บท 7: Shooting & 3 Yrs
The sun peeked through the curtains as I lay in bed, pondering my future. It had been a few weeks since I settled into my new home, and though my classes were going well, I realized there was one crucial skill I needed to develop: shooting. To become a competent police officer and eventually a detective, proficiency with firearms was essential.
That evening, I picked up the phone and called Rick. As the Chief of the LAPD, he had years of experience with firearms and knew the best instructors in the field.
"Hey, Uncle Rick, it's Alex," I said when he answered.
"Hey, Alex! How's everything going?" he replied.
"Things are good. I've settled into my classes. But there's one thing I still need to work on—my shooting skills."
Rick chuckled. "I was wondering when you'd bring that up. It's a vital skill, and I'm glad you're thinking about it. Do you have any specific plans in mind?"
"I was hoping you could recommend a good instructor," I said. "Someone who can help me build a solid foundation and improve my accuracy."
"Absolutely. I know just the person. His name is John Keller. He's a retired LAPD officer with years of experience as a firearms instructor. He's one of the best in the business."
"That sounds perfect," I replied, feeling a surge of excitement. "Do you think you could introduce me to him?"
"Of course. I'll give him a call and set up a meeting for you. I'll let you know once it's arranged."
"Thanks, Uncle Rick. I really appreciate it."
"Anytime, Alex. Keep up the good work."
A few days later, Rick called me back with good news. He had spoken to John Keller, who was more than willing to take me on as a student. We arranged to meet at a local shooting range the following weekend.
On the day of our first session, I arrived at the shooting range early, eager to get started. The range was located on the outskirts of the city, nestled in a quiet area surrounded by trees. It had multiple lanes for shooting practice and was equipped with all the necessary safety features.
I spotted John Keller as soon as I entered the range. He was a tall, muscular man in his late fifties, with graying hair and a no-nonsense demeanour. Despite his intimidating appearance, he greeted me with a firm handshake and a friendly smile.
"Alex, it's good to meet you," he said. "Rick has told me a lot about you. I'm looking forward to working with you."
"Thank you, Mr. Keller. I'm excited to learn from you," I replied.
"Call me John," he said with a nod. "Let's get started."
John began by going over the basics of firearm safety. He emphasized the importance of always treating a gun as if it were loaded, keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and being aware of my target and what was beyond it. We discussed the different types of firearms, their components, and how they function.
Once I had a solid understanding of the safety protocols, we moved on to handling and operation. John showed me how to properly hold a gun, maintain a firm grip, and align my sights. He explained the importance of a steady stance, controlled breathing, and smooth trigger control.
After demonstrating the fundamentals, John handed me a 9mm pistol and guided me to one of the shooting lanes. My heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nerves as I prepared to take my first shot. I followed John's instructions, aligning my sights with the target and taking a deep breath.
"Remember, stay calm and focus on your breathing," John advised. "Take your time and squeeze the trigger gently."
I nodded, exhaled slowly, and squeezed the trigger. The gunshot echoed through the range, and I felt the recoil in my hands. I looked at the target and saw that my shot had hit the outer ring.
"Not bad for a first shot," John said with an encouraging smile. "Let's keep practicing."
We spent the next few hours working on my technique. John corrected my stance, adjusted my grip, and gave me tips on improving my accuracy. With each shot, I felt more comfortable and confident. The repetitive practice helped me build muscle memory and develop a steady rhythm.
Over the following weeks, I continued my training with John.
John Keller emphasized the importance of safety, teaching Alex to always treat every gun as if it were loaded. They discussed proper handling techniques, including keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and being aware of the surroundings.
John also instructed Alex on how to hold a firearm correctly, ensuring a firm grip and proper stance. Alex practiced aligning the sights and controlling his breathing to improve accuracy
As my shooting skills improved, John introduced more advanced drills. We practiced Recoil Management and Accuracy, shooting from different positions, engaging multiple targets, and performing reloads under pressure. He also taught me how to clear malfunctions and handle unexpected situations with composure.
Alex practiced using cover and concealment to his advantage, an essential skill for real-world tactical situations. He learned to shoot accurately while minimizing his exposure to potential threats.
Shooting training included shooting in low-light conditions, using both natural and artificial light sources. Alex practiced using flashlights and night sights to maintain accuracy in darkness.
Throughout my training, John emphasized the importance of mental discipline and situational awareness. He encouraged me to stay focused, remain calm under pressure, and always think several steps ahead. His guidance helped me develop a mindset that was crucial for both shooting and law enforcement.
In addition to my time at the range, I continued my physical training.. The combination of shooting practice, self-defense, and detective skills created a comprehensive training regimen that prepared me for the challenges ahead. I felt myself growing stronger, more capable, and more confident with each passing day.
As the months turned into years, my schedule became even more intense. Balancing my university studies, training sessions, and shooting practice required careful time management. I often found myself studying late into the night, reviewing legal cases, and preparing for exams. Despite the demanding workload, I was determined to excel in all areas.
In addition to my criminal justice studies and shooting practice, I also dedicated time to learning new languages. I had always been fascinated by languages and believed that being multilingual would be an asset in my future career. Over the course of three years, I successfully learned two new languages: Hindi and Arabic.
Learning new languages required discipline and dedication. I practiced speaking with native speakers, watched movies, and read books in the target languages. The process was challenging, but I enjoyed every moment of it.
As the three years of training and studying came to an end, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment. My shooting skills had improved significantly, thanks to John's expert guidance and my relentless practice. I was now proficient with various firearms and could handle different shooting scenarios with confidence.
My academic journey had also been rewarding. I had completed my criminal justice degree with top honors, gaining a deep understanding of the legal system and law enforcement practices. My language skills had flourished, allowing me to communicate effectively in multiple languages.
With my education and training complete, I knew I was ready to take the next steps.
On the last day of my training with John, we stood at the shooting range, reflecting on the journey we had undertaken together.
"Alex, you've come a long way," John said, his voice filled with pride. "You're a skilled marksman now, and I have no doubt you'll make an excellent police officer."
"Thank you, John. I couldn't have done it without your guidance and support," I replied, feeling a sense of gratitude.
"Remember to keep practicing and never stop learning," John advised. "Stay focused and stay safe."
"I will. Thank you for everything."
As I left the shooting range for the last time, I felt a mix of emotions.
With my criminal justice degree in hand, my shooting skills honed, and my language abilities sharp, I knew I was well-equipped to face the challenges.
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Name: Alex Hunter
Age: 20
Attributes:
- Intelligence: 155 (IQ)
- Strength: 200
- Agility: 200
- Endurance: 200
- Charisma: 87
Skills (Highest lv : 5)
Education :
- School Education : Lv 5
- Legal Knowledge : Lv 5
- English : Lv 5
- Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, Russian, Hindi, Arabic : Lv 4
Fighting :
- Martial Arts : Lv 3
- Self-Defense : Lv 3
- Shooting : Lv 3
Detective:
- Crime Scene Analysis: Lv 2
- Analytical Thinking: Lv 4
- Problem-Solving: Lv 4
- Observation: Lv 4
- Witness Interviewing: Lv 2
- Negotiation : Lv 3
Life Skills:
- Driving : Lv 3
- Cooking : Lv 2
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