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

“Let’s search by geographic location and time,” Lynn explained as he operated the system. “The system records the mutants’ regular activity areas.”

A few minutes later, Lynn's expression turned serious. "Several possible matches have been found."

The screen displayed the profiles of three male mutants, all matching the basic characteristics described by Elisa. Lynn examined their photos and details one by one.

“This one,” Elisa said, pointing to one of the files, “is him.”

Lynn clicked on the file, and more detailed information appeared on the screen. Alyssa saw the official photo of the man she had met yesterday, confirming her judgment.

“David Chen, thirty-two years old, Chinese American,” Lynn read from the file, “Works as a data analyst at a financial company. Mutant ability: Emotional manipulation.”

“Emotional manipulation?” Elisa repeated.

“He can sense and influence the emotional states of others,” Lynn continued reading. “In some ways, it’s similar to your ability, but with a different focus. He can not only sense emotions, but also change them to some extent.”

Alyssa felt a pang of unease. "Isn't this dangerous?"

“So he’s on the watch list,” Lynn said. “But it looks like his record is clean, no violations, and he’s always strictly followed all the rules.”

Lynn continued browsing the files, then stopped at a particular page. "Wait, there's some important information here."

"What information?"

“David Chen’s wife died in a car accident six months ago.” Lynn’s voice grew heavy. “She was also a mutant with healing abilities. The files show she frequently used her powers to help others, volunteering at the local hospital.”

This information explains the intense grief Elisa felt. Losing a wife with healing abilities must be doubly painful for a mutant who can sense the emotions of others.

"Was the car accident an accident?" Elisa asked.

Lynn examined more details. "The investigation concluded it was an accident, but there's some interesting information. A few days before the incident, an anti-mutant group held a protest nearby, expressing their dissatisfaction with the mutants working at the hospital."

"You mean it might not be an accident?"

“There’s no conclusive evidence that it was intentional,” Lynn said, “but the timing is certainly suspicious. Furthermore, David Chen’s emotional state clearly deteriorated after his wife’s death, requiring psychological treatment.”

Alyssa felt a pang of heartache. "No wonder he was so sad. If my partner, who had healing abilities, were murdered, I would be too."

“Wait,” Lynn abruptly interrupted her. “There’s more information here. David Chen’s recent psychological evaluation indicated he has suicidal tendencies, and his emotional manipulation becomes unstable in states of extreme grief.”

"Unstable? What do you mean?"

"This means he might unintentionally influence the emotions of those around him, spreading his own sadness and despair," Lynn explained. "In the worst-case scenario, this could lead to widespread emotional contagion, causing public safety issues."

Elisa immediately recalled how she felt yesterday. Even though it was just a brief encounter, David's grief was so intense that she couldn't forget it all night. If his abilities truly spiraled out of control, the consequences could be severe.

“We need to help him,” Elisa said firmly.

“This is not within our scope of responsibility,” Lynn reminded them. “Mutant oversight is handled by a specialized department.”

“But you’ve seen his condition. If he really has suicidal tendencies, if his abilities get out of control, it’s not just a personal tragedy for him, it could also affect many innocent people,” Elisa argued.

Lynn pondered for a moment. "You're right. And we have every reason to pay attention to this case."

"What reason?"

“If his wife’s death wasn’t an accident, and if anti-mutant organizations were involved, then it could involve a hate crime,” Lynn said. “That’s certainly within our purview.”

"So, are you willing to investigate?"

“We can visit him under the guise of a routine check-up,” Lynn decided, “and see if we can offer any assistance.”

Alyssa felt a surge of comfort. "Thank you for doing this."

“But I need your help,” Lynn said. “Your emotional intelligence might be key to understanding his true situation. If he is indeed considering suicide, we need to intervene immediately.”

“I will do everything I can to help him,” Elisa promised.

Lynn began arranging the visit. According to the file, David Chen lived alone in an apartment in Brooklyn. His work hours were a standard nine-to-five, and he usually got home around six in the afternoon.

“We’ll go see him this afternoon,” Lynn said. “As the FBI, we have the authority to conduct routine checks to ensure mutants comply with regulations.”

"Will he cooperate?" Elisa asked.

“He has to cooperate. It’s a legal requirement,” Lynn replied. “But we’ll try to make the visit seem relaxed and friendly.”

At four o'clock in the afternoon, Lynn and Alyssa drove to Brooklyn. David Chen's apartment building was located in a quiet residential area and was a well-maintained six-story building.

“He lives on the fourth floor,” Lynn said, checking the file. “Apartment 4B.”

They took the elevator to the fourth floor and found 4B along the corridor. Lynn knocked on the door.

“Mr. David Chen? This is FBI Detective Hall. This is a routine check.”

A few seconds later, footsteps sounded from inside the door. The door opened a crack, and David cautiously peered at them. When he saw Elisa, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes—he clearly recognized the girl he had met yesterday.

“Please show me your identification.” David’s voice was calm, but Elisa could sense his tension and vigilance.

Lynn showed his FBI badge, which David carefully checked before fully opening the door. "Please come in."

David's apartment was tidy, but there was a noticeable emptiness about it. The furniture in the living room was clearly intended for two people, but now only he was using it. Elisa noticed a wedding photo on the coffee table—David and a beautiful Asian woman, both smiling happily. "Please have a seat," David said, gesturing to the sofa. "Is there anything you need to check?"

"Just a routine visit to check on your living conditions and ability to manage," Lynn said. "How have you been lately?"

David's emotions immediately became complex. Elisa could sense the pain he was trying to suppress, as well as his speculation about the true purpose of the examination.

“I’m fine,” Da replied briefly. “Working normally, no problems at all.”

But Elisa could sense that this wasn't the truth at all. Deep within him, pain and despair raged like a storm. Even more worryingly, these intense negative emotions began to affect the energy field in the room, and even Lynn began to feel a strange heaviness.

“Mr. Chen,” Elisa said softly, “I know you’ve been going through a difficult time lately. Losing your wife must be very painful.”

David looked at her sharply, his eyes filled with shock and wariness. "Who are you? How did you know?"

“My name is Alyssa Connor, and I’m a mutant too,” Alyssa said honestly. “I can feel your pain, and I want to help you.”

Upon hearing this, David's psychological defenses began to crumble. Six months of suppressed emotions surged forth like a flood, and the entire room was enveloped in a profound sadness.

Lynn and Elisa both felt the intensity of this emotional shock and realized that David Chen's situation was more serious than they had imagined.

The atmosphere in the room became unusually heavy, as if an invisible haze shrouded the entire space. David's emotional abilities were on the verge of spiraling out of control; the pain and despair deep within him spread outwards like a tidal wave. Elisa felt a little short of breath; the intense impact of these negative emotions had clouded her mental perception. Although Lynn didn't possess any special abilities, he could also clearly sense the oppressive atmosphere in the room, as if something heavy was pressing down on his heart.

“David, please try to control your emotions,” Elisa said softly, while trying to build a mental barrier to protect herself. “Your abilities are affecting the environment around you.”

David realized he was losing control and immediately took a deep breath, trying to control his emotions. A few minutes later, the oppressive atmosphere in the room gradually eased.

“I’m sorry.” David covered his face with his hands, his voice trembling. “I haven’t talked about these things with anyone in a long time. Whenever I think of her, I…”

“It’s alright, it’s normal,” Lynn said gently but firmly. “Losing a loved one is a pain no one can bear. You don’t need to apologize for it.”

Elisa walked towards the wedding photo, carefully observing the woman in it. She had a warm smile and kind eyes, wearing a simple white dress and a small hat. Most striking was her hand, gently caressing a flower that was about to wither, and under her touch, the flower bloomed anew.

"What's her name?" Elisa asked softly.

“Merlin. Merlin Chen.” David’s voice was filled with endless longing. “She has healing powers, not only for physical injuries but also for emotional wounds. Everyone who has met her feels happier and more hopeful.”

Lynn sat on the sofa, carefully observing David's expression. "Does she often use her abilities to help others?"

“Yes, almost every day.” David’s eyes gleamed with pride. “She volunteers at St. Mary’s Hospital, specifically helping patients who are beyond medical help: terminally ill cancer patients, children with severe burns, terminally ill patients. She gives them hope.”

“She sounds like a very special person,” Elisa said sincerely.

“She was the kindest person I’ve ever met,” David’s voice began to choke, “but that’s precisely why she became a target for some people.”

Lynn immediately became alert. "What do you mean? Has someone threatened her?"

David paused for a moment, seemingly considering whether to tell the truth. In the end, he decided to open his heart.

“Two weeks before the accident, an anti-mutant organization called ‘Human Purity’ held a protest outside the hospital,” David’s voice turned angry. “They claimed that mutants shouldn’t be in contact with patients, saying we were ‘unnatural beings’ who would contaminate the human healthcare system.”

"Is Merlin under any direct threat?" Lynn asked.

“People have thrown stones at her, and people have graffitied her car,” David said, his fist clenching. “But she never flinched and continued to go to the hospital every day to help patients. She said, ‘If I stop helping others because I’m afraid, what will happen to those who need help?’”

Elisa sensed the complex emotions in David's heart—deep admiration for his wife, anger towards those who persecuted her, and self-blame for failing to protect her.

"How did the car accident happen?" Lynn continued to ask.

“She worked very late that night because a little girl’s condition worsened and she needed emergency treatment,” David’s voice trailed off. “On her way home, she was hit by a truck at an intersection.”

What were the police's findings?

“An accident,” David said with a wry smile. “The truck driver claimed he was asleep and didn’t see the red light. But…”

"But what?" Lynn pressed.

“But that driver was a member of the ‘Purity of Humanity’ organization. I found out through a private investigation.” David’s eyes burned with anger. “The police said it was just a coincidence, and there wasn’t enough evidence to prove it was premeditated murder.”

This information shocked Lynn and Elisa. If David was telling the truth, then this was not just a traffic accident, but a premeditated hate crime.

"Do you have evidence for this investigation?" Lynn asked.

“There is some.” David walked to his desk and took a folder from a drawer. “I hired a private investigator and they gathered some information. But not enough to constitute legal evidence.”

Lynn took the folder and quickly scanned its contents. Inside were photos, photocopies of documents, and some handwritten notes. While it did show links between the truck driver and anti-mutant groups, as David had said, the evidence might not be strong enough in court.

“Why don’t you hand these over to the police?” Elisa asked.

“I tried,” David’s voice was filled with disappointment, “but they said the evidence obtained through a private investigation was not legally valid, and the case was closed; they wouldn’t reopen it unless there was new, significant evidence.”

Silence fell in the room once more. Elisa could sense the anger and helplessness deep within David's heart, emotions surging like an undercurrent.

“David, I understand your pain and anger,” Lynn said sincerely. “If you’d like, I can re-examine this case. As the FBI, we have the resources and authority to conduct a more in-depth investigation.”

A glimmer of hope flashed in David's eyes, but it quickly faded. "Thank you for your kindness, but I've given up hope. What good would it do even if the truth were revealed? Merlin is gone forever."

“But justice must be served,” Alyssa said firmly. “And other mutants need to know the truth so they can better protect themselves.” (End of Chapter)