Hulk : The Thunderstrike

Antonia's series of actions stunned not only his mentor Sam but also left the officers of the Chicago Police Department speechless.

Even the worried Director Rex and the station's instructor, Matt, were astonished. The situation involving the missing child of a city leader had become an intense case that put the entire department on edge.

---

"Officer Antonia, your performance today has been outstanding. It's only your first day, but you've already made incredible contributions," said Rex during the evening shift change.

However, the joy on Rex's face quickly faded into a somber expression. "But as you know, our current situation is dire. Time is not on our side."

He looked at Antonia and added with a heavy heart, "We have less than 24 hours to locate the city leader's child. I've already made a personal commitment to my superiors to resolve this case."

Antonia nodded solemnly. He fully understood the stakes. The abduction of a city leader's child had shaken the city to its core, leading to a massive police operation across Chicago.

Despite the progress made during the investigation, no concrete leads on the missing child had surfaced. Although numerous criminals, including fugitives, had been apprehended, the trail to the missing child remained cold.

The frustration among the officers was palpable. Rex, as the department head, bore the brunt of the pressure, his concern visible in every line on his face.

Antonia snapped to attention. "Director, I understand the urgency of this mission. I'll do whatever it takes."

Rex nodded appreciatively. "Good. I knew I could count on you."

---

The next morning, when Antonia arrived at work, he was taken aback by the news he received.

His mentor, Sam, had seemingly "sold him out."

The director had reassigned Antonia to partner with another officer, Marco, for the day. Suspicion brewed in Antonia's mind as he glanced at Sam.

His gaze was sharp, and his towering physique made his presence intimidating. Standing at 6'6" and weighing nearly 300 pounds, Antonia's stern demeanor often gave people the impression of a seasoned veteran rather than a rookie. This was especially true after the system had enhanced his already commanding presence.

"Sam, care to explain what's going on here?" Antonia's voice was low and measured.

Sam flinched slightly but quickly recovered. "Antonia, don't give me that look. It's not what you think."

He coughed nervously before explaining, "Our department has received reinforcements from other precincts. They're not familiar with the area, so as an experienced officer, I've been assigned to assist them. That's all there is to it."

Antonia narrowed his eyes but said nothing. He couldn't shake the feeling that his mentor was dodging something, but without evidence, he decided to let it slide.

---

At 8:30 a.m., Antonia and Marco began their patrol.

Marco, a relatively new officer with a penchant for chatting, tried to break the tension. "Hey, Antonia, it's been 16 hours since the city leader's child went missing. The clock is ticking, and we still have no leads. It's frustrating, isn't it?"

Antonia glanced at Marco but didn't respond immediately. Instead, he continued scanning the streets with his sharp eyes.

Marco, unfazed, continued, "You know, there's a lot riding on this case. Whoever finds that child will be a hero. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Antonia's lips curled into a faint smile. "Marco, let's focus on the task at hand. Daydreaming about glory won't help us find the kid."

Marco laughed nervously. "Fair enough, fair enough. But seriously, your reputation is already legendary around here. I mean, catching so many criminals on your first day? You're a walking legend!"

Antonia sighed. He appreciated Marco's enthusiasm but knew that the stakes were far too high for casual banter.

---

As they continued their patrol, Antonia's system alerted him to potential suspects in the area. His heightened intuition and analytical skills had become his most valuable assets.

By noon, they had apprehended two individuals linked to human trafficking. However, neither provided any useful information about the missing child.

The frustration was mounting, but Antonia refused to give up. His determination only grew stronger with each passing hour.

---

Back at the station, Rex and Matt were poring over case files and reports. Every available resource had been mobilized, but the lack of progress was disheartening.

"We're running out of time, Matt," Rex said, his voice heavy with worry. "If we don't find that child soon, the consequences will be unimaginable."

Matt nodded grimly. "I know. But we still have Antonia out there. If anyone can crack this case, it's him."

Rex leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the wall. "Let's hope you're right."

---

Meanwhile, Antonia and Marco continued their search, combing through every lead and scrutinizing every detail.

As night fell, Antonia's instincts led him to an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. Something about the place felt off.

"Marco, stay close," Antonia said as they approached the building.

Inside, they found evidence of recent activity—discarded food wrappers, footprints, and a few scattered toys.

"This is it," Antonia muttered. "The kid was here."

Marco radioed for backup while Antonia began searching the premises. His heart pounded as he moved through the dimly lit corridors.

Finally, in a small, locked room, he found the missing child, frightened but unharmed.

"It's okay," Antonia said gently, kneeling down to the child's level. "You're safe now."

The child clung to him tightly, tears streaming down their face.

---

By the time backup arrived, Antonia had already secured the area and ensured the child's safety. The news spread quickly, and the entire department erupted in celebration.

Rex and Matt arrived at the scene, their relief palpable.

"Antonia, you've done it again," Rex said, clapping him on the shoulder. "You've saved the day."

Antonia smiled faintly, his towering figure seeming even more imposing in the dim light. "Just doing my job, sir."

As the child was reunited with their family, Antonia felt a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. Despite the challenges and the doubts, he had proven himself once again.

For Antonia, this was more than just a victory—it was a reminder of why he had chosen this path in the first place.

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