bookrandom Chapter 35 S-Rank Enlistment Appointment?
Chapter 35 S-Rank Enlistment Appointment?
This problem really stumped Lu Ling.
She has led troops in many battles over the years, from suppressing rebellions on the border to maintaining stability in cities. What tough battles hasn't she fought?
But this kind of "recruiting people" thing is indeed a first...
In previous years, military recruitment in the region would wait until after the college entrance examination, when students would voluntarily apply to military academies or enlist. Even if there were early recruitment programs, none had reached the unprecedented scale of this year's recruitment drive.
This year, the country poured five trillion yuan into military spending, and last week added another one trillion yuan. The higher-ups are holding people accountable, and the lower-level authorities are scrambling to recruit personnel. As a result, the four military regions have been working like crazy, creating four levels of pre-enlistment appointments: C, B, A, and S, with benefits being increased at each level, making the competition fierce.
"I think he deserves at least a B grade, and an A grade would be normal."
After a moment of contemplation, Lu Ling said in a deep voice.
"Grade A?!"
Fang Bin was slightly taken aback.
A-level enlistment offers a guaranteed stipend of 1.5 million over two years, plus priority selection of S-level martial arts skills, a dedicated mecha modification fund, and direct commissioning as a lieutenant upon graduation…
Although there are no quota restrictions for A-level enlistment appointments in each theater of operations, unlike S-level appointments, the number of A-level appointment slots is still not large according to the theater's estimated regulations.
"Captain Lu, isn't this a bit too high a level of protocol?"
"He absolutely deserves it," Lu Ling said firmly.
"What if the Western Theater Command offers the same terms?"
"Then let's compete."
Lu Ling sneered, a fire burning in her eyes: "This year's military spending is unprecedented, and all the major military regions are vying for talent... Besides, the joint entrance examination of 100 schools is just around the corner. If we wait until the competition is over before making a move, it will be too late."
"When we're digging for seedlings now, we have to find the absolute best!"
"Wang Xing... his qi and blood are incredibly strong, and his combat skills are outstanding. His swordsmanship and movement techniques are both at the third level. What's most commendable is that he actually comes to the school to train at four in the morning. This kind of dedication shocks me."
"He is worth our effort, and we will do everything we can to win him over."
She paused, narrowed her eyes, and looked out the window at the students running on the playground.
"Now it depends on whether he is willing to enlist. If he is, we must act quickly to recruit him before other military regions."
……
Meanwhile, at the parking lot of Rongcheng No. 2 High School.
A dark green Tank SUV was parked in the corner.
Lin Xishan opened the car door and got into the driver's seat, while another colonel from the Western Theater Command, Liu Cheng, got into the passenger seat.
pat!
The moment the car door closed, Liu Cheng finally couldn't hold back any longer: "Old Lin, this Wang Xing you mentioned really didn't disappoint me. If it weren't for the people from the Eastern Theater Command being there, I almost would have slammed my fist on the table... That kid's knife skills are just my type!"
"And is it really true, as you said, that kid was only at level 7.1 in terms of health and mana a month ago, and his swordsmanship and movement techniques were only at the second tier?"
"Why would I need to lie to you?"
Lin Xishan nodded: "This student was trained by Lü Yun. I came to the school a month ago and ran into him at the training ground at four in the morning. At the time, I was just amazed by his character..."
"I never expected him to improve so rapidly in just one month."
Liu Cheng clicked his tongue in amazement: "Old Lin, what's your opinion of this student?"
"view?"
Lin Xishan snorted, his hands on the steering wheel, his gaze fixed on the distant teaching building through the windshield. "My current opinion is that we should be thankful today... thankful that the Southern and Northern Theater Commands didn't send anyone over; we arrived first."
The country is now actively recruiting soldiers, and major military regions are holding recruitment speeches at high schools in shifts.
However, there are too many schools in China, and the military personnel are not idle; it is impossible for each of the four military regions to visit every school.
Chengdu No. 2 High School only approved the Eastern and Western Military Regions to come and give in-person presentations and recruit people...
Lin Xishan's concern was that if people from the North and South Military Regions also joined, the competition for Wang Xing would only intensify.
Liu Cheng nodded: "So you mean we're really going to take action against Wang Xing?"
"Of course," Lin Xishan said, "It's not just about striking, it's about being quick!"
"Just like cutting butter with a hot knife, we have to book Wang Xing in advance, the sooner the better. We absolutely cannot wait until he becomes famous and is targeted by the North and South Military Regions."
"You mean, before the Chengdu Hundred Schools Competition?"
"No, that's too slow."
Lin Xishan shook his head: "If possible, let's do it today."
"What? Today!"
Liu Cheng was completely stunned: "Old Lin, this is really your style, but this is way too fast!"
"Good seedlings don't wait for anyone. Snatching them up is like seizing a battle opportunity on the battlefield—it's fleeting. Once the enemy surrounds them, there's no going back."
"So what kind of appointment do you want to give him?" Liu Cheng asked.
"Old Liu, to be honest, at first I thought that Old Lü's enthusiastic promotion must mean he's an A-level talent."
"but……"
Lin Xishan's gaze was intense. "After seeing his rapid progress, my thoughts changed... I want to apply to my superiors for an S-level appointment slot."
"S-rank?!"
Liu Cheng's eyes widened. "My God, Lao Lü, did I hear that right?!"
"That's right, it's S-class."
Liu Cheng said, "There are strict quotas for S-level recruitment in each military region! How many S-level recruitment slots does our Western Theater Command have this year?"
"Although S-class spots are precious, I trust Lü Yun's judgment. After so many years of comradeship with Lü Yun, he wouldn't betray me."
Lin Xishan said without changing his expression, "Moreover, this child's progress is too terrifying. If we wait until the Hundred Schools Competition in December, and he makes a name for himself in the competition, it will be difficult for us to make a move then. At that time, not only will the other three major military regions join the competition, but even the special recruitment groups of military academies may intervene after giving guidance."
Liu Cheng was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded: "What you said makes sense. I just feel it's a bit too fast, a bit like gambling."
"I admit there was an element of gambling involved."
Lin Xishan's lips curled into a slight smile: "But betting on him is worth it!"
"I'd rather regret giving him an S-level enlistment appointment than regret not coming to our military region later!"
Liu Cheng remained silent for a moment, then finally took a deep breath.
"Okay, I agree with you."
"Then let's report to Commander Wang and ask for instructions. S-level reservations are not something we can decide, but with you and Lü Yun as guarantors... I estimate there won't be too much of a problem."
"There are two main difficulties now."
Lin Xishan nodded, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel as he analyzed the situation:
"First, I don't know how the persuasion work with Lü Yun is going... Wang Xing is willing to make an appointment to enlist, that's the prerequisite."
"Secondly... the neighboring Eastern Theater Command, I can tell they also want to take action against Wang Xing."
"That's right, this is a difficult point." Liu Cheng frowned. "That female instructor's eyes are too calm. Too calm, which proves that she is pretending."
"Hmph."
Lin Xishan snorted coldly: "If we want to defeat the Eastern Theater Command and secure the spot for Wang Xing, we still need some..."
"Strategy".
Liu Cheng understood immediately and revealed his shrewd gaze as well.
……
At 10:30 a.m., during the long break between classes.
Instead of flocking to the playground as usual, the senior high school students were all moved to the school's newly built modern gymnasium.
This stadium, which can hold 4,000 people, is usually used for basketball games and graduation ceremonies, but it has been transformed into a temporary lecture hall.
Above the dome, a huge holographic projection slowly unfolded, and a bright red Chinese military flag fluttered in the virtual wind, majestic and solemn.
In the center of the venue, a temporary podium stood majestically, with a crossed mecha sword and an energy shield emblem hanging behind it, symbolizing the Dragon Kingdom's mecha forces.
Representatives from the Eastern Theater Command and the Western Theater Command stood on either side of the stage, like two gatekeepers.
The presentation event officially began.
A lieutenant colonel from the Eastern Theater Command stepped onto the stage, his voice booming: "Students, the Dragon Kingdom's mech force is the strongest bulwark protecting humanity's borders! Look at this 'Thunder' mech! It's a sharp sword guarding the Dragon Kingdom's frontiers..."
"Today, we present two paths! The first is for high school students to enlist directly, become professional mecha soldiers, protect their country, and live a life of glory..."
"Second point!" Another instructor from the Western Theater Command took the microphone, "Compulsory military service for college students! Two years of service during four years of university will be credited as one year of academic credit, resulting in two certificates in five years—a graduation certificate and an officer's certificate! Moreover, the benefits this year are unprecedented. Those who sign up early will receive generous allowances, plus additional internal rewards from the Mech University, ensuring a bright future..."
"..."
The presentation was divided into two parts: first, a stirring military propaganda video, followed by a detailed interpretation of the policies.
The instructors were clearly well-prepared, and every word they uttered precisely struck a chord with the senior high school students' psychology... the pressure of the college entrance examination, the uncertainty about the future, the desire for power, and the yearning for money.
Furthermore, a holographic projection unfolded, playing a stunning video of mech pilots battling the abyssal monsters on the border battlefield. The fire, explosions, and the roar of clashing metal were all present.
Many students at the scene were already excited, clenching their fists and their eyes shining.
As the presentation progressed, a series of dazzling numbers appeared on the big screen.
"To select top talent, the four military regions have established a special 'pre-enlistment' system, divided into four levels: C, B, A, and S!"
The ranking list is clearly visible on the screen:
[Level C Advance Reservation]: 80 Dragon Kingdom Currency for two years. If admitted to Mecha University, the allowance increases to 90.
[Level B Early Reservation]: 120 million Dragon Kingdom Currency for two years. If admitted to Mecha University, the allowance increases to 120 million.
[Level A Advance Reservation]: 160 million Dragon Kingdom currency over two years. If admitted to the Mecha University, the allowance increases to 200 million.
[S-Rank Pre-Registration]: 250 million Dragon Kingdom Coins over two years! If admitted to Mecha University, the stipend will skyrocket to 300 million!
"hiss--"
A collective gasp of astonishment rippled through the crowd.
Young people subconsciously see welfare as the highest category.
S-rank, admitted to Mecha University, 300 million!
This isn't like going to the army; it's like going to work for the country for two years, and then the country gives you a car and a house!
Wang Xing's heart skipped a beat.
He knew that achieving the S-level was extremely difficult; there were only a handful of such individuals nationwide.
Because at this level, money is no longer the sole measure of value.
The four military regions will aggressively recruit people. When it comes to the real fight for talent, the focus will not only be on the value of the "money," but also on various promises and benefits beyond the money, which are far more valuable than the 300 million yuan in cash.
But the number 300 million still caused Wang Xing a considerable impulse.
After the event, the crowd dispersed in an orderly manner.
As Wang Xing stepped out of the gymnasium and was about to return to the classroom, two familiar figures appeared in front of him.
Shen Shuang and Lü Yun.
"Wang Xing, what's your decision?"
Lu Yun got straight to the point, his eyes filled with anticipation.
Wang Xing answered sincerely, "Teacher, I'm not really interested in enlisting directly, but I'm somewhat interested in two years of compulsory service."
Lu Yun and Shen Shuang exchanged a glance, their eyes lighting up simultaneously.
"That's perfect, come with me."
"Where to?"
Shen Shuang patted Wang Xing on the shoulder, her gaze meaningful:
"Some people are already eager to see you."
.