Chapter 540 The Stake is Me
Before Daphne could say anything, Benjamin jumped in, "You can ask for whatever you need—equipment, assistants, personnel, you name it."
"Just get me a good computer," Daphne replied confidently. She might have doubts, but her hacking skills? Those were rock solid.
Benjamin shot a glance at Kevin, who was walking ahead, and asked, "Do you need Kevin to help you out?"
"Do you guys have a bet going on?" Daphne guessed.
Last time, Benjamin seemed indifferent, but now he was acting a bit different.
"Yeah, Royce made a deal with them," Benjamin admitted, not hiding anything, his tone low and slow. "Last time, they used people they poached from us to beat us. This time, we want to win it back."
"Can I see the last competition?" Daphne asked.
"Probably not," Benjamin said, wishing he could see it himself but not being tech-savvy. "No one saved it."
Daphne paused. "If I get the green light, I can find it."
"Go for it," Benjamin agreed.
He had the authority to make that call.
By the time they got back to the base that afternoon, it was already past three.
Daphne took a quick break before heading to find Benjamin. Royce, hearing she wanted to see the last competition, was surprised and joined in.
Given the time that had passed and the heavy defenses, it took Daphne over an hour to dig up the previous competition's content.
There were two videos, one from their perspective and one from the opposing team's.
Daphne carefully watched their code and the competition, thinking about how she'd crack it if it were her.
Ten minutes later, she closed everything.
"How was it?" Royce asked, super curious.
"Impressive," Daphne said.
Royce's excitement faded.
He instinctively looked at Benjamin, asking, "Does this mean we can't win?"
Benjamin answered, "No."
Royce was puzzled, wondering if Benjamin was sure of that.
"What are your stakes?" Daphne asked.
"If you win, they return the two people they poached from us," Royce replied, not asking for much, just wanting back what they lost. "If you lose, they get to pick someone from our team."
If Benjamin wasn't so confident, he wouldn't dare to bet like this.
But now, he was a bit nervous.
"Let's raise the stakes," Daphne suggested. "If we compete the same way as last time, I'm confident I can win within an hour. With Kevin's help, we can do it in forty minutes."
Royce was stunned.
Benjamin's eyes lit up slightly.
Royce reminded, "Last time, they didn't use their full strength."
"I know," Daphne said, having seen it through the code and attack logic. "We can win."
"Do as she says," Benjamin chimed in, his eyes filled with a lazy determination. There was a sense of righteousness about him. "Tell me what you want to win from them, and I'll negotiate."
"Really?" Royce couldn't hide his joy.
Benjamin nodded. "Yes."
Royce immediately listed what he wanted.
Since Benjamin was getting involved, they had to aim high!
"Just these?" Benjamin raised an eyebrow after hearing Royce's list.
"That's already a lot," Royce said, trying not to be too greedy. "They might not even agree to these."
Benjamin's voice was smooth and confident, "They will agree."
Royce was curious. "Why?"
"Our stake is me," Benjamin explained, looking him straight in the eye.
Daphne and Royce were both taken aback.
Royce immediately protested, "No way! Pick something else."
Benjamin was their ace. Losing him would be a huge blow.
"We can't take that risk."
"Trust me and her," Benjamin said, full of confidence.
He had gotten to know Daphne and the others well over time. He knew they weren't the type to boast and were much more meticulous and mature than their peers.
If Daphne said she could win, then she would make it happen.
Royce hesitated, still conflicted.
Daphne added, "I will win."
Royce met her gaze, and after a moment, he agreed, telling Benjamin, "Alright, go negotiate well and win big."
"No problem," Benjamin agreed.
That evening, after dinner, Benjamin made a call.
The person on the other end was clearly surprised by what he said, "One hour? Are you sure?"
"Yes," Benjamin's voice was steady.
"If you fail or you can't win within an hour, you will come to our team?" Stephen, on the other end, was very pleased with this bet.
Benjamin confirmed.
Stephen continued, "Hand the phone to Royce, I want to talk to him."
In case Benjamin and Royce were playing tricks, he had to verify the authenticity of this matter.
Benjamin handed the phone to Royce.
"Stephen," Royce greeted with a smile.
"Did Benjamin say what you meant?" Stephen's tone was serious. He was a very imposing person.
"Yes, that's what I meant," Royce admitted openly, his tone light. "We'll have results within an hour. We'll send two people, and you can send whoever you want."
Stephen hesitated for a moment.
Benjamin and Royce dared to bet so big; could the newcomer really be that good?
"Are you scared?" Royce said when he didn't hear a response.
"Hell no," Stephen retorted, still serious, "Your stake is big; I need to discuss it with my team."
"Alright," Royce agreed readily.
After hanging up, Royce returned the phone to Benjamin, saying, "Don't lose."
"I won't," Benjamin promised, adding, "Even if they cheat and win me over, I have countless ways to come back."
"With that, I'm relieved," Royce responded, feeling a weight lifted.
Ten minutes later, the call came.
They agreed to the bet.
As soon as the deal was made, Benjamin informed Daphne and Kevin, telling them to prepare well.
After Benjamin left, Kevin turned to Daphne, "Daphne, are we really going to compete with the other team?"
Daphne nodded. "Yes."
Kevin was worried. "Is that okay?"
Daphne explained, "It will be fine; it's an internal competition, not illegal."
"That's good," Kevin said, feeling relieved.
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