The burly man, Charlie, was second-in-command, after Kash. Years ago, after Yvette saved him, Charlie's unique physique was discovered. His resilience was exceptional; he felt little pain. Yvette taught him a special technique, granting him almost impenetrable defenses.

Eagle King felt the urge to test Charlie's strength but, remembering his formidable build, refrained.

Rodney chuckled. "Samantha, Emmett, you wouldn't believe what Eagle King did. He insisted on—"

Before Rodney finished, Eagle King silenced him with a hug. "It's fine. Don't listen to him." He warned Rodney, "If you speak, you'll regret it."

Eagle King, believing the matter settled, relaxed. He hadn't accounted for Yvette, whom he dared not confront.

Without turning, Yvette casually said, “Eagle King once underestimated Charlie and nearly paid dearly.” Her tone was neutral, yet Emmett, Samantha, and Charlie struggled to suppress their laughter. Respect for Eagle King kept their amusement subdued. The scene was undeniably humorous.

Eagle King, caught off guard, defended himself. "It was an accident! The boss is exaggerating."

Everyone knew Yvette never exaggerated. Eagle King's predicament was awkward.

Under everyone's scrutiny, even the thick-skinned Eagle King retreated. He wisely chose escape.

On the high platform, Yvette watched Charlie emerge. He appeared even more imposing than three years prior.

Charlie excitedly shouted, "Boss, want a spar?"

His shout startled nearby birds. The crowd chanted, "Boss, come down! Take him down! Go, boss!"

Charles, Emmett, and Samantha were surprised by Charlie's immediate challenge. His boldness was impressive.

Yvette smirked, her expression unchanged. "Alright, but there's a stake."

Jeremiah stepped forward, taking Yvette's hand before three thousand onlookers.

Yvette tilted her head, observing him with a raised eyebrow.

The crowd erupted.

"Is he her boyfriend?"

"She let him hold her hand! Their relationship must be special."

"He's good-looking, but can you trust a handsome man?"

"If he betrays her, she won't let him get away with it."

"If I'd known she liked men, I'd have competed for the position!"

"With your looks? Forget it."

"Compared to her man, you're way off."

Charlie eyed Jeremiah with challenge. No one, in their eyes, was worthy of Yvette. He wondered about Jeremiah's skills. Only a fight would tell. He challenged Jeremiah, "Since you're the boss's boyfriend, you're our future army man. You need to show some skills. Are you up for it?"

Jeremiah's eyes were deep and steady, bright yet emotionless. He politely nodded, "Sure."

The crowd roared, "Great! Great! Great!"

Jeremiah turned to Yvette. "Wait for me."

Yvette put her hands in her pockets, her eyelids slightly raised, a playful glint in her eyes. "OK."

Jeremiah walked off the stage, his silhouette radiating coldness and sharpness.

Kash admired Jeremiah's courage. A leader needed it; without it, he was as good as dead.

Emmett, Samantha, and Charles were surprised Jeremiah would challenge someone, but none were worried. He was undefeated, the youngest major general in Clusia. Techniques that worked on others were useless against him.

Yvette was unconcerned. She gave Kash a knowing look; he brought a chair. Everyone knew her habit: she sat if she could, lay down if she could sit. Simply put, she was lazy.

Rodney approached, worried. "Yvette, what if Jeremiah loses? Won't that be embarrassing?" He thought Jeremiah looked "weak." Yvette pinched her eye, her legs stretched out. "He won't lose. He simply won't."

Charlie faced Jeremiah like an ant against a tree.

Rodney mischievously said, "Yvette, if Jeremiah loses, you might want to consider me. I'll wait until I'm eighteen."

Emmett twitched. Rodney had been friendly with Mr. Chavez; now he was vying for Yvette's attention. This kid was incredibly clever.

Down below, Jeremiah faced Charlie. Despite his rough appearance, Charlie was polite. "What's your name?"

Jeremiah's expression was indifferent, his eyes slightly raised, exuding a relaxed yet fierce aura.

Charlie sensed the danger and paid close attention.

"Jeremiah," Charlie said, bowing slightly. "Our custom is three challenges: hand-to-hand combat, a shooting match, and a mental math competition."

Jeremiah nodded.

From the platform, Samantha asked, "I understand hand-to-hand and shooting, but a mental math contest? Do they even have someone good at that?"