Chapter Twenty-Four: Survival in the Jungle!

At that moment, the captain’s icy gaze slowly swept across the square, his voice booming, “Now, I hereby announce the commencement of the Autumn Special Forces Selection Assessment for the Fierce Tiger Special Operations Battalion.

First, let me tell you all, this assessment is extremely rigorous—not something the average person can endure. Those who make it through will be the strong ones.

This time, the selection assessment for special forces is very straightforward.” Here, the captain glanced around, ensuring everyone’s attention was fully captured.

He continued, “It’s a jungle survival assessment. You’ll all be dropped into the forest, where you’ll fight and eliminate each other until only the strongest remain.

Let me state the number of candidates for this selection. We will choose a total of thirty men from among three hundred and five.”

As soon as the captain finished speaking, a collective gasp rose from the crowd. None had expected the assessment to be so severe—thirty out of three hundred and five, a one-in-ten chance. The elimination rate was exceedingly high.

Yet, no matter how tough it was, they were determined to stay. They told themselves they must endure—only the strong would remain.

“I will make it,” Qin Feng told himself. He knew the assessment would be brutally rigorous, but he was resolved: no matter what, he would prevail.

“This jungle assessment lasts three days, including tonight. Shortly, the transport helicopters will fly you to the training forest, and you will be randomly dropped into the area. For these three days, you’ll have no food, no water—all must be found or sourced by your own wisdom and skill.

Each of you will be issued a military watch with satellite positioning. Don’t lose it lightly. Professional personnel will be monitoring you; should your life be in danger, we’ll know immediately and rush to your rescue. But I’m sorry—if you are rescued, you will also be eliminated.

You will also be given firearms for drills—no live ammunition—and a military backpack for your gear. You’ll each carry a combat knife. If you can’t go on, raise your knife and we’ll come at once—but again, you’ll be eliminated upon rescue.

In the jungle, you may encounter enemies at any time. Your task is to survive and ‘eliminate’ your adversaries. Rankings will be determined by your performance. In the end, thirty will be selected. Those who remain will become rookie special forces soldiers—do you understand?”

The captain finished this explanation in a single breath, laying out the rules of the selection assessment clearly.

“Understood!” the three hundred and five soldiers shouted in unison. They knew what awaited them was a grueling ordeal, and only the truly strong would survive.

A weighty seriousness settled on their faces, mixed with a burning fighting spirit. They understood the severity of the assessment, yet this was the only way to select the best special forces soldiers. There might even be mortal danger, but no matter the risk, they were here to undergo the special forces selection. This was their dream.

“No food or water for three days?” Qin Feng’s eyes narrowed. He knew this jungle survival assessment could be deadly—no food, no water, and the threat of enemies lurking in the wild. Anything could happen; survival would depend on both strength and luck. Only by fighting harder and pushing his limits could he become one of the final thirty.

This jungle survival assessment would be a test of both ability and fortune. The random drop point would matter greatly. Everyone aspired to be among the strong.

“Since this assessment may be life-threatening, you have one minute to reconsider. If you wish to withdraw, speak up now. It’s not too late,” the captain announced, glancing at his watch to count the seconds.

The surroundings fell utterly silent—one could hear nothing but breathing. A minute passed quickly; not a single person backed out.

The captain checked his watch. Exactly one minute had passed. He spoke, “Time’s up. It seems no one is quitting. Very well, you will now proceed to the jungle survival assessment. Do you see the airfield over there?” He pointed to where the transport helicopters were already spinning up, their rotors thundering.

“Yes!” the soldiers shouted, their blood surging with anticipation. The jungle survival assessment—the special forces selection—was about to begin. Now, it would be clear who would endure.

“Good. Now, each of you go to the armory to collect your weapons, then register in order. Wherever your helicopter commander tells you to disembark, you will go. Begin!” the captain declared, his voice ringing out for all to hear.

The three hundred and five soldiers hurried to the armory, collected their weapons, and began boarding the helicopters. One after another, the transport helicopters lifted off.

Qin Feng was among the crowd, queuing up to board his assigned helicopter.

“Hello, my name is Liang Xiaoyu. What do you think—where will they drop us?” asked a soldier behind him, about 1.75 meters tall, with an open, sunny demeanor and a clever glint in his eyes. He seemed determined and resolute, the kind of person who radiated both intelligence and optimism.

“Hello, I’m Qin Feng. I’m not sure, but probably the jungle,” Qin Feng replied. Sensing that this soldier simply wished to get acquainted, he answered earnestly.

“Make sure you’re one of those who remain,” the soldier said.

“You too,” Qin Feng replied. He moved forward to board, followed by several other soldiers. The helicopter doors closed, and they lifted off.

After about twenty minutes in flight, the soldier’s name was called. The helicopter hovered twenty meters above the forest canopy, the downdraft scattering leaves and debris. A rope was lowered. The men had to descend quickly—too long, and the swirling branches could damage the aircraft or destabilize it.

Liang Xiaoyu went to the hatch, looked back at Qin Feng, and said, “Qin Feng, the jungle survival assessment has begun. Make sure you’re not eliminated.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t be. You’d better look after yourself first,” Qin Feng replied with a slight smile. He found Liang Xiaoyu interesting and genuine—whether he saw through Qin Feng’s capabilities or simply hoped for him to succeed, Qin Feng couldn’t say. What mattered was the sincerity in his eyes.

Liang Xiaoyu nodded, donned his tactical gloves, and quickly slid down the rope.

Once Liang Xiaoyu was on the ground, the rope was retracted, the hatch closed, and the helicopter continued over the forest.

One by one, the soldiers were dropped into the jungle. About ten minutes later, it was Qin Feng’s turn.