Cyber Espionage

After the inauguration event was over, the soldiers returned to carry out their respective duties. Meanwhile, Noa, who had become part of the special force at Infrablack Software Corporation, kept staying there.

Noa sat in the lobby with So-Rin while waiting for his official warrant in the office.

He pinned the eagle pin to his shirt, a symbol of his membership in Infrablack's special forces.

"The pin looks great on you," So-Rin beamed. "The best part is that we're now working together in the same place."

"Yeah. That's what thrills me too," Noa replied.

Having gained access to the software corporation, Noa was determined to seize this golden opportunity to execute his plan.

"We need to take action now," Noa declared, rising from his chair. "I mean, let's start working." He smirked.

"I don't think there's much for you to do here. The special forces mainly focus on maintaining security," So-Rin reminded him.

"Of course, I'll handle security—including the IT department," Noa assured her.

So-Rin frowned momentarily, then nodded. She was certain that Noa had his own plans in mind.

"Alright, let's get to work," So-Rin said, standing up and leading Noa to the main laboratory section.

Upon reaching the lab, Noa took a seat in front of the large computer.

"Are you absolutely sure about this?" So-Rin glanced around cautiously. "It could be dangerous if someone discovers your actions later."

"Have faith in me," Noa declared confidently.

So-Rin shared the password with Noa, granting him access to the company's system data. He began searching through the extensive database, hoping to find valuable information.

With a sigh of relief, Noa successfully logged in. Adrenaline coursed through his veins as he navigated the intricate network of files and folders, eagerly searching for anything that could aid him.

The task ahead seemed daunting. The vast and complex system data required considerable time and effort to sift through.

Hunched over the computer, Noa diligently typed on the keyboard and delved into the data. He felt like a detective, piecing together clues and following leads.

However, he had to be cautious not to attract suspicion. Noa knew that others might be observing him, and any unusual behavior could raise alarms.

"Are you finished yet?" So-Rin whispered anxiously as their coworkers started casting glances in their direction.

"Not yet. I still need to copy and analyze all the data," Noa replied, shaking his head. "But strangely enough, I feel acquainted with all this information."

"How so?" So-Rin inquired.

"I'm not sure. Perhaps it's because this system was developed by my father's laboratory. I remember in the notes from the memory device that I worked there and learned system programming to some extent," Noa explained.

Although he felt a little astonished, he just figured out a surprising skill. His brain roughly guided him in accessing all of the information, and he easily understood what he should do as if he had telepathic access to a guidebook.

"Ah, that makes sense. I know you served as an engineer's assistant," So-Rin acknowledged.

Noa remained focused and determined, his eyes fixed on the computer screen. He had a clear goal in mind, and he wouldn't allow any obstacles to deter him.

"I believe I've found it," Noa whispered, his confidence growing.

"Are you certain?" So-Rin inquired.

"My intuition tells me so, and I'm vaguely familiar with this. I don't remember it, but it's somewhat familiar. Also, I've read something about this in my journal," Noa explained, his gaze unwavering on the screen.

Having located what he was searching for—a hidden file buried deep within the system data—Noa knew he had to act swiftly. It held the key to unlocking the system with a new code.

Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, Noa swiftly made a copy of the file and securely sent it to his encrypted storage.

"Noa, hurry!" So-Rin urged, noticing a uniformed man approaching.

"It'll take some time," Noa replied, his fingers dancing across the keyboard as he encrypted the file and uploaded it to his personal cloud storage.

Meanwhile, the uniformed man halted a few paces away, casting a suspicious glance at the pair but saying nothing.

With the upload completed, Noa felt a wave of relief wash over him. He stood up from the computer, composing himself as he faced the uniformed man.

"May I help you?" Noa asked politely, maintaining a composed demeanor.

The man raised an eyebrow. "I'm here for a security check," he responded. "Oh, it's you again. Noa, right? What's your business here?"

Noa's heart raced, but he managed to maintain a calm expression as he faced Officer Korneli Bolkvad, who seemed to appear like a haunting ghost before him.

"Yes, I'm Noa. I'm currently employed here," he replied smoothly. "We're just wrapping up some tasks."

The uniformed man narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the room. "And what project is this?" he questioned, his tone tinged with suspicion.

Noa and So-Rin exchanged a quick glance, both realizing the need for caution in their choice of words. So-Rin spoke up, "It's related to the new projects, as you know, considering today is the inauguration. Noa also played a crucial role in dealing with the recent cyber attack."

The uniformed man appeared unconvinced, but after a few moments, he shrugged and stated, "Yeah, I heard about that. I was occupied and didn't recognize that the awardee was the same Noa who participated in the monthly guild tournaments."

"How small the world can be, right, Mr. Officer?" Noa sarcastically remarked.

"Just ensure you're not involved in any wrongdoing," the officer warned before leaving the room.

As soon as the door closed, Noa and So-Rin let out a collective sigh of relief. They had narrowly evaded being caught, their quick thinking and actions saving them.

"That was a close call," Noa murmured, sinking back into his chair.

So-Rin nodded, her complexion still pale. "We can't afford any mistakes," she emphasized. "Especially now, when we're so close to obtaining the necessary data."

Noa nodded in agreement, his mind already shifting to their next steps. There was more work to be done.