Butler Die Co.

Chapter 3: The Training Grounds

Leon awoke abruptly to the sound of a loud knock on his door. He groggily glanced at the clock and saw that it was 4 in the morning. He struggled out of bed and quickly headed to the bathroom, where he took a long, hot shower, scrubbing away the grime and fatigue. The warm water was invigorating, washing away the remnants of his past life and preparing him for the new challenges ahead.

After his shower, Leon found a neatly laid-out new butler uniform waiting for him. He dressed quickly, the crisp, tailored suit fitting him perfectly. It was a stark contrast to the tattered clothes he had worn for so long, and he felt a surge of pride and confidence as he looked at his reflection in the mirror.

As he stepped out into the hallway, Leon was startled to see Thaddeus already waiting for him, silently stepping from the opposite side of the door. "Follow me," Thaddeus said simply.

As they walked through the corridors, Thaddeus began to explain the rules and expectations. "Leon, as a butler at Butler Die Co., you are expected to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and discipline. We wake every day at 4 a.m. sharp. Your uniform must always be immaculate, and you must maintain decorum and elegance at all times."

Leon listened intently, absorbing each word.

Thaddeus continued, "Your training will be rigorous, encompassing both physical and mental exercises. You will learn how to anticipate the needs of our clients before they are even aware of them. You must always be aware of your surroundings, and your movements should be precise and deliberate."

He glanced at Leon, making sure he was paying attention. "A butler's actions must embody grace under pressure. No matter the circumstances, you must serve with poise. Remember, you set the pace. Never let anyone else dictate your actions."

Leon nodded, feeling a mixture of anticipation and trepidation as Thaddeus's words sank in.

Thaddeus led Leon through a series of corridors until they reached a large, well-lit room filled with various training equipment. A group of trainees was already there, practicing under the watchful eye of Bertram. Bertram was a grizzled but well-put-together figure with a very serious demeanor and an oppressive aura. His presence commanded respect and attention. He exuded an almost militant level of discipline and seriousness, with no sense of humor.

Bertram approached them, his expression stern and unyielding. "Leon, was it?" His voice was gruff and no-nonsense. "Today marks the beginning of your formal training. I am Bertram." He glanced Leon up and down with a critical eye before barking, "Get to work!"

Leon followed Bertram, feeling a mixture of intimidation and determination. Bertram led him to a series of stations, each designed to test different skills—strength, agility, precision, and endurance. Leon struggled with some of the tasks, his street-honed skills not quite matching the refined techniques required.

"Focus, Leon," Bertram instructed sharply. "It's not just about brute strength. It's about control and precision."

As the morning progressed, Bertram began to impart some key lessons to Leon while practicing hand-to-hand combat. "Presentation... you always have to be presentable." With a swift move, Bertram hit Leon, messing up his clothes. Before Leon could react, Bertram struck again, this time fixing Leon's clothes. "You always have to be presentable," he finished.

Leon began to say, "What the—" but Bertram cut him off with a stern look. "Maintain decorum and elegance at all times."

Before Leon could ask how Bertram knew what he was about to say, Bertram continued, "A perfect butler anticipates the need before the guest is even aware."

Leon absorbed Bertram's words, understanding that being a butler was about more than just serving; it was about embodying grace and excellence in every action.

While Leon was stuck in thought, Bertram hit him again. "Always be aware of your surroundings," Bertram said sharply.

Leon, now angry, tried to hit Bertram out of frustration. Bertram responded with a hard punch to Leon's stomach, causing him to double over in pain. "A butler's movements should be precise and deliberate. Remember, grace under pressure."

Leon began to stand, feeling nauseous, and tried to hit Bertram again but missed. Bertram countered with a knee to Leon's stomach, causing him to gasp for breath. "Serve with poise, no matter the circumstances," Bertram instructed.

Bertram then walked Leon backward while continuing to fight, until Leon stumbled into a chair and fell back. Bertram stood over him, his expression stern. "And remember... you set the pace."

After the grueling morning training session, it was finally time for lunch. Leon sat down at one of the tables, grateful for a chance to rest and eat. As he began to dig into his meal, a young woman with a confident air sat down across from him.

"Hey, Rookie," she said with a smile. "What's your story?"

Leon looked up, slightly startled. "I'm Leon. I guess I just stumbled into this world by accident."

The young woman extended her hand. "I'm Elena. Nice to meet you, Leon. So, you're the new recruit Thaddeus picked up, huh?"

Leon shook her hand, feeling a bit more at ease. "Yeah, that's me. I'm still trying to wrap my head around all this."

Elena laughed softly. "Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it. The training is tough, but it's worth it. We become more than just butlers. We become protectors, defenders of our clients' secrets and lives."

Leon nodded, appreciating her encouragement. "Thanks. It's just a lot to take in."

"I know. But you're not alone. We're all in this together."

Leon was surprised to see women in the training zone and couldn't help but ask, "I didn't expect to see women here. Are you part of Butler Die Co. as well?"

Elena laughed again. "Yes, we're part of it too. Maid to Order, as we're called, is just as skilled and dangerous as the Butlers. We operate with the same level of precision and grace. Never underestimate us."

Leon nodded, impressed and slightly intimidated by the revelation. The presence of Maid to Order added a new layer of complexity to the organization.

As the day continued, Bertram introduced Leon to various combat techniques, teaching him how to move silently, strike efficiently, and defend himself with the precision of a butler. Leon struggled at first, his movements awkward and uncoordinated. But Bertram was patient, correcting him and offering guidance.

"Remember, Leon, a butler's movements are deliberate and controlled. You set the pace. Never let anyone else dictate your actions."

Leon took Bertram's words to heart, focusing on each movement and slowly improving. By the end of the day, he was exhausted but felt a sense of accomplishment. He had survived his first day of training, and though he had a long way to go, he was determined to succeed.

That evening, Thaddeus checked in on Leon. "How are you holding up?"

"Tired, but I'm learning," Leon replied honestly.

"Good. That's all I can ask for. Remember, this is only the beginning. The challenges will get tougher, but so will you."

Leon nodded, feeling a renewed sense of resolve. As he prepared for bed, he reflected on the day's lessons and the support he had received from his new comrades. For the first time in a long while, he felt a spark of hope.