Preface
The sound of "clacking" on the keyboard kept echoing.
This was a dimly lit small rented room, with thick curtains blocking the window, preventing any light from entering and blurring the distinction between day and night. In fact, it also blurred the passage of time. The boy sitting in front of the computer no longer remembered how long he had been there.
The small clutter was in a mess. Leftover takeout boxes, dirty clothes, and spilled drink bottles were scattered all over the place. The computer desk was piled high with bottled energy drinks. Due to the long lack of air circulation, the room was filled with a damp musty smell. Even the boy himself was covered in messy and neglected traces, with messy hair and unkempt beard.
"Clack clack clack..."
"Clack..."
"Clack clack clack..."
At one moment, the sound of keyboard tapping suddenly stopped. The boy's bloodshot eyes stared at the screen, and his lips curved into a relieved smile.
The phone rang suddenly, and he was stunned for a moment before realizing that he had found his phone among a pile of coffee cans. Seeing the number flashing on the screen, the boy hesitated for a moment before answering.
"Stephen." A clear girl's voice came from the phone, "Are you still trying to stop us? To stop the virus you created yourself?"
"No..." The boy, Stephen, said with a smile, but before the girl could let out a sigh of relief, he continued, "Actually, I just finished it. I have developed a control program for the Tianzhen virus. As soon as I upload it to the network, the Tianzhen virus, which has nearly paralyzed the entire network for the past month, will be completely eradicated."Stephen's words startled the girl: "Stephen, I warn you not to do that! I can give you money, any amount you want..."
"This is the bitter fruit I sowed, and it should be ended by me." His voice suddenly had an indescribable melancholy. "Ashley, you and the force behind you, that group that profits from my virus causing a network disaster, I won't stand by and watch such things continue. So, it's time to end it."
"Stephen, please, if... if the Tianzhen virus is eradicated, they will kill me..."
"All of this is your own fault. I once trusted you, but you... " Stephen's voice paused, unsure if it was sadness or anger. He didn't know. He sighed, "Ashley, take care of yourself."
He hung up the phone.
The phone rang again shortly after, but Stephen didn't even glance at it. He threw it aside.
Stephen was rarely known by many, but those who knew his name knew that it represented the top in the field of hackers.
He was young, but since his debut, he had accomplished many things that his predecessors couldn't.
He is regarded as the "Magician" in the dark world because the viruses he developed are as unpredictable and full of magical charm as a magician. And his most outstanding work in his hacking career is the Tiz Virus.
This virus's explosive power and harm were so severe that Stephen had never released it.
But Ashley's appearance changed everything. He loved her and trusted her, willing to share everything with her. During the six months they were together, Stephen was very happy. But in the end, Ashley secretly left with the virus.
Three days later, a network disaster broke out worldwide. A group of global criminal organizations used the Tianzhen virus to hijack major banks, enterprises, and even governments.
Everyone was in a state of fear. Stephen only found out the purpose of Ashley's coming to him at that time. She was a "thief" hired by that criminal organization.
He was a hacker, but he always adhered to the principle of "stealing is also a righteous act". The disaster caused by the Tianzhen virus was the pinnacle of his hacking career, and it made him finally decide to challenge his peak. So, after a month of non-stop action, he succeeded.
He understood that this restraint program for the Tianzhi virus represented his further advancement in the field of hacking. He had surpassed his previous peak.
"All is over..."
Stephen's hand moved towards the Enter key on the keyboard. As long as he pressed it, the restraint program would be uploaded to the internet and would automatically identify and eliminate the Tianzhi virus, ending the month-long network disaster.
His fingers pressed down.
Watching the progress bar on the screen gradually reach 100%, Stephen suddenly felt a sharp wave of exhaustion. He swayed and stood up from the chair, but then felt that his body couldn't stay balanced, so he staggered a few steps and finally fell to the ground.
The ringing of Ashley's phone still echoed in his ears, but the endless darkness gradually enveloped his vision.
He was so tired. Maybe, this is the end?
That's fine too. At least, he stood at the final peak in his beloved field of hacking.
His Tianzhi virus remained unbroken for a month, but in the end, it still ended under his hands. That's enough.
He has no regrets anymore.