Sylvia said, "Eric, you used to work for others before, but things have changed. Now, you and your partner own a company."I know you and Andy have a good relationship, but remember, the most important rule in a partnership is to protect your partner's interests. Basically, it's about money. You'll realize this soon enough. For now, you shouldn't be the one giving away the money."Silently, Eric gazed at Sylvia. He hadn't thought as deeply about this as she had. Setting aside Williams Corp. and looking at Sonnex Corp.'s situation, the success of securing the project was mainly due to Eric.While Andy might not mind if Eric wanted to donate 20,000 dollars to his hometown for road repairs, their company operated as a partnership. Giving such a significant amount would definitely affect Andy's interests."Don't look at me like that," Sylvia said. "If you feel uneasy about it, we could each contribute 10,000 dollars. I'll lend the money for you, and you can give it back to me once you'
Eric frowned as he noticed the differences among people. Working under David Westman would mean a 2.5-year effort just to make 20,000 dollars."My brother-in-law, Craig, also holds a mid-level position at Sonnex Corp., but he's not as well-off as you," Eric mentioned.Sylvia grinned. "Firstly, this money serves a good purpose, so there's not much to ponder. Secondly, mid-level managers come in various tiers, too. Some receive a basic monthly salary with minimal bonuses, resulting in lower earnings."Furthermore, has Craig ever shared his yearly income with you?"Eric remained quiet. Elly had mentioned Craig's annual salary only once. Reflecting on it, he realized Elly probably wasn't aware of the exact figure either.Elly didn't appear concerned whenever Craig came up."Why bother about him? He can do as he pleases. I can't just seek revenge from his parents due to his ill-treatment," Elly remarked.Elly ended up responsible for looking after Craig's parents after he brought the
Eric took a deep breath, copied Sylvia's movements, and chuckled. "This is easy."Sylvia rolled her eyes. "Your stance is not good at all."She kicked Eric's feet and said, "Widen your stance more and lower your shoulders."After assessing Eric's posture, she nodded with satisfaction. "That's close enough. Let's go with this."Then she took out her phone and said, "And now we'll order breakfast."Eric smiled and said, "Why order breakfast? I'll make it after I'm done with the horse stance.""You'll find out soon enough," Sylvia said, glancing at Eric."Martial arts can be tough, especially since we're focusing on the basics given your experience. Once you've got the fundamentals down, we'll move on to more advanced techniques. If you stick with it, you can handle regular opponents in about a year."And there are other benefits that come with it. Alongside boosting your fitness, it will also build your resilience."Sylvia's assessment of Eric left him feeling underestimated. Bu
Sylvia intentionally worked to shift Eric's focus. He couldn't keep going much longer if he stayed fixated on his legs."You're actually making good progress. I haven't given you the toughest demands yet. If you were under my mentor, you'd start with at least 20 minutes in the horse stance," Sylvia mentioned."After the horse stance, take a breather and run two kilometers. But for you, let's make it one kilometer.""What?" Eric blurted, falling to the ground after 12 minutes."I-I can't keep this up…" He wiped his sweat. "I can't even feel my legs. I'm done.""Is this your all?" Slyvia teased, "Who claimed he could endure for two hours? You can't even manage 15 minutes."Alright, I'm a pretty reasonable person. Since we're just making do, I'll give you a chance. If you can beat me after three years, we'll continue our relationship."Eric felt a surge of determination. Despite his shaky legs, he rose and resumed the horse stance."You said it! Don't back down on it!" he declared
At Innova Tech.It was already 10:00 a.m. when Eric arrived at the company, and his legs were still slightly wobbly."Hey!" Andy quickly approached Eric. "What are you doing here? Take care of your injuries first! You can't even walk properly!"Eric smiled wryly. "My legs have nothing to do with my injuries."Andy shot him a meaningful glance and said, "I'm impressed, Eric!"Eric rolled his eyes. "It's not what you think. I just started learning martial arts today, dumbass."Andy was surprised. "Did you also read that book?""That book?" Eric looked puzzled.Andy took out a book from the drawer. "This book!""Have you been to the old-item market again? Did you find this at a stall?" Eric questioned him."Find this at a stall?" Andy was rendered speechless. "I bought this online for 45 dollars!"Eric looked at the worn cover and quipped, "The Basic Breath Regulation Method? You actually believe in this?""Breath regulation methods have been trending lately. But I can't reall
Shortly after, Sylvester arrived.Eric couldn't help stealing glances at the handsome and aloof young man, let alone a woman. With these thoughts, he also glanced at Sylvia."Mr. Williams," Eric greeted.Sylvester smiled at Eric and asked, "Mr. Johnson, what brings you here?""It's about the development project of Williams Corp. in the northern district," Eric replied.Sylvester was surprised, looking at Sylvia and wondering if she had discussed this with Eric."Sylvia informed me about Williams Corp.'s challenges with the northern district project. You may not know, but I have connections with Sonnex Corp.'s CEO. I discussed this with Mr. Sonnex, and he set forth two conditions."Eric felt relieved that he could finally repay Sylvia's favor.Seeing Sylvia's reaction, Sylvester realized she was unaware of this."What are the conditions?" Sylvester inquired."They're quite straightforward. Firstly, promote Sylvia to a top management position. Secondly, put her fully in charge
Sylvester gazed at Sylvia and sighed, noticing her silence."Uncle Irvin, did Eric not tell you who his wife is?" Sylvester smirked.Irvin was taken aback momentarily. It dawned on him that Eric had never mentioned his wife's name. Still, he stood his ground."I might not know her name, but discussing this won't help unless she shows up. You can go."He didn't like the siblings and wasn't going to let them keep all the benefits.Sylvester was surprised that Irvin still didn't know Eric's wife after being sworn brothers for so long.He smiled wryly and said, "Uncle Irvin, the truth is, Sylvia is Eric's wife."Irvin was left stunned by this sudden revelation, looking at Sylvia in confusion."U-Uncle Irvin…" Sylvia appeared uneasy. "It's a long story, but Eric and I are married."Admitting her marriage to Eric to an outsider felt strange. But Eric had worked hard to seal the deal for Williams Corp. She couldn't disappoint him now, even if she hadn't figured out how to handle the
Irvin was livid. He knew a thing or two about Eric's past. In his opinion, the only reasonable explanation for Sylvia to keep Eric in the dark about her identity was fearing that Eric might target her family's wealth."Never mind." He sighed. "Go deal with your marital issues yourself. I'm not interested in getting involved. I thought Brother Eric's wife was only a mid-level manager in Williams Corp. and that I could help her get into the top management level with this matter."Hmph! Who knew she was actually the CEO of Williams Corp.!"Leave now. I'll have my secretary send over the transfer contract later. Everything will remain the same as my father had decided.""Thank you, Uncle Irvin. We will leave now," Sylvester said.Irvin waved his hand. Then, he added, "My friend gave me some excellent black truffles. Come to my place and taste them with Eric after work. He might have some drinks tonight."Sylvia nodded. "Sure, Uncle Irvin!"Irvin furrowed his brow. "Didn't I tell you
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