Dinner at a renowned family like the Carter Family was always so-so. With faces they are used to and with faces they don't want to see anymore, each member occupies a seat, waiting for the Patriarch of the family to arrive. Marcus sat at the far end of the table, his gaze fixed on his phone. He's finally going to compete against the nineteen-year-old boy tomorrow."Dang it" He murmured under his breath as he checked the internet with his disguise account.Marcus doesn't understand why they are comparing him with the boy who just came out of nowhere.Even though he outsmarted his colleagues in the qualifying stage, it doesn't mean he's at the same level as him.Now that a winner is selected from the four groups created for the qualifying stage, Marcus Carter is going to compete with Jeff Hemsworth while Marcus Cuomo will compete with Eric Bush.The winners will proceed to the final stage after that."You've been frowning too much dear. Don't worry about the March, you've always won. T
The team assigned to Jeff followed him to the venue of the World Software Competition this time, including Mr. Gary. Ever since Jeff exceeded their expectations in the qualifying stage, he has been so quiet and would not talk if not necessary.Although he hasn't apologized to Jeff, one could tell what was wrong with him. He looked shameful but wouldn't dare to act inferior to Jeff.Before, no one is allowed in the venue but a message was sent to Jeff that he could bring anyone to the Venue.As they got the venue, a lot of people were at the entrance, a lot of them, holding sign posts with Marcus Carter names on it.Professor Paul scrunched up his nose and faced Jeff. "Be careful in there, I think Marcus Carter is up to no good."Professor Paul understood why a young man like Marc became cunning and calculating. He didn't even hesitate to badmouth Jeff and asked bluntly that Professor Paul should be his Mentor.Growing up in a family where competition thrives must be exhausting."You
Marc looked over at Jeff, who seemed to be looking at him without any concern. He had expected the nineteen-year-old guy to appear flustered.This part can be a little challenging because they had only two hours to develop a software application that could translate between various languages.It will undergo testing after creation. The program that achieves the highest accuracy and number of translated languages will be declared the winner."This is a little tricky, isn't it?" Marc said, hoping to draw Jeff's attention to himself. The latter, however, had his attention fixed on the system he was using.Marc silently to himself, thinking that Jeff must believe he is just like the others he defeated in the qualifying round."I know you might be a little worried but don't be too concerned. It's just...""Talking doesn't tire you?" Jeff asked, his eyes still glued to the system, in a bored sort of way. "And it's not like I'm responding to you."Marc's brows knitted into a frown as he real
With Jeff's screen turning green, the room went silent, broken by the only sound coming from the computers' faint hum. Marc cast a sidelong glance at Jeff, his expression indiscernible, as though it revealed a hidden pleasure. "You can't be done, right?"It wasn't even a question. It was more like a fact that doesn't need to be checked."What do you think?" Jeff let down a low chuckle and pressed on the bell to signify that he was done. Marc was looking at the screen, trying to take in what had just happened when his eyes grew wide with disbelief.A mixture of surprise and suspicion characterized Professor Paul's observations of the scene in the meantime. He glanced at Mia, who seemed to share his concern. They both knew that something did not add up. Wasn't Jeff very worried before when his screen turned black?"He is done? How is that even possible?" Gary raised a brow, staring at Jeff on the screen. He saw the nineteen year old boy leaning against his chair, unbothered and unworr
Marc was in shock at what he saw. He glared at the scoreboard and rubbed his eyes a few times to confirm he wasn't seeing things.Although there are actually new languages being discovered every day in the world, there are currently 7194 languages officially recognized.It was, of course, something he could accomplish. He could also create software that could translate all the languages in the world, but he let down his guard and underestimated Jeff.He whispered, “You won,” loud enough for Jeff to hear. “How did… How could you?”Jeff's lips curled into a smile as he took a step back. He was preparing to leave and get ready for the final stage with Marcus Cuomo, the young man who ranked second in the Hackers rank. “I told you there was no chance for you against me.” These words seemed to annoy Marc even more. He would have won if he had not underestimated Jeff.He moved in front of Jeff out of frustration, leaving the onlookers in disbelief. “I would have won, as you are well aware
Jeff closed his eyes and calmly breathed as he leaned against the window on their way back to the hotel.Mia whispered to Jeff, assuming he was sleeping, "Jeff, congratulations on your win." Her expression was bursting with excitement. Who would have thought that they would last long in this competition? They are in the finals now, and Jeff will compete alongside Marcus Cuomo, the second person on the Hackers rank.Jeff's eyes opened slightly, a tiny smile curling around his lips. "Thanks."Had he not tricked Marc just now, Marc would have gained the advantage.It was very obvious that the staffs of the software organization was also working for the Carter family. They wanted to make things hard for Jeff but he outsmarted them.Jeff knew his goal before he competed with Marc Carter. The software he created would forever translate language even if a new language was discovered.Mia was sitting beside Jeff in the car while Professor Paul was sitting at the front seat with the driver, a
Jeff sat on the edge of the bed in his hotel room, staring at his phone as Mr. Grador's message popped up. With a nonchalant shrug, he tapped on it and read through the text, his brow furrowing slightly at the mention of Atlas."Hey Jeff, have you seen Atlas around? I simply need to make sure of something. Did he mention anything to you?" The message was displayed.The tone of the message was quite casual.Jeff leaned back against the headboard, his mind wandering as he pondered Mr. Grador's inquiries. He wasn't particularly surprised by the questions; after all, he and Atlas's paths crossed in a way some days ago. Typing out a quick response, Jeff replied, "Yeah, we met two days ago. Nothing out of the ordinary though. Is everything alright on your end?"Jeff included the final bit on purpose because he thought it was funny that Mr. Grador had questioned him about Atlas. Based on his recollections, Atlas checked out of his hotel room, made his way back home, and even texted Jeff f
Jeff drove Professor Paul's car quickly down the familiar road, the wind howling behind him. The rush of air against the windows seemed to match the turmoil in his mind.Jeff parked in a spot that was free and got out of the car, feeling the cool evening air against his skin. He moved into the tiny, old bar with a step of purpose. The interior, with its dim lighting and the smell of old wood, had a cozy charm all its own, even with its worn exterior.Spotting Atlas at a table, Jeff approached him, noting the way Atlas sipped his drink slowly, lost in thought. Without hesitation, Jeff reached out, snatching the cup from Atlas's grasp. "If you continue to drink without moderation, you might pass away young," he said with a shrug. Atlas looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and then he smiled a little. "Maybe dying young isn't the worst fate," he muttered cryptically, his gaze turning distant.Jeff took a seat across from Atlas and leaned back, waiting for Atlas to say an