The next morning, the core team gathered in front of the lab building, gleaming with the latest technology facilities. Joseph stood before them, his gaze meeting each person’s with a look of confidence and a hint of pressure. It was a big day—the day the climate control device project would finally begin. After confirming that the entire team was ready, Joseph walked into the lab, followed closely by Gawali, Professor Samuel, Professor Rowan, and the other tech experts. The lab was filled with the quiet hum of advanced machines functioning as part of the climate control system, while a large screen on one wall displayed environmental data from various test sites. Eager to begin, Professor Samuel started up the micro-control system he had designed, while Professor Rowan monitored the energy flow from the solar panels and eco-friendly generators spread around the lab building. “Incredible,” Rowan murmured in admiration, watching the data stream across the screen. “This system
"Give me the report for the first day," Miranda said curtly, her eyes sharp as she stared at the person on the screen. The person nodded slowly. "The project is progressing on schedule. The lab building is operational, and they’ve activated some main systems for climate control. Joseph is being very cautious about security, even somewhat paranoid, but he hasn't suspected anything yet." Miranda gave a cynical smile, leaning back in her chair. "Keep up your surveillance. I want to know every step they take, especially if there are any advancements in the technology they're using. Your mission is simple: sabotage this project." The person on the screen nodded expressionlessly, as if well-accustomed to these assignments. "I've already set up a few bypasses in the main system to access data undetected. However, their team has started adding extra security layers to data transfers, so I'll need to be more careful." Miranda observed intently. "Are they aware of any infiltrator?"
After more than ten instances of persistent sabotage, Joseph’s research team began to feel frustrated. Each time they solved one problem, another inexplicable technical issue would arise almost immediately. The situation created a tense atmosphere in the lab, and trust among team members started to waver. One morning, Joseph gathered the entire team in the conference room. Standing at the front, he looked at each of them in turn. His face showed tension, exhaustion, and a hint of restrained anger. “We’ve carried out this project with the utmost precision and security protocols. Yet, these attacks keep happening. Technical malfunctions, system errors, and… yes, even key parameters suddenly changing!” Joseph said, his voice sharp but controlled. Professor Samuel and Dr. Sarah exchanged glances. Gawali stood in the corner of the room, arms crossed with a tense expression. Laila, who was responsible for data transmission, looked uneasy, while Alex sat with a neutral expressi
Joseph made a difficult decision. He announced that the research project would be put on hold for a few days. “We all need time to clear our minds and reflect,” he said with a firm voice. “I hope each of you will use this time to think about what’s happened and take care of yourselves. Return to your lodgings.” The team members looked shocked by his decision, but none dared to protest. One by one, they left the lab with mixed emotions, from confusion to suspicion. During the break, Joseph decided to conduct a private investigation. He contacted an old friend, Detective Mia, a specialist in cybercrime investigations. Joseph hoped Mia could help him find clearer evidence about who was responsible for the sabotage. A few days later, Mia arrived at the lab when it was quiet. She began examining the security systems and data that hadn’t been accessed by the team. Mia discovered strange traces in the server—small patterns that seemed like harmless errors but, to her trained eye,
They stepped cautiously into the old building, their flashlights cutting through the darkness, illuminating the dust-filled corridors and mold-covered walls. Each of their footsteps echoed, heightening the tension. Ahead, Mia held a tracking device connected to the alarm system detecting ‘The Void’s’ signal. The alarm grew louder, signaling that they were getting closer to the sabotage device. “The signal’s getting stronger,” Mia whispered, her eyes glued to the tracking screen. “The closer we get, the stronger it becomes. We’re almost there.” Joseph, just behind her, tightened his grip on the flashlight and nodded. They moved carefully, navigating the narrow, winding corridor. The red light on Mia’s tracker continued to flash, guiding them to the signal’s source. Finally, they reached the end of the hall where the corridor split. Mia stopped and focused the tracker’s screen toward the right corridor. The alarm pulsed, faster and louder. “The signal’s source is right ahead
The following day, Joseph stood before his team in the small meeting room that was usually filled with energy and drive, but today felt grim and somber. After delivering Alex's body to his family, Joseph felt it was his responsibility to provide an explanation to his team. Joseph began speaking in a calm but firm voice. “I know we’re all grieving. Alex was one of us, and this is certainly not easy. But I need to tell you what we discovered in the investigation.” “Detective Mia and the investigation team found Alex’s fingerprints on all the devices used in the sabotage. All physical evidence supports this finding. In fact, his personal items were found in the room where we discovered him.” The team sat in silence, exchanging looks of disappointment and confusion. Professor Samuel finally spoke up. “Why would Alex do this? Do we know his motive?” Joseph sighed. “His motive… we’re still not certain. There’s a strong possibility that something, or someone, was influencing him.
An hour earlier, Jacky had picked up Joseph, reporting that a man had unexpectedly arrived at Alliance G’s headquarters, insisting on meeting Joseph to reveal a secret about the person sabotaging Joseph’s project. That evening, Joseph sat in the main room of Alliance G’s headquarters, the atmosphere tense. The room was heavily guarded by members of Alliance G, while Jacky stood near the door, watching closely. Across the table sat a man Joseph had never seen before. The man looked nervous, swallowing repeatedly, and wiping the cold sweat beading on his forehead. His eyes were filled with fear, as if this night was his last chance. With a cold, no-nonsense tone, Joseph commanded, “Introduce yourself.” The man nodded, his voice trembling as he spoke. “My name is Ciko, Mr. Joseph,” he said. “I… I’m Miranda’s personal secretary.” Joseph raised an eyebrow. “Miranda?” He looked at Ciko, not recognizing the name. “Who is she?” Ciko appeared surprised, then explained, “Miranda… sh
Joseph looked at Ciko, who appeared increasingly anxious, sweat covering his face, and his troubled gaze seemed to face dark shadows from the past. "I... I need protection from you, Mr. Joseph," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I’ve looked into who you are… and I know you’re not an ordinary person. You have power… influence that could protect me from Miranda." Joseph observed Ciko intently. “You want my protection… what exactly has she done to you?” Ciko lowered his head, biting his lip, hesitating, as though ashamed to reveal what he had been through. Joseph’s voice demanded an answer, but he stayed calm, giving Ciko the space to speak. He glanced at Jacky. “Jacky, get him a glass of water.” Jacky promptly left, leaving them briefly in tense silence. Ciko took a deep breath, his hands trembling lightly. When Jacky returned with the glass of water, Joseph took it and handed it directly to Ciko. “Drink this first. It might help you calm down and talk.”