Chapter 24: An Unexpected Encounter
Chapter 24: An Unexpected Encounter
As Tessa stepped out of the school gates, her phone buzzed with a call from Luna.
“What’s up?” she asked, her tone casual.
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“You’re in Navoris, aren’t you?” Luna asked, concern lang her voice. Since the establishment of the Lightwing Order, Luna had never met Phantom in person. Now that Phantom was in Navoris, Luna couldn’t resist the chance.
“Yes,” Tessa replied plainly.
“Then let’s meet!” Luna said eagerly.
“Why?” Tessa raised an eyebrow. Is there really a need?
“Because I want to see you! You’re the only member of the Lightwing Order I haven’t met yet. Everyone’s dying to know what you’re like.”
“I’m just an ordinary person.”
“Cut it out, Phantom! The top–ranked hacker on the global leaderboard calls herself ordinary? You’re joking, right?”
“Luna, I’m here for something important.”
“Do you need help?” Luna asked immediately, concern deepening.
Tessa knew how much the Lightwing Order cared for her, especially as their youngest and most skilled member. “No need. I can handle it myself.”
“Phantom, remember, you’re not alone. We’ve got your back, always.”
Tessa softened slightly. “I’m at Chiaroscuro Lane. Come if you want.”
“Got it! Send me your location. I’m on my way!” Luna’s excitement was palpable. Meeting Phantom was a privilege others could only dream of.
Tessa settled into a cozy café on Chiaroscuro Lane, where laptops were available for customer use. She logged into her email, skimming through her recent messages.
One email caught her attention–it was from Dr. Gu Shi, asking when she planned to join the International Medical Organization. Tessa replied succinctly, stating she hadn’t decided yet and would let him know in due course.
Just as she hit “Send,” Luna entered the café. Spotting the breathtakingly elegant girl by the window, Luna immediately knew it was her.
“Phantom, it’s me, Luna,” she greeted, sliding into the seat across from Tessa.
Tessa glanced up briefly. “Just call me Tessa,” she said. “We’re in the real world. Let’s keep it low–key.”
“Tessa, how long are you staying in Navoris? I’ve got a job for you.”
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Chapter 24: An Unexpected Encounter
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“What kind of job? Something you can’t handle yourselves?” Tessa asked, though she wasn’t keen on taking new assignments at the moment.
“It’s about Mr. Young. You’ve heard of him, right?”
“The scientist from the Academy?”
“Exactly. He’s gone missing, and he holds critical technology–highly sensitive stuff.”
“Got it. I’ll take the job.”
“Fair warning: the payout isn’t as high as some of your previous gigs. Four million isn’t much compared to what the big corporations usually offer to hire you.”
“It’s fine,” Tessa said nonchalantly. For her, hacking was more of a hobby than a career. Earning money was just an added perk.
With business wrapped up, Luna leaned forward eagerly. “So, what brings you to Navoris? Are you sure you don’t need our help?“.
“I don’t.”
Just then, Tessa’s phone rang again.
“Where are you?” Landon’s deep voice came through the line as soon as she answered.
“I’m at Chiaroscuro Lane. Why?” Tessa asked, puzzled. Does this guy have nothing better to do?
“Wait there. I’m coming to find you. Don’t move.”
“Who was that?” Luna asked curiously.
“A friend’s uncle,” Tessa replied after a brief pause, settling on a definition for Landon.
