“How did you get in here?” Elias demanded, his voice firm yet incredulous.
“I’m hungry,” Nolan said simply, his tone calm and unwavering.
The room froze. Then Nolan bent over the panel and began speaking, explaining the problem with clarity and precision. “The encryption isn’t malfunctioning because of the hardware. The authentication timing is offset. If you reset the sequence rather than forcing a manual override, the system will release. Right now, the attempts are making the errors worse.”
The technicians exchanged bewildered glances. “How could a child know this?” one whispered.
“I taught myself,” Nolan replied without hesitation. “Libraries, public computers, forums. When the world gives you nothing, knowledge becomes your power.”
Elias studied him, intrigue and respect flickering in his eyes. “If you solve this, you can ask for anything you want. Money, opportunities, whatever you desire.”
Nolan considered it. “Food first,” he said, voice steady, though the faintest grin appeared on his face.