With a tilt of his head, Wesson proudly declared, “I am the heir to Clifford Art and Entertainment, Wesson Clifford.”
“Very well.” Marissa nodded. “Then, Mr. Clifford, would you kindly bring me into this building with you?”
Wesson, eager to maintain his facade, cautioned her, “I can bring you, but you must neither wander nor speak out of turn.”
“Got it,” Marissa replied
Wesson gave a proud smile and winked at a bodyguard who stepped forward and rang the doorbell. Shortly after, the door swung open from the inside. The man who greeted them bowed respectfully. “Mr. Clifford, please come in. The deputy chief instructor has been eagerly awaiting your arrival.” Wesson nodded and signaled for the bodyguard to wheel him in. Turning to Marissa, he instructed, “Follow me and abide by the rules. Keep your eyes straight ahead.”
Silently, Marissa obeyed, following him into the Doomsday Base branch. Despite its foundation in ancient martial arts, Doomsday Base seamlessly integrated modern technology. The ancient architecture was enhanced with contemporary technological devices, creating a unique blend of old and new training methods that was both practical and visually impressive. This branch mirrored the design of the Doomsday Base headquarters, a detail that Marissa found satisfying
The branch itself was set in a sprawling ancient house. After crossing two yards, they reached the main hall where Aelfric stood present. Concerned that Marissa might witness his subservience to Aelfric, Wesson began to dismiss her. “You don’t have clearance to enter. Wait here for me.”
But before he could finish, Marissa, standing beside him, suddenly called out, “Aelfric!”
Wesson was taken aback and quickly chastised Marissa in a hushed tone, “Why are you yelling? Do you think it’s wise to shout the name of the Doomsday Base branch leader?” He feared his actions might provoke Aelfric and instantly regretted bringing this unpredictable woman along. In a desperate attempt, Wesson gave the bodyguards a hurried wink, signaling them to escort Marissa out. But it was too late
No sooner had Marissa spoken than footsteps echoed from the main hall. In a flash, Aelfric appeared at the doorway, accompanied by Derek and Dennis, and a group of newcomers. Aelfric was no longer in his daytime attire but had switched to a black uniform emblazoned with Doomsday Base’s logo. His face, unmasked, was camouflaged with splotches of paint, obscuring his true features. He stood tall in the doorway, his presence formidable. Dennis and Derek, also dressed in the black uniforms of Doomsday Base, flanked Aelfric, remaining silent and standing rigid
Feeling Aelfric’s formidable presence, Wesson forced a smile and greeted him, “Mr. Warren.” But Aelfric ignored him, his gaze fixed sternly on the woman by Wesson’s side
Wesson’s heart raced. He feared the trouble Marissa might have stirred. Eager to clear his name, he quickly distanced himself from her. “Mr. Warren, I have no association with this woman. She must have followed us here secretly. She’s deranged. She has offended you, and I will have the bodyguards discipline her immediately.” After making his remark, Wesson flashed a knowing wink at the bodyguards. The bodyguards caught on immediately and were about to give Marissa a tough time
“How dare you!” Aelfric burst out in sudden rage
Both Wesson and his bodyguards shook in fright and turned to Aelfric, their faces a picture of bewilderment. Aelfric, usually so haughty and composed, dropped to one knee in front of Marissa, bowed his head, and addressed her with reverence, “Chief Instructor.”
Wesson and the other onlookers were stunned. The woman clad in simple black attire, her face obscured by a black veil, was the legendary chief instructor of Doomsday Base? Derek and Dennis exchanged looks of astonishment, then hastily followed Aelfric’s lead, kneeling on one knee and echoing him, “Chief Instructor.”
Marissa cast a glance at Derek and Dennis, then turned to Wesson, a smirk playing on her lips. She found the situation increasingly amusing-three of her former fiances gathered in one place. Wesson, overcome with fear, could only stare at Marissa. His face drained of color, and his hands quivered. At that moment, he cursed his audacity for having attempted to flirt with the chief instructor. He assumed he was a goner. Yet, he couldn’t help but gamble on a sliver of hope. The fact that the chief instructor hadn’t scolded him just now suggested that she might have actually liked his flirtatious remarks. Maybe, just maybe, she had taken a liking to him
With this thought, Wesson became slightly distracted. Concerned that his looks might not be up to par, he quickly adjusted his hair and flashed a charming smile at Marissa. Disgusted, Marissa turned to Aelfric and snapped, “Aelfric, it’s been ages since I last saw you. How dare you compromise Doomsday Base’s integrity for money? Do you no longer respect my authority as the chief instructor?”
Aelfric was taken aback. Just as he was about to rise to his defense, Marissa cut him off fiercely. “Kneel! Did I give you permission to stand?”
Rushed and flustered, Aelfric dropped to his knee again. Derek and Dennis, who were initially rising with Aelfric, quickly mimicked his actions and knelt down again. The tension in the air skyrocketed
Wesson swallowed hard, his fear palpable. This chief instructor was far more formidable than he had anticipated. “Chief Instructor, I’m at a loss here. What are you referring to?” Aelfric asked
Without responding, Marissa played a recording of her earlier conversation with Wesson outside the gate. After the playback, Marissa berated Aelfric, “I made it explicitly clear that if Doomsday Base is ever in a pinch, just ask me for financial help. I would provide whatever is necessary. Since when do we need you to undermine our pride and sovereignty to court sponsors?”
Enraged, Aelfric clenched his teeth, surged to his feet, and furiously kicked over Wesson’s wheelchair
The sharp crash echoed as Wesson and his wheelchair hit the marble floor. He was already wounded, and the force of the fall made him cough up blood and curl up in agony. Aelfric, his face twisted in anger, explained to Marissa, “Chief Instructor, thanks to your support over the years, Doomsday Base has thrived and remains financially sound. I’ve been managing the base in King’s stead, upholding its dignity and sovereignty without fail. This man has deceived you. When we were setting up Doomsday Base’s new branch in Blebert, the Clifford family came with an offer of three hundred million dollars. In return, they asked for Wesson to be allowed to study at Doomsday Base. Since we have precedents for such arrangements, I consented. Despite their generous donation, I made it clear that Wesson would have no special privileges here. He’d be just another student. He hasn’t even started training yet, and already he’s caused this disgrace. It’s my oversight. I should have kept a tighter leash on him. Chief Instructor, please take a moment to relax with some tea in the hall while I handle this situation.”
Marissa responded casually, “Well then, I won’t ask further. I’ll leave this minor issue in your capable hands.”
“Thank you,” Aelfric replied, bowing deeply
Marissa then made her way to the main hall. Aelfric had recruited all the staff for this new branch, and none had met her before. They had always considered Aelfric as their leader. Now, recognizing Aelfric’s fearful respect for the chief instructor, they hesitated to take any rash actions and reverently led Marissa into the main hall. Derek and Dennis, Aelfric’s future brother-in-law and brother, were especially cautious and meticulous
Upon entering the hall, Marissa took her place in the central seat with a commanding presence, despite wearing a simple black outfit. Dennis promptly offered her fresh fruit, saying, “Chief Instructor, please enjoy some fruit.”
Derek followed suit, serving her tea. “Chief Instructor, please enjoy this tea.”
Marissa gave them a brief glance but remained silent, feigning ignorance of their identities. Just then, a chilling scream echoed from outside-the sound of Wesson’s agony. The assembled group instinctively tensed, realizing Wesson had undoubtedly suffered at Aelfric’s hands
The Clifford family greatly overestimated their influence. They believed a donation of three hundred million dollars to the base would earn Aelfric’s favor. However, they underestimated him; no amount of money, not even three billion, would deter Aelfric from responding harshly if they crossed him
Marissa leisurely sipped her tea. It was only when the screams outside ceased that she carefully set the cup down. After a moment, Aelfric entered and gave his report. “Chief Instructor, I’ve dismissed Wesson and have firmly warned the Clifford family against using Doomsday Base’s name for malicious deeds. Should they cross the line again, they will not have my mercy.”
Marissa responded indifferently, “I see. You’ve been diligent in setting up Doomsday Base’s branch in Blebert. Just remember to uphold our base’s principles. It’s crucial that you keep tight control over the trainees and protect our reputation.”
“Understood, you have my assurance,” Aelfric replied, a weight lifting from his shoulders. Though he struggled with acknowledging Marissa as his superior, her formidable skills and ruthless tactics left no room for defiance. The thought of her anger made him inwardly shiver. At this moment, when the chief instructor’s voice softened, a sense of relief washed over him
The hall fell silent for a quick moment before Aelfric proceeded with introductions. “Chief Instructor, I’d like you to meet the new trainees I’ve personally selected. This is Derek Daniels and Dennis Warren.”
Derek and Dennis quickly bowed in respect, knowing that Aelfric introduced them to the chief instructor with hopes of their advancement within Doomsday Base. Marissa masked a smile, then stood and paced around Derek and Dennis with her hands clasped behind her. Abruptly, she lashed out with her foot. With two sharp thuds, Derek and Dennis were sent sprawling across the floor
Marissa moved with an elegance and ease that belied the force behind her actions. With what appeared to be two casual kicks, she sent Derek and Dennis hurtling through the air, landing ten feet away, blood trickling from the corners of their mouths. The Doomsday Base’s chief instructor’s footwork was not something the average person could withstand
From a young age, Derek had been weak. And Dennis had been living in the shadow of his elder brother, who bore the brunt of their family’s expectations. This left him free to indulge in a life of excess, and he was scarcely stronger than Derek. After being floored by Marissa’s kicks, both men lay on the floor, writhing in agony and unable to rise. Derek, aware of the perilous world he inhabited, clenched his teeth and bore the pain silently, refusing to give voice to his suffering. In contrast, Dennis couldn’t contain his cries of pain. “Aelfric, it hurts,” he whimpered
Aelfric, visibly mortified, snapped under his breath, “Shut up!”
Marissa sneered, her tone dripping with scorn. “Aelfric, since when did Doomsday Base become so desperate for trainees that you’d introduce these weaklings to me?”
“Chief Instructor, please, calm down,” Aelfric responded, his voice a blend of respect and plea. “I admit, I had personal reasons for accepting them into Doomsday Base. Derek is engaged to my sister, and Dennis is my own brother. But I assure you, Chief Instructor, I will train them rigorously. They will bring honor to Doomsday Base.”
Marissa raised an eyebrow, pretending to understand. “Oh, is that so? Family ties, then. Despite the strict regulations in Doomsday Base, I can be understanding. Given that they are your brother-in-law and your own brother, I will hold back my comments.”
“Thank you, Chief Instructor,” Aelfric acknowledged with gratitude. He then gave Derek and Dennis a sly wink. “How about you two also express your thanks to the Chief Instructor for her leniency?”
Bearing their discomfort, Derek and Dennis struggled to their feet and bowed deeply. “Thank you, Chief Instructor.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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