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.

instructor. We will

were clearly directed at

angrily, "Soren, who the fuck do you think you're talking

her icy gaze landing squarely on Soren. "You're not wrong. Show your worth, and don't waste my

frowned slightly. "Who's wasting whose time is yet to be

annoyance crossed Percival's face.

third division, was the most hot-headed of the

he was stronger than Leopold

respected was Percival. As for Thomas

hearing Percival speak, Soren's attitude softened

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

look piqued

Soren's real

Interesting.

a slight smile, utterly

could not even beat Percival were not worthy

You be my opponent. If I win, I stay for training. If I lose, I'll pack up and leave without fuss." Surprised by Anna's challenge,

into more comfortable clothes, and a one-on-one battle

aware

outcome was

wager?" Vivienne raised an eyebrow. "I

I'll put my money on Soren," Percival

around, cheering on

fueled by the roaring crowd,

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

precise, and Anna used her agility to dodge his

match was too close

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

a stalemate, neither

triumphant smile, turning

separated them,

are you embarrassed? Fighting to a draw with a little

clod of mud, sending it flying straight at

of inches, and the mud landed right at the