Tony glanced at Cosmos. “Let's switch roles. You lead the attack, and I'll keep him occupied!”
Cosmos nodded. “Okay!”
With that, the duo swapped their targets and carried on.
Midnight fang pack 's team defended themselves and launched counterattacks simultaneously.
The dark web's system was notoriously impregnable, making their counterattack almost an impossible task. Therefore, they put all their efforts into defense.
Tony , on the other hand, was dealing with the hacker whom Cosmos confronted.
It would arouse suspicion if he did nothing but stall for time, so he continued to launch ferocious attacks. The other party analyzed his location while defending against Tony 's attacks.
The two of them were entangled in an intense battle.
At that moment, the other party suddenly asked: Is it you?
His question confirmed Tony 's suspicion. He typed: So, it's you!
In just a few words, they understood each other.
Tony : Who would've thought we'd meet again? I didn't expect you to be from Midnight fang pack !
The other party replied: I'm not one of them!
Tony asked: If you're not, what are you doing now?
The other party typed: I was paid to carry out this mission.
Tony questioned: How much did they give you?
The other party: What do you mean?
Tony : I'll give you double, no, ten times the amount. I don't need you to do anything but give up on attacking.
The other party snapped: Do you take me for a fool?
Tony : I'm serious. I never joke around.
The other party: But I'm not just after money.
Tony arched his brow and replied: Looks like we can't reach an agreement, huh?
The other party warned: I advise you to back off while you still can, otherwise, don't blame me for not showing you any mercy!
Tony chuckled lightly, then, with a serious expression, typed out a message: You all should be the ones to back off and save your energy. No matter how desperately you struggle today, Vermillion
Base's network must be paralyzed!
Unleashing an attack, the other party replied: I'd like to see you try!
Alas, the dark web's system remained unaffected despite his powerful attack.
The other party was taken aback: You've modified the system?
Tony laughed and typed out: What's the matter? If you can play dirty tricks, we can handle it, too.
The other party: Is it you?
The other party was somewhat surprised.
After a long while, he asked: Who are you, really?
Tony : Who I am is not important. What matters is that I heard you almost got caught last time.
The other party was taken aback. Judging from his intuition and Tony 's actions, he was able to discern the truth. He typed out: The guy from last time wasn't you!
Tony didn't deny it and responded: Indeed, it wasn't me.
The other party: Who was the person last time?
Tony : Hmm... It's someone even more formidable than me.
The other party remained silent for a long time.
Meanwhile, Tony typed: So, it's futile no matter how hard you try to resist today. Victory is definitely mine!
The other party: It all depends on whether you are capable enough.
Tony turned to look at Cosmos. “How's it going on your end?”
Cosmos said gravely, “They have given up on counterattacking and focused all their efforts on defense. I need a bit more time!”
Tony glanced at his wristwatch and spoke. “We have half an hour left. We must succeed!”
Cosmos nodded. “I'll do my best!”
Tony didn't waste any more time talking to the other party and began attacking as well.
Similarly, the other party didn't engage in further conversation with Tony and focused on defending.
Even so, under such an intense combined attack, Vermillion's Base hacker team found it rather challenging to deal with their opponent since their vulnerability was already exposed.
Tony suddenly noticed something during the attack. “Cosmos, did you notice that their focus has changed?”
“What do you mean?”
“Their defense has weakened upfront. The focus has shifted elsewhere!” said Tony .
Hearing that, Cosmos tested it out and replied, “You're right! Does that mean... this is the place they're prioritizing for protection?”
Tony 's eyes narrowed slightly. “I think so too!”
“So, what do we do now?” Cosmos asked.
After some thought, Tony said, “However, there's a good chance this could be a trap they've set... Cosmos, you continue leading them to launch attacks. It shouldn't be a problem. I'll go and check it out!”
“If he's setting a trap, his target must be you. How about let me do it?” Cosmos asked.
He had been observing Tony 's conversation with the other party earlier, so he understood that their opponent's target was clearly the boy.
Hence, even if there was indeed a trap, he wouldn't be the one they wanted to lure.
The other party was somewhat surprised.
After a long while, he asked: Who are you, really?
Tony pondered for a moment and spoke. “No need. We've already got them in our grasp. Even if we can't gain all their core secrets, the damage we've done is enough to make them fret. You carry on. I'll give it a try!”
Cosmos nodded before continuing his operation.
Tony swiftly changed his angle of attack, aiming straight at the area where they had just bolstered their defenses.
He adjusted the intensity of his attacks to match the other party's defenses, deciphering layer after layer of their protection.
After a tense standoff that lasted around ten minutes, Cosmos suddenly cheered, “We did it!”
Hearing that, Tony glanced in Cosmos' direction, only to see him and members of the dark web cheering triumphantly.
“We did it! We've succeeded!”
“Yeah, I can't believe it actually worked!”
“It's unbelievable!”
Tony averted his gaze. “Please inform Alpha Dave on my behalf.”
Cosmos immediately picked up his phone and dialed Dave's number. “Dave, we did it!”
Upon hearing Dave's words on the other end of the line, Cosmos slightly furrowed his brows. “All right.”
With that, he placed the phone before Tony . “Dave wants to talk to you.”
Still typing away, Tony said, “Alpha Dave, what is it?”
“How are things now?” Dave asked directly.
Tony said, “The external system of Midnight fang pack is indeed paralyzed, but they've transferred some things related to the core. I'll see if I can get my hands on it.”
Hearing the boy's words, Dave paused for a moment before uttering, “Tony , whether we get it or not doesn't really matter. The current situation is already chaotic enough to fluster them.”
Tony glanced at the time. “Alpha Dave, there's still ten minutes left before everything ends. Give me a little more time. If I still can't succeed in ten minutes, it won't be too late for you to take action then!”
Dave furrowed his brows. “Are you sure?”
“Boss might not get involved without substantial confidential information, so I have to give it a shot!”
After giving it some thought, Dave said, “All right. I'll wait for your news.”
Tony didn't say another word and merely glanced at Cosmos, who then immediately got the hint, taking his phone and ending the call.
Watching Tony continue attacking, Cosmos asked, “Will this really work?”
Tony remained silent, his hands and eyes moving swiftly as he deftly manipulated the device. The screen transitioned at an astonishing rate. One of the dark web members, intrigued by his actions, rose from his seat and approached Tony .
He was utterly speechless, awestruck by Tony 's expert maneuvers.
The other members of the dark web followed suit and gathered behind Tony , staring intently at the screen.
Tony 's moves had always been unconventional to the point that it was hard to discern his motives.
However, the opposing party seemed somewhat familiar with his tactics and was actively fending him off.
The competition between both parties could be likened to a showdown between experts, making for a thrilling spectacle.
At that moment, the other party cautioned: Don't bother. You won't be able to get it!
Tony typed: How would I know for sure if I don't give it a try?
The other party asked: Are you intending to send Midnight fang pack to its doom?
Tony typed out casually: That's right!
The other party: Why?
Tony typed: Because they deserve it!
It was clear that Tony harbored deep resentment toward them. The other party, taken aback by the boy's hatred, replied: I have attacked you a few times, but I never intended to be as ruthless as you.
Tony replied: That's because you don't have a chance to.
The other party was clearly taken aback.
Tony : Your people infiltrated us before, leaving bugs in our system, intending to bring us down, didn't they? But now, you've lost that chance!
The other party: Hehe, so is this the reason you're taking revenge?
Tony : Yes, but not entirely.
The other party typed after a moment of silence: It's clear that you're very determined. In that case, bring it on!
Tony replied before exiting their chat window and launching vigorous attacks: I've been waiting for you to say that!
Regrettably, despite Tony 's unyielding onslaught, he still couldn't breach the final two layers as the ten-minute mark approached.
His brows were tightly furrowed, and he appeared somewhat anxious.
Even Cosmos broke out in a cold sweat as he watched from the side.
After all, no one knew what exactly awaited them after the final breakthrough.
All their previous efforts might also be in vain.
“Should we just give up?” Cosmos asked in a low voice.
Frowning, Tony wore a grim expression, his fingers striking the keyboard quickly and fiercely. “The word 'give up' doesn't exist in my dictionary!”