Barry Allen encountered an unprecedented level of resistance.
The person on the other side seemed to have precognitive abilities, anticipating his next move and laying traps specifically to counter it.
The encirclement tightened relentlessly.
He felt like prey caught in a spider's web: the harder he struggled, the tighter the threads bound him.
What was even more devastating was his opponent's speed. It was impossibly fast. Before Barry could even adjust his strategy, his data panels were wiped clean.
He lost!
It was a swift, complete defeat that left him speechless.
Barry Allen stared blankly ahead, his eyes glazed over. Since gaining the Speed Force, this was the first time he had failed at a speed-related task.
Is there really someone with faster hand speed than me in the world?
He couldn't comprehend it. Just then, a security alert popped up.
INTRUSION DETECTED.
It's that guy!
Barry Allen instantly reacted, frantically deploying defensive programs. In hacker battles, the attacker is at a disadvantage, and the defender has the upper hand. Before, Barry attacked, and Luke defended. Now, the situation was reversed, and Barry was the one with the advantage.
"I'll teach you a lesson this time. I am the fastest man in the world!"
Barry Allen gritted his teeth, his concentration absolute.
Two minutes later!
The man who claimed to be the fastest in the world lifted his hands from the keyboard and slumped in his chair like a dead fish.
The computer screen turned deep blue, with two words centered on the screen.
YOU FAIL!
The black letters took up most of the screen, radiating intense mockery.
He lost again, even faster than the last time!
Why?
Am I not the fastest man in the world? Is there really someone faster?
No, I refuse to believe it.
Barry Allen pressed his lips together, silent. Staring at the constantly flickering black letters, a wave of deep unwillingness surged through him. He clenched his right fist, wanting to punch through the screen, but thinking of his bank balance, he resisted the urge.
The black letters slowly faded, and a string of text appeared: Your skills are impressive. If you are interested in ShowMe, call this number.
Below the text was a phone number.
Barry Allen remained silent for a moment, then wrote the number down in a notebook.
He had to know who the person who defeated him was.
A Quick Nap, A Quick Call
On the other side, after dealing with the Flash, Luke closed his eyes and drifted into a deep sleep, much to the awe of his employees.
Zachs gave a thumbs-up, completely defeated.
The boss is the boss. You can't deny it.
His skill and judgment are absolutely insane. Even cheating couldn't reach this level.
After the show was over, work resumed.
Unbeknownst to them, the three-hour hacking window ended.
Aside from Barry Allen, no one else had managed to impress Luke. Out of the over three thousand intruders, not a single one was worthwhile.
Online, there was an eerie silence. Nothing had happened.
Spectators watching the monitors were deeply disappointed. Before the challenge began, many computer experts had vowed to teach ShowMe a harsh lesson and curb their arrogance.
Instead, they were slapped down hard by the ShowMe technical department. They were hurting badly with nowhere to turn for justice.
The atmosphere was odd.
In a hidden private hospital in Gotham City, Barbara Gordon frantically refreshed her computer screen, looking for anyone who claimed to have breached ShowMe's defenses.
The silence meant that all three thousand-plus intruders had failed.
"Is ShowMe's defense system really that strong?"
Barbara asked herself, her eyes gradually shining with intense fighting spirit.
Barbara wasn't the only one thinking this. Many top hackers were still observing.
When a war begins, the first ones into the battlefield are always the cannon fodder. The strong stand back, only intervening when the situation becomes critical, to decide the final outcome.
This was the so-called "Reserve of the Strong."
Luke clearly understood their mentality. The only one he hadn't anticipated was Barry Allen. Why is this guy playing social networking instead of being a superhero?
But, if I could recruit him into ShowMe...
Luke considered the possibility, then shook his head.
Barry Allen had a deep attachment to Central City. It would be difficult to convince him to leave his hometown and move to Metropolis.
Just as he was thinking, his phone rang. Luke answered it.
"Hello, I'm Luke Shaw. Who is this?"
Luke Shaw!
The owner of ShowMe!
That's actually his number.
Barry Allen's demeanor instantly became tense, and his voice was nervous. "H-hello. I'm Barry Allen. I signed up for ShowMe's hacking challenge earlier, and you left a contact number on my desktop."
Luke was stunned. What the hell? Is this guy missing a screw? How long has it been, and he's already calling so eagerly?
He composed himself and spoke calmly.
"I remember you. Your skills are very good. Of the three thousand hackers who attacked ShowMe today, you were the only one who broke through the outer firewall."
"R-really?"
The short reply was filled with undisguised excitement.
"It is, indeed."
Luke's tone was measured. From this brief exchange, he could tell that the current Flash was likely a small novice with no social experience.
Perhaps I can take him in as a subordinate.
Thinking this, his tone became even more steady.
"Your skills are excellent. If you're interested in social networking, we can talk."
On the other end, hearing this, Barry Allen excitedly punched the air. The job was in the bag.
"Mr. Shaw, are you free?"
"Of course."
"Could we meet?"
Luke raised an eyebrow. This guy is too impatient. He wants to meet after just a few words? Even for an online relationship, you shouldn't rush the first meeting!
Wait!
Luke suddenly remembered something and turned to walk out.
"Where are you right now?"
"Right outside your company building."
Luke: "..."
Sure enough, the fastest man in the world cannot be judged by common sense. Central City is nearly two thousand kilometers away from Metropolis, and he just shows up without a word of warning.
Luke hung up his phone and walked to the main entrance.
A young man wearing a plaid shirt and jeans stood by the elevator, holding a phone and looking around.
He didn't look older than twenty, had brown hair, a baby face, and bright eyes, giving him the appearance of a sunny boy. However, his hair was too long, and his clothes were a bit sloppy, making it easy to mistake him for a vagrant at first glance.
"Barry Allen?"
Barry quickly nodded, sizing up Luke. He said in surprise,
"Luke Shaw? No, Mr. Shaw!"
"That's me."
Luke smiled and nodded. He glanced at his watch.
"We're about to close. Would you like to go for a drink?"
Barry looked embarrassed. "I'm not old enough. I can't drink alcohol."
Luke: "..."
Are you kidding me right now?
Fine!
As a boss, he needed to have some measure of tolerance.
"Then let's go get some food and some juice."
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