C342 We Don't Want Contracts

The men standing at the front stepped forward one after another, each introducing himself with confidence. The first man placed a hand against his chest and said, “I am Angus the Hammer. People call me relentless because once I set my sights on something, I never stop. I lead these men, and I make sure we accomplish whatever we are sent to do. I am at your service, Madam.”

The second man stepped forward with a slight smile. “I am Callum the Rider. I am known for my speed and my ability to move through any battlefield without slowing down. When the others need someone to get in or get out quickly, they call me. I am at your service, Madam.” The third man followed. “I am Fraser the Reaper. People say I am the man who brings an end to every fight. I don't waste time, and I don't hesitate when the moment comes. If you point me toward a target, Madam, I will make sure the job is finished.” The fourth man stepped forward calmly. “I am Lachlan the Ghost. People rarely see me coming, and by the time they realize I was there, I am already gone. I prefer silence over noise, and patience over recklessness. I am at your service, Madam.”

The fifth man straightened his jacket before speaking. “I am William the Wolf. I watch, I wait, and I strike when the moment is right. I don't need to be the loudest man in the room. I only need to be the last one standing. I am at your service, Madam.” The sixth man stepped forward, his expression cold and focused. “I am Oliver the Viper. I am quick, precise, and difficult to predict. I don't give my enemies a second chance once I decide to strike. I am at your service, Madam.” The seventh man cracked his knuckles and stepped forward. “I am Arthur the Bulldog. Once I take a position, I don't give it up. I don't run from a fight, and I don't abandon the people fighting beside me. If you need someone who will stand his ground until the very end, I am your man, Madam.”

The eighth man stepped forward quietly. “I am Lewis the Sniper. Patience is my greatest weapon. I can wait as long as necessary for the perfect moment. When I finally pull the trigger, I expect my target to be exactly where I need them to be. I am at your service, Madam.” The ninth man smiled faintly. “I am Roy the Hunter. Once I am given a target, I follow its trail until I find it. You can hide, run, or disappear, but I will keep looking. I don't give up on a hunt. I am at your service, Madam.” Finally, the tenth man stepped forward.

He was the largest of the group, his expression completely emotionless. “I am Conner the Beast. I don't scare easily, and I don't stop when things become difficult. When everyone else thinks the fight is over, that's usually when I become most dangerous. I am at your service, Madam.” The ten men stood together in silence after introducing themselves. Angus the Hammer, stepped forward once again. “We are the ten men you requested, Madam. Give us your orders.” Alicia remained silent for a moment, still trying to process everything she had just heard.

She looked at the ten men before finally asking, “Why does it feel like my grandfather sent me some of his best men? If all of you came here, then who is protecting him?” Angus the hammer smiled politely. “Don't worry, Madam. We are divided into three groups. This is only my group. The other two groups have remained behind to protect your grandfather.” Alicia finally nodded. “That makes sense.” However, the rest of the room was still trying to absorb everything. Each man had his own identity, his own skills, and his own reputation. Their introductions had made it clear that they weren't ordinary security guards.

Chris looked at me with a grin. “Brother, it seems like everyone here has their own nickname. What can mine be?” I laughed. “Quickly tell me, Chris. What do you think...” Before I could finish, Samantha interrupted with a soft laugh. “Chris the Annoying One.” Everyone burst out laughing. Chris looked at her. “Samantha, we're having a serious discussion here.” I shook my head. “Brother, I don't know what mine should be either. We'll have to figure it out. All their names have meanings, so we need to think carefully.”

Chris folded his arms. “I refuse to accept ‘the annoying one.’” That made everyone laugh again. Suddenly, Laura raised her hand. Alicia noticed. “Yes, Laura?” “I have a question.” “Go ahead.” Laura looked toward Angus the hammer and the other men. “You're all men, so are women allowed to train in your family as well?” Angus the hammer smiled, but before he could answer, Lachlan the Ghost, chuckled. “We do have women in our family who became warriors. Some of them are even considered heroes. But the training required to reach that level is not easy.”

He paused with an amused expression. “And when they succeed, they can sometimes be more dangerous than the men.” Laura raised an eyebrow. “Why?” Lachlan the ghost laughed. “Because some of them have tempers that even their enemies learn to fear.” The room laughed. Alicia then turned her attention back to Angus the hammer. “You said you're the leader of your group. From now on, I want you to take responsibility for organizing the training.”

Angus the hammer nodded. “Yes, Madam.” Alicia continued. “Study everyone's abilities and determine which of your men are best suited to coach them. We have different groups of people here. Some signed the first contract and only want basic training to protect themselves and the headquarters. Others signed the second contract and are willing to go much fur...” Before Alicia could continue, a loud voice came from the crowd. “No, Director!” Alicia froze. She looked around the room. “What do you mean, no?”

The entire hall became silent. Alicia looked at the employees. “Have you changed your minds? Do you no longer want to train?” Leon stepped forward. “Director, I think I'm speaking for everyone when I say this.” He looked around the hall before continuing. “We don't want to be separated into different groups. We want to do what everyone else is doing.” Alicia stared at him. The man continued. “We don't want a contract that makes us less important than the others. No matter how difficult things become, or even if our lives are put on the line, we are willing to stand with you.”

Alicia's expression changed. She slowly turned toward me. I was just as surprised. This was not what we had expected. Alicia looked back at the employees. “But what about your families?” Nobody answered immediately. “You should all understand by now that this isn't a simple training program. If you sign the second contract, you're accepting real danger. You could be seriously injured. You could even die.” Another man stepped forward. “Boss, we understand the consequences.” He took a breath. “But consequences come with benefits as well.”

Alicia remained silent. The man continued. “Your contract says that if we die while serving you, our families will receive compensation for the next ten years. Our families won't be abandoned.” He looked toward the others. “So we're willing to dedicate ourselves to you.” Alicia's eyes widened slightly. She hadn't expected such a response. Angus the hammer smiled. “Madam, leave the selection to us.” He turned toward the employees. “My team and I will give everyone an opportunity to join the advanced training, just as you requested.” His expression became serious. “But understand something first.”

The laughter in the room disappeared. “It won't be easy.” Angus the hammer looked from one person to another. “Some of you may drop out. Some of you may suffer injuries. Some may discover that they aren't suited for this kind of training.” He paused. “But if you remain committed, we'll train you properly.” Alicia still looked uncertain. She had expected enthusiasm, but not this level of commitment.