Chapter 818 The Final Round
“Sir, it seems like our folks have been traced by Zobber and her crew!” The masked man knelt on one knee and respectfully reported the situation to the figure cloaked in black.
“Well, that was quick. Seems I’ve underestimated these people’s abilities, “the man in black said coldly. An aura of chill emanated from him, which sent shivers down spines. Then he continued, “Get it arranged. Have everyone under your command leave Loxton, and bring in another group!”
They had plenty of folks, so unraveling their details wasn’t going to be an easy task. By sending in a fresh team, he aimed to exhaust Zobber and her crew. Even if it took time, he’d wear them down.
The masked man trembled on his knees, and he knew the truth. Sending these people back was just a polished way of saying. The man in charge wouldn’t keep anyone without utility. To the masked man, the future these people faced was frightening. “Sir, I’ll get right on it!” He dared not defy the orders, fearing he’d be the next sacrifice.
Seeing the masked man compliant enough, the figure in black didn’t press further. He commanded coldly, “Step up the pace with Ronin!” The threatening tone sent shivers through the masked man.
“Sir, you can count on me. I’ll give it my all.”
“Dismissed!”
The masked man left the room. As he stepped out of the gate, a sudden chill shot through his spine. He broke out in a cold sweat. With the constant pressure from the higher-ups to hasten the mission, the masked man dared not delay and rushed straight to where Ronin was being held.
Ronin was as usual. He immersed himself in his solo gaming session and enjoyed the specially delivered food as if in total bliss. After the masked man entered the room, he got a mere glance from Ronin, who then resumed his game as if unperturbed.
The masked man said, “Ronin, I brought you here to work for me. If you’re of no use, do you really want me to spell out your fate?”
Hearing the threat, Ronin lazily put down his game controller and gave the man a lazy look. “You’re like someone who can’t understand plain language.”
Being scolded by Ronin, the masked man burst into a fury. His eyes widened, and he threatened to act.
Ronin scoffed and added, “If you’re capable, why not just make your move? We’ve been through this before. Do you think I’m scared? Listen. Threats won’t work, and I’ve said I’ll cooperate.”
Hearing that, the masked man became upset. Ronin always used a friendly tone to deceive him, and he had enough of these lies. “You promised cooperation. Is there any progress?”
Facing the interrogation, Ronin didn’t oblige, showing no signs of being captive. “What’s the deal? You talk tough, but where are the goods?” The questioning silenced the masked man. If they had what they needed, why bother with Ronin?
The silent pause allowed Ronin to mock. He sneered and then said, “Stop blabbering if you can’t deliver. Do you think Catherine’s computer is your playground? Do you think you can waltz in and grab what you want? Do you even know Catherine’s capabilities? Is it you or your superiors who are clueless? Want me to educate you?”
The masked man was left speechless and was unable to argue back. Helplessly, he ceased arguing with Ronin. “Alright. Then tell me. How long will it take you to sort this out? Give me a timeframe. Can you manage that?”
“No time for deadlines!” Ronin said arrogantly and then extended his hand to the masked man. “Give me the computer now. I’ll try at this moment.”
The masked man had to arrange the computer for Ronin and brought it to him.
As soon as Ronin had the computer, he got to work. Despite being monitored throughout, Ronin remained unfazed.
He worked on the computer. He constantly typed code and attacked the defense systems set up on Catherine’s computer.
The masked man thought Ronin was playing tricks again. He didn’t hold much hope. Surprisingly, half an hour later, Ronin notified him and said, “It’s done. Have a look for yourself.”
The masked man didn’t react initially and maintained his posture.
“Move it!” Ronin kicked him. “Hurry up!”
Infuriated by Ronin’s insolence, the masked man wanted to teach him a lesson.
However, Ronin said arrogantly, Come on. Try it! If you don’t want the data, then go ahead and try something.
“Wait and see!” The masked man gritted his teeth and pointed at Ronin. Then he obediently followed Ronin’s instructions and opened the files on the computer to check.
“This is all I could find. Whether it’s useful, see for yourself,” Ronin said.
The masked man carefully examined the stolen data by Ronin and grew more excited by the moment. These were all classified research documents by Catherine. While these were not the core material, with this information, he could temporarily fulfill his duties to his boss. This also proved that Ronin wasn’t just putting on an act.
“Good job!” After the masked man praised Ronin, he added new conditions. He said, “However, these files aren’t enough. We need more critical information.”
His words irked Ronin. “I’ve said it before. It’s not that easy. Getting these was already difficult. If you’re not happy, even if you kill me, you won’t get what you want!”
The masked man understood Ronin’s words and knew he wasn’t lying. If it were that easy to obtain, there had to be a catch. The masked man had the computer taken away. As Ronin provided new information, he arranged a sumptuous dinner for him. Ronin began eating contentedly and paid no attention to the masked man. Seeing Ronin compliant enough, the masked man left with the data.
For the past few days, Catherine had been working tirelessly in the laboratory.
Marshall was so busy helping her with the experiments and preparing the necessary materials. “Catherine, is this the final round of experiments?”
Catherine was engrossed in her work, but upon hearing Marshall’s words, she stopped and looked at him. “Yes. It’s the final round. Once this round of experiments passes, we can take the data report for certification.”
A research project, from inception to obtaining results, took a considerable amount of time. To safeguard a project from infringement, completed experiment results could be taken to authoritative institutions for certification. Upon successful certification, the project in the laboratory was protected. Even in cases of accidental theft or leakage, the results of the experiment couldn’t be plagiarized because internationally, only the first certified laboratory was acknowledged.
Hearing Catherine’s words, Marshall smiled. “I didn’t expect it to be this quick. Catherine, among the students I’ve seen, you’re the most talented. Have you decided when to go for certification? Pick a good day. I’ll accompany you.”
“Next Friday,” Catherine responded.
With seven to eight days until next Friday, Marshall believed that Catherine’s confidence in this timeline was justified. “Great. That works!”
