American comics: I am full of martial virtues and I love to be kind to others.

“What are these?” Jennifer pointed to a set of special molecular structures on the screen.

“That’s the key,” Dr. Nord’s eyes gleamed with the fervor of a scholar, “These compounds are very similar to some elements we found in the X-gene activator, but also significantly different. According to our preliminary tests, they cannot activate the X-gene in ordinary people—that is, they cannot turn ordinary people into mutants.”

Lynn Hall breathed a sigh of relief. "What does Black Crow want it for?"

“Because it has another effect,” Dr. Nord turned to another screen displaying a series of test results, “this substance can temporarily and dramatically enhance existing mutant abilities, potentially amplifying them three to five times. Imagine if a mutant who can produce small sparks suddenly could create raging fires; or a weak telepath suddenly could control everyone in an entire building.”

Lynn Hall and Jennifer exchanged a worried glance.

“That certainly explains why the Black Crow is so eager for it,” Lynn Hall mused, “but how long do you think this ‘temporary’ effect last?”

Dr. Nord shook his head. “Based on our simulations, it could range from a few hours to a day, depending on individual differences and dosage. But more importantly—” he pointed to another set of data—“the side effects are extremely severe. The enhanced abilities become almost uncontrollable, leading to rampage. Furthermore, users may experience excruciating pain, organ failure, or even death.”

“So it’s basically a mutant super stimulant, but at the cost of potentially causing them to lose control or even die,” Jennifer concluded.

“That’s right,” Dr. Nord confirmed.

Lynn Hall frowned, pondering the implications of this information. "You said this substance is similar to the X-gene activator. Does that mean similar substances have existed before?"

Dr. Nord walked to an encrypted computer terminal and entered his password and security code. “Your intuition is spot on, Inspector Hall. In fact, we cross-referenced the characteristics of this compound in the database and found at least seven cases involving similar substances over the past twenty years.”

Several files were displayed on the screen, each marked "Confidential".

"The earliest record dates back to 1998, when an underground laboratory in Los Angeles was raided and a substance known as 'Rage Toxin' was discovered; 'Red Fury' was found in Eastern Europe in 2005; and 'Dragon's Breath' was seized in Tokyo in 2012. Although their chemical compositions differ, their core mechanisms of action are strikingly similar."

“In other words,” Lynn Hall said slowly, “this substance that can temporarily enhance mutant abilities is not uncommon.”

“Relatively speaking, yes,” Dr. Nord nodded. “While each has its unique formula and origin, the basic principles are the same. Dragon's blood flower does exist; it's a rare Asian plant containing compounds that can affect X gene expression. But with the advancement of science, similar substances can now be synthesized.”

Jennifer gazed thoughtfully at the old bottle of red wine. "So the value of this wine lies more in its history and purity than in its uniqueness."

“Exactly,” Dr. Nord agreed. “A 300-year-old vintage has a purity and stability far exceeding that of modern synthetics. In modern terms, this is the ‘original version,’ while the various mutant power enhancers we see today can be considered its ‘imitations’ or ‘derivatives.’”

Lynn Hall pondered for a moment, then asked, "What were the outcomes of these cases? What happened to the mutants who used these substances?"

Dr. Nord's expression turned serious. "Data shows that approximately 60% of users die after the enhancement effects wear off; 30% survive but suffer permanent damage, including diminished or lost abilities, cognitive impairment, etc.; less than 10% fully recover, but most also experience an extremely painful withdrawal process."

“My God,” Jennifer whispered, “this is a gamble.”

“A gamble almost certainly doomed to failure,” Dr. Nord corrected, “but for desperate people, or organizations that don’t care about the lives of their mutant subordinates, the risk might be worthwhile. Imagine if they could control a powerful telepath even for just a few hours.”

Lynn Hall's face grew even more grim. "Enough to cause unimaginable destruction."

“So what do we do now?” Jennifer asked. “Report this information to the advisors at the Department of Homeland Security?”

Lynn Hall nodded. “Yes, but before that, we need to make sure this bottle and all the samples are safely stored. Dr. Nord, can you ensure their safety here?”

“Of course,” Dr. Nord assured him, “this laboratory has the highest level of security; without dual authorization, no one can enter or leave. I will personally oversee all testing and storage.”

“Very good,” Lynn Hall glanced at his watch; it was nearly one in the morning. “We have a meeting with advisors from the Department of Homeland Security tomorrow morning. Morrison, we should go back and get some rest.”

Jennifer nodded, clearly exhausted as well. They said goodbye to Dr. Nord and left the lab.

As they left the FBI headquarters building, the night in Manhattan was already deep. The streets were deserted, broken only by the occasional passing car and the distant sound of sirens. Lynn Hall and Jennifer said their goodbyes in front of the building.

"Do you need me to take you home?" Lynn Hall asked, even though he knew Jennifer was perfectly capable of taking care of herself.

Jennifer smiled and shook her head. "No need, my apartment is just a few blocks away. It's you who lives in Brooklyn; it's not convenient for you to go back at this time."

“I’ll be fine,” Lynn Hall smiled. “Looks like the subway will still be running tonight. See you tomorrow, Morrison, nine o’clock, Hamilton’s office.”

“Good night, sir,” Jennifer said, turning and disappearing quickly among the towering buildings of Manhattan.

Lynn Hall took a deep breath of the cold night air and felt a wave of weariness wash over him.

He decided to walk to the nearest subway station, hoping the cold wind would help him clear his head. The streets were almost deserted, save for the occasional passing taxi and the faint sound of music from a distant bar.

As he drifted into thought and turned onto a darker street, Lynn Hall's senses were suddenly triggered. Years of experience told him something was wrong—the street was too quiet, and he felt as if someone was following him.

He pretended to continue walking normally, but his right hand had already subtly moved towards the holster on his waist. He deliberately slowed his pace, listening intently for any unusual sounds.

Sure enough, about twenty meters behind him, came a series of almost imperceptible footsteps, as someone was trying to keep pace with him.

Lynn Hall quickly surveyed his surroundings—a brightly lit intersection fifty meters ahead; a dark entrance to a commercial building to his left; and a narrow alley to his right. This dimly lit street would be the ideal location if someone wanted to attack him.

He decided to take the initiative. Suddenly, Lynn Hall made an unexpected move—he whirled around, drew his sidearm, and aimed it at the darkness behind him.

“FBI! Don’t move!” he shouted, his voice echoing through the empty street. After a brief silence, a soft chuckle came from the darkness. “Sharp senses, Inspector Hall. Truly an FBI elite.”

A slender figure slowly emerged from the shadows—a young woman, around thirty years old, with short platinum blonde hair gleaming under the streetlights. She wore a black leather jacket and tight pants, appearing completely unconcerned about the gun Lynn Hall was pointing at her.

What is most striking are her eyes—in the dim light, they appear an unnatural gold, with pupils as vertical as a feline's.

"Who are you?" Lynn Hall asked, without moving the gun at all.

The woman smiled and slowly raised her hands to indicate that she was unarmed. "My name is Eileen Sharp, Inspector Hall. I'm not here to hurt you."

“How do you know who I am? Why are you following me?” Lynn Hall remained wary, even though the woman did not seem hostile.

“I know a lot of things,” Eileen replied, a hint of mystery in her voice, “like, the very special bottle of red wine you snatched from Black Crow today.”

Lynn Hall's gaze sharpened. "You're one of the Black Raven's?"

Eileen chuckled softly and shook her head. "No, I'm not one of those guys who exploit mutants. In fact, I represent the opposing side."

“Then explain your identity,” Lynn Hall demanded, the gun still firmly pointed at her.

Eileen sighed, seemingly considering how much information to reveal. "I belong to an organization that protects mutant rights. We've received information that Black Crow has obtained the Dragon's Blood Tear and plans to use it to manufacture a batch of power-enhancing agents, forcing mutants to work for them."

"If you're here to help, why are you following me in the shadows?" Lynn Hall questioned.

“Because I need to confirm you’re not part of the Black Crow,” Eileen said, looking him straight in the eye. “Some officials have been bribed, Inspector Hall. I need to ascertain your position.”

Lynn Hall narrowed his eyes. "You can come directly to the FBI and ask them."

"Then detained and interrogated for hours? No, thank you." Eileen gave a sarcastic smile. "I choose the more direct approach."

Just then, Lynn Hall sensed a sudden change in the atmosphere of the street. His intuition told him that there were more people nearby.

“We’re not alone, are we?” he asked cautiously.

Eileen's smile vanished, her eyes suddenly hardening with alarm. "It's not him, but he's not one of my men. Inspector Hall, I suggest you—"

Her words were interrupted by a sudden gunshot. A bullet grazed the air between them and struck the wall behind Eileen. Lynn Hall instinctively lunged for cover—a car parked on the side of the road—while yelling to Eileen, "Get down!"

But Eileen reacted faster than he expected—almost instantly, she had moved into the shadows on the other side, her movements so fast that she was almost a blurry afterimage.

“Mutants,” Lynn Hall confirmed in his mind, while quickly assessing the situation. The gunfire was coming from the direction of the intersection ahead; there were at least two or three shooters, and judging from the sound, they were using silenced pistols.

“The Black Crow’s killers,” Eileen’s voice came from the shadows, “they’ve probably been tracking the two of us for some time.”

More bullets flew in, hitting the car and the walls. Lynn Hall quickly pulled out his phone, dialed Jennifer's number, and returned fire twice, forcing her to take cover.

“Morrison,” he said briefly after the call connected, “I’ve been attacked near the intersection of 7th Avenue and 23rd Street. Suspected Black Crow members. Need backup.”

After hanging up, he yelled at Eileen, "FBI backup will be here soon. You'd better stay and explain yourself."

Eileen's response carried a hint of mockery: "If we're still alive then."

Suddenly, Lynn Hall heard the roar of an engine, and a black SUV sped up from the end of the street. The window rolled down, revealing a dark figure holding a gun.

"Get down!" Lynn Hall yelled, firing at the SUV. But the vehicle's armor was clearly reinforced, and the bullets only left a few cracks in the windshield.

The SUV hurtled straight toward the car where Lynn Hall was hiding. At the last second, he felt someone grab his arm and pull him aside with incredible force. The next second, the SUV crashed into the car he had been hiding in, with a deafening thud.

Eileen saved his life; her speed and strength far surpassed that of an ordinary person. Lynn Hall barely had time to thank her, because the SUV's doors had already opened, and four fully armed men jumped out.

"Get down!" Eileen shouted, suddenly drawing a strangely shaped pistol from her waist. She pulled the trigger, but instead of a bullet, a beam of blue energy shot out. The energy beam struck one of the attackers, instantly knocking him to the ground, his body convulsing.

“A pulse gun,” Eileen explained briefly, “not lethal, but enough to keep them quiet for a while.”

Lynn Hall had no time to be surprised, as three other attackers were already firing at them. He quickly returned fire, striking one of the attackers in the shoulder, but the man seemed to feel no pain and continued forward.

“What did they use?” Lynn Hall said through gritted teeth, noticing the attackers’ unusual agility and strength. “Red wine?”

“Some kind of similar substance,” Eileen confirmed, firing again and taking down the second attacker, “but not at the level of Dragon's Blood Tears. More like a low-grade imitation that grants them superhuman strength for a short time, but at the cost of their senses and sanity.”

This explains why the attackers were so ferocious yet lacked tactical awareness. They charged straight in like wild beasts, instead of taking a more cautious approach.

Sirens wailed in the distance, but Lynn Hall knew that reinforcements might not arrive in time. The remaining two attackers were closing in, and one of them suddenly made a strange gesture—a beam of black energy shot from his palm toward Lynn Hall.

"Watch out!" Eileen shouted, grabbing Lynn Hall again and pulling him aside. Black energy struck the wall behind them, leaving a charred crater. (End of Chapter)