Team Building Is More Than Just Playing Party Games

Don Firo entered the room with the usual cigar in his hand. Upon assessing that everyone was already there, he began speaking.

"First and foremost I would to express my undying gratitude to everyone in this room. Every single one of you is heavily appreciated. You know my father used to told me how messed up this world was. As a kid, I never really got it until I saw the atrocities right by my own very eyes. Which is why I'm determined to change everything up. Do whatever it takes to clean the stains of this messed up world. My bad for sharing some personal stuff but you guys wouldn't mind right"

Everyone in the room laughed except for Zaqiel who was focused on the Don's speech.

"So the reason why everyone is hear as you could see, we have a new member. Would you like to introduce yourself to everyone?" Don Firo said as he pointed Zaqiel.

Zaqiel was caught off guarded by Don Firo's request. He quickly stood up from his seat and looked at every single one in the room before speaking.

"Ah yeah. I umm.. My codename is Warhammer but it kinda sounds stupid so you could call me Zee instead. I'm honored to be in your presence and I'm looking forward to grow with all of you" Zaqiel said.

Everyone clapped and the Don continued speaking.

"Quite a young fella you see? He's gonna be part of the squad from this day forward. Look out for him in the training and others alright?"

The Don finished speaking and went out due to some errand that he needed to take care of. The squad then headed to the training area where they'll rigorously train. As they were walking towards the next room, one of the squad members approached Zaqiel.

"What's up Zee, I heard you swept your way to the championship with ease in the tournament. I saw a bit of the footage and dude, you're strong as hell, what's your secret?" the person said.

Zaqiel did not expect to receive a question so quick like that. The one who asked him was a man he presumes around in mid twenties. Zaqiel doesn't want to be rude so he answered the question.

"I mean, I guess it's all about the adrenaline rush, I've mastered controlling it. Or at least that's what I like to think. Training's really going to be helpful for me either way"

Another squad member joined in the conversation. This time it was a girl and she looks like around the same age as Zaqiel if not, maybe a year or two older.

"Not even a minute passed and you're already asking him these stupid questions Shaun" she said with an annoying face.

"Shut up Kylee. I know you just wanted to go first. After all, you told me you find him interesting and cute a while ago". Shaun fired back.

"HUH?? I DIDN'T SAID ANYTHING LIKE THAT YOU STUPID" Kylee replied while she was blushing heavily.

The two then began exchanging some words. A confused Zaqiel was in between them. Suddenly, another person stepped in to stop the fighting.

"Cut it out you two. You're tarnishing the expectations of the new recruit" the person said with a commanding voice.

Shaun and Kylee then stopped momentarily and both of them walked faster. They left Zaqiel with the person to talk to.

"My name is Al, I'm kind of the leader of the squad. Probably because I'm the oldest but, it's more of umm.. I think you could already picture how things are" the person introduced himself.

"Yeah" Zaqiel laughingly replied while they're seeing Shaun and Kylee started another argument in front of them.

"Bloody hell, they just won't stop aren't they? Well anyways you already met them, Shaun and Kylee. They may fight often but during trainings and missions, they're actually cooperative" Al said.

Al introduced the other people in the squad to Zaqiel.

"That guy over there is Khris. He's a bit of a shy person so try to talk to him directly as you please" Al said while pointing the person in the far right.

Khris shyly waved at Zaqiel to which he waved back.

"Lastly, that guy with a neck pillow in his neck, his name is Floyd. He likes sleeping a lot so I wouldn't really advise talking to him that much otherwise he'll just sleep in the middle of your conversation" Al said while pointing the other person in the left.

"Don Firo told me you'll have to improve your fighting even though you're already crazy strong. Looking forward to see it in person" Al said.

"Well thank you so much Al and the pleasure is mine" Zaqiel replied.

"We're here now" Al said.

They finally reached their destination. It was a big room with a lot of facilities and equipments to use. Zaqiel's excitement is painted in his face.

"I will get stronger for everyone" he thought.

On the first day, Zaqiel trained with Kylee. Kylee is an expert in hand-to-hand combat. She's deadly enough to take 3-5 persons at a time.

She and Zaqiel sparred for a very long amount of time. They were exchanging punches and kicks to whom they managed to block each other's.

"Don't hold back just because I'm a girl alright" Kylee said.

"Yeah I won't" Zaqiel replied.

They continued sparring and in the end, Zaqiel was no match for Kylee. He was lying in the ground when Kylee offered him a hand.

"Were you taught of any martial arts before?" Kylee asked.

"No, I don't know one" Zaqiel answered.

"That makes sense. You're more of a street fighter based on my assessment" Kylee gave her honest thoughts.

"We'll take our time here in having you master at least one. Al was right, you're already that strong" She added.

Zaqiel thanked Kylee afterwards. He was about to go the next instructor when Kylee called her.

"By the way just to be clear, Shaun was definitely lying a while ago. I definitely did not said that. I mean yeah you look okay I guess and I'm only interested in your strength." Kylee said in a denial tone while blushing.

"I understand" Zaqiel replied while giving a little smile.

The next to train Zaqiel was Shaun. Shaun was running laps when Zaqiel got there. Shaun noticed Zaqiel.

"Hey Zee, I also noticed how fast you were in the tournament. Let's have a race!" Shaun challenged Zaqiel.

Zaqiel was again surprised by the words of Shaun.

"This guy just say whatever the hell he wants" Zaqiel thought.

The room was big enough to have a mini race in there. Its size is like of a gymnasium with a basketball court inside. Several mini rooms were inside as well where the other squad members were training. Thus the race between Zaqiel and Shaun began.

Zaqiel was in the lead for the most part due to his enhanced speed. Just when he thought he's about to win, Shaun came clutch and won the match.

"You are crazy fast man" Shaun said while catching his breath.

"I guess so" Zaqiel replied.

"Let's race another day" Shaun said.

After the race, it was Khris' turn. He specializes in parkour and acrobats. Zaqiel approached him in order to learn.

"Sure I'll teach you" Khris said in a soft tone.

He pointed at the the track which was an obstacle course.

"Try reaching to the end. If you ever stumble, I'll help you overcome it" Khris said while stuttering.

Zaqiel then took the test. For some reason, there's a section in the beginning which he couldn't overcome.

"Crap, I'll have to do this thing over and over again" he said.

After multiple failures, he gave up and went to the next person which was Floyd. When he got to the place, Floyd was sleeping.

"Excuse me hello" Zaqiel said in a hesitant tone.

Floyd didn't even flinched. He was sleeping so soundly. This irritated Zaqiel and prompted him to raise his voice.

"I SAID HELLO THERE!" Zaqiel almost shouted.

"You're too noisy, shut it down I could hear you" Floyd replied with his eyes closed.

"You know the drill right?" Zaqiel said.

"Yeah yeah whatever carry that weights over there. Start with the heaviest one" Floyd replied.

"Are you being serious?" Zaqiel asked.

"What? You cannot do it? Fine, start with the lightest. Don't bother me anymore while I'm sleeping" Floyd said.

Zaqiel went to do some weights. He also tried the other equipments in the room.

Finally, it was Al's turn. Zaqiel was looking forward to it because he found Al more approachable and normal compared to the rest of the crew. As he enter the room where Al was, he found him in a middle of meditation. Al sensed Zaqiel.

"Come and join me" Al said.

Zaqiel sat in front of Al and copied the stance.

"Meditation is necessary in order to maintain peace and calmness to ourselves. In our line of work, emotions could lead to failure. It could sabotage the entire operation. By being calm, the whole thing will be avoided" Al said.

Zaqiel was focusing hardly while listening.

"Aside from that, it is also convenient to hear silence. Meditation could help enhance our observation to the surroundings using our senses. It's more effective if you could stay calm and be used to the sound of nothing" Al added.

Zaqiel struggled and gave up about 10 minutes in. He could not focus.

"It's alright, there's always room for improvement. It's just the beginning my friend, you'll soon master it and convert it to your arsenal" Al said.

Zaqiel would do this training process every single day. The whole thing lasted for about three weeks. After that much amount of time, the improvements were very evident. Zaqiel grew stronger, faster, more agile and skilled, and focused.

The Don called the group for a meeting. Everyone knew what's gonna happen except for Zaqiel.

"Why is everyone so excited" Zaqiel asked to Khris.

"It is time already" Khris said while whispering.

"What time?" Zaqiel asked again.

"You'll see" Floyd answered.

Don Firo came in with some papers. It was inside of a folder.

"You got your next target gentlemen" Don Firo said.

"Is he strong? Is he strong?" Shaun asked.

"Who is it this time, Don?" Kylee asked.

Don Firo gave the file to the squad. Al opened the folder and showed the papers inside to everyone.

"You're next target is a guy called Baron the Manslayer. He's extremely dangerous. Hunt him down" Don Firo commanded.

Everyone was memorizing the picture of the target Don Firo gave. With a determined face, Al stood up.

"Let's do this"