Chapter 13
"Mark, I don't believe an outsider has the ability to capture metahuman criminals."
Al Swan's face was extremely ugly. His fists were pressed tightly against the desk, knuckles turning white as he stared down at the surface. His gloomy expression was pierced by sharp, hawk-like eyes that swept sideways toward Alex.
He refused to accept that he was inferior to some outsider. The Chief's decision to appoint an external person as captain of the Metahuman Special Response Team instead of him felt like a personal attack.
"Low-ranking officer, please leave first," Alex said calmly as he stepped into the office, deliberately leaving the doorway clear. He continued, "The following meeting is not something someone of your rank is qualified to attend."
Alex didn't even glance at Al Swan. As captain of the Metahuman Special Response Team, his position was indeed higher than Al's. In fact, with the Chief's approval, he could even requisition personnel when needed.
American police departments didn't have a unified national rank system — each state and city had its own structure. Central City followed its own hierarchy:
Patrol Officer → Police Officer → Lieutenant → Captain → Deputy Inspector → Inspector → Deputy Division Chief → Division Chief → Chief of Police.
There were two grades within most ranks below Inspector.
Al Swan currently held the rank of Second-Grade Deputy Inspector. Rising to that position in just four years was a clear sign of strong backing. This was also why Jason felt dissatisfied — even Bert, with over twenty years of service and countless solved cases, was only one grade higher as a First-Grade Deputy Inspector. In a few more years, Al Swan would easily step into the Inspector rank.
With both ability and powerful connections, rapid promotion was almost guaranteed.
Alex's current position was First-Grade Inspector — two full ranks above Al Swan. He was more than qualified to "politely" ask him to leave.
Of course, Alex's rank would remain permanently at Inspector level. The Metahuman Special Response Team reported directly to the Chief, cutting through most bureaucratic nonsense. This was one of the main reasons Alex had agreed to join when Mark and Bert asked him.
Bang!
Al Swan slammed his fist hard on the desk. The coffee cup jumped, its lid rattled, and the rich aroma of coffee filled the air. Pens and case files bounced slightly as the heavy thud echoed through the office.
"What did you say?!"
Al Swan's eyes widened with fury. He glared fiercely at Alex, his voice dripping with disbelief and rage.
No one had ever dared to dismiss him so rudely.
This moment deeply stabbed Al Swan's arrogant and sensitive pride. For a split second, he even felt the impulse to draw the gun at his waist and put a bullet in this arrogant bastard.
"Enough, Swan. Get out first," Chief Mark said sternly, his voice steady but firm.
Just as he had expected, Al Swan's personality was overly sensitive and proud. Having grown up with the powerful Swan family smoothing his path, he had never learned his own limits.
It was a shame — Al was still a capable man.
When someone clearly more capable appeared before him, Al Swan showed zero tolerance. His narrow-minded, proud, and sensitive nature was now fully exposed. He truly couldn't see himself clearly.
Chief Mark felt a wave of disappointment. He had once considered letting Al lead the team, but Al lacked the necessary strength to handle metahuman crimes. That was why he had invited the powerfully capable Alex to take the captain position instead.
Mark had hoped Al would swallow his pride, gain Alex's approval, and join the team to learn from him how to deal with and capture metahuman criminals.
After all, Alex was still an outsider. Eventually, the captain position should go to someone from within the department — and at that time, it would naturally fall to Al.
Unfortunately, Al's hunger for power and promotion had already clouded his judgment.
Mark sighed inwardly.
No one knew the deep foresight hidden behind the Chief's ordinary gold-rimmed glasses and slightly plump face.
"Mark, I will prove that your choice is wrong!"
Al Swan's face twisted with anger. He shot Alex one last gloomy glare, slammed his fist on the desk again — causing the coffee lid to clatter and liquid to spill — then stormed out of the office. The door slammed shut behind him with a loud bang full of resentment.
This final outburst only deepened Mark's disappointment.
"Mark, your subordinate has quite the temper," Alex said with a light chuckle as he pulled out a chair and sat down casually.
He had rarely seen such a hot-headed subordinate. The fact that Mark hadn't lost his own temper showed the Chief had impressive patience.
Mark gave a faint smile, a trace of helplessness in his eyes. He didn't dwell on Al Swan and instead opened a drawer, taking out a police badge, an Inspector identification card, a special operations permit, and a document folder. He slid the entire package across the desk to Alex.
"Your information has already been entered into the system. Starting today, you are a First-Grade Inspector and the captain of the Metahuman Special Response Team. You report directly to me. If you need any support for capturing targets, just let me know."
Alex took the folder, opened it for a quick look to confirm everything was in order, then closed it.
"No problem. Where's the guy you wanted me to bring in?"
Mark gave him a speechless look.
Alex leaned back in his chair and quickly added, "You mean that guy from earlier? Al Swan? Mark, that one won't do. If I asked him to buy me a cup of coffee, he'd probably spit in it."
"Let me be clear — I have zero interest in training that guy."
Alex shrugged. He truly had no patience for someone so arrogant and defiant.
Before joining, Mark and Bert had already discussed the formation and responsibilities of the Metahuman Special Response Team with him, including the need to recruit capable members for handling metahuman criminals.
"I know Al has ability, he's just a bit too proud and sensitive. He needs some time to settle down. I won't force you to take him," Mark said helplessly. "You can look around the department and pick anyone who meets your standards. I'll approve it accordingly. Or I can prepare a list later, and you can choose suitable candidates from it."
Mark sighed. He had originally considered giving Al a chance because of his skills, but after seeing his personality, he realized letting Al lead the team would probably send the whole unit flying off the rails.
"The team member issue can be handled later," Mark continued, his expression turning serious. He pushed a case file across the desk toward Alex.
"Alex, your first official task after taking office — I hope you can complete it perfectly."
Alex glanced at Mark, then picked up the file and opened it. The first page bore large, bold letters:
"MULTIPLE"
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