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.

to Anna. "I'm the physical training instructor. We will start your assessment now.

clearly directed at

angrily, "Soren, who the fuck do you

gaze landing squarely on Soren. "You're not wrong. Show your worth, and don't waste

slightly. "Who's wasting whose time is yet to be

flash of annoyance crossed Percival's face. "Soren, empty

squad third division, was the most hot-headed of the captains, but

he was stronger than Leopold and just

As for Thomas and Leopold, Soren hardly paid them any

speak, Soren's attitude

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

look piqued

seemed Soren's real challenge was with

Interesting.

lips curved into a slight smile, utterly unfazed

who could not even beat Percival were not worthy opponents

this complicated. You be my opponent. If I win, I stay for training. If I lose, I'll pack up and leave

comfortable clothes, and a one-on-one battle

watched from the sidelines, aware of Anna's abilities

outcome was anyone's

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

I'll put my money on

around,

by the roaring crowd, only grew

with mud flying as they

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

match

grip on Anna's vital point while she held his

a stalemate,

lips formed a triumphant smile, turning to Percival, "Looks like

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

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

clod of mud, sending it flying straight

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