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.

continuing his spiel to Anna. "I'm the physical training instructor. We will start your assessment now. If you don't make it,

were clearly directed at

"Soren, who the fuck do you think

icy gaze landing squarely on Soren. "You're not wrong. Show

wasting whose

Percival's face. "Soren, empty threats aren't your

the most hot-headed of the captains, but his skills were

he was stronger than Leopold and

respected was Percival. As for Thomas and

hearing Percival speak, Soren's attitude softened

skills do the

look piqued

seemed Soren's real

Interesting.

into a slight smile, utterly unfazed

Percival were not worthy opponents

training. If

comfortable clothes, and a one-on-one battle

watched from the sidelines, aware

outcome was anyone's

wager?" Vivienne raised an eyebrow. "I

put my money on

around, cheering on their

by the roaring crowd, only

fight between the two was fierce, with mud flying as they grappled, soon

were sharp and precise, and Anna used her agility to

end, the match was too

had a grip on Anna's vital point while

stalemate,

a triumphant smile, turning

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

"Man, are you embarrassed? Fighting to

of mud, sending it flying straight at

Leopold back a couple of inches, and the mud landed