Chapter 1467: Commencing digital mayhem

"Let’s welcome the final teams who have proven their talents and skills... among hundreds of competitors..."

The host of tonight’s event amped up the excitement with his lively voice, welcoming the two teams who had proven their talents both individually and as a group. The audience — a mix of competitors’ friends and avid followers of the competition — cheered enthusiastically. The other participants who had fallen also joined the audience to watch this unfold.

Some competitors waved to the crowd with enthusiasm, while others remained silent and focused. None had expected such a large audience — it was five times bigger than on previous days. Even so, it gave them a glimpse of how huge this competition was.

"Team A, now taking their seats." The host continued, beaming as he clearly enjoyed Team A’s energy more than the other team’s. "And now taking the stage... Team D!"

Unlike the energetic Team A, Team D was more serious. They faced the audience, bowed, and then headed to their designated positions.

As the host continued hyping up the crowd, both teams mentally prepared themselves for what lay ahead. They had been competing all day, but this final round was the most crucial. They had already bested hundreds of others — only one final challenge stood between them and the grand prize.

---

[Team A’s Side]

"Don’t get complacent," one of the members warned. "Team D may have been the last to qualify, but they’ve been the toughest competition we’ve faced since the beginning. Every single one of them gave us a hard time during the individual rounds."

The other four members nodded seriously. Their earlier high energy faded, replaced by a steely focus.

"Let’s finish this," one of them said. "Beating them is the last step to reaching our goal. Let’s not let them stand in the way!"

"Focus! We’ve got this, team!"

"Hah!"

As Team A rallied together, the crowd responded with roaring cheers, feeding off their unity and resolve.

---

Meanwhile, on Team D’s side...

"I know many of you tore through their team during the individual rounds," said the acting team leader, "but don’t forget—they were the first to make it to the finals. Don’t let your guard down."

The other members nodded in agreement.

"Relax your minds, but stay sharp. Think of this like a life-or-death situation," he continued. "Ignore the noise—keep your eyes on the goal: victory."

"Yes!" the team responded in unison, although one member—Nathaniel—was noticeably less spirited than the others.

"Focus!" the leader barked. "The game’s about to begin."

While the team mentally prepared themselves, some stretched their fingers, knowing this final test wasn’t just about capability—they all had the skills. The real question was: Who could execute faster?

As both teams tried to block out the crowd, Nathaniel leaned back in his seat and gazed up at the second floor, where a glass wall separated them from the VIPs.

’She’s there for sure,’ he thought. ’Is she watching me? Can she see me? Or is she too busy socializing?’

His head throbbed again, and he massaged his temple.

At that point, the host began explaining the final round’s mechanics. Everyone listened intently.

---

"The final match will be split into two rounds: the first is a race to three," the host announced excitedly. "Each team will alternate between attacking and defending their cyber systems within a time limit. If the attacking team breaches the first system, they immediately move on to attack the next level of the defending team’s system."

"However, if they fail to breach it, roles are reversed—the attackers become defenders, and the other team takes their shot," he continued smoothly. "Scores will be determined based on success, failure, and time."

Both teams’ expressions darkened at the challenge ahead.

"So it’s war," one player smirked. "Good."

"Defense or offense—it doesn’t matter."

"As expected," another muttered. "This won’t be anything like the earlier rounds."

Excitement was evident on their faces. This challenge was like a game to them—and this kind of game was their favorite. Even more thrilling than fixing or breaching a system was knowing someone else would be defending against them in real time.

"But that’s not all!" the host exclaimed, his voice rising. "Winning the first round doesn’t guarantee victory! In the second—and final—round of tonight’s main event, both teams will be attempting to breach Prime Group’s current cyber security system!"

Gasps erupted as players and spectators turned to the large screen behind the host. It displayed the security system model and its features.

"Prime Group’s cutting-edge cyber defense has been protecting one of the largest companies in Anteca!" the host continued. "It’s earned the name ’Fortress’ for good reason—its layered security walls are unmatched in the industry."

As the host’s explanation took on the tone of a product pitch, some less tech-savvy audience members leaned in to listen, but the competitors were too shocked to care.

"Are they serious?" someone from Team A whispered. "This isn’t just hard—it’s a double-edged sword."

His teammate smirked. "I underestimated Prime Group’s confidence."

"We’re not gonna be in trouble... right?"

Meanwhile, Team D was equally stunned.

"I know Prime Group’s system is nearly impossible to breach, but..." one of them looked around at his teammates. "...what if—just what if—we succeed? Wouldn’t that put them in a tough spot?"

"It would. But for them to allow this, they must’ve prepared for the worst."

"What are they thinking?"

"Doesn’t matter," one of the others said, grinning. His eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Overconfidence or strategy, this is going to be fun."

"If either team manages to breach the Prime Group’s security system—already installed in this little computer here—" the host said as someone wheeled in a compact setup, "they will instantly win the grand prize! But if neither team succeeds, the team that won the first round will be declared the overall winner by default!"

"Team A, Team D—are you ready to hacktivate your skills?!" the host shouted, the crowd erupting in response. He grinned at their energy and raised his hand.

"Commencing digital mayhem in 3... 2... 1!"