"Connor has recently hit the jackpot. Now, he has a girlfriend and a son. We need to go back for dinner at night as Mom wants us to get acquainted," Eric said.Andy was somewhat familiar with the Williams' situation. Brook was already married and awaiting his firstborn. Sylvester also had a girlfriend, which had left the family concerned about Connor's love affairs. Who knew Connor had a girlfriend and son all of a sudden?"Alright. Let's meet up during the holidays when we return to Nutikiville," Andy suggested.-Later in the afternoon, just after work, Amelia called.Sylvia was a bit unhappy. "Mom, can you give Eric and me some space? We have social engagements and need to visit relatives and friends."She was mainly considering Eric. The two of them needed to socialize. After all, the Innova Group's rapid growth made it challenging for outsiders to schedule meetings with them.Amelia said, "Aren't you back at the Rosewood Estate at night? Fine, I won't insist. Three days! Ca
Eric and Sylvia arrived at the Williams residence early the next morning.Queenie's parents arrived around 9:30 a.m., accompanied by a group of people.Ronan Oberdeen and Bianca Abbot were Queenie's parents.Ronan had had a headache since yesterday. The Moores refused to marry their son to Queenie and even cut off all cooperation with the Oberdeens.Ivan speculated it was because of Eric.Amelia greeted them with a smile, but Bianca was pretentious and arrogant. In her opinion, anything outside King City was considered rural, so Amelia was just a countrywoman in her eyes.Amelia hosted them warmly, serving coffee and water, but Bianca pushed the water away and took a sip from her own container."The Williams are nothing special. It's far from King City, and Williams Corp. is not well-known in the country," she said disdainfully.Amelia replied, "We are just doing some small business to make a living."Amelia naturally had her ways of dealing with the arrogant Bianca.Sylveste
Bianca's demeanor greatly angered Connor.Sylvester added, "Queenie, if you don't want to return, just say so. Mom is right. We are a family!"It was apparent that Queenie still harbored fear toward Ronan and Bianca. Perhaps due to their biological connection or the prolonged oppression, a psychological fear had taken root.Yet, Connor empowered her to confront them.She shook her head, declaring, "I won't go back! Why subject myself to confinement and separation from Coulson again? The Oberdeens always mistreat him! I won't go back!""You!" Bianca seethed.She got up, approached Queenie, and raised her hand to strike.Queenie swiftly dodged toward Connor. Before Bianca could land a blow, Connor intercepted."I'm showing restraint because you're Queenie's mother! But don't test my patience!" Connor asserted, pushing Bianca aside.Connor refrained from escalating the confrontation due to Queenie's relationship with Bianca.Bianca couldn't comprehend how her daughter's protecto
Bianca swiftly stashed the razor, eliciting laughter from the Williams."You can leave now. Queenie won't return to King City with you. If you had treated her even a bit better, would you find yourself in this situation today?" Connor asserted.Queenie maintained her silence. In her heart, she harbored unforgiving sentiments toward her parents.Ronan pondered deeply. With the Moores severing their ties, aspiring to become a second-tier prominent family in King City seemed insurmountable for the Oberdeens."We made mistakes in the past. Now, I extend my apologies to Queenie. It's been over four years, and we need to move on," he admitted. "I don't object to Queenie staying with the Williams, but she is still my daughter and even gave birth to Coulson. A proper wedding is necessary.""That is reasonable. Regardless of the situation, we should have a proper wedding. It needs to be not only held but also be as grand as possible!" Amelia affirmed, nodding in agreement.Even without th
Connor's words had clearly offended Bianca. She retorted indignantly, "I've raised Queenie to become who she is today, so what's wrong with a bit of dowry?"Eric interjected, unable to bear it any longer, "80,000,000 dollars is not a small sum. A mansion in King City costs several hundred million dollars minimum."As far as I know, even the Oberdeens can't afford a mansion. When Ivan gets married, will you also give 80,000,000 dollars in dowry?"Eric was aware that the Oberdeens were being unreasonable.Bianca shot a glance at Eric. "Are you from the Williams?! Hmph! I wonder how much it cost for you to marry their daughter."Eric nonchalantly shrugged. "Sorry to disappoint you. I didn't spend a penny to marry Sylvia. Instead, she gave me 10,000 dollars in cash and a house over 200 square meters worth around 500,000 dollars."Bianca's face froze.Eric sneered. "The Oberdeens should learn a thing or two from the Williams."Meanwhile, Queenie added, "After how you treated me for
Eric and Sylvia never argued about money.Initially, Sylvia covered all household expenses when they first got married, as outlined in their marriage agreement. Spending Sylvia's money was never an issue. Later, when Eric began earning, he didn't rely heavily on Sylvia's funds, either.After Ronan and Bianca departed, they never returned.Eric and Sylvia dined at the Williams residence and went shopping with Elly and Andy. They planned to return to Nutikiville the next day for the festival and needed to purchase more items.-The following morning, due to the large number of people and gifts, they arranged for a business car.Chatting and laughing along the way, they quickly arrived in Nutikiville.After two years of development, the environment in Nutikiville had significantly improved. The once foul-smelling ditch now had clear water, and there were noticeably more lush trees along the roadside.Knowing Eric and the others were arriving, Melinda had started preparing food ear
Blake sighed and said, "We're farmers. What do we know about taking exams? Moreover, a few days ago, they issued a notice that rapeseed stalks, corn stalks, wheat straws, etc., cannot be burned in the fields. They need to be crushed and scattered into the fields!"This is simply ridiculous. Even a farmer like me knows that planting the same crop in the same field for three years will lead to a high risk of pests and a significant decrease in yield. Not burning the straw will only result in more pests.""What's more infuriating is that we could use manure for planting crops in the past. Now, they are banning us from using manure, saying that it is toxic and not conducive to the growth of crops! It's simply absurd!"Andy found it unnerving. "Are they trying to stop farmers from farming? We've been doing it this way for thousands of years. Where's the problem?"He couldn't understand. In his own hometown, even his elderly parents would use manure to fertilize the vegetables they plant
"What took you so long?" Sylvia asked.Eric grinned and replied, "Well, you won't believe what we saw…"Just as he was about to continue, a car with a blaring siren rushed toward Nutimoor."Let's eat while we talk," he suggested.As they sat down, Hank arrived on a motorcycle.Blake poured a glass of wine, and Melinda brought a chair for Hank."It's impossible to work anymore," Hank declared as he settled down. "After Garrison was taken away, no one dares to farm now."Fear was spreading among the villagers. Despite being law-abiding farmers, Garrison was taken away for absurd reasons.Blake raised his wine glass and clinked it with Hank. Taking a sip, he asked, "Hank, who came up with these ridiculous ideas? Will we still be able to farm in the future?""Who knows?" Hank replied. "In any case, life will definitely be harder in the future. In the past, we had cattle and horses at home, and we could throw straw into the pen for the animals to trample on. After fermenting, we co
In terms of innate talent, Eric was unparalleled, having reached the pinnacle of martial arts. With a single punch, he sent the 'God' flying."Good!" Stealthbane shouted with excitement.The ultimate enemy had finally been defeated, bringing peace to the world. Eric sighed in relief.However, in the next moment, the 'God' stood up again. Spitting out a mouthful of blood, he revealed a bloodthirsty smile. "You have successfully enraged me!"Everyone braced for a potential massacre, but instead, the enemy turned and fled.Could Eric let him escape?"Chase him!" Stealthbane commanded.Allowing this foe to escape would spell endless trouble.A group of people pursued the enemy, who soon reappeared clad in iron armor."Not seen this before, have you?" The 'God' seemed to have recovered somewhat. "Did you think I only research viruses? Wrong! I control global resources and global wealth!"This is our newly developed Doomforge Exosuit which amplifies a person's battle prowess tenfol
The sturdy floor lay in utter disarray.In desperation, Ruth shouted, "Eric, don't give him any more chances! Finish him off swiftly, or we'll face endless trouble!"Eric was well aware of this logic. As he fought, he said, "He's incredibly strong. Taking him down quickly isn't possible! We must fight to the death!"Eric had never feared battle. Besides, this might very well be his final fight.Their fists clashed fiercely.The 'God' also noticed that Eric was growing more formidable as the battle progressed."How do you have so much strength? Wouldn't it be better if we joined forces to control the world? We could have anything we desire!"All the world's wealth, women, and resources would be ours to enjoy. Why won't you listen to reason?" he roared.Eric's momentum didn't falter. "I don't share your grand ambitions. I just want a simple life with a job that pays 1,000 dollars a month and a warm home with my wife and kids. But you, you've disturbed my peace!"The 'God' was fu
The 'God' grew more courageous as the battle raged on, causing Stealthbane to worry incessantly.In another high-stakes clash, Eric and his opponent both retreated. Eric sensed his opponent's growing strength, finding it rather peculiar.The 'God' clenched his fist. "I must thank you! My techniques were slightly incomplete, but I've managed to fill the gaps through this battle!"Eric marveled at his opponent's genius. To mend something incomplete was indeed a rare talent.Despite Eric training with the complete manual, he could only match the 'God' blow for blow. This person was terrifying!The opponent's confidence soared. Although Eric had trained with the full manual, the 'God' felt his innate talent far surpassed Eric's. If he could match Eric with an incomplete manual, now that he had perfected it, wouldn't he be unbeatable?"I thought you had potential and considered inviting you to share this world with me," the 'God' said, his tone turning icy. "But now, I see it's unnece
Stealthbane even felt that Eric might not be a match for the "God."The power was overwhelming.The terrifying aura was enough to crush everything. To an ordinary person, this was a real deity—the strength possessed had already transcended human limits.Eric made his move with a burst of speed. The clash of their fists created a thunderous explosion, and the sound was so intense that Stealthbane felt his eardrums might shatter.This was a battle of the highest caliber, one that even a legend like Stealthbane could not hope to join.Seeing the two evenly matched, Stealthbane sighed in relief. At least there was a chance that the strongest combatants were neutralizing each other. The outcome was still uncertain.Eric shook his aching fist, his expression grave. The opponent's strength was as he had anticipated. If the ultimate boss of the Luminous did not possess such combat power, it would be absurd.Clearly, this "God" had also gauged Eric's strength.He extended a hand toward
Stealthbane knew that the figure facing them must be the ultimate leader of the Luminous.Suddenly, he no longer wanted to die. If he could hold on just a little longer, it would all be over."Mr. Johnson, these people don't seem ordinary. Could that leader be the ultimate figure of the Luminous? Are we about to complete the game?" he whispered.To him, this mission to the Ark felt like a game: defeat the final boss, and victory is achieved."If I'm not mistaken, it should be. This person gives me... a sense of danger," Eric said.Upon hearing this, Stealthbane felt reassured.Just a sense? That meant the problem wasn't too grave!The leader on the opposite side turned to Eric. "I didn't expect you to make it this far. I underestimated your strength, believing my Ark was impregnable, that no enemy could breach it. But why are you so persistent? Why such determination?"He suddenly screamed in a fit of hysteria, "I have so many people! Such a grand scheme! It has all succeeded!
Brent shouted desperately, "After you get on your knees, they'll kill you all, and we won't survive either! Kill them! Kill them all!"He understood the situation with stark clarity. Kneeling meant certain death. If they had to die anyway, fighting back would be their only chance of survival.Eric sighed. "Mr. Rogers, in the end, it was we who implicated you. But this place must be eradicated, and the Luminous must be destroyed as well! Everyone, attack!"As the battle commenced, the masked man immediately struck Brent with a punch.Eric charged in. "Die!"He knew that Brent was unlikely to survive. This punch was his way of avenging Brent.The masked man spun around, trying to block Eric's punch. But the speed of the blow was too much—the gust of wind from the punch arrived before the fist did.It was an instant kill.The masked man had no time to react before Eric's punch collided with his chest. The terrifying force shattered the mask on the man's face, revealing an unfamili
Stealthbane was blinded by rage. He was killing anyone in sight, his fury unrelenting. They had ventured deep into enemy territory, where every encounter seemed to be with an adversary.Eric and his team from the Combat Department showed no mercy.Yet even Stealthbane's resolve was wearing thin."I can't kill them all! It feels like every master in the world is concentrated here!" he shouted in frustration.He felt the number of people he had brought was insufficient. If he had brought a few thousand more, he might have been able to overrun the place.Stealthbane was overwhelmed by the sheer horror of their situation. Fortunately, they had arrived. If anyone else had come, they would have met their end here.The numbers of the masters seemed endless."Damn it!" Stealthbane cursed angrily. "There are too many of them, and they're all exceptionally powerful. What kind of game is this?"He was tempted to retreat, but where could he go?Eric sent an enemy flying, pushing forward
"I was opposed to coming in from the start, but as you all know, the Rogers family is extremely complex. If we hadn't entered, I might have ended up dead. At least if the virus isn't a threat, that's something!" Brent poured himself a cup of coffee and continued. "These people are ruthless! They want to kill everyone outside the Ark and establish a new order, managed by a select few. It's insane!"You don't need to tell me—I know you're here to kill them."He then pulled a small token from his pocket. "This is our Rogers family's privilege here. It allows us to move freely between different levels. With this, you can go anywhere!"Stealthbane grabbed it eagerly. "Why didn't you mention this earlier? Things will go much smoother with this!"Brent sighed. "Once you've handled everything, could you take me out with you? I really don't want to stay in this dreadful place any longer.""Sure!" Eric nodded. "We'll definitely call you when we leave. For now, we're heading out."Brent e
Everything was ready, but they couldn't just walk in.Ruth instructed the Combat Department to conduct a three-day intensive training for everyone, focusing on coordinated combat.-After three days, the forces led by Stealthbane moved out, first dismantling the outer defenses of the Ark. This was their specialty!A large group of several hundred arrived in front of the Ark's entrance. At first glance, it resembled a mountain.Jack scratched his head and said, "Is this the gate? I don't see any door."The Holy Templar's people arrived as well. St. Pius said, "Everyone, don't rush. Wait for two minutes. Once the gate opens, we need to get in quickly. I have other plans inside, but once we're in, it's going to be a life-or-death battle! No one should show any mercy!"Stealthbane flexed his fists and replied, "Do I look like a good guy to you? Just watch me deal with them!"No sooner had he spoken than there was a tremendous roar. The ground shook, and the door of the Ark swung