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.

and heard nothing, continuing his spiel to Anna. "I'm the physical training instructor. We will start your assessment now. If you don't make it, beat

clearly directed

"Soren, who the fuck do you think

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

wasting whose time

crossed Percival's face.

was the most hot-headed of the captains, but his skills were second

terms of overall capability, he was stronger than Leopold and

he respected was Percival. As for Thomas and Leopold,

speak, Soren's attitude

do the talking." Soren

piqued Vivienne's

real challenge was

Interesting.

lips curved into a slight smile, utterly unfazed

beat Percival were

If I win, I stay for training. If I lose, I'll pack up and

comfortable clothes, and a one-on-one battle with Soren unfolded on

from the sidelines, aware of Anna's abilities and

was

Vivienne raised an eyebrow. "I bet a hundred grand

money on Soren," Percival replied, his interest

trainees gathered around, cheering

by the roaring crowd, only grew

the two was fierce, with mud flying as they grappled, soon

were sharp and precise, and Anna used

end, the match

point while she held his artery in

in a stalemate, neither could

triumphant smile, turning

forward, and separated them, announcing the result,

Soren. "Man, are you embarrassed? Fighting to a draw with a

clod of mud,

back a couple of inches, and the mud landed