The counter-hacker's face glared from Leo's screen — a cold smirk under a glowing skull mask.
> Counter-Hacker: "You're in deep now, rookie. Let's see how you handle this."
Suddenly, Leo's system beeped urgently:
> 🧠 Skill Unlocked: Adaptive Firewall (Level 1)
🧠 Skill Unlocked: Cyber Reflex Boost
Leo's fingers danced faster, deflecting incoming malware attacks and isolating the mercenary's trace programs.
Their battle was a whirlwind of digital shadows — firewalls, viruses, and encrypted traps.
---
The Turning Point
With a sudden surge of speed, Leo deployed his Quantum Encryption Breaker — shredding the mercenary's defenses.
The black-hat hacker's connection faltered. His screen flickered.
"Impossible...!" he hissed.
Leo seized the moment, uploading a virus that locked the mercenary out completely.
> ✅ Counter-Hacker Defeated.
💰 Reward: ¥2,000,000 credited
🧠 Skill Upgraded: Quantum Encryption Breaker (Level 2)
🎁 New Item Unlocked: Ghostware Kit (Digital Stealth Tools)
---
Expose and Rise
Next, Leo packaged the incriminating files with evidence and sent them anonymously to the media and labor unions.
Within 24 hours:
Xinrui Corp's CEO was grilled on national TV.
Stock prices plummeted.
Thousands of employees received overdue bonuses.
Leo's social media exploded with praise for the anonymous "Digital Ghost."
---
Watching Eyes
But as Leo basked in his victory, a shadowed figure in a sleek office leaned forward, eyes narrowing at a monitor.
> Mysterious Voice: "Interesting. Leo Fan... you're more than a lucky kid. Keep moving forward. We're watching."