"Will there be anything more ridiculous than this?"
"Maybe, but sir, you shouldn't speak too loudly. If you get unlucky and are caught by the big data of the Earth Alliance Government, you'd be treated as part of a rebel group," Clara advised, feeling a bit protective of Nash.
Although she couldn't see his face, just his voice and eyes were enough for her to have a good impression.
"Thank you, I'll remember," Nash nodded, glancing at the hidden cameras around.
---
Navigating the computer using the unfamiliar 208-key keyboard, Nash was a bit clumsy at first.
The universal language introduced by the Arleans contained 124 commonly used characters in the universe.
Unless one wanted to delve into the most esoteric knowledge of the universe, these 124 characters were all one needed to communicate with almost all races.
After familiarizing himself with the various keys and commands, Nash tinkered with the computer and opened the dark web.
Even though technology had evolved, human habits remained the same.
Using this clue, he found a hidden network where he could start his job.
"Let's see... First, register an account."
Turning through a few pages, he filled out his profile.
[Noir: Novice Programmer
Level: 0
Task Finished: 0
Works: 0]
Browsing through the forum, he looked for jobs he could complete quickly.
[Task: Extract and decrypt sensitive data from an Arlean Dragon Chip.
Difficulty: 4 stars
Deadline: 2 weeks.
Pay: 70 – 100 million Arls]
[Task: Create a custom ransomware variant capable of invading DDs2 model phones.
Difficulty: 3 stars
Deadline: 1 month
Pay: 1-10 million arls (negotiable)]
[Task: Create a valid ID that can bypass up to third-level security protocols.
Difficulty: 1 star
Deadline: 1 day
Pay: 1,200 arls]
"That's it," Nash nodded, finding a task he could complete in a few hours.
Nash also planned to create a fake identity, taking this task is only equivalent to typing one more word.
Accepting the task, Nash's finger adeptly rained toward the keyboard like a master of his craft.
Unfortunately, because he was unfamiliar with the system and how identifications worked, it took him almost a day just to create a fake identity.
Fortunately, the computers in the Digital Hub only cost 2 arls per hour and were open 24/7.
Clara even gave Nash a cushion to make his stay more comfortable.
---
"Huh, done!" Nash thought, tiredly stretching his body.
"I didn't expect I would become so rusty~"
Initially, he thought it would only take him a few hours at most.
Nash didn't expect it to take him almost 24 hours.
One had to know that in his previous world, Nash was the number one hacker and was also the first person to create a real artificial intelligence.
He didn't expect that a mere identity bypass for third-level security protocol would nearly cause him his second death.
Fortunately, the expensive nutrient solution managed to keep him alive, providing him with the energy to work for almost 24 hours.
It seemed that although this world had gone backward, it was only in terms of hardware.
The software still preserved the spirit of humanity.
Standing up, he went out of the computer shop, paying 46 arls to check out.
"Come again, sir. I'll save the spot for you," Clara said enthusiastically.
"Hmm," Nash nodded.
After leaving, Nash first took another refreshing nutrient solution to regain his strength.
Walking toward the government building, he lined up to get his new ID.
"Next."
"Hmm? Nash Navre, you've got a unique surname, young man," the administrative staff muttered, looking at Nash.
"Thank you. It was chosen by my parents before they passed away. They wanted me to live elegantly even in this dark world," Nash said, using his charm.
"Is that so... Here, don't lose it again. Although it's easy to have IDs reissued, it could also lead to suspicion, marking you as a member of the rebel group," the administrative staff reminded, not realizing that Nash's story was just a façade.
In her mind, such a handsome young man could never be a spy or part of a rebel group.
"Thank you, miss. I'll keep that in mind," Nash said, holding back his smile.
The fatality of this body's appearance was indeed powerful; with just a bit of psychological manipulation, the administrative staff easily believed him.
Exiting the government office, Nash felt a sense of freedom.
With this ID, he could buy and sell property, open a bank account, establish a company, travel to other cities, and more.
Although his ID could only withstand a third-level security protocol, it was enough.
Unless he became famous or went to work in the government, a third-level identification was all he needed.
Feeling refreshed, Nash hurried back to the Digital Hub.
After linking his virtual bank account with his current identity, Nash received the payment from his first job.
With 1,200 arls in wealth, Nash rented a private room in the Digital Hub and continued earning money.
All the enjoyment and fun would be for later, once he had made enough money.
"Come on!" he cheered.
---
A week later.
Axel sat in front of a computer, quietly mulling over his problem.
Axel was part of the Blue Alliance, the number one rebel organization on Earth.
He had been assigned to Landon City to recruit new talent and gather information.
Initially, he was having a good time lazing around the Landon City.
However, his luck took a turn for the worse when the Blue Alliance caught an excellent opportunity.
Apparently, a cargo of void crystals had been stolen by an unknown pirate group from a mining ship on its way back to Earth.
After landing, the so-called pirate crew scattered around multiple cities, with some escaping to Landon City.
As the only member stationed here, he was tasked with retrieving as many void crystals as possible.
Unfortunately, he had no idea if these pirates were even human or were from another civilization, much less where they were.
Taking out his computer, he opened the dark web, hoping to find some clues about these pirates.
Unfortunately, after browsing for hours, he found nothing.
There wasn't even any news about a cargo of void crystals being on the loose.
"Hmm? What is this? Multiple applications for IDs in Landon City?"
"Could it be—"