Chapter 13

A suffocating atmosphere loomed over the entire area within the tall building that served as Hunt Enterprise's headquarters. “Just who the hell did this? It’s been two days, and none of you know how to fix this! Is the technical department filled with sham employees?! You all receive millions of dollars for your yearly salary, and this is all you’ve got?! Our client information has been leaked to the public, and more is being leaked as we speak! If we don’t stop it soon, Hunt Enterprise will become a laughing stock, and you'll all be fired!” Elijah Young’s scolding could be heard throughout the hundred-meter-tall building. As Stefan’s most trusted assistant, he was in charge of most affairs within the company. Two days ago, there was a sudden virus attack on the business system of Hunt Enterprise, causing hundreds of employees to work overtime for two days straight. None of them could get a wink of sleep due to the havoc this virus has wreaked. “Mr. Young, that was uncalled for. We’re not the ones lacking here. Our enemy is just too strong! Their IP addresses constantly change as if they’re moving from country to country within minutes. We can’t track them at all!” The technical department manager, Antony Gray, refused to acknowledge that his skills were the issue. “You should know that our department has hired all the IT prodigies within Beach City. If we, of all people, can’t fix this, no one can.” Just then, a timid voice spoke up, coming from the furthest corner of the room. “Actually, there is a way.” Everyone turned their heads and noticed that it was a young man wearing a pair of glasses with a black frame. “How? Tell us right now!” Elijah immediately urged him. The young man adjusted his glasses, still speaking in a soft tone. “That is to do… nothing. We’ll just have to wait three days, and the virus will deactivate itself.” “W-what did you say?” Elijah felt as if he had been tricked, and he rolled up his sleeves as if he were getting ready to fight these fools. “Explain.” Stefan’s frosty voice sounded from the center of the meeting room, his slender fingers casually playing around with a fountain pen. His nonchalant attitude seemed far different from Elijah, who was lashing out. However, it was exactly because of this dismissive demeanor that exacted this suffocating pressure on every single employee. No one dared to make the slightest mistake when he was around. The young man responded carefully. “According to my observations, this code string is similar to my idol’s style. They’re considered a legend among hackers and go by the codename ‘Phoenix’...” Half of the employees in the room visibly lit up with excitement, discussing with one another. “Phoenix is amazing! No one has ever been able to remove their software or track them down. And the more you try doing so, the more flaws you end up with. Their software has a certain trait though that they only run for five days. After five days are up, they are automatically deactivated.” “There are lots of rumors circulating about Phoenix too. Some say they’re a young prodigy, while some say they’re in their fifties or sixties. Basically… no one has ever seen them in the flesh.” “But Phoenix has been on a hiatus for many, many years. Why did they suddenly resurface again? And they clearly have their eyes on Hunt Enterprise for some reason. We’re so unlucky!” ‘Unlucky?’ Stefan remembered what Renee said at the hospital a while ago. ‘Tsk, is this woman a psychic? Her prediction was way too accurate.’ Based on their assumptions, Hunt Enterprise had lost at least five hundred million dollars due to this incident. It truly was an unfortunate event for the entire company. “Phoenix?” Stefan narrowed his eyes, mumbling the name under his breath. In that instant, his pride got the best of him, as he didn’t like admitting defeat. Upset, he gave orders in a chilling tone. “Elijah, I want to know who this ‘Phoenix’ person is. Spread the news that whoever gets information on this person will be rewarded a hundred and fifty million dollars.”