With General Programming reaching Lvl 1 Jason doesn't just understand Python better but the basics of several other programming languages. HTML, JavaScript, C#, C++, etc. They are all at the rudimentary level while his python programming skill reaches intermediate. The issue with such a generalized skill is the requirment for more exp and therefore time and the lack of progress. Jason notices that his brain hasn't shifted as much from the programming information. Jason expects a larger change from Lvl 1 to Lvl 2 but right now the commonalities between all programming languages seems to be the make up of the information downloaded into his brain.
That gave him plenty of time to practice and test it. His skills quickly developed. Although General programming was at Lvl 1 all the other programming skills were at Lvl 0. Python was the only one at Lvl 1 from all the information he was devouring from the books and videos.
Two days pass quickly. In between texting Vivian about what happened and all the stuff they are working on Jason spends each day tirelessly researching and programming. Following a few tutorials on youtube and the work book at the end of the python programming book. Jason quickly ends up with some rudimentary apps. They suck but he can feel the progress. The greatest improvement comes from his understanding of the internet and all the technology it encompases.
He understands the basic needs of a network and from downloading TOR and hiding his IP he can feel he is on the cusp of what he needs to do to hack and hide his prescence on the internet. The only issue is the stagnation of his skills.
Saturday he was able to get the two times exp bonus his practice and studying was fine. He focused on python and basic IT courses and it gave him the leg up he needed. Except on Sunday he failed. Even with the studying it just wasn't enough. The information he aquired wasn't enough to help the system. He can feel himself lagging behind and just one week left he can feel the fear that he isn't doing enough. 'I need something more. More books. More something.'
'System Open'
[Is it not fast enough for you]
[Idle System: Lvl 2] [Exp: 8.3/25] -> [Exp: 12.3/25]
[08:24:46-24:00:00]
[08:24:46-24:00:00]
[Slot 1: ] [General Programming: Lvl 1] [11.5/50] -> [29.5/50]
[Slot 2: ] [Information Security: Lvl 1] [11.5/50] -> [35.5/50]
[Skills: Speed Reading Lvl: 2 ; Improved Memorization Lvl: 2 ; Gaming Lvl: 1; IT expertise lvl 1; Python programming language lvl 1; General Programming Lvl: 1; Information Security Lvl:1; All Programming Languages Expertise Lvl 0]
"It's just not enough, I need a hacking skill quickly and the ground work is still not there. If I am not at least expert level.." Jason starts talking out loud before cutting himself off.
'I'll get caught.'
Jason packs up his bag and starts heading to the library. It's 7 o'clock. He will have 8 hours to read. Although Information security is steady as he goes through Networking and safety protocols, he needs to start reading about all the other programming languages. All the one's he can.
He rushes to the library. Not forgetting his family on the way out.
Things are more serious now. They have to be with those loan sharks making their prescence known even more.
Jason throws the doors open and instantly slows down. Not wanting to anger the librarian who has never asked any questions of why this kid is here early every day.
He nods respectfully to the old librarian and goes to the computing section. He grabs a book on networking and reaches for a book on the differences between programming languages ( a history and exploration of what programming languages are for and do). That separation will let him figure out what he should focus on next.
He grabs his two books and sits down at one of the couches near the computers he was at thursday. Although he wants to see Vivian again he really needs to focus. He quickly contacts Carry and lets her know where he is at and that he is studying.. Although not what he should be. He conveniently leaves that out.
He reads through the Networking book. His note taking is more streamlined as he requires less and less to write down and sticky note. The improved memorization is still felt and two hours quickly pass. The next book will detail what he needs to study next. Although he already knows the recommended coding for hacking he needs more information if he wants to get double exp for general programming.
The only notes he takes is a chart on what programming languages he needs for hacking and what other programming languages do and what might be important later on.
Soon he has exactly what he needs.
"Hey Jason. I've never seen you so focused. That book can't be that interesting." Vivian rips Jason from his reading and sits down next to him with a drawing pad and opens up to a new page.
He looks over and sees that she is working on a character design that looks oddly like him, or maybe his brother.
"I'm trying to figure out what programming language I should study next for what I want to do.." Jason looks over the drawing more intently. "Why does this character look like we could be related?" Jason asks.
Vivian chuckles at the sudden question. "Well, let's say I was inspired by Friday. I would never have guessed this emo kid I met from the library would have such a mysterious past and I felt like I would base a character after you and your family."
"Wow, I can't tell if I'm flattered. Are you making a comic?" Jason innocently asks.
"No. No. Just, I'm not good enough yet but maybe one day." Vivian bashes her self slightly. Jason knows she's better than that. Her art is beautiful, sharp, and Her anatomy and line work are perfect.
"You are plenty good enough. You should." Jason says.
"Thanks, I'll think about it." She blushes slightly and begins drawing.
Jason continues reading and he finishes his book shortly. From the book he learns some key things. Python is a great choice and so are the other languages from the hacking book. They are categorized under Interpreted and Compiled languages. Both the best to use for hacking. They are simplified and while Interpreted can directly influence code, Compiled speeds up that process through basically short cuts where the code is translated. Python falls under interpretation which allows him more control. However when using certain software that target weaknesses in systems Compiled languages work well enough.
He marks down other languages such as markup languages which basically built internet pages, HTML and the like. There are so many different programming languages and some with multiple functions and paradigms; some are useful in application and other in software and hardware functions. After writing them down he prioritizes what is necessary.
"I'll be back." Jason excuses himself and she nods silently in her focus on a couple other characters she began working on while he was writing.
Jason grabs a book on markup languages, on C++ for it's versatility, Machine languages, and System languages.
He sits down and begins reading. Vivian opens her eyes at the speed he runs through them. He finishes the Markup languages book by the time his stomach is growling in a fervor where he has to stop.
"007 please eat. Your stomach is distracting." Vivian pulls out her own lunch and moves to start eating.
"Yeah Yeah, let's eat." Jason reluctantly sits down next to her at one of the tables near by and they talk while eating. Vivian rants about her family and the constant work they are doing and Jason silently listens. He puts some of the tips he learned from the communication book he read into play. Adding a comment here and there and letting her get some of this stuff off her chest. They mostly talked about their school work over the weekend and he can tell she needed this.
After they finish eating they continue working some more.
He checks the time. 4 o'clock. Two books left. Plenty of notes and a lots of fun with Vivian.
"I guess it's time. I'll text you." Vivian leaves first and Jason says goodbye while he packs up his things.
'I'm so close. I can feel it. Today is plenty. I'll be able to get double exp and just another day before I can begin. By next monday I will have all I need and their end will begin.'
Jason mulls over the thought of finally moving towards his revenge and gratitude runs through him. He is so thankful for this system that months and years of work can be made possible in just two weeks. One month from now, he can't even imagine everything he will be.
Jason walks up the stairs to his apartment. Tired from the midday heat. As he reaches the final step. A woman in black heels, stockings, a yellow pencil skirt and coat is standing by his door.
"Carry?" Jason reaches for his phone to check if he missed a text, but she stops him.
"Surprise. Are you ready to go over your school work?" She smiles tightly. Jason realizes now that he must be a terrible liar in her eyes cause she caught him quicker than he thought.
'Well fuck.' Jason thinks. Knowing he is going to have to spend who knows how much time now working on actual school work.