Back in the footage room, Lennie raised the possibility of Inferno Ghost possessing two abilities.
"Lennie, what are you suggesting?" Anna asked, her brows furrowing in confusion.
"I think Inferno Ghost might not just be a single power wielder," Lennie replied, his gaze fixed on the screen. "He could be a dual wielder or a multi wielder, harnessing multiple abilities simultaneously."
Anna glanced at the footage again, considering Lennie's theory. "Dual wielder? Multi wielder? You mean he possesses more than one power?"
"That's right," Lennie confirmed. "In fact, there are terms for them—synergetic dualism and synergetic multi-ism. It's when an individual possesses more than one distinct ability that synergizes with each other, meaning that these abilities would complement each other and function in harmony to enhance that person's overall capabilities.
Lieutenant Hodge leaned in, intrigued. "So, you're suggesting that Inferno Ghost might be even more formidable than we initially thought?"
Lennie nodded solemnly. "Exactly. If he's indeed a dual wielder or a multi wielder, it explains how he couldn't be captured for so long.
Now back in the conference room, the vice president of ASH is engaged in a serious conversation with Shadow, the Tier A hero.
"I have troubling news," the vice president began solemnly. "Your brother... he's been killed."
Shadow's expression turned to one of shock. "No... How could this happen?"
With a heavy heart, the vice president explained, "It's the work of Hero Killer (HAKER/HKR). I'm truly sorry, Shadow."
Frustration and regret washed over Shadow. "Damn it... If only I had been there to protect him."
"There was nothing you could have done," the vice president consoled. "Haker operates with ruthless efficiency."
Determination flashed in Shadow's eyes. "I won't rest until I've brought those Hero Killing fuckers to justice!" He vowed.
After their conversation, Shadow left the conference room, his mind filled with questions and his heart heavy with grief and anger. Little did he know, the vice president harbored a secret about what truly happened to his brother, a secret that could shake the very foundation of their hero association.
Detectives Lennie and Anna returned to the site of the taxi explosion. They stood silently against the sidewalk, observing the makeshift memorial placed in the middle of the road. It was adorned with flowers, a photograph of the taxi driver, and various mementos, including a cover of Ethereal Swims and other items dedicated to Suzy, Mr. Frost's daughter.
"So, I guess he was standing right here when he decided to explode the taxi," Anna said, gesturing to the spot. "But wouldn't the distance between him and the taxi be too close?" she continued.
"That's where the spatial ability comes in," Lennie explained. "He escaped in the guise of the explosion."
Anna furrowed her brows. "So, he used the explosion as a cover to disappear?"
Lennie nodded. "Exactly. It's a clever tactic, making it seem like he was caught in the blast when, in reality, he's using his powers to escape unnoticed."
"That's diabolical," Anna remarked, shaking her head in disbelief. "We're dealing with one cunning bastard."
"I saw him..." Said a homeless man with a dog sitting on a rug, catching Lennie and Anna off guard. "When I was coming around the corner with Deary," he gestured to his pet dog, "I saw him standing right where you were, and the vehicle exploded into billions of pieces," he exaggerated. "And then he disappeared out of thin air," he continued.
Lennie and Anna exchanged surprised glances before Anna spoke up. "Are you sure about what you saw? It's important."
The homeless man nodded vigorously. "Absolutely sure. I may not have much, but my eyesight is still sharp as ever."
Lennie then asked the homeless man if he remembered what the person looked like. The man shook his head. "Didn't see much," he replied. "Just got a weird vibe from him for a moment. Saw the side of his face, his hair was sort of short and spiky, and his eyes were big."
"Well then, thank you for sharing this with us," Lennie said, and gave him five dollars.
As they began walking, Anna voiced her doubts. "First, he said he didn't see much, but now he can remember how the guy looked from just a split second?"
"Possibly he has photographic memory," Lennie suggested.
"Or maybe he's just playing with us, he was listening in on our conversation," Anna speculated.
"Maybe or maybe not, but we don't have time to speculate. We need all the info we can get on this guy, real or not. The little things can help us," Lennie replied, his tone resolute.
Back at the detective bureau, a junior detective knocked on Lieutenant Hodge's door, seeking entry to relay important information from the secretary. Hodge granted him access, and the detective delivered the shocking news that the victim in the alley was a hero spy from ASH. Hodge's intense stare made the rookie nervous, and sensing his cue to leave, the junior detective hastily exited the office, fearing Hodge's reaction.
Shortly after, Hodge burst out of his office, his commanding presence drawing the attention of everyone currently in the homicide department. He strode purposefully to the secretary's desk, his voice booming with authority as he demanded answers.
"Who gave you that information?" he thundered, his eyes piercing as he awaited the secretary's response. "Tell me now!"