"Lieutenant General Johnson, steady the course a bit, I'm going to use laser guidance for the strike," said his subordinate.Upon hearing this, Eric slowed down the pace. Several missiles flew past overhead, causing chaos among the pursuers behind."Hahaha! That was exhilarating!" shouted his subordinate, taking over Eric's position.With a few missiles launched, both the blockade and the pursuers disappeared.Eric and his companion swiftly reached the dock and boarded a speedboat, racing toward the depths of the ocean.Eric finally breathed a sigh of relief. With friendly warships patrolling the waters, they were essentially safe at sea.Before long, they could see escort helicopters and flares fired from the warship.Eric and his subordinate boarded with Smith. He handed Smith over to the crew on the warship, saying, "This guy has two broken ribs, but no internal injuries. Treat him and make sure to secure him tightly!"Smith was a formidable fighter. Although he couldn't mat
"This matter needs a thorough explanation from you, or I'll dismiss you from your position!" The argument erupted immediately.Pierce remained silent.Those on his side spoke up. "Dismiss him? Do you have the authority? Do you not know who appointed Pierce as the General of the Combat Department? It's not within your jurisdiction to remove him!""You— Someone pointed at Pierce, their finger trembling, "13 cruise missiles! Misfire? How could there be so many misfires? This is tantamount to declaring war! We're striving for economic development, can we afford a war? Do we have enough resources for that?!"Pierce remained silent, not bothering to engage in the argument. He knew who stood with him and who opposed him. He wouldn't target those with dissenting opinions.After all, in a large team, diverse perspectives were essential. Contradictory views were necessary for making the most informed decisions. If a team only had one voice, it would be tantamount to dictatorship. And di
As silence engulfed the room, Pierce spoke up. "I know some folks back home might have weak spines, some of you might even be among them! But in our department, we can't afford to be weak!"Of course, I consider spinelessness a disease. Luckily, we have excellent doctors in our department. Perhaps they can cure your weak spines. Whoever wants treatment, speak up. I'll ensure it happens!"A chill ran down someone's spine!Was that even a cure? Who dared to speak up for treatment?!Someone immediately chimed in. "Heh, General Fischer is mighty, boosting our national pride!" Although they might have wanted to take down Pierce, he wasn't someone they could handle. In fact, he had the power to turn the tables on them!Glancing at the time, Pierce remarked, "It's late, everyone should rest. You don't need to worry about the cruise missiles' launch. We will handle this matter with Catellon."People started to rise.Now they understood why Pierce had ordered the cruise missile's launc
Smith was also brought down.Breaking a couple of ribs might have been a minor affair for him, but he could no longer make any waves.Pierce glanced at Smith, waving his hand. "Take him back to King City. Once we return, immediately initiate his trial!"Smith struggled, but the two men restraining him weren't to be trifled with, locking his hands and causing him unbearable pain.He glared at Eric. "You killed Catellon's elite shadow warrior, a member of the Luminous! They will come after you sooner or later!"Eric remained silent.Meanwhile, Pierce kicked Smith. "Worry about yourself! I'll settle the score with you first! Take him away!"-At King City.Pierce personally arranged a reception for Eric and his companions.Sylvia asked, "Big Boss, what is this Luminous?"Setting down his glass, Pierce explained, "Unlike the Crimson Order, the Luminous is an organization many are aware of. From what we know, both the Luminous and the Crimson Order are essentially the same, aimin
The days of Eric and Sylvia quickly returned to normal. For the couple, those were all things they ought to do, nothing to boast about.-Back home, Sylvia cradled Yvette in her arms.Amelia earnestly advised, "Taking care of Yvette is my responsibility since both of you are busy with important matters!"Amelia felt gratified.What if Sylvia was a girl? The tasks she performed might not be any less significant than those of men!Looking at the four siblings in the family now, Sylvester, the eldest, and Sylvia, the youngest, stood out as the most promising. Sylvia had indeed brought honor to the Williams family."Let me take care of Yvette. You guys should go to work," Amelia said, looking at Sylvia. "The Innova Group can only thrive under your leadership, after all."Sylvia said, "Mom, there's no need for my leadership. The Innova Group is already very stable. Revenue is increasing every year, even every quarter. Everything's fine."Amelia insisted that she go to work.Andy a
Eric handed the phone back to Lora. "Could there be someone else like me in Catellon?" His suspicion of Lora intensified. How else could she have acquired these photos? Logically, such images wouldn't linger online for long—they'd be promptly removed.Lora grinned. "Mr. Johnson, don't try to mislead me. I've checked with Cody and Max. They confirmed you've recently been abroad."I assume you were on a covert mission. Otherwise, Catellon wouldn't have sent that compensation package, nor would this Smith fellow have faced justice."These matters were common knowledge in Naturia.Lora's admiration for Eric grew. She found him too enigmatic. Eric effortlessly resolved many seemingly insurmountable problems in just a day or two. This time, it was even more astonishing—he had headed straight to Catellon to apprehend people!During their conversation, Eric also messaged the Combat Department, requesting an investigation into Lora. He suspected her of espionage.Soon, the Combat Depart
Sylvia didn't elaborate on that statement, leaving Eric to ponder it on his own.-Back at the Williams residence, evening life consisted of taking care of the children, allowing Amelia to rest. After all, one couldn't let the grandmother be busy from dawn till dusk, could they?With a moment to spare, Amelia found it easier to have a chat.Approaching Sylvia, who was entertaining the children, Amelia glanced around to make sure they had privacy before speaking in a hushed tone. "Sylvia, please don't forget about Eric when you're caught up with work. I was concerned when he left for Catellon."Sylvia chuckled. "Mom, what are you worried about? Eric is quite capable. Otherwise, he wouldn't have successfully brought Smith back for trial."Amelia gave Sylvia a knowing look. "That's not what I mean. You wouldn't understand as an insider, but I'm well aware. For women, youth spans from 18 to 30, maybe a bit high till 36 or 37. But once they've had children, it's downhill. However, for
Sylvia had no inkling of what Eric was really asking.She presumed he suspected her of peeking into the Combat Department's secrets, so she retorted, "Hey, listen, I'm practically part of the Combat Department, right? I even earned some credit on our trip to Catellon. Combat Department stuff is within my purview, even though I haven't actually looked, mind you!"Eric raised an eyebrow. "That's not what I meant. I was wondering how... you managed to... have so many... techniques after giving birth to Yvette?"Instantly, Sylvia blushed."O-Oh..." she stammered, taking Eric's hand. "Why ask so many questions? Just tell me if you like it or not!"Eric cleared his throat, gazing at Sylvia. "And what about you?"The body's reactions never lied. But Eric was simply curious how Sylvia had learned of those things.However, no matter how he probed, Sylvia remained tight-lipped. It seemed speaking of it would tarnish her image.But then again, Eric knew her inside out. What image mattered
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