Director Mark's Expectations

"Mark, I don't believe someone outside the police department has the ability to capture superpowered criminals."

Al Swan's expression was grim. His fists pressed tightly against the desktop, his knuckles white as he stared at the surface. Beneath that gloomy expression, his sharp, eagle-like eyes flickered as he shot Alex a sidelong glance.

He did not believe he was inferior to someone outside the police department. The director would rather appoint an outsider as captain of the Special Ability Handling Team than promote him, and he had already concluded that this was targeted at him.

"Low-ranking officer, leave first."

Alex stepped calmly into the office from the doorway, clearing the entrance as he continued, "The following meeting isn't something an officer of your rank is qualified to attend."

Alex did not spare Al Swan a glance. As captain of the Special Ability Handling Team, his position was indeed above Al Swan's. When manpower was needed, he could even mobilize them with the director's approval.

American police departments did not have a unified national rank system. Each state did things its own way, and Central City differed from other states and cities as well.

From lowest to highest, the ranks were patrol officer, police officer, Deputy Sheriff, Sheriff, Deputy Inspector, Inspector, Deputy Division Chief, Division Chief, and Chief Director.

Among them, every rank below Inspector had two grades.

Al Swan held the rank of Deputy Inspector. Having joined the force only four years ago, he had already risen to Second Grade Deputy Inspector, which was proof enough of his powerful backing. This was also why Jenson had objections.

Even Bert, who had served in the department for over twenty years and earned countless merits, was only one grade above Al Swan as a First Grade Deputy Inspector. It was easy to imagine that in a few more years, Al Swan would effortlessly enter the ranks of Inspector.

As long as you had some ability and a background to rely on, promotion was easy.

Alex was now an Inspector, a First Grade Inspector, two grades above Al Swan. He was therefore more than qualified to "ask" him to leave.

Of course, Alex's rank would forever remain Inspector. The Special Ability Handling Team only needed to answer to the director, avoiding much of the bureaucratic wrangling. Alex had only agreed to join the department after learning this from Director Mark and Bert.

Bang!

Al Swan slammed his fist viciously against the desk. The cup on it shook, its lid rattling loose and leaving a gap as the rich scent of coffee drifted out. The stationery and case files beside it hopped slightly, while the echo spread through the office.

"What did you say?!"

Fury rose in Al Swan's heart. He glared viciously at Alex, staring him down as words of disbelief and rage burst through his clenched teeth.

No one had ever dared to so impolitely "ask" him to leave.

At that moment, Al Swan's proud and sensitive heart was deeply provoked. He even felt the urge to pull the pistol from his waist and give this ignorant bastard in front of him a good shot.

"Enough, Swan. Go outside first."

Director Mark spoke with a dark expression, his voice steady.

Just as he had expected, Al Swan had a sensitive and arrogant temperament. He had sailed through life with the Swan family's support behind him and had grown accustomed to it. He simply did not understand, nor did he know his own worth.

What a pity. Al was still a capable man.

When someone more outstanding than him appeared before him, Al Swan showed not the slightest tolerance. His narrow-minded, proud, and sensitive heart had been completely exposed. He truly could not see himself clearly.

Director Mark felt somewhat disappointed. He had considered making Al Swan the captain of the Special Ability Handling Team, but Al still lacked the ability to handle superpowered crimes. That was why Mark had invited the formidable Alex to serve as captain.

Director Mark had hoped Al could set aside his pride, gain Alex's approval, join the Special Ability Handling Team, and study under Alex for a while to learn how to handle and capture superpowered criminals.

Alex was, after all, an outsider. The captaincy of the Special Ability Handling Team would eventually be held by someone from the department, and when that time came, no one would be more suitable than Al.

Al's desire for power and advancement had already caused him to lose himself.

Director Mark sighed inwardly.

No one knew of the many thoughts that had flashed through Director Mark's mind. Beneath those ordinary gold-rimmed glasses, behind his increasingly plump face and body, lay deep planning and foresight.

"Mark, I'll prove that your choice was wrong!"

Al Swan's face was furious. His gloomy eyes shot Alex a look, and he slammed Mark's desk again with his fist. The cup lid rang crisply as it rattled, and coffee sloshed out from inside.

The rich, fragrant smell of coffee lingered as Al Swan flung his hand away and left the office. With a dissatisfied slam, he stormed out.

Al Swan's series of actions only disappointed Mark further.

"Mark, your subordinate has quite the temper."

Alex chuckled, pulled out a chair, and sat down directly.

It was Alex's first time seeing such a reckless subordinate. Mark had not gotten angry at all; he truly was a remarkably tolerant superior.

Mark smiled faintly, a trace of helplessness flashing through his eyes. He did not say much more about Al Swan. Instead, he took a police badge, Inspector identification, a Special Ability Handling Team permit, and a document envelope from the drawer and handed them to Alex.

"Your information has been entered into the records. Starting today, you are a First Grade Inspector and captain of the Special Ability Handling Team, directly under my command. Tell me whatever assistance you need to capture your targets."

Alex accepted the document envelope and opened it for a glance. Everything was in order, so he closed it and asked, "No problem. Where's the guy you said you'd assign me?"

Mark looked at him speechlessly.

Alex instinctively leaned back against his chair and hurriedly said, "That guy just now? Al Swan? Mark, he won't do. If I told him to buy me a cup of coffee, he'd probably water it down."

"Let me make this clear: I have no interest in educating that guy."

Alex shrugged. He truly had no interest in teaching someone who refused to accept anything.

Earlier, Mark and Bert had spoken with Alex about the formation and responsibilities of the Special Ability Handling Team, including training some members capable of dealing with superpowered criminals.

"I know. Al is capable, just a little proud and sensitive. He needs time to settle down. I won't have you take him on."

"You can look around the department and see who meets your requirements. I'll arrange it as appropriate. Or I can draw up a list later, and you can select a few suitable people to join."

Mark spoke helplessly. Seeing that Al Swan had ability, he had originally intended to put him in the team. But with that personality, if he led the Special Ability Handling Team in the future, wouldn't he send the whole team flying off into the sky?

"The matter of team members can probably wait."

"Alex, I hope you can complete your first assignment perfectly."

Mark's expression turned solemn as he pushed the case file on the desk toward Alex.

Alex glanced at Mark, picked up the case file, and opened it. On the first page, two large words were clearly written: "The Multiplicity."