By the afternoon, the entire training company was in an uproar.
Crowds had gathered by the training field, as if something thrilling was happening. But in reality, there was no exciting performance—just one girl, Hedy, running endless laps in a dull, repetitive loop.
No one could say how many laps she'd already run or how many she had left to go.
"Are you stupid? Why are you doing this?"
Chloe paced beside her anxiously, flailing like a frantic monkey. She'd once called Hedy heartless, but now it was clear—Hedy was punishing herself for them!
They had gone back to the dorms after eating, bad-mouthing Hedy without remorse.
But now? Now they were the ones who had no conscience.
Chloe shoved a water bottle into Hedy's hand. Hedy took a few sips as she ran, then poured the rest over her head. Flicking her drenched short hair, she broke into a relaxed, satisfied smile.
Chloe blinked in disbelief.
Is this still Hedy? Has she gone mad?!
Just then, another stir spread through the crowd.
The third squad leader arrived, dragging the Captain and the instructor behind him.
"See for yourselves! She didn't even eat lunch and she's been running for hours!" the squad leader shouted, his face red and neck thick with tension.
Both the Captain and instructor were stunned by what they saw.
Especially the Captain—he hadn't thought Hedy would actually go through with this just to prove a point!
"Stop! Hedy, stop right now!" the instructor barked, running to her.
Pushing the body beyond its limits could be fatal. This wasn't a joke.
But even after hearing him, Hedy didn't stop. Not until the instructor physically pulled her off the track and brought her to stand in front of the Captain.
Their eyes met, and the Captain was taken aback by the stubborn pride burning in hers.
She didn't say a word, but her gaze spoke loud and clear:
"I keep my word."
The Captain clenched his jaw. "Alright. That's enough. You don't have to run anymore."
He had to admit—he'd lost this battle.
Hedy smirked triumphantly.
Then—thud—she collapsed.
Everyone realized in that moment: it wasn't good physical fitness that kept her going, but raw, unshakable willpower.
She was rushed to the infirmary. Thankfully, after a thorough check, the doctor reported she'd only fainted from exhaustion and overexertion. She'd be fine after some rest.
The next morning, sunlight streamed across Hedy's face as she slowly opened her eyes.
Her body ached all over, weak and sore. Even turning over was a struggle.
She sighed.
This body is way too different from my old one. It'll take serious time and training to get back to form.
"Why the long sigh? You're a legend now!"
Startled, Hedy turned and saw Chloe sitting by her bedside.
Chloe grinned, holding out a bowl of soup. "Even the mess hall heard about your 'heroic sacrifice.' They used delivering chicken soup as an excuse to come see you, the rare creature you are! Come on, eat!"
Hedy reached for the bowl, but her hands trembled violently.
"Don't worry, that's normal," Chloe said, scooping some soup with a spoon, blowing on it gently. "Open up!"
Hedy obediently took a sip.
Chloe watched her thoughtfully. "Y'know, after all this time, I've realized… you're a bit dumb, but definitely not delicate. You've got the grit to run for hours, so clearly you can handle tough training. So tell me—why did you ever want to quit?"
Outside, the female recruits were chanting training slogans, but inside the quiet dorm room, Hedy stared at the group photo hanging on the wall. Her eyes settled on one particular face.
"I… I was just forced into it," she whispered.
"Forced?" Chloe blinked. "By who? What happened?"
Hedy just shook her head and stayed silent.
After resting and eating a bit, she felt much better. She got dressed in her uniform and headed for the door.
"The instructor gave you the day off!" Chloe called after her. "Where are you going?"
"To fill out paperwork. I'm leaving."
The door clicked shut behind her, leaving Chloe stunned.
When Hedy arrived at the Captain's office, both he and the instructor looked visibly awkward. The instructor tried to offer her a few words of encouragement, but the Captain quickly cut in.
"Follow me."
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"To make up those four missed shots," he said gruffly.
Curious, Hedy followed him to the indoor shooting range.
After signing in, she immediately spotted her "enemy."
Arthur stood tall in a crisp field uniform, handsome and composed. Hedy glared at him. If he hadn't spanked her yesterday, she might have admitted he was good-looking.
The Captain's phone rang. He stepped out to take the call, leaving Hedy and Arthur alone.
Hedy's glare sharpened. Arthur remained expressionless. "Don't think you've gotten away that easily," he said coldly.
"We're in the shooting range, let's have a match," Hedy said, pointing at the targets beside them. "If you lose, I get to spank you. Deal? Or are you scared?"
If the Captain had heard her, his jaw might've hit the floor. No one in the entire camp had ever dared challenge Arthur like that.
"And if you lose?" Arthur asked, eyes narrowing.
"Name it," Hedy replied without hesitation.
A mischievous glint flickered in his deep eyes.
Though the Captain had dismissed her as "the weakest recruit," there was something about Hedy, something fierce and wild. She reminded him of a goddess of war, always ready to fight to the end.
Leaning in close to her ear, he whispered, "If you lose, I'll kiss you."
Hedy turned to him in shock. Their faces were only inches apart.
His handsome features were enough to make anyone's heart flutter. Her cheeks flushed slightly, but inwardly, she roared—
This guy is shameless!
"Fine! I agree!" she declared boldly.
What hadn't she faced before? A guy like him was nothing.
She glanced at his backside.
Strong. Firm.
That ass?
It's mine spank today.
M