Chapter 6: Comparing Shots (1)

Many who learnt of the rumors of one recruit daring to challenge Officer Brandt on the first day of Recruit Training fell into a shell-state shock. The contents of the rumor spread all throughout like a wildfire, like a grenade thrown into a condensed area.

Moreover, what further heated the rumor into a flame of fire was the identity of the recruit. It was someone who caught a heat stroke on the first day of training.

Daring to challenge a Chief Commanding Officer? That recruit is dead meat.

But nevertheless, they were eager to see the fool embarrass himself. Such is human nature.

At this moment, the training base looked as if an earthquake roamed the earth and tornado had just passed through. Not only the recruits, many of the enlisted men and commissioned officers attended. Somehow, they felt slight pity towards the recruit.

“I wonder if he had hit his head on a brick or was dropped as a baby. To actually challenge a Commander, is he mad? Officer Brandt was placed on the top three of previous sharpshooting ranking competitions. That kid won’t stand a chance.”

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“Kids these days… they’re crazy. Back in the day, it wasn’t like this.”

“Ah… they’re young bloods. It’s alright for them to compete every now and then. Builds good character! But, it is quite a shame.”

The rumor of a recruit battling against an officer spread far and wide, east and west, and north and south. Many quickly rushed towards the shooting range hoping to see action and drama unfurl before their eyes.

… … …

“Kyle, you’re too impulsive sometimes.” Steve sighed. “To compete with a weapon of choice? How can your skill compare to Officer Brandt who has years of experience under his belt? I beg of you, please go back and apologize to him… I’m sure—”

“Rest assured.” Kyle patted his friend’s thin shoulder and smiled lightly. “After this, no one will ever look down us again.”

He felt confident. He’s able to extract skill cards and capture people’s abilities. A single swoop of his eyes and one thought was all he needed to acquire the skill cards.

He’s sure he’d gain victory.

… … …

Shooting Range. 1700 HR.

Enlisted men and women dressed in combat uniforms with a kevlar on hurried towards the shooting range in full swing. There stood a many officers donned in service uniforms eagerly anticipating the competition between Officer Brandt and the new recruit, Kyle.

Officer Brandt walked towards the shelves stacked with varieties of weapons. He tested out the grip and feel of the pistols, rifles, and other weapons resting on the shelves.

Kyle and the black-haired agent stood at the back waiting. She hadn’t realized Kyle walked in from behind and stood close to her.

After Officer Brandt’s inspection, he turned around and saw Kyle’s figure in the back. He waved to him and pointed towards the weapons he laid out on the table. “These weapons are in good shape and made by the U.S Military. Pick whatever.”

Kyle nodded. Rather than walking towards the weapons, he turned his head and approached the black-haired agent. “Agent Carter, if possible, would you allow me to borrow your weapon for a short second?”

“Hmm?” Agent Carter raised her head. Under the sunshine boughs, her delicate features and full red lips were enhanced, signifying the beauty of her western charm.

It was only after the duo left Officer Brandt’s office did Kyle learn the identity of the female agent through his good friend, Steve. Her name was Peggy Carter, Captain America’s love interest. In truth, Kyle found her more beautiful in person than what was described of her in the film.

“I don’t mind, but are you sure you want to use it here?” Agent Carter said coldly.

She swiftly pulled out the pistol from her holster pocket. Beautiful. The color was an aureate black.

“Recruit quit playing around! You want to use a pistol against a rifle?!” Officer Brandt fumed.

Though it was only a short, fifty-meter long target, the precision ratio of the pistol and rifle differed greatly.

“Please, will you allow me to borrow it for a short while?” Kyle gently requested.

Soon, the pistol landed on his grip. Clutching the pistol, he thought that it was a good weapon tailored for women. The quality of the craft was far beyond the standard quality of weapons that were sprawled on the table. The aureate black pistol’s body glittered under the rays of light. No doubt, this pistol was capable of killing in cold blood.

“Good weapon.” Kyle praised and waived the pistol, attempting to get the feel of the pistol in his grip.

“Three shots are needed to determine the winner of this bet. No more, no less. We don’t need to waste the government’s bullets on you if proven to be unworthy.” Officer Brandt said bluntly.

He cocked the rifle and pulled it up. He squared his shoulder up the target line with feet shoulder-width apart. Officer Brandt awaited for Kyle to begin as he stood in position.

“Three shots it is. Sir, please shoot first.” Kyle smiled and gestured as would a gentlemen.

“Kids these days…” Officer Brandt clicked his tongue and muttered under his breath. “Too arrogant… alright, fine. Let’s see what you got.”

Soon, he quickly raised the rifle, bringing it close to his temple as he pressed his cheek firmly into the stock, firing three consecutive shots at the fifty-meter long target.