C349 Another Enemy

Angus the Hammer looked at Alicia for a long moment before finally speaking. “I heard that the First Line family has sent a convoy to Hanna. They are informing her that you now possess Gold and Diamond.” Alicia's expression changed slightly. Angus the Hammer continued, “She has wanted that dagger for a very long time. She tried several times to retrieve it from the pool, but she never succeeded. Now that she knows you have it, she may come after you.”

Everyone in the room fell silent. His expression became serious. “Hanna is dangerous. She is ruthless, and she is ranked first among all the women in the family.” I immediately looked at Alicia. “Wife, that means you're in danger now.” Alicia looked down at Gold and Diamond before giving a faint smile. “Well, then I have to start learning how to fight. At the very least, I need to know how to defend myself.” Oliver the Viper slowly shook his head. “Self-defense alone won't be enough.” Alicia looked at him.

Oliver the Viper continued, “The world you are entering now is different. Against people like Hanna, there is no guarantee that blocking an attack will be enough. If your enemy survives, they can recover, rebuild, and come back stronger.” He looked around the room before continuing. “That is why we need you, Madam, and everyone around you to learn everything. Boxing, martial arts, shooting, blade fighting, and sniping. You need to become familiar with all of them.” He paused. “Only after you have trained in all those areas will we be able to say that you have a chance against Hanna.”

Laura swallowed nervously. Oliver the Viper continued, “Even then, I will be honest with you. Hanna has won many battles for the First Line family. She is ruthless and decisive. Very few people survive a one-on-one fight against her.” The room became even quieter. “She also has people working in the shadows for her. Getting information is not difficult for her. She can interrogate almost anyone if she believes they know something she needs. Age doesn't matter to her. She doesn't care whether someone is old, young, or vulnerable.” He paused again. “That is one of the reasons we recommended changing your identities.”

Everyone exchanged uneasy looks. Laura shivered. “I'm scared.” Chris, who had been unusually quiet, looked at her. “This is becoming much bigger than us.” I shook my head. “If the time comes, I will stand beside my wife and fight. Even if they cut off my hands and legs, I will still find a way to fight beside her.” Alicia looked at me with a mixture of surprise and emotion. Sarah gently touched her belly. “Then we have to tell our families eventually. Keeping something this dangerous from them forever isn't going to work.”

Angus the Hammer nodded. “At least not yet.” Sarah looked at him. He continued, “Wait until you have trained properly. You could also wait until after your first battle with the Harris family. By then, you will have a better understanding of what this life is really like.” He looked at everyone. “After that, each of you can decide whether you want to continue or walk away.” Before anyone could respond, the sound of movement outside caught our attention. It was already 3:30 in the afternoon.

One after another, the employees began entering the training hall. Alicia looked at the clock and nodded. “We'll continue this discussion another day.” She then turned toward the employees. “Everyone, there are new lockers available. You can choose your own.” The employees immediately looked toward the row of lockers. “The guns you registered yesterday have been stored in the boxes. Everyone should know their registration number, so collect your gun and place it inside your assigned locker.”

For a moment, the hall became chaotic. People moved around, discussing which lockers they wanted. Alicia pointed toward a separate section. “Those six lockers on the side are reserved for our group. Don't touch them. The thirty-five lockers on the right are for everyone else.” The employees nodded and began choosing their lockers. Once everyone had settled down, Angus the Hammer stepped forward. “Since there are thirty-five of you and four different training activities, I want you to divide yourselves into four groups.”

He looked around. “Three groups will have nine people, while the final group will have eight.” Everyone listened carefully. “Everyone will eventually train in every discipline. However, you cannot learn everything at the same time. You will start with one section, train in it for two weeks, and then move to the next.” The employees nodded. Angus the Hammer continued. “So, the first line will be for those starting with boxing.” He pointed toward the first section. “The second line will be for those starting with martial arts.”

He pointed toward the next section. “The third line will be for those starting with blade fighting.” Finally, he pointed toward the last section. “And the fourth line will be for those starting with shooting.” The employees began forming their lines. Faith was the first person to step into the boxing line. Several others followed behind her. Alicia watched Faith for a moment before turning toward Angus. “Angus the Hammer, she will be joining us.” Alicia pointed toward Faith. Faith's eyes widened with excitement. “Really, Director?”

Alicia smiled. “Yes. But you will receive exactly the same training as everyone else. Don't expect any special treatment.” Faith nodded quickly. “I understand, Director.” Alicia smiled. “I chose you because you have already shown dedication. Yesterday, you stayed behind after work and continued training without anyone asking you to.” The employees laughed. Faith smiled proudly. Angus the Hammer nodded. “Then that changes the numbers slightly. Two groups will have eight people, while the other two will have nine.” Everyone adjusted their positions and formed their lines again.

Faith happily moved closer to our group. Chris looked at her and grinned. “But this does not mean she gets added to be added in the video calls?” Faith looked at him in confusion. Everyone laughed. Faith shook her head while smiling. Alicia ignored Chris and turned her attention back to Angus the Hammer. “What about us?” Angus the Hammer looked at her. “Not everyone in our group is pregnant, so they shouldn't have to wait for us before beginning their training.”

Alicia glanced toward Samantha and Laura before looking back at the coaches. “We need a plan that allows everyone to start immediately while still making room for those of us who will need time after giving birth.” Angus the Hammer nodded thoughtfully. “Then we will make the schedule accordingly, Madam.”