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

The training lasted another hour. Lynn watched the whole thing and saw Daniel successfully complete all the tasks. Although he made a small mistake in the last complex task—when he tried to affect three devices simultaneously, the fourth device was also slightly affected—his overall performance was excellent.

After training ended, Lynn went back into the training room.

“Good job,” Lynn said. “You did a great job today.”

"Thank you," Daniel wiped the sweat from his brow, "I'm still tired, but it's much better than a few days ago."

“This is normal,” Eileen explained. “Using abilities consumes mental energy, just like exercise consumes physical energy. As you train more, your stamina will also increase.”

“I have to go,” Lynn said, glancing at the time. “I have other work to do. But I want to say, Daniel, I’m proud of you. You made the right choice—not the right choice others think is right, but the right choice for yourself.”

“Thank you, Agent Holt,” Daniel said sincerely. “Thank you for giving me a choice. If you had treated me as a criminal or a threat, instead of someone who needed help, I might be in prison now, my abilities continuing to spiral out of control, hurting myself and others.”

“This is my job,” Lynn smiled, “not just catching criminals, but protecting people—including those who need help.”

“If I ever decide to do something in the future, to use my abilities to help others,” Daniel said, “I will contact you first.”

“I’ll wait for your call,” Lynn said, “but don’t feel pressured. Remember, you don’t owe anyone anything.”

“I know,” Daniel nodded, “but sometimes, helping others isn’t out of obligation, but out of desire. Maybe one day I’ll want to.”

“That would be even better,” Lynn said, “because back then, you were doing it voluntarily, not out of coercion or guilt.”

Lynn and Daniel shook hands and said goodbye.

Back in his office, Lynn found Sarah waiting for him.

"How is it?" she asked curiously. "How is Daniel doing?"

“Very good, even better than expected,” Lynn said, sitting at his desk. “He has essentially gained complete control of his abilities.”

“That’s great,” Sarah said. “Will he join us? That ability will be very useful in certain cases.”

“No,” Lynn shook his head, “he chose to return to a normal life.”

“Oh,” Sarah said, a little disappointed, but then nodded understandingly, “That’s true, not everyone with special abilities wants to become a superhero or agent.”

“Exactly,” Lynn said, “and I think it was the right choice. Forcing or persuading him to join would only make him unhappy, and it wouldn’t make him a good agent.”

“You always understand people,” Sarah commented. “That’s one of your greatest strengths.”

“It’s just experience,” Lynn said modestly. “I’ve seen too many people forced to do things they don’t like, and they’re all unhappy. Life is too short to waste on the wrong path.”

“That’s right,” Sarah agreed, then picked up a document. “Speaking of work, there’s a new case that needs your look.”

Over the next few days, Lynn continued his daily work, but received a brief report each day on Daniel's progress. The reports were all positive—Daniel continued to demonstrate remarkable improvement, his control over his abilities was nearing perfection, and he could manage his abilities with ease in daily life.

Two weeks later, Lynn received Erin's formal evaluation report. The report's conclusion was clear: Daniel Parker had fully regained control of his abilities, could safely reintegrate into society, and posed no threat to the public. The report also specifically mentioned Daniel's psychological state—stable, mature, and with a clear plan for the future.

Based on this report, Lynn submitted a final recommendation to the prosecutor's office. The prosecutor accepted the recommendation and the case was officially closed. Daniel's probation period began, but he was free to live as he pleased, only needing to report to the probation officer regularly and complete the required community service hours.

On the day Daniel left the FBI facility, Lynn went to see him off.

"How does it feel to be free?" Lynn asked.

“It’s good, but I’m also a little nervous,” Daniel confessed. “I’ve gotten used to this environment, and suddenly going back to the outside world feels a little surreal.”

“This is normal,” Lynn reassured her. “Give yourself some time to adjust. Remember, if you have any problems, feel free to contact me or Eileen.”

“I will,” Daniel assured him, “and I’ve already contacted my previous clients, who are willing to give me new projects. It seems my career can still continue.”

“That’s great,” Lynn said, genuinely happy for him.

“Also,” Daniel said somewhat sheepishly, “Eileen suggested I join a mutant support group, made up of mutants like me who want to live normal lives. I’d like to give it a try.”

“That’s a good idea,” Lynn encouraged. “Talking to people who have had similar experiences will make you feel less alone.”

“I think I finally understand,” Daniel said. “My abilities are part of me, but they don’t define me. I am Daniel Parker, a programmer, an ordinary person who wants a peaceful life. I happen to have a special ability, but that’s not the most important part.”

“You’re absolutely right,” Lynn smiled. “Remember this: don’t let anyone tell you how you should live.”

Daniel picked up his backpack—the same one he'd taken from his apartment three weeks ago. "I have to go. Thank you, Agent Holt. Thank you for recognizing me as a person, not just my abilities."

“Just call me Lynn,” Lynn said. “We’re friends now.”

“Well then, thank you, Lynn,” Daniel said, extending his hand.

Lynn took his hand. "Take care, Daniel. Enjoy your normal life."

Daniel turned and walked towards the taxi waiting outside. Lynn stood on the steps of the FBI building, watching the young man disappear into the distance.

Sarah walked over to Lynn. “Another successful case.” “It’s not just a case,” Lynn corrected, “it’s a young man who has found his way.”

"Do you think he'll stick to his choice?" Sarah asked curiously. "Or will he change his mind someday and decide to use his abilities to do something?"

“I don’t know,” Lynn said honestly. “Maybe, maybe not. But the important thing is that it’s his own choice. If he changes his mind, it’s because he wants to, not because he’s being forced or feeling guilty.”

“I think I understand what you mean,” Sarah said thoughtfully. “What are you teaching me?”

“Teach you?” Lynn laughed. “I’m just doing what I believe is right. Everyone has the right to choose their own path, and our job is to protect that right, not to decide how others should choose.”

At 10:45 a.m. the next day, Lynn was reviewing a report on an interstate drug trafficking case in his office, the coffee on his desk still steaming. The office was relatively quiet; most of the agents were out on missions or handling cases, with only a few people typing away at their keyboards.

Suddenly, his cell phone rang urgently—it was a direct call from Supervisor Jensen. Lynn answered immediately.

“Lynn, I need you to leave immediately,” Jason’s voice was tense and serious. “There’s been a workers’ riot in Hudson, New Jersey, and the situation is deteriorating. People have already used firearms.”

Lynn immediately stood up and began packing his equipment. "What's the casualty situation?"

“At least three people have been confirmed injured, but the situation is still evolving,” Jason said quickly. “Local police and state troopers are on the scene, but they are understaffed and the situation is too complex. The governor’s office is requesting federal assistance, particularly experienced negotiators and crisis management experts.”

"What caused the riot?" Lynn asked as he put on his FBI bulletproof vest.

“The Hudson Steel plant employs about two hundred workers,” Jason explained. “Three days ago, the plant management suddenly announced that they were closing the plant due to financial difficulties and that they owed the workers two months’ wages. This morning, the workers gathered at the plant gate demanding an explanation, but management refused to appear and even tried to disperse the workers with security guards. That's how the conflict broke out.”

"Who fired the shot?" That's the key question.

“It’s uncertain,” Jason said. “The scene is chaotic. There are reports that security guards fired first, and others that some workers were armed. In any case, the situation is out of control now; workers have stormed the factory, and security guards and management are hiding in the office building, creating a standoff.”

“I’m leaving now,” Lynn said, picking up his car keys. “Do you need a tactical support team?”

“Not yet, we have sufficient police resources locally,” Jason said. “But if you assess the situation and deem it necessary, I will send someone immediately. Your task is to assess the situation, assist local law enforcement in developing solutions, and ideally, prevent further bloodshed.”

“Understood,” Lynn said, already at the elevator. “I’ll be there in about forty minutes.”

After hanging up the phone, Lynn quickly gathered her thoughts in the elevator. Worker riots are different from ordinary criminal cases; they involve complex labor disputes, collective emotions, economic hardship, and social contradictions. The key is to understand the workers' demands while ensuring that no further violence occurs.

Lynn rushed out of the building and strode towards the parking lot. His car was a black Chevrolet issued by the FBI, powerful and suitable for emergency missions. He started the engine, turned on the car's computer, and pulled up the fastest route to Hudson Town.

After exiting the parking lot, Lynn immediately turned on the police lights and sirens and sped through the streets of Manhattan. He contacted the head of the local police department via Bluetooth headset.

“This is FBI Agent Lynn Hall, on my way to the scene,” Lynn said succinctly. “Please provide an update.”

A tired and tense voice came from the other end of the phone, “This is Hudson Police Chief Tom Brady. Thank God, federal backup has finally arrived. The situation is bad, Agent Holt. About 150 workers have taken over the main factory building and set up roadblocks inside. Management and a dozen security guards are trapped in the third-floor office area.”

"Are there any hostages?" Lynn quickly assessed.

“It’s not entirely hostage-taking; it’s more like being trapped,” Brady explained. “The workers haven’t explicitly threatened to harm management, but they’re not letting them leave either. Their demands are clear—wages, the factory needs to keep operating, and management needs an explanation.”

"Shooting situation?"

“There were three gunshots in the initial chaos,” Brady said. “A worker was shot in the leg, a security guard in the shoulder, and a bystander suffered a graze to the arm. All have been taken to the hospital and are not in life-threatening condition. The problem is, now we don’t know who still has a gun, and both sides are very tense.”

What strategy are you adopting now?

“We’ve set up a perimeter and evacuated nearby residents and businesses,” Brady said. “State SWAT teams are on standby, but I don’t want to escalate the situation. These workers aren’t criminals; they’re just desperate ordinary people.”

“Your assessment is correct,” Lynn agreed. “A direct assault will only result in more casualties. Once I arrive, we’ll assess the situation and try to communicate. Are there any worker representatives willing to engage in dialogue?”

“There were a few people who seemed to be in charge, but the scene was too chaotic to determine who truly represented everyone,” Brady said. “And the workers were very emotional; they felt betrayed and abandoned.”

“I understand,” Lynn said, passing a slow-moving truck. “I’ll be there in twenty minutes. In the meantime, do not take any actions that might escalate the conflict.”

“Understood,” Brady replied.

Lynn hung up the phone and focused on driving. The car crossed the George Washington Bridge, traversing the Hudson River into New Jersey. The weather was clear, but Lynn had no interest in the scenery; his mind was preoccupied with the impending crisis.

Worker riots often stem from deep-seated social and economic problems. These individuals are not born rioters, but rather ordinary working-class people driven to desperation. They have families to support, bills to pay, and the sudden loss of their jobs and wages means the collapse of their lives. In such circumstances, anger and despair can drive people to do things they wouldn't normally do.

The key is to make them feel heard and understood, while also making them understand that violence will not solve problems. This requires skill, patience, and sincerity.

Twenty-five minutes later, Lynn drove into the town of Hudson. It was a typical industrial town with a population of about 15,000, whose main economic source was the steel mill. The town's buildings were somewhat old, and the streets were narrow, lined with various small shops and residences.

From afar, Lynn could see the steel mill's chimneys and buildings. The factory, located on the east side of town, covered a vast area. Now, a large number of police cars, ambulances, and onlookers had gathered at the factory gate.

Lynn parked his car outside the police line, showed his identification, and a young police officer took him to see Chief Brady.

Brady was a burly man in his fifties, his face etched with fatigue and worry. He was discussing countermeasures with several state troopers officers beside a command vehicle. (End of Chapter)