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

“Then we’ve all grown up,” Lynn said with a smile.

“Yes,” Wolverine smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile. “And, Hall, if the FBI ever needs any help in the future, feel free to contact me. You have my respect, and you have my friendship.”

“Similarly,” Lynn said, extending his hand.

The two shook hands; it was a handshake between comrades-in-arms, a mutual recognition after having gone through life-and-death trials.

Just then, the satellite phone rang. Lynn answered it; it was Supervisor Jensen.

“Lynn, I have good news,” Jason’s voice came through. “Although a blizzard is indeed forming, the meteorological department has reassessed the situation and believes there is a brief window of opportunity. We can send a helicopter to pick you up before the blizzard fully arrives.”

"When?" Lynn asked.

“About four hours later,” Jason said, “but this is your only chance. If you miss it this time, you’ll really have to stay there for three or four days until the blizzard is completely over.”

Lynn looked at Wolverine, who nodded, signaling him to make the decision.

“I’ll be ready,” Lynn said. “There are seven prisoners now, so we need a large enough helicopter.”

“It’s all arranged,” Jason said. “Also, Lynn, well done. I heard about your victory over the gene hunters. The director is very pleased with your performance.”

“Thank you, sir,” Lynn said.

After hanging up the phone, Lynn turned to Wolverine: "Looks like I really should go back."

“It is fate,” Wolverine said. “Then we’d better use these four hours to get everything ready.”

Over the next few hours, the two men were busy. They organized equipment, ensured the prisoners were securely bound, and prepared all the evidence and items to be taken. Lynn also wrote a detailed report, documenting everything that had happened over the past few days.

“Remember to take this with you,” Wolverine said, handing Lynn a small bag. “It contains some bones and hides I cut off while processing the caribou. They can serve as souvenirs for your wilderness survival training.”

"Thank you," Lynn said, taking the bag and touched by Wolverine's thoughtfulness.

“And this,” Wolverine pulled a small tag from his pocket, “is an identification tag I got from the Canadian army a long time ago. I’d like you to keep it.”

“I can’t accept this,” Lynn said. “This must be very important to you.”

“That’s why I’m giving it to you,” Wolverine said. “It reminds me of who I used to be and what I fought for. Now, I hope it can remind you as well—no matter what difficulties you encounter, no matter what threats you face, remember your original intentions and your determination to protect others.”

Lynn solemnly accepted the identification tag and carefully placed it in her pocket: "I will cherish it."

The sound of helicopter rotors could be heard in the distance, gradually approaching.

“They’re here,” Wolverine said.

The two walked to a relatively flat area, which could serve as a temporary landing point. The helicopter struggled to stabilize itself in the strong winds and eventually landed successfully.

Several FBI agents jumped out of the helicopter, one of whom was Sarah.

"Lynn!" she rushed over. "Are you alright? I've heard what's happened these past few days, I can't believe it!"

“I’m fine,” Lynn smiled, “better than ever before.”

Sarah looked at Wolverine, hesitated for a moment, and then extended her hand: "Thank you for protecting my partner."

Wolverine squeezed her hand: "He doesn't need much protection. In fact, he handled the last fight all by himself."

“Really?” Sarah looked at Lynn in surprise.

“I have a good teacher,” Lynn said.

The other agents began moving the prisoners. As Han Bing was being carried onto the helicopter, she glared at Lynn resentfully: "This doesn't count! I won't do it next time—"

“There won’t be a next time,” Lynn said calmly. “You’ll be spending a long time in prison. While you’re there, reflect on your actions; ability isn’t everything.”

After all the prisoners and equipment were loaded onto the helicopter, the pilot urged, "We have to go! A storm is approaching!"

Lynn turned to Wolverine, unsure what to say. There were so many things he wanted to say, but at that moment, none of them felt enough.

“Go, kid,” Wolverine said, “back to your world, do what you’re supposed to do. Remember everything you’ve learned these past few days, but more importantly, remember why you’re fighting.”

“I will,” Lynn said, then added, “Logan, thank you. Not just for the training, but for helping me rediscover something.”

“Likewise,” Wolverine said. “You remind me of something important too. Now let’s go, before I get sentimental.”

Lynn smiled, glanced at Wolverine one last time, then turned and boarded the helicopter.

The helicopter circled over Federal Square in Manhattan, preparing to land on the helipad of the FBI's New York office. Through the porthole, Lynn saw the familiar city skyline—towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and dense crowds. It was a stark contrast to the desolate snowfields of St. Lawrence Island.

“Welcome back to the civilized world,” Sarah said from the side, also looking out the window. “I bet you miss the hot coffee and hot baths here.”

“Indeed,” Lynn admitted, though he knew in his heart that he would also miss that pristine snowfield and the days he spent with Wolverine.

The helicopter landed smoothly, and the moment the cabin door opened, the damp, cold air of early winter in New York rushed in. Although the temperature was much higher than in Alaska, this damp cold felt even more uncomfortable.

Supervisor Jensen was already waiting on the tarmac, along with several medical staff.

“Agent Holt, welcome back,” Jason stepped forward and shook hands with Lynn. “Go to the medical room for a full check-up first, then we’ll discuss the mission report.”

“I’m fine, sir,” Lynn said, though his ribs still ached and his hands and feet showed signs of frostbite.

“This is an order, not a suggestion,” Jason insisted. “You’ve been through a lot of fighting there, with broken ribs and frostbite. I need to make sure my agents are in good physical condition.”

The medical examination took about two hours. The doctor confirmed that Lynn had three fractured ribs, multiple soft tissue contusions, mild frostbite, and some signs of malnutrition. But overall, her condition was much better than expected.

“Your recovery is very strong,” the doctor said as he prescribed medication for Lynn. “However, try to avoid strenuous exercise for the next two weeks. The ribs need time to heal.” “I will be careful,” Lynn said, although he knew in his heart that with the intensity of the FBI’s work, completely avoiding strenuous exercise was almost impossible.

After completing his medical examination, Lynn went to Jason's office. The supervisor was reviewing the task report Lynn had submitted.

“This report is quite impressive,” Jason said, setting down the file. “You repelled two invasions by gene hunters, protected a protected species, and single-handedly subdued a Level 3 mutant. To be honest, I wouldn’t have believed it if it weren’t for Wolverine’s testimony and the prisoners’ statements.”

“I can hardly believe it myself,” Lynn said honestly.

“The director is very satisfied with your performance,” Jason continued. “This operation not only protected a rare species but also dealt a blow to the activities of the Gene Hunter organization in North America. The seven prisoners have begun cooperating with the investigation and have provided a great deal of valuable intelligence.”

"Where are the mother beast and her cubs?" Lynn asked, as this was what he was most concerned about.

“The Wolverines have confirmed their safety,” Jason said. “After the blizzard passes, the state government and the U.S. Wildlife Service will send a dedicated team to further strengthen protection in that area. The Wolverines have agreed to stay there for another month to ensure the gene hunters don't return.”

Lynn breathed a sigh of relief. At least this mission had a perfect ending.

“Now let’s talk about you,” Jason’s tone turned serious. “I approved your leave request so you could train and improve your skills. But I didn’t expect you to participate in such a dangerous operation. You could have chosen to retreat and wait for support.”

“I know, sir,” Lynn said, “but I made what I believed was the right choice.”

“I’m not blaming you,” Jason said, his tone softening. “On the contrary, I admire your determination and courage. But as your superior, I must remind you—there’s a fine line between bravery and recklessness. Next time you encounter a similar situation, please be sure to assess the risks and don’t let your sense of justice override your reason.”

“I understand, sir,” Lynn said.

“Very good,” Jason stood up. “Then, you’ll have three days off to rest and recover. Treat your injuries and get back to normal. Come back in three days; I have a new case to assign you.”

"Three days? Sir, I can start working right now—"

“That’s an order, Hall,” Jason interrupted him. “You’ve just returned from the Arctic; your body needs to recover, and your mind needs to adjust. Trust me, you’ll be in much better shape in three days.”

Knowing that arguing was pointless, Lynn could only nod: "Yes, sir."

Leaving the office, Lynn returned to his work area. His desk was piled high with files and notes—clearly, a lot of work had piled up recently. Sarah was organizing reports at her seat when she saw Lynn enter and looked up.

"Jansen is giving you three days off?" she asked.

“How do you know?”

“Because he tells every agent who comes back from a dangerous mission,” Sarah laughed. “It’s his style. Even though he says three days, he’ll still call you if there’s an emergency in between.”

“That sounds accurate,” Lynn said, starting to tidy up the files on his desk.

“But seriously, you should get some rest,” Sarah said earnestly. “What you’ve been through isn’t something everyone can handle. Facing mutants alone, fighting in extreme conditions, and protecting an unknown creature—that kind of pressure builds up.”

“I’m fine,” Lynn said. “Really. And this experience has made me stronger.”

“I can see it,” Sarah said, looking Lynn up and down. “There’s something different about you. You’re more confident, or perhaps more assertive.”

Lynn didn't answer, but continued organizing the documents. He knew Sarah was right—this experience had truly changed him. Not just in terms of improved combat skills, but also in a shift in mindset. He no longer doubted his ability to face superhuman threats, because he had proven himself capable.

“Oh, right,” Sarah suddenly remembered something, “your sister left you several messages. She said she wanted to make sure you were back safe and sound, and that she wanted to treat you to dinner.”

“Gwen?” Lynn immediately took out his phone and saw more than a dozen unread messages and several missed calls, all from Gwen’s number.

The latest message was sent two hours ago: "Bro, I heard you're coming back today! I'll be waiting for you at our usual spot on Fifth Avenue, there's a surprise waiting for you~"

Lynn checked the time; it was 3:30 PM. He called Gwen back.

"Brother!" Gwen's excited voice came through the receiver, "You're finally back! I thought you were going to stay in the Arctic forever!"

“It’s Alaska, not the Arctic,” Lynn corrected, a smile involuntarily creeping onto his face. “And I was only there for a little over two weeks.”

“It’s been a long time for me!” Gwen said. “Do you know how worried I was? The news said there was a blizzard in Alaska, and I was thinking you were frozen solid.”

“I’m fine, Gwen,” Lynn said, a warm feeling welling up inside her, “better than ever before.”

"That's great! Are you free now? Come to that coffee shop on Fifth Avenue, you know, the one we used to go to all the time. I brought you your favorite dessert!"

Lynn glanced at the documents on his desk, then remembered that Jason had just forced him to take three days off. Since he couldn't work anyway, he might as well go see Gwen.

“Okay, I’ll be right there,” Lynn said.

“Great! I’ll wait for you here!” Gwen hung up the phone excitedly.

Lynn changed out of his FBI uniform, put on civilian clothes, waved goodbye to Sarah, and left the building.

The café on Fifth Avenue wasn't far from Federation Square, about a twenty-minute walk. Lynn chose to walk, partly to stretch her stiff body from sitting on the plane and in the office, and partly to soak up the long-missed city atmosphere.

Manhattan in November is already feeling the Christmas spirit. Shops along the streets are decorating with Christmas trees and lights; although Thanksgiving isn't quite here yet, businesses are already eager to create a festive atmosphere. The sidewalks are packed with pedestrians of all skin colors and languages—this is the diversity of New York.

Lynn walked through several streets and finally saw the familiar coffee shop—Fifth Avenue Coffee Shop, a small shop with more than 30 years of history. This was a place he and Gwen often came to when they were children. When their father was still alive, he would often bring them here to drink hot cocoa and eat apple pie.

Pushing open the door of the café, the familiar aroma of coffee wafts out. The interior decor is almost unchanged—wooden tables and chairs, old photos on the walls, and the antique espresso machine behind the bar.

Gwen was sitting by the window when she saw Lynn enter and immediately waved excitedly. She was wearing a Columbia University sweatshirt, her blonde hair was tied in a ponytail, and her face was beaming with a bright smile. There was a delicate dessert box on the table.

"Brother!" Gwen stood up and gave Lynn a big hug. "I missed you so much!"

“I missed you too, little sister,” Lynn hugged her back, his heart filled with warmth. During those days in the Arctic, besides missions and training, he did miss his family and Gwen.

The two sat down, and Gwen eagerly opened the dessert box: "Look! I specially went to your favorite French pastry shop to buy these! Caramel pudding, chocolate mousse, and lemon tart!" (End of Chapter)