Freshman x Sorceress (GL)

Chapter 28 - Special Agent Tres

A group of men in black suits surveyed the forest where the portal had opened. They moved with precision, collecting geographical data, their devices flashing and beeping as they mapped the area.

Two large vans, parked strategically, cordoned off the site, their powerful headlights illuminating the dark woods. Police tape fluttered in the breeze, marking the perimeter, while forensic specialists in white hazmat suits moved methodically within the enclosed space, examining the ground and taking samples.

Then, a pair of headlights could be seen approaching from afar, their beams cutting through the darkness. The vehicle grew closer, finally coming to a stop in front of the group. A lone man stepped out of the sleek, black sedan, his presence commanding immediate attention.

He had a slim build, the tailored lines of his all-black suit accentuating his lean frame. A single, jagged scar ran all the way around his neck, a sinister necklace hinting at a violent past. Despite the late hour, he wore dark sunglasses, the lenses reflecting the scattered lights from the vans and forensic equipment. He was of average height with black slicked back hair. Apart from his neck scar, nothing about him really stood out in particular, an average man with an average build.

The man reached into the inner pocket of his suit blazer with practiced ease and brought out a badge, flicking it open with a fluid motion that spoke of countless repetitions. He brandished it to the two men in black who stood at the tape's edge. Without hesitation, they parted, allowing him access to the restricted area.

"Welcome, sir. Director Foyer is waiting for you," said one of the men, his tone respectful and tinged with a hint of awe.

The man nodded, slipping his badge back into his pocket while using his other hand to slightly raise the tape as he ducked under it. He walked with a purposeful stride into the heart of the operation.

As he made his way toward Martin Foyer, the specialists and agents around him paused momentarily, their eyes following his progress. This was a man of authority, someone whose presence signaled the gravity of the situation. The portal had attracted the highest level of scrutiny, and with this man's arrival, it was clear that events were about to take a significant turn.

Martin turned to greet the mysterious man, a look of relief washing over his face. "Matthias. Thanks for getting here on such short notice. I know you were already on assignment, but that'll have to wait," he said, extending his hand in a gesture of familiarity and respect.

Matthias took Martin's hand, his grip firm and assured. "No problem, sir. I was nearing the end of the operation anyway. I left the others behind to finish up," Matthias responded, his voice calm and composed.

He released Martin's hand and surveyed the bustling scene around them, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. "So, what's the situation?"

Martin sighed, running a hand through his graying hair. "It's unlike anything we've encountered before. After the lab techs picked up an abnormal Quantum energy spike at this location, we got here as quickly as possible and started to pick up traces of exotic matter, now we're attempting to pinpoint its exact location. We've got a perimeter secured, and the forensics team is collecting as much data as they can, but we need your expertise to make sense of it."

Matthias nodded, his expression growing serious. "Has there been anything else besides the abnormal energy spike?"

"Actually yes, something rather strange." Martin admitted. "We received reports of a man suspended in a state of stasis. He was found in his apartment at 08:00 by his landlord when he failed to answer the door. I've already sent four agents to the scene to investigate."

Matthias thought for a moment then said, "Stasis you say? This whole situation isn't sitting right with me, there's something we're missing here."

"Well there's not much for me to do here," Matthias said, his tone decisive. "I'll make my way downtown to see what the situation with this stasis man is. I should be able to put some pieces together from there. Could you send me all the data you've collected so far? I'll need access to everything."

"Done." Martin turned and shouted, "John!"

John peeled away from one of the forensic specialists he was liaising with and approached the pair. Upon seeing Special Agent Tres from across the way, his footsteps quickened and his eyes brightened.

He stopped in front of the two and exclaimed, "Oh my goodness, you're Matthias Tres! Sole receiver of the only Crimson Heart ever awarded to any military personnel. I remember watching you on TV as a kid. Is it true you saved all those people at Moyeng Harbour?"

It was clear John was a huge fan of Matthias'.

"Ahem, not the time, John," Martin said, clearing his throat.

"My apologies, sir. How can I be of service?"

"Send Matthias all the data we've collected so far, and also forward him the location of the police report we received this morning," Martin instructed.

"Consider it already done sir," replied John.

"Great, I'm heading out," said Matthias as he turned to head back to his car. He stopped momentarily and looked at the pair. "Sir, if this is what my hunch is telling me it is, things are gonna get bad before they get worse.  Permission to gather my team?"

"Sure, I'll signal them back in once they're done with their assignment," replied Martin.

"No, sir, my 'team'."

Martin's eyes widened in shock when he heard this, then he adjusted and gave Matthias a slight nod of approval.

Matthias continued towards his car. As he ducked under the tape again, the two stationed there saluted him in unison as he walked past them. Matthias got into his car, paused for a moment and took a deep breath out.

He flicked open the glove box and pulled out a folded towel, setting it on his lap. As he unfolded it, there sat a wand, sleek and elegant. He picked it up and ran his finger along its edge, the otherworldly mahogany reacting to his touch.

"Is this it? Can I finally go home now?" Matthias muttered to himself.

Martin and John stood together, reflecting on the conversation they had just had.

"I can't believe I'm gonna be working with Matthias Tres! This is like a dream come true," John said, excitement clear in his voice.

"Yeah, the guy's a legend. If he can't put these pieces together, then we're seriously fucked," Martin replied, his tone more somber.