"Our area is located within the London metropolitan region, which has a population of nearly ten million people," George Lawson said. "However, the area under our direct responsibility is complex and dense. Twenty years ago, this area was still an old district with unplanned settlements. The redevelopment project was only truly completed in the last few years."
He paused briefly, then continued,
"The permanent population in this area approaches four hundred thousand people, while the temporary population—including contract workers and newcomers—exceeds nine hundred thousand."
The police officer candidates exchanged surprised glances, while George Lawson walked slowly in front of the line with his hands clasped behind his back.
"This area is dominated by migrant workers, short-term tenants, and dozens of nightlife venues," he continued in a flat tone.
He glanced at the crowd before adding,
"But in terms of staffing, to handle an area this large, our entire station only has one hundred twenty-eight people—including administrative staff, canteen workers, and support personnel. Clearly, this number is far from sufficient."
Hearing that, the candidates immediately realized that George Lawson's statement was not merely information, but a form of deliberate psychological pressure.
Without hesitation, he continued with renewed vigor,
"That is why the London Metropolitan Police Service prioritizes the placement of police academy graduates at Rosewood Station, in order to alleviate the staffing burden."
"Some of you may join the Criminal Investigation Unit, some the security unit, patrol, or even be assigned to a community police post to manage population data."
He narrowed his eyes, assessing the recruits' expressions.
"But everything depends on your professional expertise. If you are truly capable, follow me to the Criminal Investigation Unit."
Seeing the enthusiasm starting to rise on their faces, his demeanor softened slightly.
"Of course, everyone's abilities are different. Some are better suited for fieldwork, others for administration. It all depends on individual suitability."
But just as the atmosphere began to lighten, George Lawson's voice hardened again.
"However, I want to emphasize one thing from the start," he said loudly.
"We will not keep anyone with low professional competence or who tries to cut corners during the probationary period. You will not pass the evaluation."
"This rule applies to all police units in the UK. All we need are officers with exceptional abilities. The question is—are you one of them?"
Those words struck the confidence of the prospective officers like a sledgehammer.
The enthusiasm that had just flared up immediately dimmed, their emotions rising and falling like a roller coaster.
Ethan Cole, however, didn't dwell on it. From the beginning, he had been ready to dedicate himself entirely to the state.
He came here to be forged, and what George Lawson said was entirely in line with his expectations.
From the perspective of the trainees, almost everyone secretly hoped to be assigned to the Rosewood Police Station—especially the Criminal Investigation Unit led directly by George Lawson.
After all, the unit was a prestigious training location, and George Lawson had long been a legendary figure often discussed on the notice boards of various police academies.
Half of them came here because of the unit's reputation.
The other half… also because of the same man.
The name Rosewood Police Station itself was enough of a symbol of honor.
"But don't be too tense," George Lawson continued. "You still have a year. Whether you want to become a hero or just pass through—that is your choice."
Having said that, he turned to a Police Inspector Grade Three and gave some brief instructions, then faced the prospective officers again.
"This is Officer Ryan Miller from the Second Criminal Investigation Unit," he said, introducing him. "He is an experienced investigator. Today, I have asked him to administer a small test to assess your abilities."
Ryan Miller was a solidly built man with a stern, square face. Years of dealing with serious criminals made his aura far more formidable than that of an average police officer.
However, he knew exactly how to keep the situation under control.
He quickly stepped to the front of the line, saluted, and then said,
"This is a tradition at Rosewood Station. We always prioritize outstanding candidates. Now, I need one newcomer to come with me."
The recruits exchanged glances. Many wanted to step forward but were still hesitant.
After assessing the line for a moment, Ryan Miller's gaze stopped on Ethan Cole, who was unconsciously boosting the entire team's aura.
"You," he said, pointing at Ethan.
"You'll do."
Being handpicked by Ryan Miller was merely an opportunity for Ethan Cole to train. More than that, it was a chance to showcase his abilities and leave a lasting impression. He knew this moment could not be wasted.
Ryan Miller had been assigned by George Lawson to conduct an introductory session for the police officer candidates. This wasn't his first time doing so, meaning he already had a deep understanding of the general characteristics and weaknesses of new recruits.
The police academy is always separated from society by an "invisible wall." No matter how well someone masters theory, that theory will ultimately be tested—and often defeated—by real-world experience.
Especially the young people who just join the force—they almost always possess excessive self-confidence, acting as if they can immediately handle major cases.
"Alright everyone, relax," Ryan Miller said, offering a casual, slightly indifferent smile.
With Ethan's help, he moved the whiteboard to the front of the formation and said, "As police officers, reasoning ability is the most fundamental requirement. Being able to reach the correct conclusion in the shortest possible time means you pass."
While Ryan spoke, Ethan attached several photos of clues to the whiteboard using colored magnets, exactly as instructed.
The other candidates craned their necks, silently reading and committing the contents of the board to memory:
> "On a Sunday morning, a widow was found murdered in the bathtub of her private villa. She had moved to the villa in a London satellite town three years ago and rarely interacted with the local residents."
…
> "Only on weekends did a housekeeper named Helen come to clean the house. Compared to the small stature of the victim, Helen was tall and strong. She was capable of doing much of the heavy labor usually performed by men, but the relationship between Helen and the victim was cold, and they rarely communicated."
…
> "Helen was the first person to discover the victim's body. Early Sunday morning, upon arriving to clean the house, she found the widow dead in the bathtub with a stab wound to the chest. The showerhead was still spraying hot water, causing the water in the tub to overflow."
…
> "Based on initial investigation, signs of a struggle were found in the second-floor bedroom. A feather pillow was torn, and white feathers were scattered across the floor."
> "According to Helen's testimony, she left the victim's villa at 3:00 PM on Saturday after finishing her work. At that time, the victim was watching television in the living room. Afterward, Helen went to another employer's house to cook and only returned home around 10:00 PM. Her employer and neighbors can confirm this alibi."
…
> "Another suspect is Leo Brown, an unemployed young man in the area known to be addicted to gambling. Someone saw him lurking around the villa at approximately 10:00 PM on Saturday night."
> "The question is simple," the text continued.
"Who is the killer? And what was the motive?"