Feeling Proud

The next morning, Max awoke to the delightful scent of breakfast cooking downstairs. He hurriedly got ready and descended to the kitchen where his mom was already bustling around the stove. She greeted him with a warm smile as he entered.

"You're up early, Max. Breakfast will be ready in just a minute," she said cheerfully, flipping pancakes on the griddle.

"Thanks, Mom," Max replied, settling into his seat at the table. He reached for the TV remote and switched on the morning news, eager to see the aftermath of the previous night's events.

The news anchor reported a major breakthrough: the police had swiftly apprehended all involved in the recent kidnappings. Max watched intently as the segment highlighted a mysterious figure who had assisted in subduing the perpetrators, earning praise and admiration from the public.

"That masked guy is something else," Max's mom commented, glancing at the TV screen. "Risking his life to help others. His parents must be incredibly proud."

A swell of pride filled Max as he listened to his mom's words, though he kept his nighttime activities tightly guarded. It was deeply satisfying to know that his efforts had made a tangible difference in the community.

As Max savored his breakfast, thoughts of last night's events flooded his mind. He remembered the tension of tracking down the kidnappers, the adrenaline rush of confronting them, and the relief of seeing the victims rescued safely. Despite the risks and the secrecy, he felt a sense of purpose in his actions.

---

Meanwhile, across town in a bustling precinct, Sarah stood before Thompson, a seasoned investigator in his forties, briefing him on the latest developments in the case. Thompson scrutinized the file in front of him as Sarah delivered her report.

"Sir, all the kidnappers and victims have been transported to the hospital and are receiving medical attention," Sarah reported respectfully.

Thompson nodded thoughtfully, his brow furrowing with concern. "And the condition of the victims?"

"They appear to be mostly unharmed, with minor injuries like bruises," Sarah replied. "The kidnappers, however, sustained more severe injuries. Broken bones, but nothing life-threatening."

Thompson absorbed the information, his mind already strategizing the next steps. "Nine people rescued in total, including the reporter?"

"Yes, sir. We conducted a thorough sweep of the premises," Sarah confirmed.

Thompson sighed, a mixture of relief and determination crossing his features. "I suspect the other missing cases until now are strongly connected to this case. Sarah, I want you to lead the investigation and coordinate with a specialized team. we need to ensure there aren't any other potential victims."

Sarah nodded crisply, her demeanor reflecting her readiness to execute Thompson's directives without hesitation.

Before she could leave, Thompson halted her with a pressing question. "Any leads on our masked helper?"

"His name is Maximus, according to our findings," Sarah replied promptly. "He wore a mask, so his identity remains elusive. It appears he acted alone in neutralizing the kidnappers."

Thompson pondered the implications, impressed by Maximus's courage and effectiveness in the face of danger. "Continue digging. We need to uncover more about him."

Sarah acknowledged the order with a brisk nod, mentally outlining her next investigative steps before excusing herself to carry out Thompson's directives.

---

Back at Max's home, he finished his breakfast with his mom, feeling a mix of contentment and anticipation. The news continued to discuss the mysterious helper, emphasizing his bravery and dedication to justice. Max couldn't help but smile to himself, knowing he had played a crucial role in the night's events.

As the morning progressed, Max found himself reflecting on his dual life – the ordinary routines with his mom contrasted sharply with the nighttime missions he undertook, hidden from her knowledge. It was a delicate balance, but one that Max felt compelled to maintain for the greater good.

---

Meanwhile, Sarah diligently pursued leads on Maximus and the case. Attempting to recover surveillance footage proved futile as it was completely destroyed. They shifted focus to analyzing witness statements for clues. Not getting any more useful information anymore they turned to using his appearance for the reference.

Through meticulous investigation, they discovered that Maximus's involvement wasn't a first-time occurrence; he had previously intervened by thwarting thugs who were robbing a high school student. This revelation surprised them, suggesting a pattern of vigilantism. It became clear that Maximus's actions were not isolated incidents, prompting them to delve deeper into his motive. they felt it was not the first time he made a move and would not be the last time either. they just have to wait.

[A/N: as per the request of the fans. I made it a little bigger with a word count of 802 words. And i thought too much words will be a mess. What do you think? if you have any suggestions please comment bellow]