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.”
Joseph watched Ciko intently, his curiosity deepening. "What else do you know about Miranda?" he asked, his voice low and serious. Ciko swallowed hard, as if recalling every detail he’d observed while working under her. "Miranda… she actually has no clear identity. Her true background is carefully hidden. She doesn’t want people to know where she’s from." Joseph frowned. "Why would she hide her origins?" Ciko exhaled slowly before answering, "Because she’s ashamed, Mr. Joseph. Miranda came from a broken family. Her life story is full of darkness. When she was young, she was bullied… badly." Joseph looked at Ciko, curious and concerned. "Why was she bullied?" Ciko hesitated but then continued in a low voice, "Miranda was born from an incestuous relationship. Her parents were siblings—Her father impregnated his own sister. Where Miranda's father and mother are one father, but different mothers. " "That’s why she was mocked her entire life. People saw her as a child who ‘shoul
Five hours had passed since the long conversation between Joseph and Ciko at the G Alliance headquarters. The main hall was still quiet, with only a few members keeping watch around the room. Joseph sat alone at the table, staring at a cup of coffee that had long since gone cold. His face looked tired and worried, his mind racing with everything Ciko had shared earlier. A deep sadness emerged in his heart. Joseph sighed, trying to hold back the frustration swelling within him. This was the first time he had met someone who had put such trust in him, and that person had died right in front of him during their first and last meeting. A few moments later, the sound of footsteps approached. Jacky appeared, his face serious but still respectful. “Mr. Joseph, I’ve taken care of everything,” Jacky said in a low voice. “We found Ciko’s family’s address. I delivered his body respectfully with ten members of G Alliance, just as you ordered.” Joseph nodded slowly, looking at Jacky wi