Theo POV:

Of course, I was somewhat upset when I realized that I was being incredibly complacent, especially when I needed my little sister to tell me that before I realized this fact. ​​

My poor ego as a big brother had already been thrashed on multiple occasions. I would say I had gotten used to it, but that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt. Though my recovery time had been improving.

I really just had to get over myself sometimes. I shouldn’t have slacked off on the psychology lessons!

I was always more of a straight forward person; I really didn’t want to take the same route my brother did. It sounded like such a pain, but now I recognize I was somewhat mistaken.

Psychology wasn’t just about manipulating others but also learning more about yourself. It was not only used to attack other people but also to protect yourself.

And before I knew it, my shortcomings were manifesting themselves in the form of a loud alarm. One that was destined to slap me in the face, really hard.

I was typing as fast as I could, but before I could react, I realized that they had already broken into the third layer of firewalls I had set up. My hand speed probably just broke through at least 2 or 3 limits. At the rate they were melting my walls, they were going to be done before the two-hour mark.

‘Sh*t!’

‘Just who are these people?’

There were holes appearing left and right. I just wanted to curse but Emi was here so that was out of the question. My lips tightened and just as I thought they were going to break through my 6th layer everything stopped. The warning lights on my computer stopped blinking before they disappeared completely.

The next couple of seconds seemed to last longer than the time I had spent fighting against the other hackers. That had to be at least a team of hackers working together.

My shirt was already soaked in sweat as I checked my systems again.

‘Are they gone? Just like that?’ My mind was still lagging behind in the processing of this information.

“Of course not, I had to hack into their system first.”

‘Sh*t did she read my mind?’ I looked at my little sister who was staring at me sternly. I messed up. Big time.

“No, I didn’t read your mind. I just had to read your face.” Am I really that easy to read? I might have to ask brother for some lessons if I want to save the remains of my tattered ego.

“Did you really think that they would really let us off just like that? Big brother, you need to be more careful next time. We could get into serious trouble one day. You know I can’t help you make any of the defenses.” That was true.

After I got some thinking time, I had to look Emilin in the eye. “It won’t happen again.”

“I’m sorry I dragged you into this.” I was shocked. I couldn’t believe my ears. What the heck!

“What do you mean? Emilin, you must stop doing this, you can’t be sorry. We’re family and there’s no way in hell I’ll let you put yourself in danger. Do you really think you dragged me into this? I came myself! And I’m here to stay. Humph.”

I just wanted to walk off to show her how upset I was, which was exactly what I did. When I finally cooled myself down, I realized that I might have been a little too much when I left Emilin alone, going outside first. But to be fair I was really upset.

Sigh, what should I do? What if she really starts doing dangerous stuff by herself? She can’t possibly think she can handle everything by herself.

I turn around to go back to the restaurant and into the private room, but when I put my hand on the doorknob, I immediately feel chills down my spine.

***

1 hour ago

8 men were sitting on the edges of their seats with their heads buried deep into their computers.

“Frick, this firewall isn’t easy. What are you guys even doing? Why am I doing all the work!” One of the men shouted in frustration.

“I was the one who broke the second layer so shut up!” Another one complained while moving his head just inches from the screen. It was no wonder he was wearing glasses, but even so. That couldn’t have been doing his eyes any good.

“You seem to have enough time to chat.” This was from a man in a black suit that was observing the progress of the mission the hackers had to complete.

He had to report to the boss, so if anything went wrong, he was the one that was going to get his ass handed to him.

Another hour had passed before a cute voice burst into the room. All of the computers’ speakers were suddenly on max and the voice said, “Thank you for coming, Try again next time!” On the screens, there was a cute little tiger animation cartoon moving his mouth. They coincided with the words that had been heard, making it seem like it was the animation talking.

Then the computers went dark. They couldn’t be turned on anymore, no matter how much those people tried. The computer was fried. The hackers sat there in complete silence for a few seconds before breaking into a frenzy in their minds.

Person 1: [WHAT THE HELL!]

Person 2: [WHAT THE F*CK!]

Person 3: [WERE WE JUST PLAYED?]

Person 4: [WHAT DO YOU MEAN TRY AGAIN!]

Person 5: [WHO WANTS TO COME AGAIN, GET OUT OF HERE.]

…The other thoughts didn’t vary by much.

This was in fact Emilin’s doing. In order to ensure her big brother Theo’s continued improvements, she had to provoke the competitors into coming back. Of course, she had some of her own measures, but there hadn’t been a need to employ them as of yet.

As for the unlucky men who would be scolded by the boss, their faces were deadpan. If glares could kill, the hackers would have long been sliced. The supervisor was about the stare a hole into their bodies. Everyone was in for a real treat.

***

In a penthouse, a man stood next to the floor to ceiling window, staring into the bustling streets beneath him. A row of men in black suits stood behind him. All of them letting out cold sweat. One of them stepped out from the formation and bowed his head down past 90 degrees.

“I’m sorry Sir. We have failed.” He was trying his best to sound as steady as he could.

A low and husky voice chuckled. “How interesting. Surely I don’t have Dementia?”

“Tell me, did you not say that your team was the best there was?”

The man stuttered to come up with an answer. That was indeed something they had claimed.

“S-sir. This team is the best of this generation. They all graduated from–” Before he could finish his thought, he was interrupted by the man with the deep mesmerizing voice.

“The point. I don’t have the time to listen to all their qualifications, they were obviously not enough. Maybe you should have let your opponent listen to their qualifications. It might have bought you a few seconds before you were demolished.” He didn’t hold back, not even a little.

“There would still be the old fogies of the hacking industry that would be more experienced. But to defeat our team, there would have to be at least two or three working together, but those people are already old in the industry, they are also very unwilling to cooperate. As you know, these people were taught by Master Giovanni.”

“Then what do think are the chances that two of the old fogies worked together?”

“Less than 20% chance.”

“And what would the other 80% be composed of,” The man asked.

“I’m… not sure yet, which is why we are so conflicted.”

“Leave.” As the other men scuffled out, the one who had been staring out the window the whole time turned around and sat down on his revolving chair. The lights of the room had been turned off, with the only source of lighting for this room being the lights from the buildings outside and the full moon.

“This M must have some connections if he can hire two old fogies.”

“How annoying.” He sneered. The man leaned back on his chair and his pale green pupils were illuminated, reflecting the full moon to which he stared at. He let out a soft chuckle that resounded in the office room of this penthouse.

Mini-Theater:

Big Boss: Hehe, this M is so annoying. I can’t wait to catch ‘him’

Emilin: *Shivers all the way down to her spine*

Theo: Are you cold? Are you sick? What’s wrong?

Emilin: Someone must be scolding me…

Theo: WHO DARES!

Emilin: Aww…

Theo: ONLY I CAN SCOLD YOU

Emilin:…

Nathen: Me too! I’m sure I called dibs first!

Theo: Dibs are for 6-year-olds. heh

Nathen: That’s why they are perfect against you.