Jackson's room was quiet except for the hum of his million-dollar laptop as lines of code scrolled like rain on glass. His fingers danced across the keyboard, tracing the invasive tendrils of the hackers who dared to knock on the fortress of MASTEROFWORLD.
> [System Notification]
"Intrusion Trace Complete."
"Source: Offshore Dark Net Clusters."
"Status: Neutralized."
His calm eyes reflected the lines of code, absorbing data packets carrying hidden signatures of a small syndicate that specialized in corporate espionage for the highest bidder.
Jackson leaned back, breathing out softly. This was inevitable. The moment Guardian Clinic made enough waves, someone would knock to test its armor.
---
The Next Step: Offshore Structures
Jackson pulled up his encrypted notepad and began drafting his next move.
Three months.
That was the window he would give himself to establish an offshore holding structure—a layered system that would house Guardian Clinic, funnel investments, and handle future ventures anonymously.
> Singapore. British Virgin Islands. Cayman Islands.
Shell companies, management firms, blind trusts—everything structured to fragment trails while maintaining complete control.
---
> [System Notification]
"Offshore Company Plan: 90% Complete."
"Estimated Activation: 3 months."
This would protect his projects from direct attacks while allowing quiet global expansion.
---
Campus Grounds: Meeting Salena
The morning air was cool, carrying the scent of grass after a recent drizzle. Jackson walked through the college grounds, backpack slung across his shoulder.
Near the engineering building, Salena stood waiting, arms crossed, tablet in hand. She looked up as he approached, her hair catching the light in a way that made Jackson pause for half a heartbeat.
"You look like you haven't slept," she said, one eyebrow arching with concern hidden beneath teasing.
Jackson offered a faint smile. "Handled a late project."
She tilted her head, studying him. "You're working too hard."
"Some things can't wait," he replied, his calmness catching her off guard.
---
They walked together toward Professor Mason's lab, their steps synchronized without trying. Students passed them, caught in their own chatter, but for Jackson and Salena, the world seemed quieter in that shared space.
---
Lab Session: Quiet Teamwork
The hum of computers, soft clicking of keyboards, and the occasional whir of the 3D printer formed the backdrop as they worked.
They were refining a network architecture simulation, Salena tracing vulnerability maps while Jackson wrote scripts to simulate attacks and defenses.
"You're fast," Salena noted as Jackson's terminal pinged a completed compile.
Jackson glanced at her, the corner of his mouth lifting. "Efficiency matters."
She rolled her eyes lightly but smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You're still strange."
"People keep telling me that."
---
As they debugged, their fingers brushed when reaching for the same cable. Salena's hand froze momentarily before she pulled back, clearing her throat.
> A small, warm tension settled between them, a spark flickering but unspoken.
---
Lunch: A Small Exchange
They sat under the tree near the courtyard for lunch, the gentle breeze ruffling leaves overhead.
Salena peered at Jackson's bento box filled with grilled fish, steamed vegetables, and brown rice.
"You really cooked that?" she asked.
Jackson nodded, taking a calm bite. "Learning."
Salena looked at her sandwich, then back at him. "You're weird."
He raised an eyebrow. "And?"
She snorted, then tore off a piece of her sandwich, offering it to him. "Try."
Jackson took it without hesitation, chewing thoughtfully. "Good."
Salena's cheeks warmed faintly. "It's not as fancy as yours."
"It's yours," he replied simply.
Salena blinked, looking away with a soft smile she tried to hide.
---
Night: Planning for Expansion
That evening, Jackson reviewed the hacker incident data, cross-referencing dark net wallet transactions and crypto trails.
They were mercenaries themselves, hired by corporations threatened by Guardian Clinic's expansion.
Jackson's fingers drummed lightly on the desk, calm and thoughtful.
---
> "If they want to play that game, I'll play it better."
He opened his secure strategy dashboard, preparing his next moves:
✅ Cybersecurity Company in Africa: To protect vulnerable clinics and expand influence.
✅ Mercenary Company in Africa: A private military contractor branch under Sentinel Group for asset protection, anti-bandit patrols, and medical convoy security.
---
Africa was a region plagued with cyber attacks on fragile medical networks and real-world instability. Jackson saw opportunity not just for profit but to test his systems and protect lives.
---
> [System Notification]
"Sentinel Africa: Registration in Progress."
"Division: Cybersecurity + PMC."
"Launch Plan: 3 months."
---
Sentinel Africa would recruit vetted locals and former security personnel, offering high wages and training while establishing goodwill and control.
---
Deploying Capital: 50M Short Futures
Jackson turned to his financial systems next.
He saw the global markets trembling under inflation reports and a brewing regional crisis in Eastern Europe.
While others saw chaos, Jackson saw opportunity.
---
> "Now."
He transferred 50 million USD into his short futures portfolio, targeting:
✅ Overleveraged green energy startups on the brink of correction.
✅ Certain tech stocks inflated by hype without fundamentals.
✅ A major currency pair showing unsustainable spikes.
---
> [System Notification]
"Position Established: 50M Short Futures."
"Projected ROI: 30%–50% within 90 days."
He closed his eyes, breathing steadily, feeling the calm certainty that came with decisive action.
---
Guardian Clinic: A Message of Hope
Amid his plans, messages arrived from beta Guardian Clinic users:
> "Your system kept our hospital running during an attack."
"Thank you, MASTEROFWORLD."
"Whoever you are, you're saving lives."
Jackson smiled softly, warmth settling quietly in his chest.
---
A Late-Night Encounter
Jackson stepped out for a walk under the cold, clear night. The path around the campus lake shimmered under the moonlight.
Ahead, he saw Salena sitting alone on a bench, a soft glow from her tablet illuminating her thoughtful expression.
She looked up as he approached, surprised. "Can't sleep either?"
Jackson shook his head, taking a seat beside her. "Something like that."
They sat in silence, the moonlight reflecting on the still water.
---
Salena glanced at him, her voice quieter than usual. "Do you ever feel like you're… carrying something too big for yourself?"
Jackson looked at her, the calm in his eyes like the lake in front of them. "Yes."
She blinked, startled by the honesty in his voice. "And?"
"I don't plan to drop it," he said simply.
---
Salena's eyes softened, studying him under the moonlight. "You really are strange."
Jackson turned his head, meeting her gaze. "I get that a lot."
She laughed softly, her shoulders relaxing as she looked back at the water. "Strange is good."
---
> [System Notification]
"Bond with Salena Gate: +8%."
---
Ending Hook: The Syndicate's Warning
Back in his apartment, Jackson's secure terminal flashed with a new message:
> "MASTEROFWORLD."
"You have made an enemy."
"Back down, or we will find you."
Jackson's eyes narrowed, his calmness unshaken.
---
> [System Notification]
"High Threat Detected."
"Preparing Defensive Protocols."
Jackson cracked his knuckles, the sound sharp in the quiet room.
> "Let's see if they can keep up."
---
[End of Chapter 6]