The intensity of training during the third phase was not particularly high, and the physical demands were far less than those of the first and second phases.
After Clay made a mistake and was punished by running the obstacle course, Long Zhan ended up completing a "single-player game," meaning the entire afternoon consisted of only two CQB (Close Quarters Battle) training sessions.
It was not hard to discern from this: the third phase had completely moved beyond basic training and fully transitioned into specialized training.
This marked a significant milestone, indicating that the physical fitness of the recruits who had made it this far had been fully recognized by the Green Team. They had preliminarily reached the standards of a Tier-One combat operative.
Over the next six months, all the remaining time would be dedicated to testing the recruits' "brains."
Through various specialized training programs, instructors would assess the soldiers' capabilities in the military domain, combat experience, reaction speed, and judgment skills to determine whether they had what it took to become a Tier-One operative.
The training team, led by Special Training Instructor Adam, meticulously recorded and scored each recruit's performance during training.
The weekly elimination process continued.
Even though the remaining 26 recruits had already demonstrated exceptional combat abilities, each one still faced the risk of being eliminated.
It was a process of selecting the best of the best, the elite among elites.
Only the most outstanding soldiers—those deserving of the title of Tier-One operative—would prevail.
Clay, despite his placement in the top echelon of personal capabilities, was currently the most at risk of elimination among the leading recruits.
The good news was that being consistently ranked in the bottom five, narrowly avoiding "expulsion" due to repeated mistakes by Team B's external recruits, combined with his friend Brian's blunt advice and an error in his first CQB coordinated operation, seemed to have finally caused a crack in Clay's stubborn mindset.
Though it was just a small crack, breaking through entirely would require one final, decisive blow.
That blow came quickly.
During the second week of the third phase—the first week back for Long Zhan and Clay—the usual anonymous Friday team votes revealed the bottom five recruits, with the list posted in the main hall.
Clay's name was among them, second-to-last, just above the last place.
Having been back for only a week and already landing in the bottom five, it was clear that if things continued this way, Clay would inevitably be eliminated the following week.
Unless he made immediate changes, elimination was imminent.
Realizing that the crisis was upon him, the ever-confident Clay finally began to feel panic. The blow to his confidence was devastating.
Clay had always used every possible means to showcase his abilities, striving to become what he believed was an "all-star" soldier, all in hopes of joining DG.
His exceptional individual skills, honed during his time as a lone wolf, had allowed him to carve a path through countless challenges, ultimately earning one of only four coveted training spots in the Green Team from a pool of hundreds of SEAL Team 2 operatives.
It was this demonstration of personal excellence that secured his spot in the Green Team's training program.
From the very first day of training, Clay was firmly convinced that as long as he was superior to the other recruits, he would pass the selection process and join his dream team: SEAL Team 6.
He believed this would finally allow him to surpass his father, a decorated special forces operative, and escape the ridicule of being labeled merely as the son of Enzo Spencer, the "famous author."
But while the dream was beautiful, reality proved harsh.
Three months into Green Team training, the answers laid bare before him revealed the harsh truth: the path he had been steadfastly following was entirely wrong.
Treating all the other recruits as competitors rather than comrades had not won him any favor. Instead, it was steadily driving him toward failure.
Faced with the stark reality of being ranked second-to-last, and the looming threat of elimination the following week, Clay's deeply held beliefs finally collapsed.
His spirits plummeted to rock bottom, leaving him utterly dejected.
As Clay's close friend, Brian noticed the change in him and, rather than feeling worried, was genuinely pleased.
Clay's sorrow and frustration were clear signs that he had realized his mistakes.
Acknowledging one's mistakes is the first step toward the right path. The real fear lies in being oblivious to one's errors, remaining unrepentant, and even taking pride in them.
Fortunately, Clay was not that kind of person, and this was what made Brian happiest.
Relieved that Clay was finally beginning to find his way back, Brian also understood that accepting his mistakes would take time, and Clay needed space to process everything.
The best way to give him this time was to find a place where he could completely unwind.
A bar seemed like the perfect option.
With the weekend ahead and no scheduled training aside from random call-ups, the recruits were free to go wherever they pleased.
Brian suggested bringing Long Zhan along and taking Clay to the Sexy Ladies Bar again.
As soon as they entered, Clay ordered drinks and began downing them in an attempt to drown his sorrows.
Brian and Long Zhan saw this but didn't stop him. Since there was no training the next day, it wouldn't matter if he got drunk—they could just carry him back later if needed.
"This is too boring with just the three of us here. Stay with Clay while I go pick up a friend," Long Zhan said.
Thinking it was a good opportunity to invite Stella out and deepen their relationship, Long Zhan had already confirmed she was free that evening.
"That girl from last time?" Brian asked, clearly curious.
"Bingo. No prize, though. Haha."
Snapping his fingers, Long Zhan got up and said, "Don't forget our bet. If you do a good job washing those socks, I might ask Stella to introduce you to one of her friends. College girls can be pretty wild, you know."
"I'll hold you to that!" Brian perked up at the mention of girls, his enthusiasm reignited.
If Clay were in a better mood, his earlier eager reaction to seeing Stella would surely resurface, and he'd jump at the chance.
Unfortunately, he was too preoccupied nursing his emotional wounds, completely engrossed in his drink, and oblivious to their conversation.
Seeing Clay drinking alone, Long Zhan decided not to disturb him further.
Waving goodbye to Brian, Long Zhan left the bar and rode off on his vintage Harley, heading quickly toward Hudson State University.