The Combat Department had already noticed the issue with the textbooks and had begun secretly investigating it.Upon receiving Eric's call, they immediately rushed to King City University. Eric sat in his chair and said indifferently, "It seems that the problem you're involved in goes beyond just the bedding. How dare you target our next generation?! I'll put it straight. I don't care who you are! Anyone who dares to harm them will face my wrath!"Eric had meticulously analyzed the situation from various perspectives.Firstly, he delved into the parents' viewpoint. When the school or its associates exploited their children for financial gain, what recourse did the parents possess?They felt obligated to suffer in silence for their children's sake. Speaking up could potentially harm their children's welfare at school. They couldn't afford to gamble with their children's futures, thus opting to spend money to address the problem on behalf of their children. Regrettably, this mere
There was no way Homer could get away as well. To put it plainly, he had failed as the dean of King City University, and there would be no problem in charging him with dereliction of duty. Sensing that Miller still had more to say, Eric stood up and said, "Let's discuss this outside." Sylvia followed as she could listen to matters regarding the Combat Department.As they left, the students of the holistic medicine college erupted into chatter."Wow!""I thought Professor Johnson was just a holistic medicine physician? Then why did that imposing person salute him?" Derek cleared his throat and said, "All of you should focus on your studies! Don't pry into matters you shouldn't!" The students quieted down, but their curiosity remained. It was astonishing to discover someone more influential than Homer at the university.On the other side, Miller said, "It appears that several cases are related. The virus incidents and the issues with pre-packaged food and textbooks all have t
Pierce sighed and said, "Our economy was very poor 40 years ago, and most people couldn't even afford to eat properly. This situation persisted until 30 years ago. In the past 20 years, our economy has started to take off, with abundant resources and economic development. "However, there are still many people in the world who hope that we remain poor so that they can keep us at the bottom of the production chain and serve as the cheapest labor force for them! "Fortunately, we are very resilient! But even so, there are still people continuously suppressing us!"Eric remained silent, knowing that Pierce had not finished yet.Pierce then continued. "Nowadays, our international influence is growing, and we have more chips in our hands. But precisely because our economy is doing so well and we have abundant resources, there are always people eyeing us!"You and Sylvia probably know about many international organizations, but what I want to say is that these international organization
"I'll have to play it by ear," Eric said. "Besides, it doesn't matter if I can do it or not. I don't have any other choice but to go. After all, Big Boss gives me a hefty sum every month.""How much does he pay you?" Sylvia asked out of pure curiosity.Eric chuckled. "Adding it all up for the whole year, it's about 700,000-800,000 dollars.""What?!" Sylvia was astonished. "T-That's so little?!" People like Eric, Ruth, and Pierce could easily make tens of millions or even hundreds of millions in a year regardless of where they were. Even the Lockes at the Montgomerys received several million dollars per year.The top-tier families in King City typically started spending from tens of millions. The higher the level of the family, the greater the expenses in this regard.Eric and Pierce could easily command a salary in the tens of millions with their martial arts skills, yet the Combat Department only offered a few hundred thousand!"Is it low?" Eric remarked. "There are other bene
The cases overseen by Miller and Robert were still ongoing. It appeared that the other party was aware of Eric and Pierce's identities since no one had contacted them to release those who were arrested.After all, everyone was aware of the nature of the Combat Department. A single phone call could potentially ruin their careers. Who would risk their future for someone else's?-After spending a few days in King City, Eric and Sylvia prepared to return to Salt City.Grace hesitated to part ways as she had grown fond of Yvette. However, she understood that Eric's career, family, and everything else were in Salt City. It wasn't practical for him to remain in King City for an extended period.After sending Eric, Sylvia, and Yvette to the airport, Grace returned to the Montgomery residence and sighed.Alexander said, "It's all Sean's fault for not being competent enough! If he worked harder, you could have gone to Salt City to live by now."Grace said, "What's the point of blaming hi
In the afternoon, Eric and Sylvia wanted to visit Elly. However, Amelia insisted on taking care of the child herself for a few days to strengthen their bond.During the meal at Elly's place, Andy mentioned something important. The three major international companies had intensified their sanctions against the Innova Group, but it seemed to have little effect.Andy admired Sylvia's foresight in acquiring Frontier Digital. Without it, the Innova Group would have faced significant challenges.After all, the chip was the most important part of those devices. Without chips, they would not be able to manufacture any devices."It's pretty easy, honestly," Sylvia modestly replied. "We simply need to thoroughly understand the international situation, foresee potential methods of suppression and sanctions from their viewpoint, and plan accordingly. Now, Michael is doing great abroad. In this industry, the Innova Group has firmly established its position."The Innova Group had undoubtedly be
Roland chuckled. "Mr. Johnson, I'm just a roughneck. How would I know about international affairs?"Eric glanced at Roland and said, "Roland, don't say that. I know you must have your own opinion."Roland smiled. "I think they're just bullshitting. They're doing this just to establish a positive image and engage in some shady dealings under the guise of charity."These people are just nosy dogs sticking their noses where they don't belong. What do our own affairs have to do with them? I believe they have ulterior motives."What's all this talk about human health? It's just a facade. I don't know what they're really up to, but I know it can't be anything good!"Roland's viewpoint was similar to that of Pierce. Such individuals could see through the essence of things at a glance. When it came to schemes, who could outplay them?Eric grinned. "You said that you don't know anything, but you seem to understand quite clearly, don't you?"-The people from the Combat Department had al
"After our intervention, the data shows 200,000 infections and 800 deaths! Do you still call this inaction?" He snorted. "I bet if this virus appeared in any city overseas with a population of 8,000,000, the results wouldn't be this good, right?"The virus' basic mortality rate is 50%, yet there hasn't been a single death in Salt City after infection! And you're all calling this inaction?"Heh! In a city of 8,000,000, people are dying from the flu every year. Why don't you make a fuss about it, Mr. Kurt?"Now, Mr. Kurt, why don't you explain to me the difference between action and inaction?"Everyone fell silent.Oliver clenched his fist and said, "Well said!" He certainly knew that these people were not there with good intentions, but their plan was completely thwarted by Eric.Kurt's expression darkened. It was unprecedented for anyone to challenge them in such a manner.They had anticipated gathering evidence of officials offering bribes or gifts, but to their surprise, non
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