Before long.
Under the squad leader's introduction, Black Stone met the colonel of their company, White Valley.
He was a Green Sheep Gladiator and one of the earlier people to join the Dawn Tribe. He was usually quite diligent in his work, so after the Second Magic Musket Legion was established, he rose to the position of colonel.
The squad leader introduced him, "Colonel White, this is the finest marksman under my command..."
He quickly recounted Black Stone's many accomplishments, especially the scene where he had killed a Blue Stone Tribe gladiator with a single shot, describing it in exceptional detail.
White Valley listened with newfound respect. "Such marksmanship is indeed rare!"
The colonel thought to himself that, had their positions been reversed, he likely could not have fired as accurately as Black Stone without missing a shot.
After pondering for a moment, White Valley said, "Black Stone, you have earned considerable merit and must be rewarded. Become a squad leader first."
Under normal circumstances, a colonel did not have the authority to appoint squad leaders.
But it was wartime now. Colonels had the authority to make temporary appointments. As long as the reason was justified and reported afterward, the higher-ups would not reject it.
Black Stone looked delighted. "Thank you, Colonel!"
His original plan had been to earn more merits and advance to squad leader within a month. Who would have thought things would progress far faster than planned? In just a few days, he had distinguished himself and achieved his modest goal.
Black Stone habitually glanced at the marksmanship badge on his chest and silently recited, Praise the Great Elder!
He did not feel much gratitude toward the colonel, because this was a reward he deserved. He felt only boundless reverence for the Great Elder, because the Great