, pressing her jade-like finger against Rod's cheek, a hint of coolness at her fingertips felt like a lotus in summer, catching Rod by surprise.
"In the Mechanical Research Institute, there are bigger, thicker, stronger Spirit firearms, you know? As long as you can become an official combatant, you're eligible to apply to the Military War Department. So don't worry, you can completely continue pistol shooting, and the techniques you're learning now will be useful in the future."
Rod's eyes lit up, and he hurriedly asked, "Can I apply now?"
Mina smiled and said, "Don't be too hasty, you're still very weak now. You can't handle too strong a weapon. This limited edition Raven can at least accompany you for five years."
Rod felt somewhat disappointed. If he could bring a super powerful weapon into the Dream Realm, wouldn't that solve his major survival crisis?
However, the weapons in this world have restrictions and are not easily usable by ordinary people.
For example, the minimum Spiritual Energy requirement to use the "Raven" is 12 measures. Below this strength, you cannot charge the Spirit Gun. And those more powerful weapons definitely require even more Spiritual Energy.
"Don't daydream."
Mina gently removed his gun from behind, helped him take off his sweat-soaked coat, and chuckled as she touched his exaggerated pectoral muscles.
"Come on, big sister will give you a check-up."
Rod touched his nose, feeling a bit uncomfortable.
Although Mina was beautiful and magnanimous, he preferred the type of sister who was like a delicate bird relying on others. But with his current situation, he had to bow his head when necessary, and not hesitate to use his ultimate skills when needed.
As long as he could survive, a big sister figure was also acceptable.
Unfortunately, Rod had not yet found a big sister figure that could make him skyrocket to fame, and the increasingly weaker Blue Star had also become a concern of his.
Rod suspected that before he received the First Level "Goldenworth Star" medal, it would extinguish.
If it really did go out, he certainly wouldn't be able to detect both Fire Sparks, and his competitiveness would drastically weaken. The "Goldenworth Star" would definitely be out of reach.
The chain reaction that would result, just like a domino effect, would cause all his subsequent plans to abort prematurely.
By that time, he would be close to death.
Rod, heavy with concerns, stepped onto the detection platform and placed his hand on the Crystal Ball.
"Hmm... maximum Spiritual Power Strength 77 measures, maximum Spiritual Energy output 18 measures, Spiritual Pressure 6, estimated total Spiritual Energy 6.5-22.1 thousand measures. Rod, have you been feeling unwell recently? Have you been overworking?" Mina's voice was slightly downcast, her crystal-like eyes anxiously gazing at him.
Rod's heart chilled, knowing this was the result of the Blue Star about to extinguish.
But he could not explain, for it would lead to the truth that he was neither part of the Starfire Series nor a Fire Holder.
"One thing, my recent academic workload has been heavy, with six main courses and seven electives, all requiring excellent grades—it's a lot to handle."
"Don't push yourself so hard. Life is long, and you need to learn to relax. Otherwise, your nerves will snap," Mina said gently, quickly noting down Rod's data before adding, "The ritual to raise your Spiritual Energy is almost ready, scheduled for next Monday. You really should rest up before then."
Rod nodded. This was good news indeed, as it would enhance his chances of winning a medal.
But the worry in his heart wasn't alleviated in the slightest. The selection of the "Goldenworth Star" was only thirteen days away, and the Blue Star might not hold out.
What to do?
Should he take a risky shortcut?
Rod was indecisive, just about to head back and think things over, when the doors to the Heidler Training Ground suddenly burst open. A man with a red armband, followed by Shaw and three other lackeys, strode in.
He grabbed Rod, who was on his way out, and said with a smile, "Good that you're here, saves me the trouble."
Turning around, he raised his voice:
"All special students, stop your training and come over here, I have an important announcement."
The Heidler Training Ground was a huge, circular, enclosed space with two floors—the main training field in the center surrounded by many smaller rooms.
At this hour, only special students were training there. Even though the man with the red armband didn't speak very loudly, his voice could be clearly heard throughout the entire ground.
Moments later, the students on the main training field leaped up to the second-floor platform, gathering towards the man with the red armband.
At a glance, there were over two hundred people, all chatting and laughing with ease, exuding an extraordinary air of composure.
Among them were many odd-looking characters, but no one seemed to care. Instead, Rod, who was new and different, stood out glaringly, often drawing sideways glances.
They came up to the man with the red armband and naturally formed many small groups. Rod noticed one group consisted entirely of beautiful young ladies.
"Ahem!"
The man with the red armband coughed, interrupting Rod's distractions.
"I have just received notification from Dean Theodore," he began. "Starting tomorrow, the academy will conduct a practical combat exercise. The specific regulations are as follows:"
"Unit teams must submit a joint application to the academy, which will then assign the tasks. Students must form patrol squads at the designated time with the assigned personnel and carry out patrol duties in the designated areas."
"To ensure safety, each patrol squad must consist of four members, including at least one teacher or residential student. The personal strength of the students must match the security level of the area."
"During the patrol, command will be under the jurisdiction of the Military War Department of that area. Those who disobey orders or leave their posts without permission will be recorded with a major demerit and lose academic credits. If there are other serious consequences, they will be expelled."
"Note: First-year students are only permitted to patrol within the campus area."
After reading, the man with the red armband took out a large stack of papers.
"Special students have a special procedure. The Military War Department of the Royal City will personally review your specific assignments. This is your application form; fill in all data truthfully. The department and the Internal Affairs Court will oversee the process. Filling in false information will result in severe punishment!"
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a small cheer erupted from the crowd, who seemed to have been eagerly anticipating this.
"Don't push! Don't push!"
"If you tear it, you'll pay for it!"
"Whoever's pushing me is losing credits right away!"
After the chaos subsided, the man with the red armband finally made his way to Rod, grinning: "Rod, your case is quite special, and I'm well aware of it. I've already taken the liberty of canceling your application form. You don't need to go, no need to thank me."
Before he even finished speaking, he saw the look in Rod's eyes that seemed ready to devour him.