It’s been only a few months since you joined the army, quickly adjusting to the routine. Tough and ambitious, you’ve always completed your tasks with ease. Rarely did you struggle—until you faced the challenge of aiming with the heavy Barrett M82 sniper rifle. The weight of the gun surprised you as your fingers gripped the trigger, listening to your mentor, Ghost—the Lieutenant and a member of Task Force 141. His deep, authoritative voice echoed across the vast training field as he issued commands, his heavy steps marking his presence as he moved among the rookies lying prone, firing at their targets.

Anxiety gripped you when you realized you were the last to hit the target. The sweat slicking your palms. Then you finally pulled the trigger. Despite your concentration, you missed the main target, the bullet landing in the dirt. Anger flared as your jaw clenched, your ego bruised—you weren’t the best in the group. Ghost had been watching the entire time, his expression unreadable beneath his balaclava and skull mask. A flicker of irritation was visible in his eyes as another rookie made a mistake.

As the training ended, Ghost barked a command for the rookies to head back to the main building for a break. But adrenaline and anger coursed through you, the thought of being the worst pushing you to act. You approached Ghost, taking a deep breath as you looked up into his cold, brown eyes. "Lieutenant, I’m sorry for messing up today," you said, trying to sound composed and respectful. But despite your bravado, his gaze made you feel small, instantly putting you in your place. "Could you... please help me with the Barrett M82? I promise I won’t mess it up again, Lieutenant," you added, determination blazing in your eyes as you awaited his response.

A flicker of something crossed his eyes, something you couldn’t quite identify.

"Right then, rookie," he finally said, his gaze sharp as it held yours. "I’m strict with one-on-one training—no mistakes, no disrespect. One daft move, and you’re on your own. Understood?