Chapter 20
The principal’s speech wrapped up, and each squad headed offth their respective instructors to begin training.
To make the most of the space, each squad had a different training task. For Nina’s group, today’s challenge was weighted running.
Given that they were all students, the requirements were only half of what regular soldiers would do.
The girls had to carry a 6.6–pound pack, the boys, 11 pounds, and all had to run 3 miles within an hour.
As soon as the training plan was announced, the students erupted in protest.
“Oh my god! Do we even have a chance of surviving this?”
“Sir… I have a condition that prevents me from running long distances.
“I’m pretty sure I’m not going to make it through this.”
“Please, sir, can’t we get something easier?”
But the instructor didn’t flinch
He walked over to Nina, raised an eyebrow, and said. “You were pretty impressive earlier. Have you trained for this?”
Nina gave a shrug. “Not telling you.”
“Well…”
The instructor wasn’t offended; he smiled warmly. Their standards are too low for you. How about we raise the bar a little? If you can pull it off, you won’t have to train today. I’ll treat you a nice meal tonight.”
“What kind of food do you have here?”
Nina’s interest piqued at the mention of food.
In the Special Operations Division, meals were strictly low–fat, high–protein, and generally bland. Since leaving, Nina had realized how many delicious foods there were in the world.
The instructor grinned. “Our squad’s meals are top–notch. We’ve got hamburger, hot dog, pizza, french fries, chicken nuggets, tacos, burrito, sushi, apple pie, cheesecake…”
Nina’s mouth watered as she heard the list.
She wiped her lips and, with a determined look in her eyes, said Deal!”
“Hey, look! Nina’s carrying a 44–pound pack!”
“Is she crazy? 44 pounds? We’re running 3 miles, not 50 yards!”
“Yeah, she has connections, but I’ve gotta admit, with her stamina, she could easily get a sports scholarship!”
“Wow, she’s a legend! If she finishes 3 miles with 44 pounds, I’ll call her my hero!”
Lynn noticed all the attention shifting to Nina and couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “Jessica, your sister sure loves the spotlight, doesn’t she? It’s just military training, and she’s already making a scene.”
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Jessica wasn’t exactly thrilled about Nina.
Her mom had suggested exposing Nina as an illiterate to get the other students to turn on her. At first, everything was going smoothly. Anyone would’ve quit the program by now.
But Nina wasn’t normal. She was invincible.
While most would have become isolated and broken down, Nina didn’t care one bit.
And now, she was stealing the spotlight in the squad, and some students were even starting to warm up to her..
Jessica realized that if this continued, the very people who had been isolating Nina might end up supporting her.
What worried Jessica most, though, was Clifford,
“With Nina making such a scene, would Clifford start noticing her?‘ she thought.
Jessica casually glanced at Clifford on the high platform and saw that his eyes were fixed on their group. In that moment, Jessica’s heart skipped a beat. Could it be? Is Clifford really looking at Nina?‘
If Nina used this stunt to catch Clifford’s attention, and he became interested in her… Jessica would be devastated.
Just then, Oliver strolled up, a 35–pound pack slung over his shoulder.
The crowd gasped.
Oliver, are you carrying a 55–pound pack?”
That’s crazy! Why go that hard?”
“You don’t know? Oliver’s trained in the military before. Carrying 55 pounds is nothing for him.
“Damn, he’s a beast!”
Lynn, watching Oliver handle the weight effortlessly, teased Jessica, Jessica, you can’t deny it, Oliver’s pretty hot. Lots of girls are noticing him. He’s been chasing after you. You really not going to give him a chance?”
Jessica looked Oliver over.
She had to admit, Oliver, as the heir of the Snee family, was impressive.
But…
Her eyes darted back to Clifford.
If it weren’t for Clifford, she’d probably be dating Oliver by now But for the moment, she wanted to catch Clifford’s attention. If he wasn’t interested, she’d reconsider Oliver.
Jessica was confident. She was certain that no matter how many girls chased after Oliver, his heart would always be hers.
“Wow…” The crowd gasped again.
Jessica snapped out of her thoughts and saw Nina drop her 44–pound pack only to pick up a 66–pound one, even heavier than Oliver’s by 11 pounds.
“Nina’s really challenging Oliver now, huh?”
“She’s been trying to get his attention since day one, hasn’t she?”
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“No one else can grab attention like that?
“Wow, she’s really going for it.
Oliver overheard the whispers and walked over to Nina with a half–smile, “You really want to challenge me?”
Nina didn’t back down. She met his gaze head–on. “You’re the one challenging me, aren’t you? I picked 44 pounds, you picked 55. What’s the deal?”
The girl was competitive as hell. She couldn’t stand not being the best.
Oliver laughed. “I always train with 55 pounds. Who’s challenging who?”
Nina shot back. “Oh, well, I’m going for 60 pounds. I don’t like being outdone. Got a problem with that?”
Oliver’s face darkened. Her challenge had triggered his pride.
He tossed his 35–pound pack aside and grabbed a 77–pound one
Nina’s eyes widened in disbelief. She pointed at him. “You’re really going to up the ante? You usually carry 55 pounds, and now you’re going for 77!”
Oliver grinned, flashing a wicked smile. I feel like it. Got a problem with that?”
Nina was so angry, she nearly grabbed an 88–pound pack, but the instructor stopped her.
Alright, enough. What is this, a competition? You’re both sticking with 66–pound packs. If you want to compete, let’s see who can finish 3 miles first. The loser will be the winner’s servant for the next seven days. Deal?”
“Deal!” Nina was all in.
She tilted her chin confidently, grinning. “You’re gonna lose.
Oliver mimicked her smile, his expression cold. “I think you’re the one who’s going to lose. Nina.”
He wasn’t about to lose to this little shorty, not after all his training in the military during every winter and summer break.
“Alright, I like the spirit!”
The instructor clapped his hands. “If you both finish the 3 miles in under thirty minutes, you won’t have to train today. Everyone else, get your packs on and head to the starting line.”
The students moved to the starting line, instinctively clearing the way for Nina and Oliver to take the front
Everyone was eager to see who would win.
“Ready… Set… Go!”
At the instructor’s command, Nina and Oliver shot off the line, neck and neck.
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