I already had Dustin's email address.
His phone number too.
I didn't use either.
Reaching out too early would weaken my position.
Contact meant intent—and intent required proof.
It was mid-March now.
In a week, the international hacking competition would begin.
Once I made my presence known there, Dustin wouldn't see me as a stranger.
He would see value.
Until then, I waited.
Classes were progressing smoothly. The syllabus felt light, almost routine. I attended lectures, participated just enough, and stayed invisible.
Occasionally, my attention drifted.
Lana and Luna sat a few rows ahead.
Identical in appearance, but not in presence.
Their features were refined rather than striking—balanced symmetry, calm expressions, an effortless composure that drew attention without demanding it. They didn't seek notice; it followed them naturally.
During breaks, I overheard fragments of their conversations.
Algorithms.
High-security firewalls.
Network architectures.
Possible vulnerabilities.
They weren't speculating.
They were preparing.
So the rumors were true—they were heading into the competition as well.
I observed quietly.
While they discussed possibilities, I had already mapped most of the terrain. Network security models, encryption standards, intrusion detection systems—I had gone through them all.
Extensively.
Preparation wasn't about knowing more.
It was about knowing first.
And when the time came—
I would let the results speak.