The hospital is too busy, so I'm going to join the army and become a top soldier!

Shen Yan handed the letter of recommendation back to Zheng Guoliang.

He carefully put away his third-class merit medal and certificate before turning back to the recruit company.

As soon as they entered the class line, Wei Shanjia and Ga Wa looked over at the same time.

Wei Shanjia glanced behind Shen Yan twice to make sure Zheng Guoliang wasn't chasing after them with the medical team before he breathed a sigh of relief.

"fine."

"Company Commander Zheng didn't take advantage of this last chance to kidnap you and send you to the medical unit."

Ga Wa's attention, however, was drawn to the red box in Shen Yan's hand.

"Hey friend."

"What's this?"

Shen Yan didn't hide anything and opened the box to show the two of them.

"The third-class merit award for my participation in the limb replantation surgery at the hospital has been officially approved."

Wei Shanjia's expression froze instantly.

He was just excited because the recruit company received a collective third-class merit, and felt that he was finally someone who had made a contribution.

As a result, Shen Yan went to the medical unit.

Not only did he earn a collective second-class merit, but he also casually received an individual third-class merit.

"Not a buddy."

"People's merits are counted on a per-official basis."

"Is now the time for you to start ordering in bulk?"

Before Shen Yan could speak, Ga Wa had already begun to scrutinize his chest.

"Hey friend, I have a feeling you might need to have an extra piece of fabric attached to your chest when you wear casual clothes from now on!"

"Otherwise, what if we have too many medals and can't hang them all up?"

"That's enough for you two."

Shen Yan put the box away.

"Honors aren't for showing off!"

Wei Shanjia looked at him with a deep gaze.

"You really don't need to show off."

"If you stand there, everyone can see you clearly!"

The three wanted to continue talking, but Gao Zhenhai had already walked over.

"Stop talking nonsense!"

"Everyone in the class, go back to your seats!"

Upon hearing the order, everyone in the second squad quickly returned to their positions.

A moment later, Chen Gang walked in with a roster.

The recruits, who were just excited about their commendation and rank, felt their hearts leap into their throats when they saw what he was holding.

They all knew that the time had come to truly decide where to go!

Chen Gang stood at the front of the recruit company, his gaze sweeping across each of their faces.

"The new recruits' graduation assessment has been completed, and the conferment of ranks has also been finished."

"From today onwards, you are no longer green recruits who have just entered the army and know nothing!"

He was a real soldier!

"Next, I will announce your next unit assignments."

The entire recruit company fell silent instantly.

Three months ago, when everyone first walked into this place, no one knew anyone else.

Three months later, they trained together, were punished together, secretly ate instant noodles together before lights out, and went to disaster areas to rescue people together.

They usually dislike each other terribly.

When the time actually came to part ways, I felt a little reluctant to leave.

But Chen Gang didn't give them much time to be sad. He opened the roster and read it out in order of unit.

"Communications Company, Liu Hao, Zhang Zhiqiang..."

"Saving Corps, Wang Haitao, Li Shun..."

"The guard company..."

One name after another was mentioned.

The person whose name is called instinctively straightens up, while their comrade next to them will secretly glance at them.

Some people were assigned to their dream unit and couldn't hide their excitement.

Some people felt a pang of disappointment when they heard that their familiar comrades had gone to other companies.

Wei Shanjia stood in the line, even his breathing became shallow.

There's no doubt he wants to join the elite unit!

But what he wanted to know more was where Shen Yan and Ga Wa would be assigned.

If the three of them go to different units, how will I catch up with Shen Yan in the future, and how will I follow him to continue the project?

We can't exactly climb over the wall every day to watch how other companies train, can we?

Just then, Chen Gang finally read out the name that everyone was most concerned about.

"Sharp-edged armored reconnaissance company!"

Wei Shanjia straightened his back instantly.

"Shen Yan!"

"arrive!"

"Wei Shanjia!"

"arrive!"

"Little boy!"

"arrive!"

Three voices rang out in succession.

Wei Shanjia's eyes lit up immediately!

All three of them joined the elite detachment!

However, the surprises were not over yet.

Chen Gang glanced down at the roster and continued reading:

"These three individuals will all be assigned to the first platoon of the elite armored reconnaissance company!"

Same company!

We're in the same class!

Wei Shanjia could no longer suppress his smile.

"good!"

The moment the words left his mouth, he saw Chen Gang raise his head and quickly swallowed the rest of his sentence.

The little boy grinned from ear to ear.

"Hey friend."

"The three of us are in the same sheepfold again... no, I mean, the same class now!"

Wei Shanjia's smile froze.

"When you're so happy, could you use a different analogy?"

"You're making the 'Sharp Knife Company' sound like a production team!"

The little boy chuckled.

"I'm just happy!"

Shen Yan stood to the side, a smile also on his face.

After three months of working together, they had become more than just ordinary comrades-in-arms.

For the three of them, being able to stay in the same platoon after their transfer to the next company is indeed the best outcome.

After reading out the remaining names assigned to the elite detachment, Chen Gang closed the roster.

Looking at Shen Yan and the other two new recruits, Chen Gang couldn't help but curl up a little on the corner of his mouth!

"Three top students, not one was missed!"

"When it comes to recognizing new recruits, who can compare to me, Chen Gang?"

……

The next morning.

In the recruit training camp dormitory, everyone was packing their belongings.

Bedding, military uniforms, daily necessities, and personal belongings were stuffed into the bag one by one.

The once crowded and lively dormitory gradually became empty as luggage was moved out one after another.

Wei Shanjia slung his backpack over his shoulder, stood at the dormitory entrance, and looked back once.

"Finally, we're moving to a new place. I wonder if the beds in the Sharp Knife Company will be comfortable to sleep in."

He said that, but his eyes held a complex expression.

Ga Wa also reached out and touched his own bed frame.

Shen Yan carefully put away the third-class merit medal and certificate he had just received, placing them at the very back of his luggage.

Before setting off, Gao Zhenhai checked the luggage and military uniforms of the whole class one last time.

"Tie your shoelaces tight!"

"Keep your backpack straps secure!"

"When you get to your new unit, don't let people think that the soldiers I, Gao Zhenhai, trained can't even pack their own luggage!"

He cursed as he went, but after checking the last person, he suddenly fell silent for two seconds.

In the end, he only said one sentence:

"All of you, do your best at your new jobs!"

"If you have time in the future, come visit your old squad leader more often!"

Everyone in Class Two stood up straight at the same time.

"yes!"

This answer was louder than any other one he had ever given!

After the inspection, everyone took their luggage and went to the parking area.

The vehicles carrying troop pick-up personnel for each company had already been parked in advance.

Familiar comrades boarded vehicles according to their assigned destinations.

Some people kicked each other with a smile before getting on the bus, some waved through the window, and some turned their faces away, not wanting their good friends to see their red eyes.

As the cars drove away, the recruit training company finally completed its mission.

Shen Yan, Wei Shanjia, and Ga Wa were sitting in the same car.

After the car drove out of the camp, Wei Shanjia leaned back in his seat and let out a long sigh.

"Sharp-edged armored reconnaissance company."

"This name doesn't sound like a place where people can just relax."

Ga Wa nodded.

"It needs armor, combat capabilities, and reconnaissance capabilities."

"Friend, I feel like this one company is doing the work of three companies! It's going to be exhausting!"

After driving for more than an hour, the car finally entered the barracks of the elite company.

Just past the gate, the group saw a black stone tablet standing by the roadside.

There are only four large characters on it.

Always be the sharpest weapon!

Further inside are neatly arranged garages, training grounds, and a wall of honor covered with award flags and photos.

Some veterans had already lined up on both sides of the road.

As soon as the car came to a stop, a tall, upright military officer in his forties walked over.

He was Zhao Weidong, the company commander of the elite detachment.

The new recruits quickly disembarked and assembled.

Instead of waiting in the distance for a report, Zhao Weidong personally walked to the front of the group and shook hands with each of the new recruits.

"Welcome to the Sharp Knife Company!"

When it was Shen Yan's turn, Zhao Weidong clearly glanced at him a few more times.

However, Zhao Weidong did not show excessive enthusiasm because of these things, but calmly said:

"Shen Yan, we meet again!"

"You got first place in the assessment during basic training."

"Having joined the elite unit means starting all over again. I hope you can maintain your current performance!"

Shen Yan immediately stood at attention.

"Yes, sir!"

Zhao Weidong nodded and walked toward the next recruit.

Upon hearing this, Wei Shanjia, who was standing behind, felt a sudden tightness in his chest.

Even someone like Shen Yan, who was ranked first in the entire project, would have to start from scratch.

As someone who has always been overshadowed by Shen Yan in second place, I probably have even less right to relax.

Ga Wa glanced at Zhao Weidong discreetly.

"Hey friend."

"I feel like this company commander is a bit serious and doesn't joke around much. We'd better tone it down!"

Wei Shanjia lowered his voice.

"I see. You'd better watch your mouth from now on!"

After the brief reception of the new recruits, Zhao Weidong did not immediately have the new recruits taken back to their dormitories. Instead, he led everyone to the company's honor wall.

A company flag bearing the words "Sharp Knife Company" fluttered slightly in the cold wind.

The new recruits stood in formation under the company flag.

The veterans stood neatly on both sides of the road.

Zhao Weidong was holding a thick roster in his hand.

"Our elite detachment has a tradition."

"From the day the company was established, every soldier who officially joined the elite unit was given a number according to the order in which they joined the company."

"This number does not represent a military rank or a position."

"It proves only one thing."

"You were once a member of the elite detachment!"

All the new recruits quickly became serious.

Zhao Weidong opened the roster and began announcing names in order.

One recruit after another received their own number.

Soon, he looked at Shen Yan.

"Shen Yan!"

"arrive!"

"You are the 6666th soldier in the elite unit!"

Shen Yan was stunned when he heard the number.

6666th place?

Four 6s, that's pretty smooth!

Wei Shanjia, standing to the side, suddenly widened his eyes.

He tried to suppress a laugh; his lips barely moved, but the sound escaped through his teeth.

"Shen Yan".

"Your identification number matches your actual identity."

"That's absolutely amazing!"

Ga Wa nodded in deep agreement.

"6666!"

Even the elite platoon has officially acknowledged that he's a cheat code!

As soon as they finished speaking, they noticed that Zhao Weidong's gaze had fallen on them.

Wei Shanjia and Ga Wa immediately shut up.

Stand tall with your back straight and chin slightly tucked in!

The military posture is twice as standard as before!

Zhao Weidong glanced at the two men, but did not immediately reprimand them. He continued reading.

"Wei Shanjia!"

"arrive!"

"The 6667th soldier in the Sharp Knife Company!"

"Little boy!"

"arrive!"

"The 6668th soldier in the Sharp Knife Company!"

Upon hearing his number, Wei Shanjia felt much better.

Although I wasn't as incredibly skilled as Shen Yan, I wasn't much worse than him.

From the second squad of the recruit company to the first squad of the elite unit.

They became comrades-in-arms standing together once again!

Zhao Weidong closed the list, but did not end the ceremony immediately. Instead, he turned to look at the wall of honor behind him.

"Someone just thought the number 6666 was very interesting."

Wei Shanjia's heart skipped a beat.

Okay.

As expected, they heard it!

"The numbering is clever; it's certainly something to be happy about."

"But I want you to remember what this string of numbers really represents!"

Zhao Weidong raised his hand and pointed to an old photo at the top of the wall of honor.

The photo has turned a bit yellow.

Dozens of soldiers in old uniforms stood under a tattered flag.

Many of them wore patched clothes and carried different weapons.

"The predecessor of the Sharp Knife Company was the Third Company of the Jin-Northwest Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Detachment, which was established in 1938."

"At the beginning, the entire company only had more than 170 people, and we couldn't even guarantee that everyone would have a gun."

"From the very first day they were formed, their mission was to scout enemy positions, conduct nighttime infiltrations, disrupt transportation lines, and create breakthroughs for the main force!"

Zhao Weidong's voice wasn't loud, but it reached the ears of every new recruit clearly.

"The Battle of Black Stone Ridge in 1948."

"The main force's continuous attacks were thwarted, and the Third Company was ordered to circle around to the enemy's rear."

"Without a complete map or any roads, they traveled more than 30 kilometers at night, crossing two mountain ridges and a cliff."

Ultimately, they destroyed the enemy command post and cut off their retreat, creating a breakthrough for the main force!

"After the battle, their superiors described them as a sharp dagger, piercing straight into the enemy's abdomen!"

"From that day on, the name 'Sharp Knife Company' has remained to this day!"

The ranks of new recruits were completely silent.

Zhao Weidong walked slowly forward along the wall of honor.

The photos on the wall gradually changed from black and white to color.

"In subsequent operations, the Sharp Knife Company was always tasked with the most dangerous reconnaissance, infiltration, assault, and rear-guard missions."

"The company suffered more than half its casualties several times, and was replenished with new soldiers several times."

"Since modern times, in numerous small-scale border battles, the armored reconnaissance detachments of the spearhead company have penetrated dozens of kilometers ahead of the main force."

Multiple key targets were identified, enemy supply routes were cut off, and a passage was opened for follow-up troops!

"It took multiple reorganizations to create the elite armored reconnaissance company we have today!"

Zhao Weidong stopped and looked at the group of privates who had just joined the company.

"Since the company was established, more than 6,600 officers and soldiers have served here."

"More than two thousand of them sacrificed their lives in war, border operations, and major missions!"

Upon hearing this number, the smiles on Wei Shanjia and Ga Wa's faces vanished completely.

More than two thousand people!

These are no longer just simple photos on the wall of honor.

They were people who were once just as young as them, who also wore military uniforms and joined the elite unit!

Some people returned to their hometowns after completing their missions.

Some people were lost forever on the mission.

Shen Yan looked at the number in his hand again.

Number 6666!

Four sixes do sound like a clever combination.

But before him lies the legacy left by 6,665 officers and soldiers!

Zhao Weidong pointed to Lianqi.

"So, the numbers you have aren't just a string of numbers to joke about."

Behind each number is a person who once stood here and wore this uniform!

"Armor doesn't mean you can hide behind steel plates and enjoy the good life!"

"Reconnaissance isn't just about taking a quick look through binoculars and coming back!"

"Our purpose is to be the sharpest blade, thrusting it deeper and faster into the enemy's heart when the main force needs it!"

All the new recruits involuntarily straightened their chests even more.

Zhao Weidong's gaze swept over everyone, and his tone became stern again.

"Our elite unit has always judged its members by their performance and discipline!"

"I don't care where you're from, or what rank you got in basic training!"

"Once you're in the elite unit, your past achievements only prove you tried; they can't replace tomorrow's training!"

"Anyone who wants to coast along in this elite unit, anyone who thinks discipline is negotiable, come find me now!"

"I personally helped him apply for a transfer to another company!"

A cold wind blew across the training ground.

No one stepped forward from the line.

Zhao Weidong waited a few seconds before his tone softened slightly.

"In our elite unit, if your grades are poor, you can get more training!"

"You're slow, but I can teach you!"

"If you can't keep up physically, we'll run laps with you!"

"As long as you don't give up, as long as you are willing to strive for self-improvement, the elite unit will never abandon any soldier!"

Upon hearing this, some new recruits who were initially unsure of themselves after joining the elite unit due to their less-than-stellar performance in the assessment gradually calmed down.

The standards for the sharpest knife unit are high.

But what it doesn't want is never those who are temporarily lagging behind.

Instead, it's those who are lazy, break rules, and give up first!

Zhao Weidong took a step back and faced all the new recruits.

"To all officers and soldiers of the Sharp Knife Company!"

The veterans on both sides of the road applauded at the same time.

"Welcome back, new comrade!"