Previously, the scandal involving Derek and Melinda had captured the public’s attention. But within just over ten minutes, the crisis at the Warren Group eclipsed the scandal, sparking intense debates across the internet
“I heard the Warren Group’s servers were compromised. None of their computers boot, their games are down, and all their online services are halted.”
“I’m puzzled about what the Warren Group did to provoke the top hacker Bee. In today’s digital-dependent era, I’m curious how long the Warren Group will manage without their network services.”
“Besides Him, no one seems capable of standing against Bee. If the Warren Group can’t secure Him’s services, they better brace for financial ruin!”
“I’ve been a fan of the games developed by the Warren Group, thinking they were top-notch. Now it’s clear they can’t even safeguard their network. I’m deleting their games right now!”
In the wake of this public outcry, the Warren Group’s stock price took a nosedive, erasing billions of dollars within moments. When Aelfric reached the company, he found Ewing, the network security director, packing his belongings, poised to resign
Upon seeing Aelfric, Ewing gestured helplessly. “I apologize, Mr. Warren, but I simply can’t compete with Bee.”
Aelfric’s complexion grew pale with frustration. “Does your inability to match Bee justify abandoning your post? We invested heavily in your skills for a reason. Are we to see no return on that investment?”
Ewing sighed deeply. “Mr. Warren, the salary the Warren Group pays me is indeed generous, and I’ve done everything in my power to safeguard our network security. But we’re up against Bee now. You know how formidable Bee is. I could find another job elsewhere and still earn a good salary. But crossing Bee would blacklist me from the hacking community forever.”
Overwhelmed by anger, Aelfric kicked Ewing to the floor. “Scoundrel!”
Aelfric, suffering from earlier injuries and not in condition for physical exertion, found the effort of kicking Ewing exhausting. He staggered backward to catch his breath. Once he steadied himself, he loomed over Ewing, who was now crumpled on the floor, and barked, “You fear Bee’s vengeance, but what about my wrath? Even if the Warren Group crumbles, I retain my role as the deputy chief instructor at the Doomsday Base. I have the resources to pursue you anywhere on the globe!”
Ewing trembled with fear
With a scornful laugh, Aelfric continued, “Bee’s revenge might end your career as a hacker. But cross me, and it could cost you your life!”
Ewing, now utterly terrified, quickly dropped to his knees. “Mr. Warren, please hear me out. I know how to handle her now!”
Hearing Ewing’s words, Aelfric furrowed his brow. Moments earlier, Ewing had been terrified by Bee, but now, after a kick from Aelfric, he seemed to have come up with a plan to handle Bee
Although doubtful, Aelfric replied, “Go on.”
“I can contact Him!” Ewing said, hesitating slightly
“With Him on board, we might find a way out. It’s unclear who is superior, Bee or Him. But if Him intervenes, it could give us time to devise a strategy and safeguard the Warren Group’s network,” Aelfric said
Raising his eyebrows, Aelfric asked, “Can you get in touch with Him?”
Ewing assured him, “Though Him’s been off the radar for years, his account in the Hacker Alliance Network remains. I’ll send a message now and see if he responds.”
Not entirely convinced but willing to try, Aelfric instructed, “Then reach out to Him right away! We’ll accept any conditions he proposes.”
“Got it,” Ewing replied, and he quickly moved to a secluded spot with his phone. Aelfric sat in front of the laptop, reviewing the earlier conversation between Ewing and Bee on the screen
After a pause, he typed a message saying, “I’m Aelfric Warren. Why are you targeting the Warren Group?”
Bee replied, “Because I don’t like you.”
Aelfric was taken aback. He hadn’t expected Bee to be so bold. From this, he realized they must have crossed paths previously. Reflecting on past disputes and the many enemies he had made, Aelfric couldn’t pinpoint who might be seeking vengeance
After a moment of thought, he said, “Is there a way we can resolve this amicably? I could pay a settlement. Name your price.”
Bee’s answer was a simple “None.”
Aelfric asked, “Are we really heading for a do-or-die battle?”
Bee responded firmly, “Absolutely.”
Aelfric asked, “Do you really think you’re unbeatable, with so many skilled hackers out there? What if we hire someone better than you? A loss could really damage your reputation.”
Bee answered confidently, “I’m ready for that.”
Aelfric was visibly frustrated. Bee seemed unshakeable, resistant to any persuasion
While Aelfric was talking with Bee, Ewing reached out to Him, saying, “Mr. Him, the Warren Group would like to hire you to counter Bee’s attack. My boss says you can name the price.”
Despite his efforts, there was no reply from Him. It was as if the message had vanished. Ewing was anxious about how to tell Aelfric the disappointing news when he suddenly noticed new activity on the Warren Group’s network
His eyes widened in surprise. He thought someone was exploiting the turmoil. Unexpectedly, the newcomer joined the conversation between Aelfric and Bee, declaring, “I’m Him.”
“Wow!” Ewing exclaimed, jumping up in excitement. “I actually got Him to join us! I can’t believe it!”
Overjoyed, Ewing hurried to Aelfric, pointed at the screen, and said, “Look, I’ve brought Him in!” Aelfric raised an eyebrow. He had been skeptical of Ewing’s ability to enlist Him, but now Him had entered the conversation
After a moment of thought, Aelfric said to Bee, “Him is with us now. Better watch out!” He then said to Him, “Thank you for your help. A handsome reward awaits you once we clear this mess!”
The senior members of the Warren Group gathered around the computer, energized and nearly ready to cheer and raise a glass to the good news
“Fantastic! Him is here!”
“With Him on our team, we’re in great shape!”
Ewing grinned broadly, proud to have recruited Him to their side. Despite this, Him ignored Aelfric and simply greeted Bee, “Long time no see.”
Seated in her car, Marissa was stunned when Him’s message appeared on the screen. Three years prior, the hacking community had proposed a duel between them to determine the world’s top hacker. Despite maintaining silence in public, Him had privately reached out to Marissa
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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