Li Xin followed Mo Feng into the inner room. Mo Feng tapped his cane twice on the bronze beast with a rooster's head and wings, and three more times on another next to it. Immediately, the wall opened, revealing a hidden space, much more spacious, with over a dozen people in Night Patrol uniforms training inside.
"Put in more effort during training, and you'll live longer. Don't mind that I've lost a leg; at least I'm still alive. That's experience," Mo Feng said with a smile, rather proud of it. "What weapon do you usually use?"
"Captain Mo, I used a crude weapon made of beast bone and wood for hunting in the past. Didn't care much for cold weapons, but I like swords—they're stylish. Besides, I'm quite interested in the Hex Demon-Sealing Spear. I've seen the captain use it once," Li Xin replied.
"Haha, you're an interesting kid," Mo Feng found it odd, wondering how this kid seemed like one of them despite it being their first meeting, showing no trace of inexperience.
"When it comes to weapons, it's up to your preference. They're all forged from top-grade steel with Mithril added—they're definitely powerful. The Hex Gun is good, but you can't rely on it too much. To survive, agility is key. I like knives; a knife is fast, a knife is a brother, and doesn't need bullets."
The armory was lined with rows of weapons, some marked with names, indicating they were claimed, and there was a row of Hex Spirit Pistols. Seeing Li Xin's eyes light up, Mo Feng finally felt the role of a mentor. Damn, if this kid stays so calm about everything, how am I supposed to show off?
Picking up a Hex Spirit Demon-Sealing Spear, "Our Night Patrol's gear is quite well-equipped. This is the new judgment model, with enhanced revolving chamber, capable of loading eight Secret Silver Bullets. Give it a try."
With that, he tossed one to Li Xin. Li Xin caught it, feeling the grip was very comfortable and the craftsmanship genuinely impressive. Spinning the cylinder, he saw eight Spiritual Bullets inside, the barrel slightly long, and the entire body a dark gold color, likely mixed with copper. The gun's surface had exquisite patterns, part of Hex-Tech, able to trigger spiritual effects.
"The equipment here is all loaded with live rounds, ready for combat at any time. For training, we use regular bullets; these are expensive," Mo Feng took out a Secret Silver Bullet and said, "Everything used outside needs to be logged on return. Shells that can be recycled must be."
Saying this, he tossed Li Xin a box of training bullets, "Come on, let me take you to the training ground to have some fun."
Li Xin nodded, "Thank you, Brother Mo."
"Haha, you kid! Even though my leg's messed up, my shooting skills are still sharp. Today, I'll show you the Night Patrol's second-best shooter."
Several people on the shooting range stopped and greeted Mo Feng with smiles. Clearly, Old Mo held considerable authority here. "The Hex Gun range is thirty to fifty meters. Our extended barrel version is similar, a bit more accurate, but to exert real power, especially against Abyssal Creatures, you need to get close and aim for the weak spots."
After saying this, Mo Feng stood twenty meters from the targets, his Hex Pistol firing boom, boom, boom... emptying the magazine directly.
All eight rounds hit within the bullseye, very precise. Applause erupted around. Mo Feng may have shown off, but he had the skill to back it up, shooting casually with high accuracy.
Li Xin also gripped a Hex Gun, found his sights, fired a shot. His wrist slightly trembled from the recoil, yet the overall feeling was quite good, bullet hitting the edge of the bullseye ring.
"Yo, not bad. This thing's nothing special; practice makes perfect. Train by yourself. Pick your own cold weapons." Mo Feng yawned and ambled back.
Li Xin spent the whole afternoon at the range, getting familiar with the Hex Gun's feel. Every weapon has its character, each possessing unique traits; with enough practice, you'll grasp their habits.
The Hex Spirit Pistol felt exceptionally good, the spiritual abilities overlay giving a sense of merging with the body. The teammates training nearby initially waited to see if there'd be any jokes or fun happening, but seeing Li Xin becoming more accurate, they soon stopped laughing, quietly returning to their own training.
As for guns, Li Xin couldn't be more familiar and enjoyed the impact feel. Mainly, reloading was a bit of a hassle, so he had to ponder his own reloading method and maybe grab two guns if given the chance.
Real men can't refuse double firepower.
After a leisurely cup of black tea post-lunch, Mo Feng had regained his spirit. Many in the training and logistics groups were retired Night Patrol members from the front lines or settling their families. Training here was mostly self-disciplined; even if one wasn't at first, a mission or two made them so.
Life is the best teacher; survival is the strongest motivation. People don't learn from people; they learn from events.
Mo Feng swaggered back to the training field, eyes scanning the other members. What were these guys doing???
He deliberately left. After all, being the boss's pick, it wouldn't be right to come down hard, but the others didn't know. Initiating newcomers is a custom; it's not bullying but tempering their arrogance, especially the young, who lack experience. Outwardly reserved, but deep down stubborn and proud, this is not an asset in the Night Patrol team.
"Ah Xin, you mean dual-wielding enhances stability?"
"It's an option. During missions, holding the gun directly often allows for quicker targeting, and dual-wielded stability is higher. Waist-holstering looks cool but delays a bit. Ultimately, it depends on personal habit; comfort and speed dictate."
"You've got natural talent; your aim's spot on. No wonder the boss took notice. I heard you're his nephew; is that true?"
"Aside from sharing the same gender, I don't think I resemble the captain much," Li Xin chuckled.
Everyone burst into laughter, a newcomer who could chat was always favored. They scattered as Mo Feng approached, "This relaxed training lets me check the results: eight quick shots, moving targets."
Quite a cocky kid, shooting stationary targets is basic. Without some difficulty, they won't grasp depth.
"They can move?" Li Xin was momentarily taken aback.
Mo Feng smirked, "Do you think monsters will stand still for you to shoot?"
Having said that, he went to the wall to adjust mechanisms, retracting all outer targets, "You only have one minute, eight targets."
"Yes, Brother Mo!"
Clack, clack, clack...
With the ticking of gears, a ding sounded, launching the first target. Li Xin was ready, shooting immediately. Another target appeared, swiftly moving side to side. Without waiting for it to retract, Li Xin shot it. The next one popped out from the ceiling. Li Xin lifted his hand, fired, and hit it.
Mo Feng opened his mouth, surprised at Li Xin's goofy shooting stance, but damn, his reflexes were lightning-fast. Though he couldn't tell the accuracy yet, every shot hit for sure.
Is this a rookie?
Bang, bang, bang...
In just over twenty seconds, all eight targets were hit. "Captain Mo, all hits, all bullseyes."
The experienced members present were at a loss for words with this rookie's performance. Accuracy is one thing, but hitting moving targets isn't easy, especially on the first try. Ceiling and corner targets—without enough insight, there's no time to react.
"Ahem, not bad, reminiscent of my prime. Tonight, the guys can take this new brother out to broaden his horizons. Men have to grow to mature," Mo Feng controlled his upturned smile and said.
"Brother Mo, esteemed seniors, today's my first day moving from the surface city into town; it's a big deal. I have to go home for dinner, or Aunt Fei will break my legs. Tomorrow, I'll treat everyone," Li Xin clasped his hands and said.
"Haha, alright. You said tomorrow. It's not your turn to treat; Night Patrol tradition dictates seniors pay," Mo Feng patted Li Xin.
Everyone quite liked Li Xin. He was skilled, straightforward, and didn't shy away from his roots. Most present were from the lower ranks, after all. Besides, noble sons wouldn't become Night Patrol. They're all knife's edge lifers. Li Xin's candor made them see him as one of their own.