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.

spiel to Anna. "I'm the physical training instructor. We will start your

words were clearly directed

angrily, "Soren, who the fuck

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

whose time is yet to be

of annoyance crossed Percival's face. "Soren, empty threats aren't

third division, was the most hot-headed of the captains, but his

capability, he was stronger than Leopold

was Percival. As for Thomas and

hearing Percival speak, Soren's

follow me. Let your skills do the

piqued

real challenge was with

Interesting.

curved into a slight smile, utterly unfazed

Percival were not worthy opponents

I stay for training. If I lose, I'll

a one-on-one battle with Soren unfolded on the muddy

watched from the sidelines, aware

was

wager?" Vivienne raised an eyebrow.

I'll put my money on Soren," Percival replied,

around, cheering

roaring crowd, only grew more

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

were sharp and precise, and Anna used her agility to dodge

end, the match was too

Anna's vital point while she

a stalemate, neither

smile, turning

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

you embarrassed? Fighting to a draw with a

mud, sending

inches, and the mud landed right at the