Chapter: 512

Hatred flickered in his eyes. "Moon, mark my words, one day I'll personally bring about your downfall!"

Norah scrolled through several posts, feeling bored, save for the recent thrill of unlocking something within the system.

Just as she prepared to log off, a message unexpectedly appeared.

It was from N. “Did you just accomplish something significant in silence?"

Norah experienced a peculiar sensation whenever she encountered the displayed username N. It seemed to evoke a sense of familiarity as if she were gazing upon her own name. She replied, "Yeah. Just logged in?"

N texted back, “Yes, the forum posts about you caught my eye as soon as I logged in. You truly live up to your name. Quite impressive!"

Norah's focus wasn't on the chat's content but rather on the username N. She recalled that the second-ranked individual on the hacking leaderboard used to go by the username C.

It wasn't until the latest online update in the forum that Norah noticed C had switched his username to N, prompting her to tease him about it playfully. It all boiled down to a username.

Norah asked, "Why the sudden change in your username? I'm referring to your name on the hacker forum."

N replied, "I wanted to change it, so I did. Is there a rule saying I can't use this name?"

Norah couldn't reveal that his name always reminded her of herself, so she shifted the conversation. "So, how's your love life? Any progress?"

The chat box blinked, and N's username changed back to C.

C answered, "She's already my girlfriend. Thanks for asking!"

Norah mused to herself. She probed, “Congratulations! Does your girlfriend's name start with N?"

C texted back, "Yes."

Norah scoffed. As expected, men often engaged in such gestures, using a woman's name to play the romantic role without her knowledge. Now that he had won her over, he reverted to his original username. Well, at least conversing with C wouldn't feel as peculiar anymore.

C added, “My girlfriend and I are doing splendidly. I'll definitely invite you when we tie the knot."

Norah replied, “Looking forward to it." With no luck finding information about C online, an in-person meeting offline sounded good.

Norah triumphantly seized the top spot on the hacking leaderboard, dethroning C and reigning supreme as the number one hacker.

For years preceding Norah's ascent, C had wielded dominion over the hacking leaderboard with unyielding prowess.

Paying little attention to the individuals populating the hacking leaderboard, Norah's routine upon logging in included perusing the forum and staying updated on the latest hacker community news and global affairs. With nonchalant ease, she'd tackle challenges or devise her own before signing off.

Previously intrigued by C's sudden change in username, Norah felt compelled to delve into his background. Unexpectedly, their initial encounter blossomed into an unlikely friendship, leaving their mutual investigation of each other hanging in suspense. She even offered guidance for C's pursuit of a girlfriend, sharing her insights and strategies to aid him in his romantic endeavors.

Now that C had been with the girl he desired, Norah couldn't help but share in his happiness.

Beyond hacking discussions, Norah's conversations with C dwindled.