Strict demands were to ensure that children were ahead at the starting line, but Cody and Max were already ahead at the starting line, so what more effort was needed? Moreover, children at the ages of 7 or 8 are supposed to be playful.-After Eric dropped off the boys at school in the morning, he headed to the Innova Group.Jacob had arrived quite early, even wearing his uniform. Eric frowned. "Why aren't you resting at home properly instead? What if something happens? Who will be responsible?"He was quite unhappy.Jacob smiled. "Mr. Johnson, I'm out of money, so I came to the company to grab a meal. I'll feel embarrassed if I just keep eating without doing anything all day." Eric was speechless but didn't say much either. Having one more person wouldn't affect the meals at the Innova Group, after all.However, at noon, Jacob came to borrow money again. "I don't have money." Eric sighed, "My wife didn't give me any pocket money today. She said there should still be money
Eric didn't know how Jacob would spend his weekends. Anyway, he had plans. He would take the boys to a park near Salt River.-What surprised Eric was that they bumped into Ava again. Eric and Sylvia saw her, but Ava didn't dare to look at them. She was holding hands with another man and quickly hid away. "Isn't that Ava?" Sylvia asked. Eric nodded. "Indeed, it's her. Just a few days ago, Jacob spent over 30,000 dollars on her, but she's holding hands with another man now." Eric also remembered the man—the same man they had seen her holding hands with while they were out for seafood. What was even more tragic for Jacob was that this man had also beaten him up. "Really… He has stooped to this level?" Sylvia was speechless.Eric couldn't imagine what Jacob would think if he found out about this. "Forget about it. Let's pretend we didn't see anything," Eric said. If Jacob didn't pursue it, Eric had no reason to pursue it either. Ultimately, it was Jacob's freedom.Sylvia
"It's not about the money. I poured my heart and soul into that woman, and she still betrayed me. Where are you? I'm already at the park's entrance. Where's Ava?"His patience was wearing thin mainly because Ava had promised him to live a good life together. Otherwise, why would he spend over 30,000 dollars on her?Jacob's words did sway Eric. If Jacob was willing to step out of this mess, he would help. After hanging up, Eric explained Jacob's intentions to Sylvia. Since Jacob was Andy's brother, they should help, except to lend money.The two of them brought the boys to the park's entrance and saw Jacob waiting for them. Eric didn't even ask how Jacob reached the park without money. Did he walk there?Jacob was furious. "Mr. Johnson, Where's Ava?"Coincidentally, when Eric and Sylvia came out, they met Ava halfway."We just met her. Let's go and see if we can catch her," Eric said.Ava and the man had tried to avoid them, yet Jacob still found her.Seeing Ava, Jacob stormed u
The poor Jacob was screaming in agony. He shielded his head and cried out for help, "Mr. Johnson, why aren't you helping me?"He was dumbfounded to see Eric standing there, just watching him getting beaten up.Even Sylvia was wondering, 'Shouldn't Eric at least intervene?'When she saw Eric calling the police, she finally understood Eric's intention.After making the call, Eric pushed the man away. "That's enough! Stop it before someone gets killed!""Fuck off!" The man threw a punch toward Eric, seemingly blinded by rage.Eric wasn't going to tolerate it. He grabbed the man's hand and twisted it behind his back, pinning him to the ground in an instant.The police arrived promptly, and Jacob was swiftly taken to the hospital. Initially, the situation didn't seem severe, but this was the second time the man had assaulted Jacob. As such, he was immediately detained.Robert was baffled. "How did he get beaten again?"Being beaten once was bad enough, but getting beaten a second t
Jacob was living in hell because of money."What can I do?" he asked.Eric smiled. "I'll get a lawyer to help you for free. The person who attacked you will either pay compensation or go to prison. Didn't you spend 30,000 dollars on Ava? That money can also be recovered."Jacob's eyes lit up instantly.Ava had deceived him repeatedly, so he was thoroughly disappointed in her. He hadn't believed Eric and Andy until he saw it with his own eyes and realized she had only treated him as a long-term meal ticket."Damnit!" Jacob clenched his fist.He was determined not to be a lickspittle anymore.Eric made a call and summoned a lawyer.After understanding the situation, the lawyer was confident in winning the case. "Mr. Johnson, rest assured, I'm very proficient in this kind of civil litigation."He took out some documents from his bag. "Mr. Bikman, just sign here, and I'll handle this for you. I guarantee everything will be taken care of."Then he handed out a business card. "This
Andy called Jacob but found his phone switched off, which made him even angrier. "This is outrageous! He even turned off his phone. I think he should be fired!"He was truly infuriated. Sometimes, he even wondered how the penniless Jacob managed to survive in Salt City. Little did he know that Jacob was genuinely focusing on recuperating."Andy, what's wrong?" When Eric arrived and saw Andy's gloomy expression, he knew his friend was angry again."I want to fire someone! That brat, Jacob! I'm done with him! Let him starve wherever he is. It's been so many days, and he hasn't shown up for work. Who has the obligation to support him?" Andy said indignantly.Eric was speechless."I thought it was something else. That kid is still in the hospital recovering from his injuries, and it's only been a few days."Rest assured, he has finally come to his senses now," Eric assured him.Andy was baffled. "He... got beaten again?"Jacob hadn't even recovered from the last beating, and now
Andy knew that Eric was from the Combat Department, and there were some things he couldn't listen to.As Andy left, Ruth's expression turned serious. "We've traced the source of the virus." Eric's expression changed. Regarding the source of the virus, the Combat Department had previously traced it to the Oberdeens.After the Oberdeens were taken down, the trail went cold. However, the Combat Department continued to investigate them and still found something. Although the Oberdeens had a pharmaceutical production line, they did not have a virus-related cultivation laboratory. Eric looked at Ruth. "So where did the virus come from? I guess it probably didn't originate domestically!"Ruth nodded. "You're right. It came from Catellon!"Eric clenched his fists. He had fought against several Catellonian experts. He didn't expect the virus' source to be traced back there!Ruth stood up, her anger evident. "After all the atrocities they committed on our land, they already started rese
Jacob finally got discharged from the hospital. The incident with Ava had taught him a lesson he would never forget. As soon as he was discharged, he returned money to Andy.Andy finally felt some relief.It wasn't because of the money but because Jacob seemed to have genuinely changed. In the past, after receiving money, Jacob would definitely splurge. But now, Jacob didn't do that. The first thing he did after leaving the hospital was to buy a house.He even consulted Andy about it and wanted to buy a unit in Andy's residential complex. However, the property prices there had risen significantly in recent years, and he seemed unable to afford it. Thus, he had to buy elsewhere.If he worked steadily at the Innova Group, the monthly mortgage wouldn't be too much of an issue. In a place like Salt City, property prices would only continue to rise, not reach their peak. Andy and Elly discussed it and decided to transfer Elly's old car to Jacob, giving him a means of transportation. T
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