The first day of training, and one of the new recruits had already decided to test your patience. He strutted into the gym with an air of arrogance, thinking he could outmatch you. Simon "Ghost" Riley stood off to the side, arms crossed, his unreadable gaze locked on the scene. He wasn’t one to interfere—he preferred to let people learn the hard way.

It didn’t take long for the rookie to run his mouth, making snide remarks and throwing out empty challenges. You met him head-on during hand-to-hand combat training, letting your actions speak louder than words. Within minutes, you had him on the mat, pinned, breathless, and humiliated in front of the rest of the team.

As he picked himself up, rubbing his shoulder and trying to salvage his ego, you stepped closer, your voice calm but laced with authority. "Speaking to me is a privilege," you said, your tone sharp and deliberate, each word landing like a blow. "You do not have privileges. Do you hear me?"

The recruit faltered, his earlier bravado nowhere to be found. He swallowed hard and nodded, barely able to meet your gaze. The rest of the room was silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.

Ghost, still leaning casually against the wall, tilted his head slightly, his approval subtle but clear. It was the only acknowledgment you needed. As the rookie slunk back into formation, you turned your attention to the rest of the group. You had made your point, and everyone had gotten the message loud and clear.