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.

Anna. "I'm the physical training instructor. We will start your assessment now. If you don't make it, beat it, and I

words were clearly directed at

who the fuck do you

Soren. "You're not wrong. Show your worth,

whose

of annoyance crossed Percival's face.

Vanguard Agency's special squad third division, was the

capability, he was stronger than

only person he respected was Percival. As for Thomas and Leopold, Soren

speak, Soren's attitude

do the talking."

piqued

seemed Soren's real challenge was

Interesting.

into a slight smile, utterly

could not even beat Percival

for 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 the teenager before

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

the sidelines, aware of Anna's abilities and Soren's

outcome was

to wager?" Vivienne raised an eyebrow. "I

put my money on

around, cheering

the roaring crowd, only

was fierce, with mud flying as they grappled, soon turning them into

moves were sharp and precise, and Anna

match was too close

Anna's vital point

in a stalemate,

smile, turning to

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

"Man, are you embarrassed? Fighting to a draw

a clod of mud, sending

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