In the Fortis Group, the title of Chief carried weight, but it wasn't handed out simply because someone was the best fighter on the roster. Fighting ability was important, sure, but that was only one piece of the puzzle. The Fortis organization prided itself on being more than fists and muscles. They sold themselves as professionals who protected the wealthy and influential. That required more than combat skill, it required coordination, clear thinking, and the ability to make decisions when pressure mounted.
Chiefs were chosen because they could command respect and manage groups, because they could evaluate tense situations and resolve them without spiraling into chaos. That was what the training manuals said, what the Fortis promotional videos promised.
And yet, as Max stood in the lobby with Darno barking at him like a rabid dog and Chief Nonto scowling from the elevator, it was clear something was very wrong.
