WebNovels

Chapter 5 - The Hidden Network

Rain pounded relentlessly against the windows of Dumas International. The city lights blurred into streaks of neon as Marcus moved through the deserted corridors, the faint hum of the SYSTÈME in his mind guiding every step. The external hard drive in his hand felt heavier than it should have, as if it contained not just data, but the weight of the empire he was reclaiming.

> [SYSTÈME: Mission Active]

Objective: Recruit network specialist – Rafe

Hint: "Even the strongest castle falls to those who know its secret gates."

Reward: Technical hacking skill (Level 1)

Marcus paused outside the server room, listening. Footsteps echoed faintly from the maintenance corridor, but he knew the building was largely abandoned. Lucie had secured access, but this next move required discretion. Every step, every breath could expose him — and if Paul had eyes here, he'd be ready.

He entered the server room. Towers of metal, dust-covered and silent, loomed like sentinels. He connected the hard drive to the main console. The screen flickered to life, requesting authorization he didn't have.

> Access Restricted – Multi-level encryption detected

He closed his eyes briefly and let the SYSTÈME interface run through potential tactics. Then he spoke aloud, as if to himself, calibrating the tone he had learned with Claire:

— I need to find the key. And I know someone who can get it.

The door clicked. Rafe emerged from the shadows, a wiry figure with alert eyes, carrying a laptop. He regarded Marcus coolly.

— You're not supposed to be here, he said. But I already know who you are.

Marcus studied him carefully, noticing the subtle tension in his shoulders.

— I need your help, Rafe. BlueRise's collapse wasn't accidental. The data in this drive can rebuild what's been lost… or prove who orchestrated the fall.

Rafe raised an eyebrow.

— And why should I trust you? You're just the heir who lost everything.

Marcus let a small, calculated smile touch his lips.

— Because I'm the only one who sees the whole picture. And if I fail, everyone you care about will lose too.

Rafe paused, considering. His gaze flicked to the drive.

— Fine. But one false move, and you won't just lose the empire — I'll make sure your identity is exposed.

Marcus nodded.

— Agreed. Let's begin.

They worked in silence, the SYSTÈME pulsing softly in Marcus's mind. Each algorithm, each firewall, revealed patterns he had not seen before. Lines of code unfolded, revealing hidden transactions, encrypted messages, and buried logs.

> [Mission Update]

Secondary Mission: Decrypt "Operation C-12"

Progress: 35%

Reward: Technical hacking skill (Level 1)

Hours passed. Marcus scanned the decrypted files, uncovering a web of collusion: Paul's transfers to Helix International, secret offshore accounts, and manipulations that had disguised key vulnerabilities in the company. Every detail sharpened his understanding — the enemy was meticulous, methodical, and dangerously close.

Lucie appeared at the doorway, holding two cups of coffee, her expression unreadable.

— You've been at this for hours. Are you sure you're not overstepping?

Marcus didn't look up.

— I'm not overstepping. I'm learning who betrayed this empire and how to reclaim it.

She set the cups down silently. For a moment, she watched him, a mixture of skepticism and cautious respect in her eyes.

— If you succeed, it changes everything. But if you fail…

Marcus finally looked at her, voice low and steady:

— I will not fail. Not when I have 362 days to master the game.

> [SYSTÈME: Reward Activated]

Skill Unlocked: Technical hacking (Level 1)

New Objective: Analyze collusion network – Identify accomplices and vulnerabilities

Outside, the rain intensified, washing the city in silver streaks. Marcus felt the weight of the empire pressing against him, the ghosts of the past whispering from every corner. Yet for the first time, he didn't feel powerless. He had allies, skills, and a plan.

And somewhere in the shadows, Paul Dumas was already moving. Marcus smiled faintly. The game had just entered its most dangerous phase.

> Countdown: 362 days remaining

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Marcus now had his first operative, access to critical data, and the tools to trace the network of betrayal. Chapter 6 will naturally escalate the tension, with the first confrontation between Marcus and his inner circle while navigating the increasingly dangerous corporate landscape.

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