However, the firewall’s complexity made it clear that the person on the other side was no amateur. In total, nine layers stood in her way. The moment she pierced through the second layer, the other side noticed. The laptop transformed into a powerful tool, and the room suddenly felt like a war zone. Both were trapped in a digital standoff, with neither gaining an advantage.
Katelyn was halted at the seventh layer of the firewall when, out of nowhere, a distorted voice crackled through. “I didn’t think you’d catch up this fast. I misjudged your speed.”
The voice, distorted by the laptop, came through remotely, a sign of their digital clash—no physical connection needed. Katelyn’s fingers kept moving across the keyboard, not missing a beat. She fixed her gaze on the faint red dot on the screen and said coldly, “Who are you? Did Elora send you?”
The voice on the other side sounded confused. “Who’s Elora?”
Without missing a beat, Katelyn called out the deception. “Cut the act. I already know this is tied to Elora. She sent you to watch me.”
Meanwhile, the progress on breaking the firewall reached the eighth layer. If she could breach the final layer, she’d not only discover the opponent’s location but also see his face.
“I don’t know anyone named Elora. I’m just working for someone. I didn’t expect you to be this good. You remind me of someone from the past,” the opponent said, his voice betraying a hint of surprise. “She was the toughest opponent I’ve ever had. Even though I lost to her three years ago, I can still recall every detail.”
Three years ago? Katelyn’s brow furrowed as she studied the opponent’s firewall program. There was something about it that felt strangely familiar. Every coder had a distinct style, like a signature that marked their work.
Katelyn paused, her mind racing. Had she encountered this person in the past? Three years ago? Could it have been that international ranking competition?
Stay connected at g?lnσν?s?c?m
A vivid memory flashed in Katelyn’s mind, and she suddenly recalled the scene from that time. By that year, she had already established herself as TS. Many challengers were eager to take her down and seize the top spot internationally. Out of all the battles Katelyn faced, only one remained unforgettable.
Her opponent was an international hacker, known only as 001. For three grueling days, they clashed, and in the end, Katelyn narrowly emerged victorious. That battle cemented her place at the top.
In that instant, the opponent paused, a hint of doubt creeping into their voice.
“Wait… you’re not TS, are you? Chapters first released on Find_Novel(.)net
A gentle smile crept across Katelyn’s lips, but she didn’t stop working on the firewall. Instead of responding directly, she posed a question.
“What do you think?”
“You must be her!” 001 exclaimed, his voice overflowing with excitement. “I’ve searched for you tirelessly for years and never thought you’d resurface. I’ve always wanted a rematch.”
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