Hulk : The Thunderstrike

In the conference room of the Huxi Police Station, the atmosphere was heavy.

After Rex's revelation about the missing child of a prominent municipal leader, tension filled the room. The officers exchanged uneasy glances, and even Antonia couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

The child had been abducted right at the gates of a local primary school. Surveillance footage showed a figure dressed in heavy clothing, obscuring their identity, leading the child into an alley. That was the last trace of them.

Subsequent investigations revealed no signs of the child at major traffic points, exits, train stations, or airports. However, evidence suggested the child was still somewhere within Chicago.

The leader's outrage and the family's panic were palpable. Compounding the issue was the ongoing special anti-trafficking campaign, which only added to the stakes.

The Huxi Police Station, already under scrutiny, was now tasked with a near-impossible mission: find the child within 24 hours. Failure was not an option, as it would bring devastating consequences for the station's reputation and for Rex as the head.

"One day," Rex declared solemnly. "That's all the time we've got. We need everyone on their A-game. Comrades, this is not just a search—this is a battle. Let's find that child."

The gravity of his words silenced the room. The officers, including Antonia, responded with a resounding, unified commitment.

---

The Operation Commences

By evening, reinforcements from various departments across the city had arrived. Teams from neighboring police stations, the municipal crime squad, the traffic control unit, and even the economic crimes division joined the operation. The jurisdiction of the Huxi Police Station was now a hotbed of coordinated law enforcement efforts.

Patrols swarmed the streets, alleyways, and neighborhoods. Entertainment venues and gambling dens were shut down. The vicinity of the primary school became a focal point, with officers conducting door-to-door investigations.

Amid this chaos, Antonia was partnered with his mentor, Sam. Once again, their assignment was to patrol the bustling Dinglong Street, an area known for its complexities.

"Antonia," Sam began in his usual instructive tone, "as a rookie, your primary job is to familiarize yourself with every street and alley in our jurisdiction. You need to be a walking map."

Antonia listened attentively, nodding in agreement. Despite his usual attentiveness, his knack for unconventional actions often left Sam speechless.

For instance, earlier in the day, Sam had been explaining the challenges of policing, particularly the difficulty of catching thieves, when Antonia suddenly interrupted.

---

A Sudden Arrest

As they strolled through the crowded vegetable market and turned into a narrow alley, Sam continued his lecture.

"Look, Antonia, catching criminals isn't just about skill. Luck plays a big part too. You had an incredible start with a string of arrests on your first day, but don't let it get to your head. Most of the time, we're mediating disputes or—"

Sam's words were abruptly cut off when Antonia, without warning, grabbed a passing young man by the back of his collar and hoisted him off the ground.

"Ahh! Let me go!" the man shrieked, flailing his arms and legs in panic. "Help! Police officer, help me! This guy is crazy!"

Sam froze in disbelief. "Antonia, what are you doing? Don't tell me you think he's a thief!"

Antonia, unfazed, tightened his grip. "Master," he said calmly, "he really is a thief."

Sam's face turned a deep shade of red. "Antonia, for heaven's sake, this isn't a game! You can't just grab random people and—"

Antonia's focus remained on the young man, whom he scrutinized intently.

---

An Unmistakable Talent

Through his unique skillset, Antonia had already identified the man's profile:

[Name: Leela, 23 years old, unemployed. Crime: Stole $1,200 five minutes ago. No prior criminal record.]

Antonia's instincts were razor-sharp. The young man had just emerged from a nearby private building, nervously eyeing Sam's police uniform. He had hoped Antonia's casual attire meant he wasn't an officer.

However, as Leela tried to pass by unnoticed, Antonia's trained eyes and uncanny intuition honed in on him like a predator locking onto its prey.

"Let me go!" Leela wailed, his panic intensifying. "I didn't do anything!"

Sam was about to chastise Antonia further when his apprentice added calmly, "He stole $1,200 just five minutes ago. First-time offender."

Sam's jaw dropped. "Are you serious?"

Antonia nodded. "Completely."

Realizing he couldn't outtalk his captor, Leela resorted to tears, sobbing uncontrollably. "I swear, it's my first time! I didn't mean to—please don't arrest me!"

---

Another Case Closed

Despite Leela protests, a quick investigation confirmed Antonia's claim. The money was recovered, and the young man was escorted to the station. Sam, now a mixture of impressed and exasperated, shook his head as he watched his apprentice.

"You're unbelievable," Sam muttered. "How do you keep doing this?"

Antonia smiled modestly. "Just doing my job, Master."

As they returned to their patrol, Sam couldn't help but wonder: Was this pure luck, or was his apprentice truly gifted?

One thing was certain—Antonia's methods might be unconventional, but his results spoke for themselves.

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