The task Gareth had assigned them felt… wrong. Marcus fidgeted with his datapad, the cool metal slick with nervous sweat. He sat beside Theron in a secluded alcove of the school library, surrounded by towering stacks of digital archives. The library, usually a haven of quiet study, felt charged with tension tonight."Are you sure about this, Marcus?" Theron whispered, his voice surprisingly subdued. Even he seemed to sense the gravity of their actions.Marcus hesitated. "Gareth was pretty clear," he mumbled, avoiding Theron's gaze. He knew Gareth's temper, and he knew the consequences of disobedience. But the idea of invading Zane's privacy, of digging through his personal data, left a bitter taste in his mouth."Yeah, but… what if we get caught?" Theron's eyes darted nervously around the library. "Accessing student files is a serious offense.""Gareth said his family would handle it," Marcus replied, though the words lacked conviction. He wasn't entirely sure that even the Voss family's influence could completely shield them from the consequences of such a breach.Theron shrugged, seemingly satisfied with that answer. He was never one for deep thought. "Alright then," he said, cracking his knuckles. "Let's get this over with."Marcus took a deep breath and initiated the access protocols. He was skilled with network navigation, a talent that usually earned him praise from instructors. Tonight, it felt like a violation. He bypassed the standard student network, delving into the more restricted archives where personal files and training logs were stored. The system's security was robust, but Marcus was confident in his abilities.He targeted Zane's files, expecting to find some hidden training regimen or some other clue to his sudden improvement. However, as soon as he attempted to access Zane's personal data, a warning flashed across his datapad screen:ACCESS DENIED. SYSTEM INTEGRITY COMPROMISED. INTRUSION DETECTED. SECURITY PROTOCOLS ACTIVATED.A cold shiver ran down Marcus's spine. He had never encountered a security system like this before. It wasn't just a simple firewall or password protection; it was something far more sophisticated. It was as if the system itself was aware of their presence, actively blocking their intrusion."What's going on?" Theron whispered, leaning over to look at the screen."I… I don't know," Marcus stammered, his fingers flying across the datapad, trying to understand what had happened. He tried various bypasses, different entry points, but each attempt was met with the same impenetrable wall. The system was actively countering his attempts, adapting to his strategies in real-time. It was like fighting a ghost."It's like there's something… guarding his files," Marcus muttered, more to himself than to Theron.Suddenly, a new message appeared on the screen:WARNING: FURTHER ATTEMPTS TO ACCESS PROTECTED DATA WILL BE LOGGED AND REPORTED TO SCHOOL AUTHORITIES. CEASE ALL INTRUSION ACTIVITIES IMMEDIATELY.Marcus's blood ran cold. This wasn't just a standard security system; it was something far more advanced, something that could actively track and report their actions. He knew they had to stop."We have to get out of here," Marcus whispered urgently, disconnecting his datapad from the network. "This is way beyond anything I can handle."Theron looked panicked. "But… what about Gareth?""We'll tell him we couldn't find anything," Marcus said, his voice firm. "We can't risk getting caught. This is too dangerous." He knew Gareth wouldn't be happy, but he couldn't risk their expulsion, or worse.Meanwhile, in his apartment, Zane was having a conversation with Zeron."Zane," Zeron's calm, synthesized voice echoed through the room, "I detected an unauthorized access attempt to your personal data network approximately twenty minutes ago."Zane looked up from his training exercises, a slight frown creasing his brow. "Really? Who would try to hack me?""I have traced the intrusion back to two individuals within Meron Preparatory," Zeron replied, displaying two student profiles on a holographic projection:Student Profile 1:
Name: Marcus Valerius
Rank: 15
Class: Apprentice Tech Mage (Level 7)
Specialization: Network Navigation, Data Analysis, Code Manipulation, Cyber Warfare
Student Profile 2:
Name: Theron Stone
Rank: 19
Class: Apprentice Warrior (Earth) (Level 8)
Specialization: Close Combat, Physical Augmentation, Earth Manipulation
"Marcus Valerius and Theron Stone," Zane murmured, recognizing the names. "I've seen them hanging around with Gareth.""Their access attempts were focused on accessing your training logs and personal journal," Zeron continued. "I have implemented enhanced security protocols and severed their connection to your data network. Further attempts will be met with immediate counter-measures, including direct notification to school authorities if necessary."Zane nodded thoughtfully. "So, Gareth's behind this," he said, a hint of annoyance in his voice. He wasn't surprised. He had sensed the resentment radiating from Gareth during their classes."It is highly probable," Zeron confirmed. "Their profiles indicate no prior history of unauthorized network access. It is likely they were acting under instruction."Zane sighed. He hadn't wanted to escalate the situation with Gareth, but it seemed the other boy wasn't willing to let things lie. He looked at the profiles Zeron had displayed, noting Marcus's specialization in network navigation and Theron's focus on physical augmentation and earth manipulation. Tech Mages like Marcus were tricky opponents. They could use all sorts of tools and gadgets to their advantage – mechs, drones, energy weapons, even hacking into environmental systems. Dealing with them required a different approach than facing a straightforward warrior like Theron. He could probably take them in a direct confrontation now, but it wouldn't be easy. Theron's earth manipulation combined with his physical strength made him a formidable opponent. Marcus, while not physically strong, could use his tech skills to create distractions or even disrupt Zane's own abilities.As Marcus and Theron hurried out of the library, Zane felt a sense of unease. He didn't know what Gareth was planning, but he knew he had to be prepared. He looked at Zeron. "Thanks, Zeron. I appreciate you keeping an eye out.""It is my primary function, Zane," Zeron replied. "Your safety and security are my top priorities."Zane nodded. He knew he could rely on Zeron. But he also knew that this was just the beginning. The conflict with Gareth was brewing, and Zane knew it was only a matter of time before it came to a head.