Human trafficking, organ deals, drugs, phone scams… Those crooks had their hands in everything dirty! And the amount of cash and people tied up in it? Totally insane.

Jarrett and the others had seen some crazy stuff on the dark web before, but this was on a next level.

“Got beef? Then take it out on them. Show the world what Comet Squad can do! You’ve been back home for the holidays so long. Hope you didn’t lose your edge.”

“No way, Queen. Just give the word!”

At the same time, the five Bluewing members noticed the central system’s newest update: Comet Squad had accepted the mission. They started to get a little suspicious.

“This target has been underground forever. Their servers are hard as hell to break, and it’s super risky to get exposed. Is Mr. Benedict seriously okay letting the newbies handle this big mission?”

If the mission failed, the enemy would move all their data in minutes. Tracking down the new server could take forever. On top of that, Comet Squad was brand new and still learning how Bluewing worked. Even the top talents who’d been here two years wouldn’t touch that mission without the Lamb brothers guiding them.

“Wanna bet? Let’s see if this new team has got the chops.”

“Mr. Benedict and Mr. Wesley clearly trust them. Even if the work’s rough, maybe they’ll pull it off.”

“So, what do you say? Wanna bet how long they’ll need?”

“Half a month, at least.”

“Half a month then!”

“What’s with all the chatter over here?” Benedict’s voice cut in out of nowhere.

Everyone froze. “M–Mr. Benedict?”

“I heard talk about betting. Sounds entertaining. Wanna loop me in?”

“Uh…”

They all looked at each other nervously, like kids caught sneaking candy. They might doubt Comet Squad, but they didn’t dare disrespect Benedict.

“I know you don’t believe in them. But I handpicked that squad. Gimme a little faith, yeah?”

“Mr. Benedict, we didn’t doubt your judgment. It’s just that this mission is insane. We were just saying maybe Comet Squad would need half a month…”

“Hey!” One of them realized he’d already spilled too much.

“Seeing is believing, right? You all said Comet Squad would need at least two weeks. I’ll bet they wrap it up today. Whoever wins takes a month’s pay from the others. If I lose, I’ll hand over mine. Deal?”

“What?! Mr. Benedict, we were just fooling around.”

“Relax. It’s only a harmless bet. I’m not gonna hold it against you. Why so nervous?”

“…Fine then, Mr. Benedict. But no weaseling out if you lose!”

“Bullshit! When have I ever ditched a bet?” Benedict rolled his eyes and walked off.

The rest just traded shrugs. None of them truly needed the cash anymore. But if Benedict wanted to throw money away, they wouldn’t complain.

Twelve hours slipped by. Comet Squad still hadn’t left their office once. Someone passed by and ran into Benedict.

“It’s been half a day already. They’re working themselves to death. Maybe you should check if they’ve eaten, Mr. Benedict.”

Benedict leaned back with a cup of tea, looking every bit the lazy middle-aged guy. “I messaged them – no reply. I knocked, but the door was locked. They’re just locked in and focused. Youngsters don’t burn out like us old-timers. They can grind forever. Guess the new generation does outdo us.”

Wesley strolled past with his laptop and roasted him on the spot. “You’re barely in your 40s. Stop acting like an old man.”

“Aw, come on, Wesley. You’re my brother. Why so cruel?”

“Scram. You’re only a few minutes older. At least I’m not as ridiculous as you.”

“You brat! Talking to your big brother like that? You’re breaking my heart!”

The others saw the brothers bickering again and immediately wanted to bolt. Once they got going, they never shut up.

Click! Just then, the mechanical door to Comet Squad’s office slid open.

Tilda stepped out first, blinking at the people gathered outside. “Whoa, what’s with the crowd? Word spreads fast, huh?”