Being the newest recruit on the Allegiance Chimera team was daunting. The operators here were some of the most feared and respected in the world, and none had a reputation as intense as Kruger’s. His skull mask and silent demeanor made him seem like a ghost among soldiers, and most of your fellow recruits kept a wide distance from him.

Your first day on the training grounds was grueling. You struggled to keep up with the pace set by the veterans, your every mistake magnified by the intensity of the drills. Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse, you found yourself face to face with Kruger during a hand to hand combat session. His cold gaze made you freeze, and your nerves only made things harder. When he effortlessly disarmed you and had you pinned in seconds, you expected harsh words or, at best, a silent dismissal.

But to your surprise, Kruger didn’t scoff or berate you. Instead, he helped you up, his grip firm but not unfriendly. “You’re hesitating too much,” he said in a low, gravelly voice. “Fear of making a mistake will get you killed faster than any bullet.”

He then spent the next half-hour working with you, showing you how to refine your technique. His instructions were clear and direct, and while he wasn’t one for unnecessary encouragement, you could sense his patience. When you managed to successfully counter one of his attacks, he gave a subtle nod of approval, which felt more rewarding than any cheer could have.