Bang bang bang
In the vast shooting range, the dry firing sound of rifles resounded constantly. Each recruit was matched with a specially designed target, with an electronic screen above displaying the score of each shot.
The recruits were new to firearms, so their scores were poor. Missing the target was especially common. Scores of 5 or 6 rings were considered high, with the occasional lucky one scoring 10 rings.
At this point, the color of the score displayed on the electronic screen would change from green to bold red.
Raymond stood on a high platform overlooking the range, seeing a sea of green, with only a few sparse red dots that quickly disappeared.
He wasn't surprised by this.
For their first exposure to shooting, not missing the target was already commendable.
The physical condition of the Clones is much stronger than ordinary people's. Their grip on the gun is steadier, and they have no distractions. After three days of training, maybe not all could become Sharpshooters, but at least their aim wouldn't be too bad.
Shooting those bulky Green-Skinned Orcs would be more than sufficient.
Bang bang bang
The sound of gunfire continued in the range.
At this moment, a spot caught Raymond's attention.
In the sea of green, this striking red dot that never disappeared stood out.
10 rings, 10 rings, 10 rings...
On the electronic screen, almost every second showed a score, yet the color never changed, always representing the 10 rings with red.
"Oh, a new recruit with shooting talent?"
Raymond became interested.
Cloning technology had been around for a long time, but many issues still existed in mass-producing Cloned Soldiers.
For instance, the loaded memory couldn't be too complex, as it would confuse the clones' memories, making them difficult to command.
And integrated gene fragments couldn't be too strong, or the clone's body would quickly collapse.
Due to these technological defects, most clones are ordinary and mediocre, unable to perform too complex tasks and raised merely as cannon fodder.
However, among a massive base number, some clones would undergo genetic mutations, often gaining extraordinary talents, such as great strength, swift actions, and keen senses.
These clones would then be selected for focused cultivation.
Observing for a while, he quickly walked towards that target position.
Soon, he found the goal.
In front of the target spot, a recruit in a black uniform held the rifle horizontally, rhythmically pulling the trigger. His grip on the stock was nearly unmoving; his gaze was cold, like a machine without feelings, and even when Raymond came to his side, there was no flicker in his eyes or expression, seemingly regarding Raymond as air.
Seeing this, Raymond didn't get angry because that's just how Clones are: emotionless, not pleasing superiors, recognizing only one thing—to follow the Empire's orders and fight for it.
Raymond glanced at the number on the recruit's right chest and spoke:
"Recruit 89757, stop."
Click
Qin Tian fired his last bullet, slowly lowering his rifle, turning to look expressionlessly at Raymond.
"Bring your gun and follow me," Raymond ordered.
Qin Tian's eyes flickered slightly, nodding, then followed Raymond, quickly being led to an adjacent shooting range.
This range wasn't large, with a few soldiers practicing shooting inside. Upon seeing Raymond, they immediately put down their guns, quickly running over to stand straight and salute.
"Officer!"
"Hmm."
Raymond nodded, speaking sternly: "Continue practicing."
"Yes."
The soldiers responded in deep voices, with hints of curiosity when their gaze swept over Qin Tian behind Raymond.
Judging by the uniform, he'll likely be a clone, right?
Why did Officer Raymond bring him here alone?
"Recruit, over here."
Raymond led Qin Tian to an open target spot, saying:
"In a moment, the targets in front will move randomly. Your task is to hit the center as accurately as possible."
Upon hearing this, Qin Tian slightly opened his mouth, a dry, hoarse voice escaping:
"Understood."
Test started
At 100 meters, six moving targets shifted in different directions, occasionally changing direction suddenly, and with not-so-slow speed.
Qin Tian raised his rifle, aiming for a second before decisively pulling the trigger.
Bang!
A shot, and one target displayed a score.
7 rings
Scoring 7 rings on a moving target at a hundred meters is already impressive, let alone being Qin Tian's first attempt at a moving target.
Seeing this, Raymond nodded in satisfaction.
But Qin Tian was not satisfied with this.
[Absolute Gunmastery] was like [High tier Strength] and [Quick Recovery], all Green Talents with immense potential; simply hitting a moving target wasn't something worth celebrating.
He held himself to higher standards.
Hoo~
A gentle breeze blew
Qin Tian squinted his eyes; he didn't calculate bullet trajectory, wind speed, or direction, shooting purely on instinct.
But this feeling was elusive, unspeakable, like the zone status in basketball.
Focus, strength, confidence
Everything felt under control
Bang~
Gunfire
Instantly, a large red "10 rings" caught Raymond's attention.
10 rings?
The second shot was a 10 ring?
Raymond's eyes lit up, even though he'd handled many talented recruits, the shooting talent of recruit number 89757 still amazed him.
Bang~ Bang~ Bang~
The shots rumbled out with a rhythmic cadence
10 rings, 10 rings, 10 rings...
Each shot was a 10 ring, and after hitting all six target centers, Qin Tian slowly calmed his rifle, looking at Raymond with a calm expression.
"Good, very good."
Raymond smiled with approval, saying again: "Next, the difficulty will escalate again, I hope you can maintain this outstanding performance."
With that, Raymond gestured to the command post.
In the next moment, more than 20 mechanical birds took off from the distant hill, flapping their wings and hovering above the range, casting a dark shadow.
"Recruit, these are Spirit Birds used for shooting training. Only by hitting the eyes will they fall, and your task is to shoot them all down."
Raymond issued a task of nightmare difficulty. These mechanical birds were small in size, flew high and fast, and the difficulty of hitting the eyes was self-evident.
On the side, soldiers quietly observed Raymond and Qin Tian. The moment they heard Raymond's demand, their eyes widened instantly.
Spirit Birds made up the most challenging shooting training project, and in the entire army, only a few chosen ones were capable of completing it.
Did Officer Raymond really want a freshly manufactured Clone Soldier to take on the Spirit Birds? Wasn't this too much to ask?
This was simply an impossible task.
However, Qin Tian's face remained expressionless. He silently raised his rifle, slightly squinting one eye, staring through the scope at the target.
One second, two seconds, three seconds
At a certain moment, Qin Tian suddenly acted.
Bang~
The first shot hit a bird's wing, causing it to shudder, its speed suddenly dropping.
Bang~
The second shot directly hit the left eye, the mechanical bird bursting with sparks, then quickly fell.
"Close."
Qin Tian held his breath, clearing his mind, concentrating fiercely.
At that moment, the world plunged into absolute silence, and everything seemed to slow down.
Bang~
Gunfire roared, electric sparks shone, birds plummeted
Bang bang bang~
Shadows fell from the sky
Beside him, the soldiers' mouths hung ajar, rendered speechless in shock.
Inside Raymond, there was shock as well, turning his head to look at Qin Tian.
His profile was cold and rugged, his gaze unflappable, and the powerful aura emitted when pulling the trigger...
In him, Raymond seemed to see the shadow of another person, Huang Xun.
He was the strongest Sharpshooter in their regiment, having recently volunteered to fight on Alpha 7 Star.
His spear technique was even higher than what Qin Tian just demonstrated, almost to the level of divine skill.
Regrettably, just that morning, this accomplished Sharpshooter was accidentally killed in a confrontation with a Spiritualist.
This was undoubtedly a great loss for the Legion.
Yet, barely half a day later, out of these cannon-fodder Cloned Recruits emerged another Sharpshooter, uncannily similar in aura to Huang Xun.
Raymond seemed to see that stubborn Soul lingering in the air, the hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth, as he waved downward, mouthing—
"For the Empire."