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.

heard nothing, continuing his spiel to Anna. "I'm the physical training instructor. We

were clearly directed

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

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

slightly. "Who's wasting whose

face. "Soren, empty threats aren't

was the most hot-headed

he was stronger than

As for Thomas and Leopold,

speak, Soren's attitude

follow me. Let your skills do the talking."

look piqued

Soren's real

Interesting.

into a slight

who could 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

into more comfortable clothes, and a one-on-one battle with Soren unfolded on the muddy training

the sidelines, aware of Anna's abilities

outcome was anyone's

raised an eyebrow. "I bet a

on Soren," Percival replied, his

trainees gathered around, cheering

the roaring

two was fierce, with mud flying as

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

match was too close

on Anna's vital point while she held his

stalemate, neither

formed a triumphant smile, turning to Percival, "Looks

whistle, stepped forward, and separated them, announcing

are you embarrassed? Fighting to a draw with a little

kicked a clod of mud, sending it

and the mud landed right at the tip of his