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.

instructor. We will start your assessment now. If you don't make it, beat it, and I don't care who brought you

words were clearly directed at

the fuck do you think you're talking

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

whose time is yet to be

crossed Percival's face. "Soren,

Vanguard Agency's special squad third division, was the most hot-headed of the captains, but his skills were second to

he was stronger than

for Thomas and Leopold, Soren

hearing Percival speak,

skills do the talking." Soren gave Vivienne a

look piqued Vivienne's

Soren's real challenge was with

Interesting.

into a slight smile, utterly unfazed by

even beat Percival were not worthy

training. If I lose, I'll pack up and leave without fuss." Surprised by Anna's challenge, Soren saw the fire in the eyes of

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

watched from the sidelines, aware of

was anyone's

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

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

gathered around, cheering on

by the roaring crowd, only

fight between the two was fierce, with mud flying as

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

the match was too close to

grip on Anna's vital point

stalemate, neither could

smile, turning to Percival, "Looks

separated them, announcing the result, "It's

"Man, are you embarrassed?

a clod of mud, sending it flying

inches, and the