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Maze 2: Tracking the Dark Web
墨書 Inktalez
My fingers danced across the keyboard, the code on the screen cascading down like a waterfall. Suddenly, a skull icon flashed, followed by a line of blood-red text: "Welcome to the Shadows, stranger. You are being watched."
I smiled faintly, thinking, "I've finally found you." Just as I was about to delve deeper into my exploration, a rapid knocking at the door interrupted my thoughts.
I glanced warily toward the entrance and quietly picked up the stun baton resting under my desk. Through the peephole, I saw an unexpected visitor.
"Captain Wang?" I opened the door in surprise.
Standing outside was a middle-aged man, dressed in a suit but looking haggard, with anxiety and fatigue etched in his eyes.
"Li Ming, we need to talk," Captain Wang said in a low, urgent voice. "It's about the Shadows."
I frowned and stepped aside to let Captain Wang into the apartment. I knew that for an Interpol captain to come knocking at this hour meant that something serious was afoot.
"I thought we agreed that I was stepping back from the front lines," I said, handing Captain Wang a cup of coffee, my tone tinged with irritation.
Captain Wang took the coffee but didn’t drink it; instead, he stared directly into my eyes. "Li Ming, I know what you've been through. But now, we really need your help. The Shadows have become the greatest threat to global cybersecurity, and we still can't truly reach their core."
I fell silent for a moment, recalling that nightmarish experience from two years ago. That confrontation with the Shadows not only nearly cost me my life but also took away my best partner and years-long lover, Anna.
"Why come to me?" I finally spoke, my voice slightly hoarse.
Captain Wang pulled a folder from his briefcase. "Because you are the only one who has ever defeated them. Do you remember the Phantom Virus incident? You were the only one who cracked their encryption system. Now, we suspect that the Shadows are planning a larger-scale cyberattack, potentially targeting critical national infrastructure."
I took the folder and quickly skimmed through the information inside. My brow furrowed tighter. "When was this intelligence gathered?"
"Three days ago," Captain Wang replied. "Our undercover agent sent out the last message and then lost contact."
I closed the folder, lost in thought. "If this information is accurate, the consequences will be catastrophic."
"Why should I trust that you can protect my safety?" I said with a hint of sarcasm. "Last time, Anna was put in danger because of your negligence..."
"I know we owe you," Captain Wang interrupted, his voice filled with regret. "But this time is different. This isn't just about national security; it's about global network stability. Li Ming, we really need you."
The room fell into a long silence. I stood up and walked to the window, looking down at the sleeping city below. I knew that my decision could change the fate of millions.
Finally, I turned around, a faint smile of resignation on my face. "Alright, I accept. But this is the last time."
Captain Wang breathed a sigh of relief and nodded. "Thank you, Li Ming. I promise we will do everything to ensure your safety this time."
Just as Captain Wang was about to leave, I called out to him, "Wait, there's one more condition."
"What condition?"
"I want complete freedom of action without any interference," I stated firmly. "Including using my own methods and tools."
Captain Wang hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded in agreement. "Alright, I promise you that. But remember, you now represent Interpol, and all actions must be within the legal framework."
I revealed a faintly meaningful smile. "Don't worry, I know my limits."
After sending off Captain Wang, I returned to my computer. On the screen, that line of blood-red text continued to flicker.
I took a deep breath, my fingers once again resting on the keyboard. A complex string of code flowed out like a stream.
This time, I would confront the deepest fears within me and step back into that virtual abyss that had nearly consumed him.
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