944 Drakon’s Two Disciples

But for now, he had something that he wanted to do first before calling it a night. He sat behind the desk in the study and powered up his laptop computer. It was rather large in surface area but thin and surprisingly lightweight. 

There was also no visible branding anywhere on the laptop. The desktop icons showed application software that other computer users in the world weren't familiar with. Even the operating system was unknown, its functionality entirely different from what most users were used to. 

And yet René Alejandro's fingers flew over the keyboard and touchpad until they were almost a blur, showing his mastery of not only his device but the unknown operating system and application software. 

He clicked his tongue, his expression showing dissatisfaction, even as his fingers moved nonstop over the keyboard. 

"I should push for the renovations of the new house to finish earlier, hopefully before the year ends," he muttered under his breath in Spanish. "I need a more permanent base in this country so that I can set up my usual computer station. I hate using laptops. Such ergonomic nightmares!"

"WhiteTigress," he murmured while lightly drumming his fingers on the desk. "This style feels somewhat familiar. Hmmm…."

His eyes flashed with battle spirit. Cracking his knuckles, he let his fingers fly again on the keyboard. 

Codes flooded his screen and numerous windows popped up in quick succession. However, he remained focused despite the dizzying display on his computer screen. His mouth started stretching in a wide grin.

"Not bad! Hahahaha!"

"Whoa! Trying to attack me, huh? Let's see what you've got, kid!"

"Oh, a new one! Who are you?!"

"BlackPanther? What a name!"

"Working together, huh? Give me your best combo shot, then!"

René Alejandro looked like he was having the time of his life as he exclaimed and laughed while using his laptop. If someone saw him right now, they would think that he was just playing an exciting computer game. His dimples appeared more prominent as his grin stretched widely across his face in excitement. 

His fingers revved up as he became even more excited.

"Hahahaha! This is so much fun!"

"Good effort, you two! Too bad that you're facing against me! You're a hundred years—no, fifty years…fine, you're ten years too early to—what the?!"

His ecstatic expression disappeared in an instant, replaced by a grave look. A deep furrow formed between his brows but his eyes were only becoming sharper and laser-focused as the seconds ticked by. Sweat started to bead on his skin.

"Who the fuck are you?!" he growled. "This style…don't tell me!"

All he could do was protect himself at the moment and safeguard any sensitive information that his device might contain. He didn't have the luxury to launch a counterattack because the opponents were too strong. 

It was three against one. 

Despite this, he didn't give up. He had utmost confidence in his skills. After all, he was the next—

His laptop computer suddenly shut down on its own.

Silence.

He tried several times but his laptop computer wouldn't turn on again. 

It was toasted.

Corrupted.

Defeated.

He leaned back on the chair, trying to make sense of the situation while staring at the black screen of his computer

It was just a fraction of a second before the screen blacked out but he saw it. He saw the familiar digital signature of that person. A somewhat crazed look appeared on his face. 

His shoulders started trembling.

"Fufufufu."

Then he threw his head back and laughed out loud.

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!"

He bared his teeth in a wide smile that looked more like a snarl. 

"You're good, Drakon! You're very good!"

He continued laughing by himself. Afterwards, he drummed his fingers on his thighs as he thought about what happened.

"The lone Drakon is actually working seamlessly with other hackers? WhiteTigress and BlackPanther are rather skilled, no? Completely different styles but still familiar and similar to yours. Are they your disciples, hm?"

Chuckling, he stood up and lowered himself to the floor to do some push-ups. He needed to burn the adrenaline and excess energy out of his system or he wouldn't be able to calm himself and sleep tonight.

"It seems like coming to China was a great decision. I never expected to meet two new promising hackers who might be the disciples of Drakon during my first hacking battle in this country. This is so exciting!"

His enthusiasm prompted him to exercise harder. When he was done more than an hour later, there were some small, scattered puddles of sweat on the floor.

Then he headed straight to the bathroom for another shower to wash away the sweat from his body.

Cleanliness was next to godliness. 

He always believed that. 

When he was completely clean again, he called someone on the phone, not caring at all that it was still in the middle of the night. An annoyed, sleepy voice answered his call.

René Alejandro only chuckled, not bothered by the other person's irritation towards him. They both talked in Spanish. 

"Hurry and come up here to my suite. I'm going to show you something interesting. Oh, and don't forget your computer…come on, my brother! Wake up! Stop being lazy! I just battled Drakon! THE Drakon! Don't tell me that you're not interested in—hahahaha! I knew it! Wake up the others too, yes? Oh, and bring an extra laptop for me. Drakon fried the one I brought to my suite. Just hurry and come here, all of you! We're going to have so much fun here in China!"