Danial was resting outside the office of Marshal Barns when two people passed by him. One was a middle-aged woman with a gorgeous face and her hair tied into a bun. She was wearing a suit that caused people who saw her to shiver. Her face was gorgeous and subtly cold. Her eyes were a shade of light brown, which seemed to captivate anyone who looked at her.
In front of the woman was a teenage man walking arrogantly, with one of his hands in his pocket, heading toward Marshal Barns' office. The teenage man had an air that exuded arrogance. He wore a special badge on his shoulder, yet his arrogance knew no bounds. As the arrogant teenage man walked ahead, his swagger and demeanor continued to radiate an overwhelming sense of self-assuredness, surpassing even the significance of the special badge adorning his shoulder. His arrogance seemed to know no bounds, unabashedly displaying itself to those around him.
Although Danial had no idea what that special badge represented, he knew that receiving a special badge in the Law Enforcement Organization was difficult. Danial also considered the possibility that the badge itself was an identity of some sort, but he didn't have enough information to solidify his thoughts.
The teenage man's steps were purposeful, each one reinforcing his belief that he was the center of the universe. The audacious tilt of his chin and the piercing gaze he cast upon those he passed left no doubt that he considered himself superior. It was as if he had embraced his arrogance as a defining trait, using it as both a shield and a weapon.
His uniform, though marked with the special badge, appeared almost secondary to his overbearing personality. It was clear that he saw himself as an exception, defying the constraints of authority and embracing a sense of entitlement. The insignia on his shoulder, which represented recognition and accomplishment, seemed only to further fuel his inflated ego.
Soon after, the young man and the woman approached Marshal Barns' office and saw Danial sitting nearby.
The arrogant young man sneered and said, "Well, well, what do we have here? Another lucky bystander trying to get a glimpse of the Law Enforcement Branch Headquarters, aren't ya?"
Danial looked at the arrogant young man and said, "Yes, it is grand and awe-inspiring."
The arrogant man sneered and said, "Pfft, look at you trying to be mature with your words. You don't look a day older than fifteen. What in the world is a brat like you doing here?"
Danial looked at the arrogant man, trying to maintain a calm demeanor, and said, "Whatever I am doing here is none of your business."
The arrogant man raised his eyes and said with a mocking laugh, "Haha, brat, you're the only person who dares to talk to me like that."
He took a step forward, decreasing the distance between him and Danial, and said, "I don't care who you are or how you got into the Law Enforcement Branch Headquarters. If you apologize now, I will let you leave with your hands and legs intact."
Danial was somewhat unconvinced. This was the Branch Headquarters of the Law Enforcement Organization. If such practices occurred where law and justice were upheld, this wouldn't happen.
Danial was somewhat taken aback by the arrogant man's threatening demeanor. He could feel the tension escalating, but he refused to back down. Although doubts lingered in his mind about the legitimacy of the man's authority, he understood that he had to tread carefully in this unfamiliar territory.
Raising an eyebrow, Danial replied, his voice steady and unwavering, "I apologize for any misunderstanding, but I'm simply waiting here. I have no intention of causing trouble or interfering with anyone's affairs. It would be wise for us to resolve this peacefully and without resorting to unnecessary confrontation."
The arrogant man seemed momentarily caught off guard by Danial's composed response. A flicker of uncertainty crossed his face, but he quickly regained his composure and scoffed, "Peaceful resolutions are for the weak. I've earned my position here and won't let some insignificant brat like you question my authority."
Danial's mind raced as he tried to find a way to defuse the situation. He knew that escalating the conflict could have dire consequences, but he couldn't fathom why such behavior would be tolerated within the Law Enforcement Branch Headquarters. Something didn't add up.
Just then, the door near Danial opened, and Agent Thompson walked out with his hands behind his back.
The arrogant man saw Agent Thompson and immediately backed away from Danial, saying in a calm and respectful tone, "Agent Thompson, I was waiting for you. I was told that you were in discussion with Marshal Barns, so I waited for you."
Agent Thompson, a seasoned and respected member of the Law Enforcement Branch, glanced at the arrogant man with a discerning gaze. He noticed the tension in the air and swiftly assessed the situation.
"Is that so, Alex?" Agent Thompson replied, his voice laced with authority. "It seems you have quite a talent for causing disturbances. We don't tolerate such behavior within our organization. Remember, your position here comes with responsibilities, not just entitlement."
Alex's arrogant demeanor wavered slightly under Agent Thompson's stern gaze. He stammered, searching for words to justify his actions. "I… I was merely ensuring the security of the premises, Agent Thompson. This young man appeared suspicious, and I was addressing the situation."
Agent Thompson glanced at Danial and said, "Well, this suspicious young man is now a member of the Law Enforcement Organization."
The woman and the arrogant man named Alex widened their eyes as they stared at Danial in shock.
The revelation that Danial was a member of the Law Enforcement Organization caught both the woman and Alex off guard. Their expressions quickly shifted from arrogance to surprise and disbelief. The woman's captivating gaze locked onto Danial, searching for any signs of deception or weakness.
Agent Thompson continued, his tone unwavering. "Danial here has been granted access to our headquarters for training and observation. His presence is authorized, and it's your responsibility, Alex, to familiarize yourself with your fellow colleagues and treat them with respect."
Alex's face reddened, a mix of embarrassment and frustration evident on his features. He struggled to find words to respond, finally managing a forced nod. "Apologies, Agent Thompson. I was not aware. It won't happen again."
Behind those apologetic eyes, Danial noticed a glint of anger and madness. It was subtle but didn't go unnoticed by Danial.
The woman standing behind Alex gracefully took a step forward and asked Agent Thompson curiously, "Agent Thompson, may I ask who this young man is and how he has the qualifications to become a member of the Law Enforcement Organization? Because as far as I remember, one has to be exceptionally talented, must be at least a first-stage Mortal-level martial artist, and should be at least twenty years old, if not more."
Agent Thompson looked at the woman and said, "I am well aware, Miss Monica, but are you doubting my judgment? Because it seems that you are not convinced by my decision."
The woman quickly said apologetically, "That is not what I meant, Agent Thompson."
Agent Thompson maintained a stern expression as he responded to Miss Monica's inquiry. "I understand your curiosity, Miss Monica, but for security reasons, I cannot disclose the specific qualifications and talents that Danial possesses. Rest assured that he has been thoroughly evaluated and deemed worthy of joining our organization."
Miss Monica's captivating gaze softened as she absorbed Agent Thompson's words. "I apologize if my question seemed inappropriate, Agent Thompson. I trust your judgment."
Agent Thompson then glanced at Danial and said, "Follow me, Danial."
Danial nodded and followed behind Agent Thompson. When Alex saw Danial following Agent Thompson, his heart filled with rage and embarrassment. Who would have thought that a seventeen-year-old would embarrass an officer in the Law Enforcement Branch Headquarters?
Monica, her initial scepticism replaced with intrigue, decided to quietly trail behind Danial and Agent Thompson, her footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors. She observed the reactions of her fellow colleagues and couldn't help but notice the mixed emotions lingering in the air—surprise, curiosity, and even a hint of envy.
Danial and Agent Thompson arrived at a spacious training hall filled with state-of-the-art equipment. In the middle of the training room was a large boxing ring where two officers, dressed in their fighting casuals, were fighting—or rather, training.
Agent Thompson looked at Danial and said, "Danial, even though you survived against Marshal Barns, we still have to evaluate everything about your strengths and weaknesses, so I will personally oversee it."
Agent Thompson continued walking toward the training equipment and said, "Let's start with the basics. Here is an arm strength tester," he said, proceeding to hand the arm tester to Danial.
Agent Thompson then said, "Now grip the arm tester as strongly as you can, and the tester will display the strength of your arms."
Danial nodded, and before he started gripping, Agent Thompson reminded him, "Do not use your internal energy. This test is only meant to see your physical strength."
Danial silently nodded and began gripping the arm tester. The tester started displaying the strength in kilograms, and Danial only stopped after exerting his full strength.
Danial let go and looked at the digital screen on the tester, which displayed a strength of 600 kg. Danial was expecting a high number, but not that high. He thought, "600 kg is far beyond human strength capacity. Maybe the training Master Abhaya gave me had an effect on my body, or the True Iron Vajra Method strengthened it as well, but still… it's shocking."
Agent Thompson saw the numbers displayed on the screen and was momentarily stunned. He didn't understand how this young man could display such strength. Maybe he's not a normal martial artist.
Agent Thompson then noticed everyone around the training room looking at Danial—some in horror, some in shock, some in envy, and some in anticipation of a fight.
As the numbers on the arm tester flashed before their eyes, the onlookers in the training room were left speechless. Danial's display of immense physical strength surpassed their expectations, causing a mix of awe and disbelief to ripple through the room.
Agent Thompson regained his composure and said, "I didn't expect you to have such incredible strength. But remember, strength alone does not define a true law enforcement officer. We value discipline, skill, and the ability to make sound judgments."
Agent Thompson then continued, "Now we have more evaluations to do, but let's skip the formalities and head to the boxing ring."
Danial walked toward the boxing ring and observed two officers skillfully fighting. Each of their moves seemed calculated and precise, though neither had gained the upper hand. Agent Thompson gestured for Danial to climb into the ring. Both fighters stopped and gazed at Danial as he climbed in. The coach of one of the fighters asked Agent Thompson, "Agent, do you want one of the students to fight him?"
Agent Thompson nodded and said to Danial, "This is not a real fight, but a method to gauge and improve our abilities."
With that, the student offered by the coach stepped into the ring skillfully and shook hands with Danial, saying, "All the best, bud. Try not to die in your first fight."
Danial replied, "You wish."
The fighters smiled and went to their respective corners. At the start signal, both fighters—Jeff and Danial—approached each other, ready to fight.
"Stop it now."
Both Danial and Jeff froze and saw Agent Thompson climb onto the boxing ring. He placed a hand on Jeff's shoulder and said, "Let me spar with him."
Instantly, Jeff was filled with horror. Agent Thompson sparring with Danial was monstrous. Agent Thompson was the captain of the Special Investigation Unit and a Master-level cultivator.
Instantly, the room was filled with gasps.
Danial's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and apprehension as Agent Thompson expressed his desire to spar with him. The room fell silent, and the onlookers felt a surge of anticipation at the prospect of witnessing such an extraordinary match. Danial himself was taken aback. He hadn't anticipated sparring with someone of such stature on his first day at the Law Enforcement Branch Headquarters. He realized this spar was not just a test of physical prowess but also of combat skill, decision-making, and adaptability under pressure.
Agent Thompson's reputation as a formidable Master-level cultivator preceded him, and the thought of him engaging in combat sent shivers through those who knew his prowess. This unexpected turn of events only deepened the intrigue surrounding Danial and his unexplained abilities.
Even Monica, who was standing near the entrance, was stunned. She never thought such a thing would ever happen.