Director Mark's Expectations

"Director Mark, I don't think an outsider has the ability to apprehend superpowered criminals."

Al Swan's expression was grim. His fists were pressed tightly against the surface of the desk, his knuckles white as he stared at it. His gloomy face was punctuated by sharp, eagle-like eyes that darted sideways glances at Alex.

He didn't believe he was inferior to someone outside the police force. The Director's decision to have an outsider lead the Special Ability Handling Team instead of promoting him had been categorized as a personal attack.

"Junior officers, please leave first."

Alex's expression was calm as he walked into the office from the doorway, clearing the space. He continued, "The meeting that follows is not for officers of your rank to attend."

Alex didn't spare Al Swan a glance. The position of captain in the Special Ability Handling Team, which he had been appointed to, was indeed higher than Al Swan's. When more manpower was needed, he could even mobilize them with the Director's permission.

American police forces do not have a unified national rank system; each state operates independently. Midtown was also different from other states and cities.

From lowest to highest, the ranks were Patrolman, Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Sheriff, Deputy Inspector, Inspector, Deputy Division Chief, Division Chief, and Chief Director.

Ranks below Inspector had two tiers.

Al Swan's rank was Deputy Inspector. Reaching the rank of Second Grade Deputy Inspector within four years of joining the force was already a testament to his powerful background. Jensen's dissatisfaction stemmed from this very reason.

Even Bert, who had served for over twenty years and received numerous commendations, was only one rank higher than Al Swan, holding the rank of First Grade Deputy Inspector. It was imaginable that in a few more years, Al Swan would easily advance to the rank of Inspector.

As long as one possessed some ability and had a strong background, promotion was a simple matter.

Currently, Alex's rank was Inspector, specifically First Grade Inspector, which was two ranks higher than Al Swan. Therefore, he was fully qualified to "ask" him to leave.

Of course, Alex's position would forever remain at the Inspector level. The Special Ability Handling Team was directly accountable to the Director, which eliminated much of the bureaucratic wrangling. Alex knew this and had agreed to Director Mark and Bert's offer to join the police force.

Bang!

Al Swan slammed his fist onto the desk. The cup on the desk vibrated, its lid shaking and revealing a gap. The rich aroma of coffee wafted out. Nearby stationery and files lightly bounced, the echoing sound reverberating through the office.

"What did you say!!"

Al Swan's anger surged. He glared fiercely, his eyes fixed on Alex, his teeth gritting as he spoke with disbelief and fury.

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

At that moment, it deeply stung Al Swan's proud and sensitive heart, even giving him the urge to draw his sidearm and fire a shot at this ignorant newcomer.

"Enough, Swan, you go out first."

Director Mark said in a steady voice, his face grim.

Just as he had anticipated, Al Swan's sensitive and proud temperament, accustomed to smooth sailing due to his family's influence, made him completely unaware of his own standing.

It was a pity, as Al was a capable person.

When someone more outstanding than him appeared, Al Swan showed no tolerance. His narrow, proud, and sensitive heart was fully exposed; he truly couldn't see himself clearly.

Director Mark felt a bit disappointed. He had considered appointing Al Swan as the captain of the Special Ability Handling Team, but Al lacked the necessary skills to handle superpowered criminals. Therefore, Mark had invited the powerful Alex to take on the captaincy.

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

After all, Alex was an outsider. The captain position of the Special Ability Handling Team would always be held by someone within the police force, and by then, that position would undoubtedly belong to Al.

Al's desire for power and advancement had already led him astray.

Director Mark sighed inwardly.

No one knew the myriad of thoughts that flashed through Director Mark's mind. Beneath his ordinary gold-rimmed glasses, his gradually thickening face and physique concealed a profound depth of planning and foresight.

"Mark, I will prove your choice was wrong!"

Al Swan's face was contorted with anger. His gloomy eyes fixed on Alex, and he slammed his fist hard onto Mark's desk. The lid of the cup clattered, and coffee sloshed out.

The rich, aromatic coffee scent accompanied Al Swan as he stormed out of the office. With a dissatisfied slam of the door, his enraged figure departed.

Al Swan's series of actions only deepened Mark's disappointment.

"Mark, your subordinate has a bit of a temper."

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

This was the first time Alex had encountered such a reckless subordinate. It was surprising that Mark wasn't angry; he truly was a superior with a great deal of magnanimity.

Mark smiled faintly, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes. He didn't dwell on Al Swan's behavior but instead took out a badge, an Inspector identification, a permit for the Special Operations Handling Team, and a file folder from his drawer, handing them to Alex.

"Your information has been entered into the system. Starting today, you are a First Grade Inspector and the captain of the Special Ability Handling Team, reporting directly to me. If you need any assistance with apprehension targets, you can tell me."

Alex took the file folder and glanced at it. Seeing that the documents were complete, he closed the folder and asked, "No problem. What about the guys you wanted me to bring?"

Mark gave him a speechless look.

Alex leaned back in his chair, resting against the backrest, and quickly added, "The guy from just now? Al Swan? Mark, that guy's useless. I bet if I asked him to buy a cup of coffee, he'd spill it."

"Let me be clear, I have no interest in training this guy."

Alex shrugged. Alex truly had no interest in training someone who was so defiant.

Before this, Mark and Bert had already discussed with Alex the formation and duties of the Special Ability Handling Team, including bringing in some members to deal with superpowered criminals.

"I know Al is capable, just a bit proud and sensitive. He needs some time to mature. I won't have you train him."

"You can look around the police department for anyone who meets your requirements, and I'll handle it accordingly. Or, I'll set a list of candidates later, and you can choose suitable ones to join."

Mark said helplessly. He had initially intended for Al Swan to take the lead, given his capabilities, but observing his personality, if he were to lead the Special Ability Handling Team in the future, wouldn't he completely ruin the team?

"The matter of the team members can perhaps be resolved later."

"Alex, your first assignment in your new role, I hope you can complete it perfectly."

Mark's expression turned serious as he pushed a case file across the desk towards Alex.

Alex glanced at Mark, picked up the file, and opened it. The first page was boldly titled "The Multiplicity."