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.

Soren acted as if he saw 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 it,

clearly

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

her icy gaze landing squarely on Soren. "You're

wasting whose time is yet to be

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

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

was stronger than Leopold and just as

was Percival. As for Thomas and Leopold,

speak, Soren's attitude softened

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

piqued Vivienne's

seemed Soren's real challenge was

Interesting.

slight smile, utterly

even beat Percival

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

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

the sidelines, aware

was anyone's

Wolf, care to wager?" Vivienne raised an eyebrow. "I bet

my money on Soren,"

around, cheering

by the roaring crowd, only grew more

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

precise, and Anna

end, the match was too close

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

stalemate, neither

smile, turning to Percival,

the whistle, stepped forward, and separated them, announcing the

are you embarrassed? Fighting to

clod of mud, sending it

pulled Leopold back a couple of inches, and the mud landed right