Chapter 528 A Tsundere Effort

In reality, the competition was already over—ShadowCipher was there precisely to discuss that.

"I get why you'd want to keep Root now, master," he admitted. "He's worth grooming, and in the time I've instructed him, he's shown both adaptability and persistence—typical traits of a gifted competitive hacker. He's made it to the top five too, which really surprised me."

ShadowCipher was certainly emotional about the last part.

Being in the top five globally meant Root had both become a pride of the nation and seized the attention of the world. ShadowCipher actually thought that he would not be a match for the boy during his younger years.

However, that also meant future complications which might prove inevitable.

ShadowCipher's expression turned grim as he added, "Actually, on the day the competition ended, I noticed several groups trying to draw him to their cause."

There was actually a mystified look on Gwyneth's usually stoic expression, and she closed her laptop, unable to keep