The Million-Dollar Heart

Thomas was taken aback, his eyes darting towards Percival.

"Ma'am, you're practically signing my death warrant here!" He yelled inside.

"Percival, hear me out. This is the training grounds. I have to be in combat gear. I am the Chief Instructor, and I can't very well train them in a suit and tie!"

Percival's eyes briefly swept over Thomas's attire without a word, instead wrapping his arm around Vivienne, and they made their way deeper into the training area.

For a few seconds, Thomas felt like he just walked through the valley of the shadow of death.

Leopold slapped Thomas on the back with a smirk, "Man, that gear does look sharp on you, though."

Thomas shot him a glare that could kill and kicked out at him half-heartedly, then quickly caught up with Percival.

"Percival, the training's halfway through. If we're bringing in the newbie, we might need to fast-track her."

Thomas implied that Anna had to pass the earlier assessment today if she wanted to keep her spot here. Percival's stern face held a grave expression as he said, "Let's begin now."

Neither Vivienne nor Anna had any objections.

It was only fair.

If Anna could not pass the earlier assessments, it only proved she did not have the mettle to stay.

"Captain."

Off in the distance, a man in an olive-drab tee approached, saluting Percival crisply.

This was Soren, the physical training examiner.

After exchanging pleasantries with Percival, Soren sized up Vivienne. Then his gaze landed on Anna. "So you're the little lady who waltzed in through the back door?"

His tone was less than friendly, and his eyes were full of disdain.

Thomas signaled to him discreetly, whispering, "Soren, watch the attitude."

"Come on, man, she's Ma'am's protégé. Besides, it's not like she wanted the shortcut. If she can't make the cut, even Percival won't keep her here. Don't be so aggressive, or you might just tick off Percival!" He thought, trying to signal Soren with his eyes.

We will start your assessment now. If you don't make it, beat it,

clearly directed

noticing Soren's target, stepped forward angrily, "Soren, who the fuck do you

landing squarely on Soren. "You're not wrong. Show your worth, and

whose

face. "Soren, empty threats aren't your

the Vanguard Agency's special squad third division, was the

of overall capability, he was

respected was Percival. As for

Percival speak, Soren's attitude

follow me. Let your skills do the talking." Soren gave Vivienne

look piqued

seemed Soren's real

Interesting.

a slight smile, utterly unfazed by

not even beat Percival were

training. If I lose, I'll pack up and leave without fuss."

changed into more comfortable clothes, and a one-on-one battle with Soren unfolded on the

from the sidelines, aware

was anyone's

wager?" Vivienne raised an eyebrow. "I bet a

money on Soren," Percival replied,

around, cheering

the roaring

the two was fierce, with mud flying as they grappled, soon turning them into mud-splattered

sharp and precise, and Anna used her agility to

end, the match was

had a grip on Anna's vital point while she held his artery in

in a stalemate, neither

smile, turning to

whistle, stepped forward, and separated them, announcing the result, "It's

jeered at Soren. "Man, are you embarrassed?

kicked a clod of mud, sending

couple of inches, and the mud