Chapter 23: The Hidden Protocol

“Master, Chief Gissing from Lixin Security Company is at the door and wishes to see you!” David was practicing the Eighteen Forms of Physical Technique in the underground gym when he heard Emma’s familiar, elegant voice from his identity bracelet’s intelligent steward.

During his recent days of rest, he had used his expertise in electronic countermeasures to reinforce the security system of his residence. Now, possessing true electronic countermeasure abilities, he could see the old security system for what it really was—a sieve full of holes. No wonder the female mercenary had managed to bypass the security so easily that day.

David had originally not intended to meet with Chief Gissing, for he no longer needed the security company to rebuild his system. But considering the possible compensation from Lixin Security Company, he decided to grant him an audience.

In the hall of the residence, Chief Gissing anxiously shifted his obese frame, unable to find comfort in the plush, high-end sofa. He glanced at his beautiful secretary; if he failed to resolve the issue with the owner of this house, he was likely to lose his position—and the lovely secretary would be someone else’s.

Emma, the intelligent steward, had shown them into the hall, but David had yet to appear, further unsettling Chief Gissing. David had no intention of making him wait; out of courtesy, he had simply gone to wash off the sweat from practicing the Eighteen Forms, which delayed him and inadvertently caused the misunderstanding.

Chief Gissing assessed the value of this residence, knowing the owner was connected to someone bearing the title “National Hero,” but compensation would depend on the property’s value. Even the fruit juice he and his secretary sipped indicated the owner's wealth.

Rockstar had almost no agricultural resources; most people could only purchase synthetic food. The seemingly ordinary glass of natural fruit juice in his hand signaled that the residence contained a sizable cultivation base for fruits and vegetables.

Rockstar was threatened by the insectoids; every city had thick underground barriers made of steel and materials repellent to the insectoids, with layers of sensors to prevent infiltration. These barriers limited the size of underground spaces, making underground resources in Pelan City extremely precious—more expensive than surface space due to their scarcity.

“Mr. David, I am Gissing, business chief from Lixin Security Company!” Upon seeing David, Chief Gissing bounced from the sofa, smiling as he introduced himself.

His secretary also displayed her most radiant smile; Gissing had brought her to help ease the atmosphere.

“Chief Gissing, hello,” David replied with a smile and gestured for him to be seated.

David’s maturity made Chief Gissing regard him more highly, especially since David was not distracted by the secretary’s beauty—at his age, most would be swept away by youthful exuberance.

“Mr. David, on behalf of Lixin Security Company, I deeply apologize for the losses caused by this accident,” Chief Gissing began, expressing the company’s stance.

“Chief Gissing, I accept your apology. How do you intend to handle this?” David ignored the pleasantries, not wishing to waste time on idle chatter, eager to resolve the matter.

“Mr. David, our company will install a top-tier security system for you free of charge. We will cover all your losses from the incident and additionally compensate you with two hundred thousand credit points. What do you think?” Chief Gissing, caught off guard by David’s directness, laid out the prepared proposal.

“That’s acceptable,” David said, rising and extending his hand.

Chief Gissing was stunned. Wasn’t such a negotiation supposed to involve discussion? David’s swift agreement rendered his prepared arguments useless. Moreover, the compensation was far below what he’d initially planned, which could be seen as Lixin Security Company bullying the child of a “National Hero.” But the deal was agreed upon, and he could not offer more now, so he stood and shook David’s hand.

“Mr. David, please grant access so I may upgrade your security system,” Chief Gissing requested to proceed.

David did not mention he had reinforced the security system himself—it would be hard to explain. He opened the permissions, allowing Chief Gissing access to the residential security network.

Chief Gissing quickly operated the equipment he’d brought, replacing and upgrading the security system. The entire process took no more than five minutes.

“Mr. David, your security software is now upgraded to the highest level. Our technicians will install the corresponding hardware within three business days. If you are satisfied, we can sign the settlement agreement,” Chief Gissing said with a smile.

Seeing that David had nothing further to add, he signed the electronic agreement via his identity bracelet, and Chief Gissing’s smile grew wider.

David saw Chief Gissing out, his face darkening. During the upgrade, his original security system had sent him a warning. The system he’d enhanced, though not as comprehensive as Lixin Security Company’s, was more advanced in terms of security. After all, it was only a civilian-grade system—no matter how advanced, it had its limitations.

After David granted access, Chief Gissing’s operations triggered alerts, suggesting that the uploaded security software contained programs it should not have. David connected the K2 military-grade electronic countermeasure device to the security system and began searching.

Soon, he discovered a hidden privilege program. If activated, all security devices in his home would shut down, allowing outsiders easy entry.

Once again, David realized how formidable his adversaries were. The mercenary attack had been an accident, but someone had seized the opportunity to modify his security system, leaving his residence defenseless. Had he not acquired electronic countermeasure abilities and implanted his own security protocols, he would have remained oblivious—until it was too late.

David altered the hidden privilege program so that any activation would notify his identity bracelet, letting him decide whether to enable it.

He had no intention of confronting Lixin Security Company; they were merely exposed enemies and posed little threat. What truly worried him was the unknown—how many forces were involved?

He thought of the knowledge spheres for Warhammer mastery (82% proficiency), Sniping (20% proficiency), and the 99% beginner-level physical technique. With a bit more time, his abilities would surge and he would no longer be forced into such passive defenses.

Chief Gissing left David’s residence and sat in his vehicle, his expression grave, devoid of any relief from resolving the company’s troubles. On his identity bracelet, he typed: “Mission accomplished!”

“Darling, I want to eat natural vegetables,” the secretary whispered.

“Alright, I’ll take you out for a feast!” Chief Gissing put on a smile and waved.

Before the New Year, Lixin Security Company added more surveillance devices, all compatible with the upgraded security software. David inspected each device and found no further backdoors or hidden programs.

It seemed his enemies cared little for his private life; their only aim was to make him easier prey.

Days passed, up to December 31st, and no one activated the hidden privilege program.

David surmised that the adversary was waiting for things to settle before making another move.

And in this tense atmosphere, the government’s New Year’s banquet arrived.