The process of enlisting in the military is not complicated. Print two copies of the enlistment letter, verify your identity, go to the oath hall for a collective oath, and then have the letters stamped and recorded. However, queuing can be quite tiring.
When Zhou Yuan, Sanren, and Ruike arrived at the stamping counter, it was already 9 o'clock. The counter was manned by a veteran soldier with the rank of Lance Corporal. He had several scars on his face, and his right arm and legs were missing. He wore a mechanical prosthetic arm on his right arm, while his prosthetic legs were placed aside. It was evident that he had experienced many fierce battles.
"Do you really want to do this tough job?" the veteran asked with a relaxed expression as he saw Zhou Yuan and the others standing before him.
"Now is the time to regret, unless you have no other choice."
The veteran's inquiry was just routine. Those who dared to come and enlist couldn't be persuaded otherwise.
"I'm accompanying them," Carmen said, stepping aside and giving her place to Ruike.
"Where did you lose them?" Zhou Yuan softly asked, handing the two enlistment letters to the veteran, as he looked at his prosthetic limbs.
"Where did I lose them?" The veteran paused, surprised by Zhou Yuan's question. He used his only remaining left hand to touch his prosthetic right hand and proudly said, "Uranus, the battle for Uranus eight years ago."
"I traded them for the lives of twenty-eight stinking bugs!"
Zhou Yuan nodded. "I heard it's good there, even the rain is liquid diamonds."
"Bullshit!" The veteran chuckled and cursed, "I heard that too, but there's only ice there. Those dumb scientists just know how to spout nonsense."
"You know, not all experts are true experts. Those frauds only know how to use their theories to rob money."
Saying that, he returned the two stamped enlistment letters to Zhou Yuan.
"When I go there, I'll help you kill twenty-eight stinking bugs," Zhou Yuan said, taking the letters and extending his hand to shake the veteran's.
"Kid, I think you'll make a good sniper," the veteran said, his smile fading as he shook hands with Zhou Yuan.
"Thanks," Zhou Yuan replied with gratitude. He knew the veteran was giving him advice.
The most powerful and adept tactic of the Bug race was the Swarm tactic. When humans and Bugs fought, the machine gunners and riflemen suffered the most casualties, while snipers had the highest survival rate. However, Zhou Yuan wouldn't choose to become a sniper. He was now a person with cheats; how to utilize these cheats was important.
"Report to the bus station within 24 hours. Your ID card is your ticket. Good luck."
"Alright, next!"
The veteran didn't chat with Zhou Yuan for too long because there were still people waiting in line behind him.
... ...
After completing the enlistment process, Zhou Yuan and the other two wandered around the streets for a while, had a meal, and then went their separate ways back home.
"Ding!"
[To Federal Miluo Administrative District, Virgo Academy, student Zhou Yuan:
Congratulations on being accepted into Mars Mars Base as an honorable Mobile Infantry soldier. The Mobile Infantry will be the place where you can realize your dreams and achieve legends.
Please report to the Lima Bus Station before 18:00 on July 10th, Year 209 at dawn, with your ID card.]
Just a few minutes after arriving home, Zhou Yuan received a notification.
"It feels like going to college... but Mars isn't a good place. By the time Ruike enters middle age, Mars will already be occupied by the bugs," Zhou Yuan thought, stroking his chin.
However, the future is still uncertain, and the current Mars is not the same as the future one—a planet infested with bugs where no life can thrive. As the first human colony star, Mars has received a lot of attention. Due to the presence of ecological transformation towers and climate balance towers, Mars has become Earth 2.0, home to nearly a billion people. The only downside is the unfavorable environment, as the green life has not yet covered the entire planet.
"Buzz..."
Lost in thought, Zhou Yuan's phone suddenly vibrated, indicating an incoming call. He looked and saw it was from Ruike.
"Zhou, I'm going to Mars. Where are you going?" Ruike's excited voice came through as soon as the call connected.
"I'm going to Mars too."
"Tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock, meet at the entrance of the bus station."
Zhou Yuan lay on the sofa watching TV, lazily replying.
It wasn't surprising that they were assigned to the same base; the shooting club coach, Morgan, had told him some information. To help new recruits adapt better and faster during their initial training, the Mobile Infantry would group students from the same academy class together. And this year, there were thirteen people from his academy class joining the Mobile Infantry. If he was right, besides Ruike, there should be several other classmates assigned to the same recruit camp as him.
"You're also going to Mars?!"
"Yes!"
"Zhou, I bet our time as new recruits will be amazing!"
Hearing that Zhou Yuan was also assigned to Mars, Ruike couldn't contain his excitement. Being able to serve in the military together with classmates would undoubtedly create unforgettable memories and make the recruit period less boring.
"I think so too."
Zhou Yuan smirked, thinking about the original plotline involving Ruike. If he didn't appear, Ruike's recruit life would indeed be 'amazing,' enough for him to remember for a lifetime.
"Zhou, this is going to be lit!"
"I can't wait to see you!"
"But let's talk later. I need to pack my suitcase now. I'll pick you up tomorrow!"
Ruike was full of enthusiasm; after just a few words, he hung up the phone.
"What an idiot."
Zhou Yuan put down his phone and shook his head helplessly, but deep down, he was also looking forward to tomorrow. Being able to serve in the military with friends felt strange yet wonderful. It was probably like being admitted to the same university, which allowed people to quickly accept and adapt to military life.