Marcus

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Marcus (马库斯)
Alias(es)	“Strongman” 12
Gender	Male
Affiliation	International Anomalous Research and Containment Association (I.A.R.C.)
Occupation/Role	I.A.R.C. investigator; assigned as Lin Jie’s “safety rope” during his first official commission 21
First Appearance	Chapter 9

Appearance

Marcus is a burly, imposing man, described as standing like an iron tower. He is substantially taller and broader than Lin Jie, with a bear-like build. 17 21

• Muscular, “Strongman” physique. 12
• Often maintains a guarded posture with his arms crossed. 17
• Carries himself with the confidence of an experienced field investigator. 15 21

Personality

Marcus initially regards Lin Jie with suspicion, impatience, and open disdain. He struggles to accept that an untrained outsider could repeatedly outpace I.A.R.C. investigators in tracking the Mist Walker. 12 21

Despite his reckless temperament, Marcus is not irrational. He defers to Barton's analysis when presented with evidence, follows orders even when reluctant, and gradually revises his judgment of Lin Jie after witnessing his deductions and tactical planning. 12 16 25

By the West India Docks mission, his hostility has shifted into curiosity and genuine admiration. 22 25

Abilities & Skills

Ether Binding

Marcus wields a short-barreled, shotgun-like device capable of releasing an invisible binding force field.

• Used it against Mist Walker after Barton froze the UMA, compressing and restraining its shadow body. 15
• The field allowed the team to hold the UMA in place for purification. 15

UMA Purification

Marcus carries a special mercury-like purification liquid for eliminating restrained anomalous creatures.

• Poured the liquid over the bound Mist Walker, causing its shadowy body to dissolve. 15
• The process did not prevent Mist Walker from launching a final mental curse before its destruction. 15

Field Operations

Marcus is an experienced I.A.R.C. combat operative, identified by headquarters’ assessment as a battle-hardened hunter capable of confronting Kingdom Rank UMAs. 18

• Observes crime scenes with a monocular and I.A.R.C. detection equipment. 12
• Served as Lin Jie's protection detail rather than directing the West India Docks investigation. 21 22
• Guarded Warehouse No. 3’s entrance during the Gremlin operation. 25
• Helped herd Gremlins by striking an oil drum at a fixed rhythm. 26
• Provided surface support when Lin Jie and William withdrew from the Gremlin nest. 31

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Ether Binding weapon — A compact, shotgun-like device that projects a restraining force field. 15
• Purification liquid — Mercury-like liquid used to dissolve and purify a restrained UMA. 15
• Monocular — Used while observing Mitre Square from a rooftop. 12
• I.A.R.C. badge — Used to secure Lin Jie accommodation at an I.A.R.C. safe house. 22

Relationships

• Barton Chris — Fellow I.A.R.C. investigator and superior in their operational partnership. Marcus frequently challenges Barton's conclusions at first, but ultimately accepts his decisions and follows his orders. 12 15
• Lin Jie — Initially viewed Lin Jie as a suspicious thief and potential threat. After Lin Jie clears his name and demonstrates his value, Marcus becomes curious, then openly impressed by his tactical ability. 16 18 22 25
• William Keane — Fellow investigator assigned alongside Marcus to Lin Jie's West India Docks commission. Marcus supports their operation from the warehouse perimeter and surface. 23 25 31

Story Role / Major Arcs

Pursuit of Lin Jie

Marcus first investigates the Whitechapel murders with Barton while seeking the Cartographer Karl’s diary and revolver from Lin Jie. He considers Lin Jie an inexplicable but dangerous outsider whose knowledge threatens to undermine the investigation. 9 12

At Mitre Square, he dismisses the possibility that Weston could have frightened off Mist Walker, but Barton's analysis forces him to recognize Lin Jie as a key intelligence asset rather than merely a target. 12

Mist Walker Elimination

Marcus and Barton intervene when Mist Walker launches its final attack on Lin Jie. Marcus binds the frozen UMA with Ether Binding and begins its purification, allowing the team to secure the creature after Lin Jie exposes its form and weakness. 15

Lin Jie's account of Karl’s death reduces Marcus’s hostility, as the details match I.A.R.C. records of the Deep Sea Resentful Woman. 16

West India Docks Commission

After Lin Jie becomes a contracted free hunter, Barton assigns Marcus as his mandatory safety rope: he is not meant to direct the mission or claim its rewards, only to intervene if Lin Jie faces lethal danger. 21

Marcus observes Lin Jie's methodical preparation, assists with the Gremlin-herding operation, and witnesses Lin Jie's ability to turn the creatures’ aversion to rhythmic order into a tactical advantage. By the end of the operation, his former disdain has become admiration. 22 25 26

Notable Quotes

“Ether Binding!” 15

“That old cop... he really seemed to have seen something.” 12