The Master Programmer

"Shut up! Where is she?" Jason growled, his voice low and dangerous. He couldn't help but give the man the most disgusting smirk that sent chills down the man's spine. The man opened his mouth to speak, but before he could, the door burst open. A new figure stepped into the room, tall and broad-shouldered, his presence immediately commanding. This was no ordinary henchman. His movements were measured, his gaze assessing. "Stop," the newcomer said, his voice deep and resonant. He even had a weapon at his side. It was a short sword. And it stood there looking menacing and dangerous. Jason looked at this man, and then at the three people who were standing there looking like they might attack. "Stand aside," Jason said to the people in his surroundings. He was not going to let them get hurt for him. He needed to go to them and then get to the part where he finally managed to get to the point he needed to get to. He needed them to be safe. Jason turned to face the man, his body still coiled like a spring. "And who are you supposed to be? You know what, never mind. I don't care. Just tell me what I want to hear. I want to know where she is. Tell me and I might get out of your hair without shaving it all off." "Who am I? The one who ends this. I won't answer your second question. Instead, I'll deal with you first," the man replied, cracking his knuckles. Jason looked closely at the man, and after reading what he could, he realised that this might be a tough fight. That was only because of one simple thing. This man had come over, knowing that Jason had just taken down 30 people all by himself. This meant he had some confidence. And it also meant that Jason would have a bit of trouble even with all this stuff. Looking at the tattoo on his arm, Jason began to understand something. So he was a former soldier. Interesting. Jason shook his head. "What the hell? Look at me about to fight a former soldier. Thinking of the fact that I was not even a fighter a few days ago... Now here I am, about to fight someone well-trained. It's terrifying," Jason muttered to himself. But it seemed the man heard what he said. "Former? How dare you. Once a soldier always a soldier." "What are you even talking about? How could a soldier work for criminals? It made no sense. Just admit the fact that you have turned to the dark side. That way I might respect you." "I don't want your respect. I want you and those three goons unconscious on the floor within 30 seconds. Let's see if I can make that 15 seconds." Jason tilted his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Let's see." The man did not have any words for Jason anymore, moving immediately to take Jason down where he stood. He lunged, his fists flying with brutal efficiency. Jason met him blow for blow, their movements a blur of power and precision and soon enough they were in the middle of a powerful fight. For the first time in this fight, Jason felt outmatched. This wasn't just a fight; it was a test of everything he'd learned. The man's strikes were unyielding, each targeting vulnerabilities. As Jason launched a punch, the man dodged sideways and countered with an upward strike towards Jason's chest. Forced to block, Jason was then confronted with a side punch, compelling him to sidestep towards the direction he had been aiming for. Jason adjusted, his mind racing to analyze and counter each move. His body could keep up; it was just his mind that struggled. That was all. It was his first real fight against someone who knew how to move their body. Then, in a moment of clarity, Jason spotted an opening. He feinted to the left, throwing the man off balance, and delivered a devastating uppercut that sent him sprawling. The man landed on the floor, completely out. And then, without another word, Jason turned to face Mr. Grey. Jason stood over him, breathing hard. "Where. Is. She?" Mr Grey looked at Jason as if he was staring at a monster. Right now it wasn't just Jason. These three goons were all staring at him as if he were a dead man, he could not run away. He just had to make sure that he was fine... "Downstairs. Third door on the left." Jason smiled to the Mr Grey, who now looked pale and terrified. "If you're lying, you'll regret it." The man stammered, "I'm not! I swear! So, please. You'll find her and then she'll be yours. I don't want her. I don't want her anymore. She's my gift to you, haha! Jason Cross…" Just as the man was about to spin some tales, Jason held up his hand, not even letting the man speak up. "Shut up." Jason turned to the three men standing there and then he said, "Listen. You three keep him here. I will be back." The three nodded, and then after that, Jason left. As he descended the stairs, Jason's mind raced. The fight had been close, too close. He couldn't afford to let his guard down again. It seemed his physical ability was not as superhuman as he thought it was. Or maybe he was just too weak. He needed something to make him stronger. It was not a stronger body, but actual training of his abilities. Maybe some useful subordinates too. Not like those idiots, who weren't even his subordinates. Luckily he had not gotten hurt. Or maybe it was an unlucky thing. After all, if he had gotten hurt, Isabella would appreciate him that much for it. When he reached the third door, Jason hesitated for a fraction of a second before kicking it open. Inside, Isabella was on the bed, her body unconscious, but from the movement of her chest, she was still alive. Good. Jason hurried over and gently woke her. As her eyes met him, tears streamed down her face. She then cried out his name and embraced him tightly. "Jason... I was so scared," she whispered, her voice trembling with relief. Jason pulled her into a tight embrace. "I've got you," he said, his voice softer than it had been all night. For a brief moment, the turmoil subsided, giving way to the serene assurance of her safety. Yet, Jason was aware that the ordeal hadn't ended. He had successfully rescued the princess from peril. The next step was to plunder the dragon's lair and claim all its golden treasure. Jason retraced his steps to his point of origin. Upon arrival, he was met with the sight of his three would-be followers, gazing solemnly at the pitiful figure before them. As the three observed Jason returning with Isabella in his arms, they couldn't help but be impressed by the girl. "Wow, she's with him?" one muttered. "But what about Emily?" another questioned, perplexed. It seemed the rumours were true; a woman would endure much for a man she deemed worthy. Jason gently set Isabella down on a chair, exchanged smiles with her, and embraced her warmly. After the embrace, Isabella faced the man, then turned to her with a mischievous smirk and said, "Now, Izzy, why don't you tell us exactly how this scoundrel wronged you, so we understand what you've been through?" Isabella saw the smile and instinctively understood what Jason was trying to do. She had already seen the unconscious men in all the surroundings and she knew it was all due to the fact that Jason had been the one who had taken them all down. He had done all this for her. Thinking this far, it was easy for her to understand what to do next. Isabella pointed at Mr Grey, her hands shaking as she did. "He… he… he touched me!" Jason frowned as he faced the man, who seemed like he wished for death at that moment. "Wait... It's not true. I didn't touch her yet- I mean I would never touch her!! Wait!" "Shut up! Do you think I would believe you over my girl? Tell me, what do you think about that? Do you think that I would believe some leecher like you? No. It's time to settle your debts," Jason said, leaning down at the man, clenching his fists as his face turned more ferocious than ever. "Look, I can fix it. Tell me, what do you want?" With a smile, Jason stated the amount: "10 million". Tears began to stream down the man's face. As a member of the underground, he was acutely aware of the risks involved in engaging with someone like Jason. But that was exactly the thing. Jason was not a man of the underworld. He was someone of the real word. And yet there he was, acting like some gangster even though he was from a rich family! He let out a heavy sigh and gave a resigned nod. There was no other option but to make the payment. But there was a problem. He didn't have enough money!