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 will start your assessment now. If you

clearly directed

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

gaze landing squarely on Soren. "You're not

slightly. "Who's wasting whose time

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

of the Vanguard Agency's special squad third division, was the

he was stronger than Leopold

respected was Percival. As for Thomas and Leopold, Soren hardly paid them any

Percival speak, Soren's

your skills do the talking." Soren

piqued Vivienne's

seemed Soren's real challenge was with

Interesting.

curved into a slight smile,

even beat Percival were

backpack to the 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

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

from the sidelines, aware

was anyone's

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

on

trainees gathered around, cheering

roaring

fight between the two was fierce, with mud flying as

Anna used her agility to dodge

end, the match was

point while she held his artery

a stalemate, neither could

a triumphant smile, turning to Percival, "Looks

the whistle, stepped forward, and separated them,

jeered at Soren. "Man, are you embarrassed? Fighting to a draw

a clod of mud, sending

back a couple of inches, and the mud landed right at