Kenneth nodded before turning to Miguel and the rest. “Thank you so much!”
Perky as always, Miguel smiled. “Don't mention it, Mr. Hamilton. Feel free to call us if you need our help!”
Given how energetic and charming Miguel was, no one would ever guess that he and his friends had the power to control the world from behind their computers.
After a moment of contemplation, Kenneth gave them another nod.
“All right, let's head inside first,” Dave suggested. “We can discuss further once we've gotten everything set up.”
“Sure!” Miguel replied before leading his team into the hotel.
As the six of them walked in with their hands full of boxes and black bags, there was no doubt it was quite a spectacle.
Anthony couldn't help but turn to Dave. “Mr. Dave, don't you think this will only draw more attention to ourselves?”
“Many people have gathered in the uninhabited zone recently. Miguel and the others being here won't matter much.”
“But they're still very eye-catching in the hotel!”
Even though they're from different countries, they're all so young and handsome that even I am envious of them! How I wish I could grow up immediately. That way, I'd be able to help out more.
Just then, Benjamin piped up, “Don't worry. Mr. Dave booked this entire hotel floor ten minutes ago. The hotel staff has already cleared everyone out.”
As soon as he heard that, Anthony drew back in surprise.
Dave, however, remained calm and composed as though what he had done was no big deal.
“It's more convenient that way,” he said. “Besides, they'll be sitting at their computers most of the time. So as long as they stay out of trouble, they won't draw attention to themselves. Don't worry!”
Anthony nodded before a teasing smirk flitted across his face. “You know what, Mr. Dave? The way you spend your money is a lot like my daddy!”
“Is that so?”
“Yes! You two are exactly the same!”
Dave laughed and shook his head. “Oh, that's where you're mistaken. This money is from your daddy!”
Anthony was stunned.
“Once everything's settled, I'll send him the bill,” Dave added.
“Well, that might be rather difficult...” Anthony teased.
“How so?”
“Yes, Daddy's rich, and sometimes he behaves like one too. However, there are also times when he guards his money so fiercely that he'd rather die than give a cent away.”
Dave instantly looked up at Kenneth. “J, you aren't like that, are you?”
To his horror, Kenneth gave him a wry smile. “My son clearly knows me better!” he mused before striding into the hotel.
“What? Does that mean you're going back on your word?”
“You are? I've heard that Vermillion Base was one of the first organizations to groom hackers. Are you sure you're wiping them out?” Anthony asked in disbelief.
Once again, Dave nodded. “Yes, they were indeed the first to groom hackers. Back then, the internet was only starting to take off, and Vermillion Base was already threatening to destroy companies from various countries. From there, they'd strike a deal and promise to halt all attacks as long as the companies paid them. Can you imagine how much money they made during that period?”
“Their actions were undeniably shameless, but it was also sufficient to prove they weren't a force to be reckoned with,” Anthony said.
“Indeed, but that's all in the past,” Dave said. “As time went by and with the development of information technology, most companies have already beefed up their internet security. And yet, Vermillion Base continues to resort to shameless tactics to swindle money. Do you know how many enemies they've made because of that? More importantly, they've been hiding in such a secluded place that I doubt they can still fight against the rest of the world.”
Anthony raised his brow. “So, are you trying to eliminate a public scourge?”
“I'm not that selfless!”
“What's your reason, then?” Anthony probed. “Aren't you just being a bully by wiping them out?”
Before Dave could reply, Miguel took out the lollipop from his mouth and spoke. “When I investigated Vermillion Base some time ago, I discovered they've been working for a private company. Of course, I dug deeper into that company, and the results weren't pretty. They're crooks who have harmed many people and cheated their money over the years.”
“So?”
“The most important reason, though, is that this company has affiliations with the local government.”
Anthony froze momentarily as his mind started whirling.
“Mr. Dave, are you implying Vermillion Base has connections to the local government? But aren't they supposed to be the rebels?”
“We aren't sure of that yet, but we also can't rule out the possibility of an umbrella of protection. Therefore, if we want to save Nat, we'll have to hit them with a total disruption,” Dave said, enunciating each word carefully. “Otherwise, we won't be able to escape unscathed.”
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