Chapter 261: Shout Out from the Center of the World

This novel is translated and hosted only on Bca Translation

BOOM!

The stadium trembled under the force of a massive explosion, sending vibrations through the entire structure that every person present could feel. At the epicenter was Kevin Walker, a teenage prodigy renowned for his flair for the dramatic. The crowd, which numbered 80,000 strong, burst into a frenzy of cheers and applause, electrifying the atmosphere in a way that felt almost tangible.

“Wow! A master! A real master!” one spectator exclaimed, his voice filled with unbridled excitement.

“A genius! A true genius! He really pulled it off this time!”

Through his Bluetooth earpiece, Lin Xian heard VV’s excitement, which was so loud it almost burst his eardrum.

Gritting his teeth, Lin Xian whispered sharply, “Why are you shouting so loud?”

“That was so cool! Really cool! A genius! A true genius! Lin Xian, I want to play too! You should do something like that later! I’ve even thought of the lines for you—”

“Shut up and focus,” Lin Xian interrupted, his voice low and urgent. He glanced around, wary of prying ears. “VV, have you figured out how to stop Kevin Walker from attacking the SkyNet system?”

“Relax, I had it all planned out yesterday,” VV replied, his tone now more composed. “I’ll use the same strategy as Kevin Walker. Fight fire with fire! He cornered us, leaving no gaps. I realized then how to counter this arrogant genius. That’s why I brought you to America—”

“According to the World Hacking Contest rules, all attacks must originate from the competition site. So, Kevin Walker must issue his commands from here, from the computer right across from us. Isn’t it simple?”

“He trapped us, not letting us out... So, I’ll trap America, not letting him out! His command signals can’t leave America, so how can he attack the Internet Security Great Wall?”

“Don’t worry about being discovered. I’ve covered our tracks well. I’ve infiltrated America’s major power and network systems. When we enter the free demonstration phase and Kevin starts his hack, I’ll disrupt the power or the network at crucial transmission points across America. His commands will remain trapped here, unable to escape!”

Assured by VV’s cunning plan, Lin Xian turned his attention back to the teenage genius, who had now returned to his seat amid a thunderous ovation.

VV’s approach was not straightforward like typical programming; it was more akin to human chess, trapping your adversary physically to counter their virtual constraints.

Lin Xian smiled wryly, recalling internet memes about cutthroat business tactics and invincible hackers who simply cut power to solve problems.

VV, adept in navigating the nuances of the World Hacking Contest, knew that intercepting Kevin Walker directly was forbidden; it would compromise their stealth. However, being in close proximity to Walker meant they could monitor and potentially disrupt his operations without detection.

Kevin, known for his flamboyance and pride, was unlikely to engage in covert actions that could sully his public image. Outside the competition, subterfuge might be fair game, but within the confines of this arena, he would abide by the rules, especially given his spectacular entry.

VV’s strategy was brilliant in its simplicity and effectiveness, keeping Lin Xian out of the direct spotlight. Any system failures on the American side would appear unconnected to Lin Xian, presenting him merely as an observer—a subtle player in a high-stakes game.

“Nice plan,” Lin Xian murmured, genuinely impressed. “If the earlier version of you was VV in its infancy, now you’re surely VV in your prime. You’ve grown stronger.”

VV chuckled mischievously, “Muahaha... Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west, never underestimate a young hacker’s potential!”

Lin Xian sighed, a hint of amusement in his tone, “Learn something proper, VV. Drop those cheesy lines.”

The 2023 World Hacking Contest proceeded without a hitch. Competitors demonstrated their skills by exposing vulnerabilities in systems like Android, Apple, Microsoft, and even Google. The breaches were prepared ahead of time, allowing for swift execution and immediate results.

Applause and accolades were plentiful, with sponsors rewarding the hackers who followed the rules by disclosing the exploits they used, helping the companies fortify their defenses.

As the contest drew to a close, it was evident that the X Team and the American Team were the frontrunners. Unlike others who were there for the prize money and acclaim, these national teams brought their best talent, setting them apart from the rest.

Many teams opted out of the free demonstration phase, knowing their chances against Kevin Walker were slim. It was smarter to save their exploits for another day, where the balance between earning a living and avoiding jail was less precarious.

Lin Xian checked the scoreboard—America was slightly ahead, leading the competition.

Despite the mounting pressure, his teammates were supportive. “Stay relaxed. Everyone knows you’re up against Kevin Walker in the fifth slot, but we can’t just forfeit—that would be ridiculous. Just go up there and do your thing; no pressure.”

“The real battle isn’t here,” another teammate added. “It’s in protecting the Internet Security Great Wall. Preventing Kevin Walker from breaching the SkyNet system—that’s our true victory. This championship is just a title.”

Lin Xian nodded, exchanging high-fives with the senior members. His focus wasn’t on winning the contest but on safeguarding the system. As long as they protected the SkyNet system, they would have achieved their true goal.

The team leader drew lots for the presentation order—America would go first, followed by X Team. Kevin Walker would take the stage first, then it would be Lin Xian’s turn.

“VV, get ready,” Lin Xian whispered as the moment drew near.

“Don’t worry, Lin Xian, everything’s set. When he sends his commands, key nodes hundreds of kilometers away will experience brief power or network disruptions. It’s subtle but effective enough to ensure his commands fail,” VV assured him confidently.

Lin Xian looked up, watching as Kevin Walker confidently approached the stage. The crowd was supposed to be quiet according to the rules, but the cheers from 80,000 spectators were unstoppable. Kevin thrived under the spotlight, his hand poised above the Enter key.

In the National Security Command Room, the tech team was on high alert. “Is the attack here?” one asked anxiously.

“Yes! But it’s weaker than expected. We can handle this!” another responded, a note of relief in his voice. They had braced for a more formidable assault, but it seemed Kevin Walker’s real focus was elsewhere, and even that was less powerful than anticipated.

Back in the stadium, the once jubilant crowd fell silent. News of a breach into the SkyNet system was expected, but it didn’t come. Kevin, usually composed and in control, was visibly flustered, frantically typing at his console.

Lin Xian pressed his earpiece, “VV, what’s happening?”

“Boo——”

In unison, the 80,000 American spectators booed Lin Xian!

All around,

Front and back,

Left and right,

Up and down,

Full of boos!

Lin Xian looked around.

Surrounded by boos...

The 80,000-seat stadium felt vast and empty.

Boos could be so quiet, yet so loud.

“Boo——”

“Boo——”

The relentless, uniform boos drowned Lin Xian...

“Lin Xian ——— Go for it ———”

Amidst the ceaseless boos, a clear and loud cheer broke through!

Clear.

Loud.

Deafening amidst the boos of 80,000 people.

Instantly.

The stadium fell silent.

Everyone stood or turned, searching for the source of the lone cheer.

The 80,000-seat stadium was vast...

Too vast to find anything.

This novel is translated and hosted only on BcaTranslation

Everyone looked around, but the source of the cheer remained elusive.

Whoosh!

In the wind, a fabric unfurled.

At the top of the New Jersey stadium, a square of red fluttered in the wind!

The X Team’s red flag!

A bright red flag of the X Team!

All eyes, including Lin Xian’s, turned to the flag—A petite but proud girl.

She raised her hands high.

Holding the fluttering red flag above her head.

Her fluffy ponytail swayed in the wind, but her slender figure stood firm in the night wind!

“Lin Xian, Senior!” She shouted with all her might, looking at the man destined to lose on stage: “Go for it!!!!”

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation