CHAPTER 17: Server Key: Betrayal

Days passed with Azhar. He paid for Ben's rent and provided enough money for daily needs. The laptop, computer, and all work equipment came from him. Ben became more convinced that Azhar was a good person. Occasionally, Azhar would visit the rental to check on their project's progress—the application and website they were developing. He often brought snacks and coffee as encouragement.

As time went on, Ben started to forget his dark past and tried to become a better person. However, without realizing it, he contacted Mr. Rudi less frequently. Mr. Rudi only knew that Ben was still in the capital and assumed he had already succeeded, which was why he rarely gave updates. In reality, Ben was still in the same city as Mr. Rudi.

One day, while Ben was relaxing in a café not far from his rental, his phone rang. He looked at the screen, and his heart trembled slightly. It was from Mr. Rudi.

"Assalamualaikum, Ben. How are you in the capital? Healthy? Have you started to forget me?" Mr. Rudi's voice was warm, but there was a hint of longing in it.

Ben fell silent for a moment, feeling confused and weak. He had been lying to Mr. Rudi for too long. Swallowing hard, he answered, "There's no way I'd forget you, Sir. I'm doing well here. How about you? Is Umi okay? How are my younger siblings?"

Mr. Rudi chuckled softly. "Alhamdulillah, we're all fine, Ben. I just miss you. You used to call every night, but now it's so rare. I understand that you're busy. But if you have time, please visit or at least give me a call."

Ben lowered his head, gripping his phone tightly. "Yes, Sir... I promise I'll call more often."

"Good, son. I pray for the best for you. Don't forget to pray. Success is not only measured by wealth but also by a peaceful heart."

After the conversation ended, Ben took a sip of his coffee, trying to calm his racing thoughts. He returned to his rental to continue his project, not forgetting to buy a pack of cigarettes as a work companion.

A year passed, filled with ups and downs. Finally, their project was completed and ready for testing. Azhar came with some of his office colleagues. One of them was Mr. Darmansyah Malik, a 58-year-old man who was the head of the department and Azhar's superior.

Ben was amazed by Mr. Darman's authoritative presence. After the application and website testing session went smoothly, they began planning the official launch at the office.

As the group prepared to leave, Mr. Darman suddenly approached Ben.

"Ben, great work. I see potential in you. You have a rare skill set," Mr. Darman said with a friendly smile.

"Thank you, Sir. I just did my best," Ben replied, feeling a bit awkward.

"May I have your contact number? We might need to discuss something later."

Without hesitation, Ben gave him his number. Mr. Darman patted his shoulder lightly before leaving.

Three days before the launch, Ben's phone rang. He glanced at the screen and felt slightly uneasy—it was a call from Mr. Darman.

"Hello, Sir?"

"Ben, how are you? Sorry for calling so late. I just wanted to tell you something. Be careful with Azhar. He's not a good person. I've been his superior for a long time, and I know how he operates. He's just using you. I can't give too many details, but I hope you stay cautious. Don't let yourself be deceived."

Ben fell silent, his mind racing with various bad possibilities.

"What do you mean? Azhar has always been good to me. He's supported me from the beginning," Ben said hesitantly.

Mr. Darman sighed. "Ben, sometimes kindness comes with a price. All I can say is, protect yourself and don't give everything away so easily. If anything seems off, call me."

After the call ended, Ben became increasingly suspicious. He decided not to give Azhar full access. As a precaution, he created a fake server for Azhar while keeping the real server under his control. Additionally, he installed a locking system on all servers, blocking access so the application and website couldn't be used without his permission.

The launch day arrived. But strangely, there was no pickup for Ben. Azhar was also unreachable. Ben started to grow suspicious. Was he being discarded now that the project was complete?

A month passed with no news from Azhar. Ben was even evicted from his rental because he couldn't afford the rent. He tried contacting Azhar, but there was no response.

In desperation, he called Mr. Darman.

"Sir, it's Ben. I've been evicted from my rental. Azhar is missing. I don't know what to do."

On the other end of the line, Mr. Darman sounded calm. "Don't leave your location. I'm coming to get you. You're not safe there."

Ben grew even more confused. "What do you mean, Sir?"

"Azhar doesn't just want to abandon you, Ben. He has other plans. Wait for me. Don't go anywhere."

Almost an hour passed. Ben started feeling anxious, and then suddenly, a group of thugs arrived at his rental. His heart pounded. Summoning a bit of courage, he tried to talk to them, but before anything could escalate, a black car pulled up in front of the rental.

Mr. Darman stepped out of the car, walking forward with a serious expression. "What do you want here?" His voice was cold and authoritative.

One of the thugs stepped up. "This is our business with him."

Mr. Darman narrowed his eyes. "He's my nephew. You want to mess with him? If you don't want to deal with higher powers, I suggest you leave now."

The thugs exchanged glances, then left without much resistance. Ben felt somewhat relieved but even more curious about what was really going on.

Inside the car, Mr. Darman looked at him seriously. "Azhar wanted to get rid of you. He only needed your brain for the project. Once everything was finished, you became an obstacle."

Ben clenched his fists. "But I already prepared a backup. The main server is in my hands, and everything is locked. No one can access the website or application without my permission."

Mr. Darman smirked slightly. "Good. That means you still have control. But from now on, you need to be more careful. I'm taking you somewhere safe."

The car drove towards Mr. Darman's estate, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. There, only a fish pond and weak internet signals existed. Mr. Darman looked at him seriously. "You'll be safe here. At least for now."

Ben stared at the evening sky. He never expected that Azhar's kindness had only been a mask. Without realizing it, he had triggered a war with someone he once trusted.