“Who is it?”
“Who is it?”
From behind, Denise and Miguel asked in unison. Following that, they exchanged glances and quickly looked away disdainfully.
“It's that fellow who hacked us the other time!” Anthony's voice sounded.
Denise seemed to have recalled something. “The one who got rooted out by Nat in a second?”
“That's right.” Anthony nodded. He was visibly pleased with the description she gave.
Denise snickered. “What an interesting fellow. Isn't it embarrassing enough the other time? Why is he delivering himself to us again? There's no end to his shenanigans, huh?”
Anthony stared at the computer screen as he fell into deep thought. Benjamin peeked at the screen and analyzed, “After Nat weeded that fellow out previously, she already got the system's loopholes fixed, leaving him no way of getting in. Finding an opportunity to hack Miguel's phone was probably his only option left so that you'll actively seek him out.” His gaze landed on Anthony as he finished speaking.
At that, Miguel shifted his gaze to Anthony as well.
Is that so?
Anthony, nonetheless, had his eyes fixed on the computer screen. At that precise moment, the other party sent over a message that read: You've finally shown yourself.
“You're absolutely right,” Anthony said to Benjamin while nodding.
Benjamin curled the corners of his lips up.
Behind him, Miguel was at a loss for words. So, what on earth was I taken for? Cannon fodder? Or a foot pedal?
“But why did he do that? What motive does he have to look for you?” Miguel wondered aloud.
“He's probably unwilling to accept the reality,” Denise reasoned.
As if trying to seek verification, Miguel turned to look at Benjamin, to which the latter nodded and said, “Yeah, that's possible.”
At that very moment, Anthony got connected with the other party.
Anthony straightforwardly wrote: Tell me, what is it again this time?
That person cut to the chase and replied: Who is that person from the other time?
In their profession, it was possible to tell apart one from another based on their skills even without meeting face-to-face. Everyone had different areas of expertise and distinct ways of maneuver. That was why Anthony had already figured something out when the other party popped the question.
Nevertheless, as Natasha's identity concerned her safety, there was no way Anthony would expose her.
Anthony: What do you mean by the person from the other time? What are you talking about?
The other party: Don't tell me it was you previously.
Anthony: Well, what do you expect?
The other party: That person's skills are exceptional. Even though it was less than a minute, I could tell there was a difference. That's the first time I came across someone who can do great at both offense and defense.
His explanation made Anthony and the rest turn solemn.
The fact that he could discern it was another person's skills within a minute was enough to prove that he was not an ordinary person.
Staring at the computer screen, Anthony pondered briefly and replied: Thank you for your compliments. I'll gratefully accept it!
The other party: Your skills are impressive too, but you're only good at offense.
Anthony stilled for a split second before responding: What exactly are you trying to say?
The other party: I want to go head-to-head with you guys again!
Anthony: I don't have time for that.
The other party: Let's do it again. I may not lose this time.
Taking a deep breath, Anthony typed: Even if we compete another ten times, you'll still lose!
The other party: Aren't you a little too confident?
Anthony: Confident or not, can't you tell?
The other party: I admit I'm no match for that person. As for you, I think we have to compete again to see.
It was the first time someone had dared to doubt Anthony's capabilities.
Just as Anthony wanted to say something, Benjamin held him back. “Don't fall for his trick.”
Anthony turned to look at him.
“Since he has doubts, it'll be easy for him to find a flaw if you compete against him now,” Benjamin analyzed.
After a brief moment of hesitation, Anthony bobbed his head.
Anthony: You want to compete?
The other party: Of course.
Anthony: Sure. Bring it on!
“Tony...” Denise stared at her brother from behind.
Anthony kept silent and continued to look at the computer.
The other party: You'd better keep your word!
It was clear that the other party was pretty excited.
Anthony: My time is precious. Hurry up.
The other party: Let's play something fun and simple this time!
Anthony: What is it?
The other party: I have a piece of software that I just bought from someone. There's a flaw in it. Let's see who can locate it first.
Anthony: Sure.
Soon, their battle began.
“Tony...” Denise watched closely from behind.
A mischievous grin formed on Anthony's face as he pinned his eyes on the computer screen.
The other party: Let's begin.
With that, he took the lead and made a false start. As much as they both seized the time to begin the mission, Anthony became increasingly slower with his progress after his initial lackadaisical lunge forward. Eventually, he came to a point where he completely stopped doing anything.
Several minutes went by quickly. Suddenly, the other party typed: What's going on? Why aren't you moving?
Anthony: Carry on! I'm letting you win!
The other party: W-What's with that attitude?
Anthony: Nothing. You'll stop bothering me if you win, won't you? Hurry up, I'm busy.
Only then did realization dawn upon Denise about what was going on. Unable to hold herself back, she chuckled. “Tony, that's gonna drive him mad!”
“I've already let him win. What's there for him to be mad about?” Anthony said.
People in their profession were predominantly proud and entitled beings. To them, giving in to the other party in a competition was intolerable and comparable to an insult.
The other party: Tell me if you aren't interested in competing. What's the point of doing something like this?
Anthony: I've already said I don't want to compete! You were the one who refused to give up and continued clinging to me!
The other party was rendered speechless.
Anthony was undoubtedly terrific at pissing people off with his words.
The other party: I just want to see who's better.
Anthony: Sorry, but I'm not interested!
The other party: Then under what conditions will you compete with me?
Anthony: You won't be able to do it even if I tell you!
The other party: How do you know I can't do it if you don't tell me?
After mulling it over, Anthony wrote: Okay. I want you to leave Darknetz and stop helping them. Can you do that?
That person contemplated for a short while and responded: How about I do something else?
Anthony: Nope! That's that.
That person was gripped by hesitancy.
Anthony: That's enough. Don't boast if you can't do it. Since you're helping Darknetz, that means we're enemies. In that case, there's no point in helping each other out. That's it. See you, my rival.
The other party: Can you at least tell me who you are?
After giving it some thought, Anthony replied: Anonymous.
While the other party was still in bewilderment, Anthony went offline.
Denise gazed at him. “Tony, why did you tell him who you are?”
Anthony turned to her and clarified, “He'll continue to find trouble with Miguel if I don't reveal myself.”
“Then why can't you just come up with a random name? Aren't you exposing yourself this way?” Denise asked.
Anthony smiled nonchalantly. “There's no point in doing that. Besides, Nat will be in danger if I don't reveal my identity. Anyway, though I've spoken the truth, that doesn't necessarily mean he'll believe me.”
“But—”
“All right. Don't worry. I know what I'm doing,” Anthony assured.
Denise stared at him. Her lips moved for a bit as though she wanted to speak, but ultimately, she held her tongue.
Right at that moment, Anthony, who still had his attention on the computer screen, narrowed his eyes. A glint flashed across that pair of aura-filled eyes.
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