Miguel hesitated for a moment before asking, "So, should I go for it?" Tony leaned back in his chair, appearing relaxed and content. Miguel took this as a sign and decided to proceed. He pulled the computer closer and started drafting a post.
But when it came to determining the reward amount, Miguel was unsure and asked Tony for guidance. Miguel addressed Tony as "Master" and inquired about the appropriate reward. Tony pondered for a moment before suggesting that Miguel write whatever amount he felt was suitable. Miguel further asked if he could offer a higher reward, to which Tony replied with uncertainty.
Miguel, feeling unsure himself, lowered his voice and confessed his dilemma. Tony remained silent and instead sent a notification to Miguel's phone, revealing a transfer of funds. Miguel was stunned by the generous amount from Tony. Excitedly, he expressed his gratitude and quickly typed in the reward amount and other details for the bounty post.
However, before publishing, Miguel sought Tony's opinion on the post. Tony briefly glanced at it and honestly suggested removing unnecessary details and being more direct and clear about the purpose. Miguel appreciated the feedback and made the suggested changes. With Tony's few words of advice, he finished typing and prepared to publish the bounty list.
Just as Miguel was about to click the publish button, a thought crossed his mind. He shared his idea with Tony, who quickly reviewed it and recommended being more concise. Miguel acknowledged Tony's suggestion and began rewriting the post. Meanwhile, Tony decided to retire to his room for some rest since he hadn't slept much the previous night. The two friends bid each other goodnight and went their separate ways.
Miguel returned to the computer and completed the revised bounty post, simplifying it as per Tony's suggestion. Miguel admired the final outcome and felt a surge of emotions. He thought about how his writing style reflected his personality, and Tony's advice had provided a new perspective. With a renewed sense of purpose, Miguel planned to get some sleep before diving into the new tasks that awaited him. As he logged out of the computer, his exhausted appearance caught the attention of Thalia and Donna the next morning.
Concerned, they approached him and asked about his well-being. Miguel, barely able to keep his eyes open, expressed his frustration with a level he was unable to pass. Thalia touched his forehead but found no sign of illness. Donna speculated that Miguel may be going crazy, and Thalia agreed, considering his current state. Both of them watched as Miguel continued to frantically type on his computer, trying to overcome an obstacle.
Confused, Thalia and Donna questioned his actions. Donna recognized that Miguel was attempting to climb the rankings in the Hacker Community by progressing through multiple levels within a specific time frame. As they observed Miguel's progress, they realized he was currently ranked fifth. Thalia noted that Shadow Seeker held the top spot, followed by Tony in second place, a person named Evil in third, and Ben in fourth. Donna confirmed that Miguel's family occupied three out of the top five rankings.
Thalia playfully suggested that Donna should give climbing the rankings a try, to which Donna mentioned being ranked eighth. Thalia seemed impressed by this bit of information and acknowledged the difficulty of climbing the rankings. Donna shared her determination to advance further. Thalia then recalled something and looked at Miguel, who remained fully absorbed in his pursuit. Realizing that there was a lot she didn't know, Thalia asked if Donna had inquired about Miguel's ranking. Donna admitted that she hadn't, but upon learning that Miguel was outside the top ten, Thalia understood why he hadn't mentioned it. Thalia then praised Miguel's dedication to clearing level after level, even as they were challenged repeatedly.
Miguel was still devastated as he slumped on the table, bearing a striking resemblance to a child who had been bullied, evoking a sense of pity and feeling aggrieved. Tony looked at him and sighed exasperatedly. He then walked over to Miguel. He was not good at comforting people, so after thinking for a moment, Tony finally reached out and gently patted Miguel's head.
“It's okay. It's natural for people's minds to be filled with perplexities at times like this. It's not your fault," Tony said. Miguel was at a loss for words upon hearing that. Is this kind of consolation still considered comforting? He looked up at Tony and muttered, “Master, your words are somewhat soul-crushing.”
“Although the truth may be somewhat hurtful, recognizing it sooner rather than later is a form of self- awareness!” Tony commented. “However, there's a saying, right? Diligence can make up for incompetence,” Tony added.
Miguel looked at him again. “How do I make up for it?”
“With me here, what do you have to worry about?” Tony asked. “So, there is a way?”
“It's still possible to surpass Ben!”
“What about the third one then?” Miguel asked.
Tony furrowed his brows as he looked at him. “Miguel, as I said before, don't set your goals too far ahead, or you might give up easily.”
“Just tell me directly if it's impossible,” Miguel responded as he hung his head low. How could he not grasp the underlying meaning of Tony's words?
“Fine. It's not like there's no chance. I've never dealt with the third one before. Let me study and analyze it first before we decide,” said Tony.
Miguel's spirits immediately lifted upon hearing those words, and he could not contain his excitement. “Are you saying you're willing to help me?”
“I'll give it a try.”
His face beaming with delight, Miguel dashed toward his room without saying that, Tony sighed and averted his gaze.
He then made his way to the dining room, where he joined the others. As they ate, Donna commented, “Tony, you're not usually one to take an interest in your apprentice without putting much effort into it. But now it seems you're genuinely invested.”
“It's not a matter of whether it was a forced or willing acceptance. Once someone becomes my apprentice, I will teach them,” Tony replied. “As for Ben,” Donna commented, “Of all, let me clarify that I'm not concerned about Ben's reaction, but have you thought about the consequences?”
At this remark, Tony raised his eyebrows and remarked with a hint of sarcasm, “Oh, I'm sorry. Did I hurt your feelings?”
“It hurts!” Donna complained while shaking her head.
Tony responded, “Well, you've known that from the start. Your remarks are nothing but an attempt to jest at me. Keep your battles between yourselves. Please don't drag me into it.”
Only with Donna was rendered speechless.
The argument had not gone unnoticed by the others, and they were all relieved when the topic redirected to Lina's health. Shortly after, they all set off for the car.
As the car came to a stop, Thalia looked at Tony and asked, “Are you going in too?”
Tony answered as he remained seated, “What are you doing here if you're not going in?”
Their gazes shifted to Ben, who had fallen silent. “Ben, what are you doing?” Thalia asked.
“I'm thinking,” Ben replied.
“About what?” Thalia asked.
“About Lina.”
“Well, now's not the time to be hesitating. Let's go in,” Thalia urged.
As they entered the hospital, they quickly made their way to Lina's room. Tony remained outside, instructing them on what they should do.
After a few minutes, Thalia walked out and approached Tony. “What's wrong?” Tony asked.
“There's something wrong with Lina. She's not doing well.”
Upon hearing this, Tony's expression shifted. He quickly walked into the room and assessed Lina's condition. “Her pulse is weak. She's lost a lot of blood,” Tony murmured to himself.
Donna approached him, looking concerned. “What do we do?”
Tony looked at her. “It's nothing, really. In fact, it's quite simple. Lina's illness originates mainly from her emotional well-being, which all started from losing her child. Donna, you're a young girl, so people are less guarded against you. Hence, you should accompany Lina and have a chat. It might help her.”
“But what should I say?” Donna asked, unsure of what to do.
Tony looked at her and replied, “Just be yourself and let her know that you care.”
Donna nodded and walked back into the room. Watching Tony's expression as he strategized, Thalia couldn't help but furrow her brows. He looked strikingly similar to Alpha Kilian, as if they were the epitome of resemblance.
As Thalia watched him, she furrowed her eyebrows unhappily as if somewhat displeased. Tony noticed her expression and raised his eyebrows slightly. “What does that look of yours mean?”
Thalia wasn't afraid of offending him and spoke bluntly, “Tell me. You're a nice kid, but why did you have to resemble Alpha Kilian of all people? You're so annoying!”
Tony asked, “How does that make me annoying?”
“Don't you think so? You're so irritating!” Thalia exclaimed.
As for the grudge between Thalia and Alpha Kilian, Tony didn't say much about it. It wasn't the first time they couldn't get along well, so it was normal for them to dislike each other.
Tony narrowed his eyes, casting her a languid gaze. “So, who do you think I should resemble?”
“Of course it's Nelly. People always say, daughters take after their fathers, and sons take after their mothers. Somehow, you're an exception. How come you didn't take after even a tiny fraction of Nelly's beauty and temperament?” Thalia couldn't help but say.
Upon hearing this, Tony looked at Thalia and asked, “How am I not like her? Didn't I take her skill?”
After hearing that, Thalia exclaimed, “If you could just swap them, you wouldn't be so annoying to me!”
Tony replied, “If I take after Daddy's skills and personality, there's a high chance that we wouldn't be friends when we met, but enemies instead!”
“Why?”
“Because I would drive you crazy.”
“You're doing that now,” Thalia said.
Upon hearing that, Tony slightly raised his eyebrows. “Well, that's not my problem then.”
“Do you mean it's my problem?”
“I didn't say that, though.”
“Isn't that what you mean?”
As the two people were engaged in a heated argument, they suddenly heard a shout. “Come on!” They turned their heads to look at Miguel. At this moment, they saw him leaning against the chair, fast asleep. The loud shout they had just...