As he sat in front of the computer, Anthony's hands danced across the keyboard as quickly as a flash. Following his movements, the computer interface began to change.
When he made his move, so did the other party. As a result, the computer interface returned to the video clip once again.
Miguel watched from the side; his brows knitted into a tight knot. “I can't believe they haven't left! They're still waiting here. Aren't they way too full of themselves? Teach them a lesson, Master!” he said, looking over at Anthony.
Despite his boyish face, there was a hint of maturity and hostility in Anthony's expression, making him look beyond his years.
His movements were steady and smooth. They were neither too fast nor too slow. Soon enough, there were changes in the computer interface. Seeing this, Miguel couldn't contain his excitement and clapped his hands together, exclaiming, “Awesome! They fell for it! Master, you're really amazing!”
Meanwhile, Dave stood at the back, observing them. When he heard Miguel's voice, he furrowed his brows slightly. “Keep it down, Miguel. Don't disrupt his focus.”
Miguel instantly shut his mouth and resumed staring intently at the screen.
Anthony continued to deal with the hacker. He noticed that the person on the other end seemed to have fallen for his traps, but they would always evade them at the tensest moment.
Looking at the computer screen, Anthony narrowed his eyes. “How interesting...”
Besides Natasha, Anthony had never encountered another person who was evenly matched with him. At that moment, his desire to win grew stronger, and he resumed typing away on the computer. Just then, Anthony had repaired the foundation, so he was no longer using the same strategy of going slow and steady. It was as if he did a one-eighty, becoming fast and accurate.
The hacker seemed to notice something was amiss and questioned directly: Who are you? You're not the person from before.
Anthony gave a calm and cool response: I'm your master, of course.
Miguel couldn't help chuckling upon seeing the little boy's response. Just as he was about to say something, he noticed the warning glance Dave was sending his way. Hence, he swallowed his words and held in his laughter as he continued looking at the screen.
Hacker: You're impressive. Much more impressive compared to the one before you.
Anthony: You too. You've managed to survive against me for five minutes.
The other party was rendered speechless, and once again, Miguel burst out laughing at Anthony's witty remark.
Is that a compliment? It sounds more like an extreme insult for a hacker!
Hacker: I came unprepared today, but I'll definitely return. I hope that the next time I'm here, you'll face me as your true self!
Anthony: You won't have a chance to come back.
Hacker: You're arrogant.
Anthony: To you, it may be arrogance, but to me, it's confidence.
Hacker: Do you believe I'll be back again?
Anthony: No need. Next time, I'll find you.
Evidently, the hacker was dubious about Anthony's declaration and wrote: You'll find me?
Anthony: What's the matter? Do you have a problem with that?
Hacker: Do you have the ability to do so?
Anthony: Why don't we give it a try and find out?
Hacker: All right. You have two days. I'll be waiting, and if you don't show up by then, I'll come and find you.
Anthony: Scram!
In response, the hacker sent a middle finger before retreating.
After that, the computers in the hidden room returned to normal.
Miguel stared at the screen with a puzzled expression on his face. “That's it? He ran away just like that?”
“What else do you want from him, then?” Dave retorted.
“I...” Miguel's words remained at the tip of his tongue, refusing to go past his lips. In the end, he merely murmured something to himself.
Meanwhile, Anthony was still seated in front of the computer, his fingers dancing across the keyboard. Ten minutes later, he finally rose to his feet and swept his gaze across the people behind him. “I've strengthened the firewall. You guys should be able to hold out for a while if he manages to hack into the system again. Just give me a call if anything arises.”
Miguel was impressed by the little boy's leadership and swiftly bobbed his head in response. “Got it!”
“If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now.”
“Ma—” Miguel was about to pipe up when he was stopped by Dave.
“Let him have some quiet time to himself.”
“Is there anything weird with the video clip, Dave?”
At that, Dave's gaze landed on Miguel, scrutinizing the latter. “What do you think?”
Miguel frowned at his words.
A helpless sigh escaped Dave's lips as he shook his head. “How did you become a hacker with those observation skills of yours?”
He left after saying that, leaving Miguel baffled.
Miguel returned to his seat with unanswered questions that piqued his curiosity. He eyed the people around him and questioned, “Do anyone of you have a copy of the video clip earlier?”
“I do. I saved it,” said someone.
“You... How are you so good at saving things!” Miguel complimented.
“It's a habit at this point.”
“Let me have a look at it!”
When Miguel received the file, he clicked on it and began watching the clip on repeat. The more he stared at it, the more familiar the person in the footage seemed. However, Miguel couldn't quite put his finger on where he'd seen the person.
Miguel was wholly confounded, his frown deepening.
Outside, Anthony finally stopped in his tracks after arriving at a quiet spot. The beautiful sky and lustrous nature fostered an atmosphere of serenity.
Tears streamed down his cheeks as he clenched his tiny fists even tighter.
When Dave caught up with Anthony, the boy had his back facing him, and all Dave could see was his trembling silhouette.
“Ahem!” Dave pretended to clear his throat to alert Anthony of his presence.
Upon hearing that, the boy hurriedly raised his hand to wipe his tears away.
He didn't fancy showing his weaknesses to anyone.
While walking toward Anthony, Dave asked, “What's the matter? Feeling bad?”
Instead of answering the man, Anthony posed a question of his own, “If it was your family in the clip, would you feel bad?”
Dave paused briefly, an icy glint flashing across his deep, dark eyes. In the next second, he curved the corner of his lips upward. “I probably would. I was just a little boy when it happened, and I don't remember the incident at all. The person who raised me told me that they killed my family right in front of me. Moreover, the wounds were fatal.”
At the mention of that, Anthony stilled for a moment before turning around to look at Dave. He certainly didn't expect Dave, who exuded class and elegance, to have been through such a horrendous experience.
His long eyelashes quivered slightly. “I'm sorry. I didn't know, and I didn't mean to bring it up...”
A smile tugged at the corner of Dave's lips as he fixed his eyes on the apologetic boy. “There's no need to apologize. I don't remember what happened, but if I did, I suppose I'd react the same way you did.”
Anthony lowered his eyes, a wave of emotions surging in his heart. “I know that it's already a miracle for Nat to survive through all that, but when I saw the footage, I just can't help it...”
Dave went up to the boy and sat in a spot next to him. “That's normal, isn't it? Anyone would react the way you did, but do you know why he sent that footage over?”
Anthony lifted his head and looked at the man, awaiting an answer.
“He's deliberately provoking you guys so that you'd take the initiative to challenge him. It would be to his advantage if you made a mistake.”
Anthony nodded at Dave's response. “I understand now, Mr. Dave.”
A word was enough to the wise. Anthony was a smart boy, and naturally, Dave knew that.
Gazing at the boy, Dave queried, “So what do you think about joining DX? When you grow up, you'll be in charge of DX. Regardless of how you wish to deal with them, the entirety of DX will have your back.”
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