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.

training instructor. We will start your assessment

clearly directed

who the

however, pulled Leopold back, her icy gaze landing squarely on Soren. "You're

"Who's wasting whose time is yet to be

of annoyance crossed Percival's face. "Soren, empty threats

the Vanguard Agency's special squad third division, was the most hot-headed of the captains, but

capability, he was stronger than Leopold and

Percival. As for Thomas

Percival speak,

do the talking."

piqued Vivienne's

real challenge was

Interesting.

into a slight smile,

not even beat Percival

ground and faced Soren defiantly. "Let's not make this complicated. 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, Soren saw the fire in the

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

the sidelines, aware of

outcome was anyone's

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

on Soren,"

around, cheering

fueled by the roaring crowd, only grew more

with mud flying as

were sharp and precise, and Anna used

match was too close

grip on Anna's vital point

in a stalemate, neither

triumphant smile, turning to Percival, "Looks like we both

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

you embarrassed? Fighting

of mud, sending it flying

of inches, and the