Chapter 28

As the newly appointed captain of the Fourth Squad, Suerdak brought a few new recruits to the logistics department of the military camp. The other squad leaders, upon seeing him, warmly gathered around to greet him. Some, even those with little acquaintance, would come over to exchange a few pleasantries.

This kind of socializing is very common in the military camp, where people of different ranks have their own circles. Suerdak's promotion to squad leader meant that his social circle now included the other squad leaders in the camp.

Perhaps just a greeting, a few more words, and a brief encounter could mean that in times of crisis, the other party might lend a helping hand.

After all, this is the battlefield of Handanar County, where all kinds of dangers can occur.

Therefore, Suerdak had to maintain the demeanor of a junior, humbly accepting the congratulations and encouragement of the other squad leaders.

...

He Boqiang stood with two other new recruits, like three awkward geese in a long queue, quietly waiting for their level assessment.

This was the central area of the 57th Heavy Infantry Regiment, with tents on both sides, each flying banners symbolizing various departments. The banner at the logistics department featured an ear of wheat and a sword. Soldiers kept coming out of the white tent, and it seemed the process was quite efficient.

Squad leaders are the most basic level of the military officer system, and this group is quite large. A crowd of them stood outside the logistics department tent, chatting idly. Suerdak, with his gentle personality and broad knowledge, and not being a troublemaker, quickly joined this group, his humorous and witty remarks making him a welcome addition.

After a long wait, it was finally He Boqiang's and the two other new recruits' turn. The new recruits of the Second Squad showed their soldier identification plates and smoothly entered the waiting area inside the tent. Only He Boqiang was stopped, as he did not have the 57th Heavy Infantry Regiment's soldier identification plate.

At this moment, Suerdak noticed that He Boqiang was stopped outside the tent, causing a brief pause in the queue. He hurried over, his face full of smiles, and said to the logistics officer at the tent entrance, "Let him in! He's from our squad. I can vouch for him. We are from the Sixth Company, Second Squad."

Suerdak kept a low profile, probably to avoid any unnecessary trouble.

The logistics officer looked up at Suerdak with a hint of displeasure, saying nothing but glaring at him, signaling for him and He Boqiang to step aside quickly.

Suerdak showed his identification plate to the logistics officer and said with a smile, "You can consider him as me. This is my identification plate. Please let him in for the test."

At this moment, the logistics officer lifted his head completely, revealing a familiar face.

Suerdak then realized that the logistics officer was the same person he had met during the battlefield cleanup on the north slope of the forest.

Suerdak's expression became slightly unnatural, but he still had to plead to ensure He Boqiang could take the warrior level test.

The logistics officer raised his eyebrows, his voice rising an octave, and shouted rudely,

"Really ridiculous! Your identification plate only represents you. He has no warrior identification plate, and I cannot let him in under any circumstances. I even suspect how such an unidentified person managed to get into the camp. Are the guards at the camp gate all blind? A bunch of derelict guards!"

His outburst immediately drew a crowd of onlookers. These harsh words made Suerdak's face turn pale.

The other squad leaders, who had gathered around, naturally stepped in to plead on his behalf:

"How can you be so rigid? It's just a level test. I know this soldier. Please let him in for the test!"

The other squad leaders also chimed in, "Yes, yes..."

Unexpectedly, the logistics officer slammed his hand on the table, stood up angrily, and said to the group of squad leaders with a stern voice,

"That's impossible. Unless you can get a handwritten order from Count Mont. Gos, I will not let him through."

These words made the other squad leaders look embarrassed.

The logistics officer seemed to want to press his advantage, pointing at Suerdak with an angry face and saying,

"Also, I advise you not to wander around the camp. If I see you again, I will report you to the military law department. Don't think I'm joking."

The logistics officer's words made Suerdak's face turn red with anger. He was about to punch the officer but was held back by He Boqiang. The other squad leaders also noticed Suerdak's anger and quickly pulled him aside.

An older squad leader whispered to Suerdak,

"Suerdak, ignore him. He's just a rigid person. This test is held monthly. Maybe next month, someone else will be checking at the entrance. You can try again then. Don't make enemies with the logistics department. They may not have much power, but they control our living allowances!"

Suerdak nodded gloomily and said,

"I know. Sigh, today is really unlucky. Thanks to all of you. Let's go!"

With that, he left the logistics department with He Boqiang, his face dark as they returned to the camp.

...

Suerdak's unexpected rejection by the logistics officer for the level test left him depressed all day.

He Boqiang, however, didn't think much of it. The officer was just following the rules. He himself was not a soldier of the 57th Heavy Infantry Regiment and had no right to enjoy the soldiers' benefits. There was nothing wrong with that.

On the contrary, he felt like he had inadvertently become a parasite in the camp.

Thinking about this, He Boqiang felt a bit ashamed and decided he needed to take some time to understand the camp's regulations.

Suerdak escorted He Boqiang out of the camp.

The two sat on the grassy slope outside the camp.

He Boqiang asked Suerdak why he always gave him special attention, not only rescuing him from the battlefield but also caring about his livelihood, worrying that he might join the infantry regiment and serve four consecutive years in the 57th Heavy Infantry Regiment, so he always treated He Boqiang as an unofficial member of the Second Squad.

Suerdak looked at He Boqiang with a proud smile, "That's because you remind me of myself..."

He Boqiang was a bit confused and looked at Suerdak in puzzlement.

Suerdak stood up from the grass and said to He Boqiang, "I see my own shadow in you. Kind-hearted, yet a bit stubborn. There must be many things you can't help but keep inside, which makes you less talkative. Besides, you were saved by me, so I can't let you die easily."

Well, this reason was勉强可以接受。（只要不是背背就好）

Suerdak quickly walked back to the camp.

He Boqiang also prepared to go to the market to set up a stall with the curly-haired boy Gabi...