Chapter 83
The man painfully hauled himself to his feet, his defiant spirit undiminished.
Zina nodded, strode over to the instructor, took the whip from his hand, and casually tossed it to the man who had just gotten back on his feet.
She looked at him coolly. “Still have the guts to take me on? You all know the rules here–might makes right at the Base, don’t you?”
The man’s gaze wavered slightly, but he stated firmly, “I don’t fight females.”
“Here, there’s no such thing as men and women. Only combat prowess matters.” Zina retorted, her voice ringing out powerfully and her gaze growing even more resolute.
The man tightened his grip on the whip, his fingers white–knuckled–then, all at once, he let go. The whip clattered to the ground.
I can fight you one–handed,” he said.
“Save your charity. Draw your weapon, Zina demanded
The force in Zina’s words made the man instinctively snatch the whip back up.
Before he could even react, Zina was already just a blur.
Stunned, the man barely managed to raise a defensive stance before, in the next instant, he was knocked straight back.
The sound of Zina’s kick still echoed in his ears.
“I remember your instructor once said: never underestimate any opponent, her voice rang out.
The man’s body hit the ground again.
His mind was filled with nothing but a deafening buzz, and he couldn’t even muster a response.
‘How could this happen?‘ he wondered.
That woman–she’s even stronger than the instructor, and I didn’t even see her move.
Are there really people this strong at the Base?‘
“On your feet”
Zina strode over and hauled the man up from the ground in one swift motion.
Meeting his stunned gaze, the corner of her lips curled upward.
“I told
you
to hold onto your weapon. You underestimated me. You didn’t even get a chance to strike.
“Train harder. Know your place, and understand what you’re up against. Other enemies won’t go easy on you like I did.”
1/2
Chapter 83
With that final remark, she spun on her heel and disappeared as suddenly as she’d arrived, like a ghost dissolving into mist.
Yet only those on the drill ground knew that their initial composure had been utterly shattered.
Leaving the Base. Zina got into the car and absently browsed her phone.
Her gaze lingered on the latest neuroscience research released by the Research Institute.
Chris‘ voice broke the silence. “Boss, any other instructions?” His question snapped Zina back to reality
She was about to say “No,” when out of the corner of her eye, something on her phone caught her attention. Her eyes lit up with sudden inspiration.
She asked, “How much do you know about the Research Institute?”
“The Research Institute?” Chris was bewildered, unable to understand how the conversation had shifted so suddenly.
Before he could process it, Zina continued. “If possible, try to broker a connection for me with the Research Institute. I can help them sort out their problems.
“Boss, why the sudden interest in the Research Institute?”
Chris asked, pulling the car over and turning to Zina.
Zina’s lips curled into a faint smirk, her eyes glinting with amusement.
I just think it’s time we put some dormant resources to use. If I recall, the Sinclair family has been eager to break into the pharmaceutical industry–that’s why they were so quick to have Rosie apprentice under Wade. Since everyone wants in, we might as well cut the problem off at its root.”
What seemed like just an ordinary conversation sent a chill down Chris spine.
He stole a sidelong glance at Zina. For the first time, he was profoundly grateful she was his ally.
To have her as an enemy, I’d spend a lifetime in terror.
ng off these thoughts, Chris steeled himself.
Shaking
“Boss, rest assured. I’ll get it done right away.”
