The Sonnexes were known for their wealth and generosity.The priest from Draco Summit arrived promptly. They also needed money for their livelihood and to repair their sanctum. "It's a minor issue. Don't worry too much, Mr. Sonnex," Quintin reassured.Although they typically wouldn't accept such commissions, given the Sonnexes' wealth and Eric's involvement, they made an exception.Irvin respectfully stated, "Father Amorth, please have a seat. We'll send your remuneration shortly!"Quintin waved his hand and handed a card to Irvin. "Mr. Sonnex, this is the account for the Celestial Sage Sanctum. You can transfer the funds directly."Irvin frowned, noticing the Celestial Sage Sanctum's improved handling of their business.Sylvia then asked, "Father Amorth, forgive my curiosity, but how much does a priest like you charge for a commission like this?""Well…" Quintin chuckled. "This isn't a secret, but generally, the amount varies. Sometimes, we don't even charge a penny. Occasion
Madison's case had progressed significantly with the assistance of two grandmasters from the Combat Department.Upon Eric's arrival at the office, Robert and the two members from the Combat Department were present. When Robert observed Eric approaching with Sylvia, he hesitated to reveal the case's progress, mindful of the need for confidentiality.Noticing Robert's hesitance, one of the Combat Department members reassured him, "Sergeant Wilson, no need to worry. Ms. Williams can be considered personnel in the Combat Department!"Reassured, Robert explained, "After reviewing the surveillance footage in the area and considering the murder scene, we can conclude that Mr. Ruske's death appears to be the result of the actions of a highly skilled assassin!"Eric narrowed his eyes, familiar with such scenarios.Robert's conclusion wasn't surprising, given the Combat Department's dealings with professional assassins. While Eric had faced them before, he acknowledged not fully understandi
Now that Sylvia grasped the severity of the issue, she finally understood why Eric insisted on solving the case.Standing at a higher position sometimes made comprehending certain problems challenging. However, things became clearer when one put themselves in someone else's shoes.As one of the Williams, Sylvia had never worried about money and had no idea about life in the lower strata.Basic necessities were never a concern for her, and she naturally did not realize the serious consequences. Sometimes, certain things might not seem to have an immediate impact, but over the long term, they could become a source of endless trouble.-A few days later, Robert and his team returned from Streamville."The situation is critical!" he told Eric. "Mr. Finn has indeed been dismissed for an investigation. If it weren't for the Combat Department's assistance, I wouldn't have been able to meet him!Robert still felt some lingering fear when he talked about the trip. "During this trip, I di
"Who is this?" Eric sneered. "Phoenix City, Eric. Do you still remember?" "It's you?!"The person appeared shocked to hear Eric's name. His voice began to tremble as he said, "W-Why did you call me?""I need your help with something," Eric said. "About a week ago, did any of your people come to Salt City for a mission?""Hold on! Let me check!" the other party replied.After a while, he returned. "I got it. Indeed, someone went to Salt City about a week ago, and their target was someone named Madison Ruske." Eric stood up immediately and said, "Where is he? Tell him to get his ass to Salt City immediately to see me! Otherwise, I'll personally come over to settle the score with you!"After that, he hung up. In fact, he had no idea where Stealthbane was, and he was just bluffing him.Meanwhile, Eric's domineering attitude shocked Robert and the two grandmasters. They had no idea who Eric had called, but they knew it must be someone of high status.Seeing their confusion, Eri
Robert persisted in the investigation.At the same time, Eric sensed the urge to intervene, given the case's connection to him. Without his involvement, Robert might encounter hindrances in the investigation, and in the worst-case scenario, it could lead to his death.Nevertheless, Eric's concerns lessened with the Combat Department's participation.-On that particular day, Winston approached Eric, and he speculated it pertained to the cultivation of medicinal herbs in the laboratory.Winston appeared in good spirits as he greeted with a smile, "Hol. Johnson, the start of a new semester is upon us."Eric raised an eyebrow. Evidently, Winston wished to discuss the holistic medicine university with him.Winston continued. "The aftermath of the last competition between holistic and modern medicine surpassed our expectations. Last year, some renowned holistic physicians in King City took charge of organizing the holistic medicine university's affairs. Ultimately, they opted to esta
Those students hailing from remote areas and enrolled at King City University would be granted scholarships sufficient to support them throughout their tertiary education.Furthermore, the holistic medicine college also bestowed competitive benefits upon its students, including the waiver of tuition fees. Additionally, the college provided them with salaries, and students would be directly assigned to jobs after graduation.To the uninformed, studying holistic medicine might seem pointless, but those in the know recognized it as a rare opportunity. After all, the professors in their holistic medicine college were all prominent figures, equivalent to elites in social status.Consider Winston, for instance. Local officials in Salt City and prominent families such as the Sonnexes and Williams treated him with great respect. Social connections were fundamental to career progress after entering society!Observing the treatment received by the students of the holistic medicine college, S
The students were all astonished. Among the teaching staff of the holistic medicine college, there was actually one who seemed to have connections with the underworld. They even wondered if Eric was there to ensure their safety.Observing the students' reactions, the senior holistic physician smiled, saying, "Students, consider this your first lesson today! From now on, never underestimate anyone!"This is Professor Eric Johnson, whom we invited through various connections. It's an honor to have him as part of our teaching staff here."The students exclaimed. All the senior holistic physicians there were distinguished characters in society, yet they had to rely on various connections to invite Eric to the college?The senior holistic physician chuckled/ "Curious, aren't you? With Prof. Johnson here, our holistic medicine college has been elevated by several levels. The medical skills of all of us combined can't even match up to Prof. Johnson alone!"Eric quickly waved his hand. If
"I'd like a club sandwich, Prof. Johnson!"Prof. Johnson, I'd like steak!"Prof. Johnson, I'd also like a drink!"Prof. Johnson..."Eric finally sensed that something was off. "What's going on with you?"Sylvia smiled. "Nothing much, Prof. Johnson. Let's eat?"Eric was puzzled and kept glancing at Sylvia during the meal."What's wrong, Prof. Johnson? Don't you like the food?" Sylvia asked with a smile.Eric felt something was wrong and started feeling uneasy. "Can we... not do this?"Before Sylvia could speak, a surprised voice echoed. "S-Sylvia? Is that you?"Sylvia looked up and saw a man in his early 30s, with hair parted down the middle, approaching her.Sylvia looked puzzled. "You are..." Although she didn't quite recall this person from her memory, he felt somewhat familiar."It's me, Diego! We were in the same class at university!" Diego Martinez said."Oh..." Sylvia nodded. "What are you doing here?"She couldn't recall having a classmate named Diego during her
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