Reborn From Oblivion

No. 13, with his almost flawless, handsome face, suddenly seemed to be under a shadow of gloom. Known for his icy demeanor and lack of empathy, he rarely showed interest in the world's happenings. But he hadn't always been this way.

As a child, he was betrayed by his own family and saw the horrific actions of human traffickers firsthand-how they degraded young girls and ruthlessly killed defenseless children. Even trapped in that nightmare, constantly living in fear, he held onto a big dream.

He wanted to become a detective, to eradicate these vile traffickers and make sure every child could grow up safe and sound. But life's harsh lessons taught him, "Not every parent is fit to be one."

Years of disappointment forged his once fiery heart into the cold and indifferent person he became. Yet, if there was one thing he still held dear, it was that childhood dream and the person who inspired it.

No. 13 spoke softly, "Maybe I shouldn't let others go through the storms I've weathered." He said it with a casual air, like he was just a bystander to that hellish ordeal, not someone who lived through it.

Detective Barnes was caught off guard. With his wealth of experience, he knew that even the coldest people had their soft spots. But he never imagined that No. 13, infamous for his aloofness, would show a hint of compassion for trafficked children. It was truly unexpected.

Grateful words flowed out, ending with a straightforward question, "What do you need me to do for you? If it's within my reach, I'll do my best to help."

No. 13 replied with a carefree tone, "I'm like a bird destined to stay in a cage for life. Even if I have desires and grievances, I must learn to let them go. There's nothing I need your help with."

Detective Barnes was taken aback. No. 13 was a top target for the authorities, untouched by the lure of money or prestige, yet he was willing to assist without strings attached.

"Then why are you helping me?" he asked, curious.

No. 13 returned to his cool demeanor, dodging the question and instead making a request: "I need a computer."

Detective Barnes responded, "I'll have to run that up the chain."

No. 13 nodded and said nothing more.

When Detective Barnes reported back to his bosses and colleagues about No. 13, skepticism was thick in the air.

"Why would No. 13 suddenly be so generous?"

"Someone like him, who even turns

his back on his own friends and family, clearly lacks empathy.

must have a hidden agenda ve

wanting to help with the case." swnovel

"We can't let him have a computer. What if he uses it for his own selfish ends?"

The flicker of hope in Detective

Barnes's heart quickly dimmed. He slumped, running his fingers through his hair-a telltale sign of hiso

confusion and helplessness. swnovel

Finally, gathering the nerve to stand his ground, he declared, "I trust him."

The others looked at him as if he'd lost his mind.

"We can't judge everyone by thenoveldrama

same standards. What if No. 13 is a rare case, someone who's done plenty of wrong but now wants to set things right?" Detective Barnes argued. swnovel