From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Sherman had never been so intrigued by someone before.

After sending the message, he glued his eyes to the screen, not wanting to miss a beat..

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a response came through.

Sherman clicked the chat window open with haste.

A distant and blunt response awaited him. Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

[Sorry, not interested.]

Even through the screen, Sherman could feel the indifference from the other side.

It was the first time Sherman had taken the initiative to add someone on social media.

And to think, he was rejected. The feeling was somewhat novel.

“Heh.” Sherman’s lips curled into a subtle smirk, the red mole near his eye seemingly dancing with mischief.

Startled by the unexpected chuckle, Daniel shivered. “Dude, Sherman, what’s up?”

Knowing Sherman as he did, Daniel had learned it usually spelled trouble when Sherman chuckled like that.

Sherman casually closed his laptop with one hand. “Did you dig up anything on Phoenix?”

“W’s been hacked a few times. But they’re still on the trail.” Daniel continued, “The guys at the International Department came up with nothing. There was no record of the person.”

No record.

It was one thing for W to come up short, but for the International Department to draw a blank was another matter entirely.

Interesting.

Sherman’s fingers paused, playing with the silver cross, which contrasted starkly against his pale skin, shimmering with a cold light. “Keep digging. Don’t stop until you get something.”

Daniel nodded, and his curiosity piqued. “This Phoenix dude is like some legend. I’d kill for a face–to– face! Hey, Sherman, do you think Phoenix is a guy or a girl?”

Without waiting for a response, Daniel hypothesized, “Judging by the style and prowess in the chats, it got to be a guy, right?”

Each interaction with Phoenix was dominated by his preciseness, never wasting a single word.

And someone who could evade W and the International Department? That kind of skill was terrifying.

11:16

How many female tech moguls had there been in Luxphinia?

Could a woman be that formidable?

So, in Daniel’s mind, Phoenix was a man!

Only their fellow men could wield such awesomeness!

Sherman stood by the window, looking at the view below, the cross still between his fingers. “Did you check out Phoenix’s registration information on GlobalGigaNet?”

The site required ID verification for approval.

At that, Daniel’s eyes lit up, excitedly replying. “Oh snap! If we can’t track down the man, maybe we can start with the site! I’m on it. Will tell W!”

“Go ahead,” Sherman nodded slightly.

Daniel hurried off to contact W.

On the video call, W looked frustrated. “Man, you think I didn’t check Phoenix’s registration details?”

“You did?” asked Daniel.

“Yep.”

Eager for the scoop, Daniel pressed, “So, is Phoenix a dude or a chick? He’s a guy, right?”

W shook his head. “No clue, man.”

“But you checked, right?”

W clarified. “Hold up, I said I looked, doesn’t mean I found anything. Phoenix is slicker than a greased pig, no registration details at all. Everything’s completely blank!”

Daniel was puzzled. “But isn’t that site all about verified sign–ups?”

“That’s why they call them legends, right?”

Daniel was at a loss for words.

W asked, “Nothing from the International Department either?”

Daniel shook his head.

After ending the call, Daniel relayed W’s words to Sherman.

Sherman’s brow creased slightly.

There were no registration details on the site either. Who in the world was Phoenix?

“Sherman, if nothing else, I’m heading out.”

“Off you go,” said Sherman, his tone indifferent.