Awkward

"They always say Captain Alexander is efficient and gets things done quickly, but I never thought he would resort to such tactics that damage the collective image."

"It's unbelievable that Captain Alexander, who was so confident before, turned out to rely on fabricated evidence."

Under the umbrellas, a group of law enforcement bureau members stood beside Alexander, and across from them, District Chief Alvin was talking. However, at this moment, Alvin wasn't speaking to Alexander but to a gray-haired old man standing next to Alexander, the Bureau Chief Gill.

"District Chief Alvin is right. Alexander was eager to solve the case, especially when it involves an the infected. But this time, he did go too far. Rest assured, District Chief Alvin, I will make sure he provides Mr. Greg with a satisfactory answer."

Upon hearing Gill's words, Alexander hung his head even lower. His eyes were bloodshot, not just from the exhaustion of these days of maneuvering, but also because he had never seen the typically silent, resolute, and selfless old bureau chief speak in such a manner. Moreover, he was doing so in front of much younger officers.

Alvin didn't seem satisfied with this response. He frowned slightly and glanced at Alexander with a mocking look. 

Five days ago, Alexander had confidently taken Greg away right in front of him, and now, things had taken a different turn.

Alexander had underestimated Greg, and he never expected Greg to be so cunning.

"We not only need to provide Mr. Greg with an answer but also satisfy the general public. Otherwise, it won't look good if people are taken away from their homes without a valid reason."

Alvin spoke somewhat discontentedly, and across from him, Gill remained silent for a moment. Alexander gritted his teeth and stepped forward.

"Alexander, you can go back. You've made a mistake; there's nothing more to say."

Gill suddenly turned stern, and Alexander hesitated for a moment before eventually stepping back. It seemed like a scolding, but Alexander knew that the chief was trying to protect him.

"Starting today, you'll be  leave for six months, and Martha will take over as captain."

Several members of Alexander's team standing by his side visibly paled. Alexander was in a phase of career ascension, and the other team leaders were no match for him. There was even a deputy bureau chief position above him, but that opportunity seemed lost for the next six months.

"Yes, sir!" Alexander took a step forward, slightly lowering his head. He then waved his hand, and his eight team members immediately fell silent.

Alvin watched their disciplined response with a trace of coldness in his heart. He knew very well that putting someone as efficient and difficult to control as Alexander in charge was dangerous.

"The old Director is considering the welfare of the people and the bigger picture, and that's for the best."

Alvin smiled politely and walked away slowly. The rain was getting heavier, and the law enforcement bureau personnel watched the luxurious convoy of vehicles departing, gradually disappearing into the thick mist, with a hint of reluctance on their faces.

"Chief Gill..."

Alexander looked at the old Director in front of him, his voice filled with remorse. His relationship with the old bureau chief had been somewhat distant due to past disagreements. Alexander had thought of Gill as a traditional-style leader who knew how to play the political game in J City.

But this time, he had made a grave mistake. The entire chain of evidence had been flawed from the beginning, not to mention the subsequent deductions. Alexander had believed that he would be leaving the law enforcement bureau for good.

However, to his surprise, Gill, who was on the verge of retirement, had put aside his pride and publicly defended Alexander, allowing him to remain on  leave.

"If you're admitting your mistake, then there's no need to dwell on it. Alexander, let's take a walk."

Gill also seemed somewhat weary as Alexander held an umbrella for him. The two of them walked outside the law enforcement bureau, disappearing into the misty rain. They walked a long way without saying a word to each other.

"Look at J City now, it's so different," Gill suddenly sighed as he observed the buildings around them, the evening lights twinkling, and young people huddled under awnings, eating street food to escape the rain.

Alexander didn't know what Gill meant but listened quietly.

"It wasn't like this before. I remember when I was a child, the mutant beasts had only appeared for less than a decade, and there weren't many awakened individuals. People were dying everywhere, and often, we couldn't even get a decent meal."

"Later, as more awakened individuals emerged, everyone was pursuing rapid advancement. The country also needed high-level awakened individuals urgently. That's when the infected appeared, and their numbers grew rapidly."

"At that time, everyone was in shock. No one could have imagined that the heroes who had fought against the mutant beasts would turn around and devour their fellow citizens. Just like that, the situation, which had just stabilized, descended into chaos once again due to the emergence of the infected."

"My father died during that time, killed by his former comrade who had become an infected."

Alexander knew this history, known as the "Dark Era," just like the "Day of Mutation." It was all written in textbooks to instill a sense of caution toward mutants and the infected from an early age.

But he wasn't a firsthand witness, and hearing Gill recount it now, he felt like a heavy stone was lodged in his chest.

"Do you think I should hate the infected? They are awakened individuals who wanted to serve the country the most... After a few years, we gradually understood the principles behind the infection. Although there are still sporadic cases of infection, we have completely controlled the situation."

"I don't hate the infected, but I do hate those who profit from them!"

Gill's eyes carried a hint of murderous intent, and it was the first time Alexander had seen the old bureau chief in this light.

"I know that in your eyes, I may seem moderate, and don't rush to deny it, it's true," Gill began.

"Because I'm well aware that our opponents are a group of people who have swallowed morality and conscience. They have ruthless hearts and employ malicious methods. If you don't have the ability to kill with a single blow, it's best not to provoke them hastily."

"I'm getting old, and ultimately, this position will have to be passed on to the younger generation. Alexander, I hope you won't give up because of this incident. This process may be lengthy, but what you need is patience."

As Alexander gazed into Gill's intense eyes, he felt a sense of surreal connection. He had initially thought that Gill was simply trying to comfort him while giving him a warning. Little did he know that Gill had such high expectations for him. He shook Gill's outstretched hand.

After seeing Gill off to his car, Alexander returned to his office to pack his things. To his surprise, none of his subordinates had left.

"We're all waiting for your orders," Alexander chuckled, realizing that whether he stayed or left didn't seem to affect them much.

"You bunch of rascals," he playfully scolded, and they all gathered around the table. Alexander took out his phone but noticed a missed call.

"Duke?"