Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high!

Military honors are only the basic requirement. After earning enough military merits, one still needs to apply for the agreement of most officers in the barracks, and then the Scientific Research Institute will dispatch someone to verify and review whether the soldier is qualified to receive the baptism of the Gene Optimization Solution.

All these are complications; military merits are the most inconspicuous yet the most fundamental requirement.

But first... they need to establish a solid foundation.

Many artificial humans are doomed from the moment of their creation never to lay hands on such a thing, so they can frivolously spend their military merits to exchange for items of interest, which is inconsequential for them.

However, a warrior like Bai E, who has strong potential and excellent abilities, could possibly obtain the Gene Optimization Solution.

His outstanding performance in a trial, his defense against aerial attacks on the battlefield, coupled with saving lives—all these actions were noticed by everyone and he had already accumulated quite a bit of military merit, just one step away from meeting the minimum application requirements.

The opportunities to earn military merits are scarce. Sometimes, missing by that slight margin means missing out for a lifetime. The barracks are not short of artificial and natural human soldiers who are just one step away from meeting the application requirements; yet, that gap is forever set in stone on the battlefield.

Military merits are not easy to come by, cherish them as you use them.

After making the critical points clear, Carlos looked into Bai E\'s eyes, and earnestly asked, "So, do you still insist on exchanging for a bow and arrow?"

[This concerns future development, you decide...]

"I still want to exchange."

During Carlos\'s explanation, Bai E had carefully considered all the critical points.

Military merits aren\'t accumulated by hoarding; it\'s the strength at hand that determines future opportunities.

Moreover, he didn\'t rely solely on opportunities given out by the military. It was impossible for him, possessing raw materials, not to have his own plans.

As Ying said, artificial humans have limited chances in the barracks; he couldn\'t possibly bet all his chips on the care of the military leaders.

If in the beginning, the behavior of the players only brought about growth in attributes, now Bai E was increasingly valuing the achievements players could obtain in the outside world.

With the right guidance, players were almost akin to avatars of himself, which was the core reason why he encouraged players to continue interacting with other NPCs just now.

Hearing Bai E\'s firm response, a gentle smile bloomed on Carlos\'s face.

He was very pleased with the answer Bai E gave.

Courage is the greatest gift bestowed by the heavens upon humanity.

Military achievement is not accumulated through penny-pinching but through bold and fearless advancement.

Earning enough military merits is just the first step to obtaining the Gene Optimization Solution. After getting it, can one hide in the barracks and wait for death? .net

The Gene Optimization Solution raises the upper limit of personal abilities, not the lower limit, while military merits are honors that accompany a warrior throughout their life.

As long as one has unwavering belief and courage, military merits are merely a record for the brave.

"I\'ll take you there."

Registering with the quartermaster and receiving various complex items was easily accomplished given the support from higher ups, and Bai E got his first taste of the thrill of backdoor dealings.

"The bow body is made of monometal, it will hardly sustain any damage," Carlos said with a smile.

The monometal series is the highest strength alloy that humanity can synthesize, with excellent hardness and flexibility, and about one-fifth lighter than aluminum alloy of the same volume, offering more agility in complex and varied battle environments.

Even the most basic in the series, the monometal, is an unimaginably precious material to the outside world. In special weapons where not much material is used, the armory is still willing to provide the good stuff.

Bai E tightly grasped the bow body.

The bow body, made of lightweight blackened steel, fitted perfectly into his hand, and with a vigorous shake, the bow limbs that were about one-fifth shorter than the Eaglehorn Bow stretched open effortlessly.

The overall shape is slender and light, and the grip feels much better than the heavy Elven Hawkhorn Bow, though it seems slightly lacking in lethality, the practicality is somewhat improved.

[Military Composite Bow — Quality: Green (Ranged Weapon)]

[Basic Parameters: Range 3~800 meters; Attack Strength (Type: Piercing): 5 + (Physical Strength - 12) * 2; Output Energy Level 5 + (Physical Strength - 12) / 2; Durability 12/12]

[Usage Requirement: Physical Strength 12 (can be used).]

[Traits: The bow body is light and very easy to control, shooting speed +5%; shooting energy +1. (Maximum tensile strength tolerated: Physical Strength 22 points)]

...

[Fine Steel Arrows——Quality: Green]

[Basic Parameters: Attack modifier +2, hit adds bleed effect.]

[Usage Requirements: Compatible with bow and crossbow types.]

[Traits: Lathe-integrated crafting, shooting precision +12%; maximum range +100 meters.]

Human basic mechanical craftsmanship is, to some extent, not a bit inferior to those somewhat primitive but sincerely living elves, and the carefully handcrafted fine products of the humans have their own strengths and weaknesses compared to the craftsmanship of the elves.

However, undoubtedly, Bai E would need some training to become familiar with the new equipment.

"I\'m off to train."

Bai E had no interest in currying favor; the other party surely wouldn\'t value his face or flattering words. Strength was the only chip.

It seemed Carlos had something additional to instruct.

"Wait, come with me."

During training time, finding a spot in the barracks without surveillance and devoid of people was quite easy.

Only after taking Bai E to an unoccupied corner did Carlos turn around and, with a solemn expression, start to share some insider information with Bai E.

"Normally, opportunities for earning military merit are very scarce, and the fact is, as artificial humans, even if you do earn enough merit, it will be difficult to get the necessary support from the officers... You\'ll need to do something even more satisfactory for them to greatly increase your chances of getting the Gene Optimization Solution.

Right now, there\'s an opportunity before you that you must cherish to showcase your performance."

Even if some officers harbored hostility towards artificial humans, faced with undeniable achievements, they too would have to keep their mouths shut.

For Bai E, Carlos was pouring his heart out.

95B27 had always been reassuring due to its mild and controllable nature, and its capabilities were exceptionally superior among many artificial soldiers Carlos had seen.

Bai E slowly blinked, his face showing a hint of confusion, "The opportunity you\'re talking about... what is it?"

Carlos spoke in a low tone, with a cautious look, "It pertains to a covert military operation. I can only tell you that it involves exploring an ancient ruin; I can\'t reveal specifics to you right now.

But you only need to know that, if you can secure a spot on this mission and successfully complete it, in addition to your current accumulation of military merit, getting the Gene Optimization Solution will almost be certain."

"..." Bai E fell into a daze.

Covert, confidential, unknown...

These words seemed to have burnt out the CPU of this simple rookie soldier.

Carlos couldn\'t help but smile wryly as he patted Bai E\'s shoulder, "Anyway, I just wanted to give you a heads-up. The details are still being hammered out. From tomorrow, you will probably start hearing some rumors about a competitive selection. The number of participants in this military operation will not be large, only the best will be chosen.

If you\'re interested, make sure to perform well and strive for a spot."

As he spoke, Carlos gazed into Bai E\'s eyes, uneasily asking again, "Do you understand?"

Bai E\'s thoughts turned, and finally, his eyes twinkled, "I understand."

He understood all too well!

Ruins! His main mission required exploring ruins, and he had been worrying about where to find such "ruins"—he hadn\'t expected it to fall right into his lap.

"Good to understand." Carlos was relieved, "In any case, it\'s up to you. If possible, try your best to fight for a spot. If you don\'t succeed, it\'s okay, there will be other opportunities in the future."

"Understood! Sir."

"...Alright then." Carlos sighed inwardly, 95B27 was good in all respects, but such earnestness brought both solace and helplessness, "Do you have any other needs?"

"No, sir!"

"Then off you go to train."

"Yes, sir!"

"..."

...

The military district meeting room.

Weslin pressed his hand against the tabletop, his gaze sweeping over the assembly of officers, "The information on the ruins has been distributed to you all. For the plan of operation and personnel configuration, let\'s hear everyone\'s thoughts."

Minister Likok had provided some advice from professionals, but advice cannot be used as tactics. Planning the details of execution was still up to them to strategize.