Only during meal times could they be seen in the cafeteria.Despite being executives with big fortunes, their lunch was usually taken care of in the cafeteria.If the executives dared to eat there, then they certainly could too.Sylvia smiled. "Your brother-in-law? He's gone on a date.""A… date?!" Andy's mind didn't catch up for a moment.If Eric was going on a date, it must be with his wife!But his wife was right there, so who was Eric going on a date with? It didn't make sense!"Yes, he's gone on a date." Sylvia said, "It's very likely he's going to fall in love again."Andy was speechless.Eric was going on a date with another woman in broad daylight, and yet his wife knew about it.Wasn't she bothered by this?Seeing Andy and Mell looking at her, Sylvia asked, "What's the matter?""Sister-in-law! There's a big problem!" Andy slapped his thigh. "If Eric is going on a date, it should be with you, why is he going out with another woman? Sister-in-law, shouldn't you go an
Eric was feeling a bit overwhelmed.After lunch, he symbolically sat for a while and then left the company citing some urgent matters.Lora didn't say much either. After all, she had already made her intentions clear.-Back at the company, Eric was preparing for a nap when Sylvia approached him."How was the lunch? Did you enjoy it?" she asked.Eric raised an eyebrow. "None of the dishes were to my liking," he remarked cryptically.The food on the table wasn't what he enjoyed, and neither was Lora.Sylvia chuckled. "She invited you for a meal, and it's still not to your liking? You're quite picky," she teased.Eric's expression turned serious. He looked at Sylvia. "Vee, this is no laughing matter. Lora knows I have a wife and child. She's not after anything, not even a legitimate relationship. Don't you find that terrifying?"Sylvia's smile froze on her face. She had expected Lora to employ some conventional tactics to capture Eric's attention. But to not even seek legitimac
Merely a few minutes passed before Eric's phone rang. Seeing it was Jacob calling, he chose not to answer. That lad still hadn't returned the 50 dollars he borrowed last time! Though 50 dollars might be a trifle for Eric, it was a matter of principle! He could easily gift Jacob 500 or even 5,000 dollars, but that 50 dollars had been borrowed. If you borrow, you must repay!Eric placed his phone aside, but it kept ringing, each time Jacob calling. Just as he was about to take a nap, Jacob arrived!"Hey, Eric!" Jacob's face beamed, addressing Eric just like Jacob did, calling him "Brother Eric."Eric knew this fellow was there to borrow money, so he casually asked, "What's up?"Jacob chuckled and said, "Eric, you know I recently bought a house and a car, so I'm a bit tight on cash. Could you... lend me some? I'll repay you as soon as the year-end bonus comes. It's almost here."The year-end bonus from the Innova Group was substantial. Jacob had inquired—even the janitors received
Eric was keenly aware of Jacob's deep involvement. He sighed, recognizing the world's penchant for pitfalls: just as you escaped one, another lay in wait.That seemed to be Jacob's fate—hardly had he resolved issues with his ex-girlfriend than he fell into the snare of a female streamer.-Heading home after work that afternoon, Eric reached for his phone. He was curious about the allure that had ensnared Jacob with this female streamer."Are you calling just to watch this?" Sylvia's surprise was evident. In all their years, she hadn't seen Eric show interest in any streamers, let alone female ones.Eric chuckled. "I heard from Andy that Jacob is fixated on a female streamer, lavishing her with money. I just want to see what the fuss is about."Sylvia saw through it. "With a beauty filter, even a dog can appear divine. They flutter their eyelashes to attract men like you, aiming to empty your wallets.""In my view, most online streamers are essentially beggars, just in a more gl
Lora had guessed that Sylvia was likely Eric's wife since she had seen them together at the school gate.Now, expecting Eric, Sylvia was the one who came. Most likely, this was the situation."Eric..." Lora struggled to speak. "Isn't Mr. Johnson in the company?"Sylvia smiled faintly. "He is, but he's busy leading the technical team to tackle some technical challenges. Ms. Kensington the café next door is nice. Shall we chat there?"She felt it necessary to clarify things with Lora. Since she came despite being blocked on the phone, the issue isn't simple!-In the café.As the coffee was served, Sylvia nodded politely to the waiter. Her demeanor was dignified. Lora had been staring at Sylvia for quite some time.Sylvia smiled slightly and said, "Ms. Kensington try their coffee."Lora took a sip, then looked up at Sylvia, "You... are Mr. Johnson's wife?""Correct." Sylvia set down her coffee cup. "We've been married for over four years, and we have a very obedient daughter.
Did liking someone mean you must possess them?That was quite a profound question.As the lyrics suggested, there's a love called letting go, but who could truly manage that?If someone liked or loved something, shouldn't they strive to possess it? No one seemed to have a clear answer to this question, including Lora.In truth, Sylvia had already made her stance clear. Moreover, Eric's actions made it evident he had little interest in Lora. It wasn't a lack of interest per se, but rather because Eric already had Sylvia. It was a matter of principle.Both remained silent.Each had expressed what needed to be said, but Lora was unsure how to respond. She was a bold woman, enamored with Eric, so she pursued him boldly, even though Eric was already married. Yet, she couldn't fathom where she fell short.Even without seeking official recognition, she found herself unable to compete.They sat in silence for nearly two hours.Glancing at the time, Sylvia remarked, "I imagine you have
Upon hearing these words, Eric knew that Jacob was asking for money from Andy.Andy couldn't understand. "Eric, isn't she just a coquettish female streamer? What's so appealing about her? He is not only watching her but also spending money on her, just to watch on the phone. What's the point?""With so many beauties in the Innova Group, if he paid a little attention, he wouldn't still be single by now!" Eric remarked. "Young people chase after novelty. Once the novelty wears off, it'll be fine."Andy couldn't help but sigh. He sat down and said, "Actually, we are only a few years older than that kid, but it feels like we're much older. Time really doesn't spare anyone!"Andy's sigh was not without reason.The rapid development of the Innova Group had led him to interact with older individuals, and those who were not older hardly reached this level. It was unlike those big families that had started grooming successors early on.This also led Andy to feel that he was already quite
In the early morning, Andy deliberately arrived a bit late, just to see if Jacob had shown up for work. He had already experienced all the tricks Jacob used to ask for money, and he had ignored last night's phone calls.However, to his surprise, Jacob hadn't shown up for work at all!Today, there was no one at the security booth of the Innova Group."That rascal!" Andy cursed under his breath as he took out his phone to call Jacob, but he couldn't get through. He then turned to find Eric.Eric also had something to discuss with Andy. "Andy, I need to talk to you. Let's go to Nutikiville's city hall later.""Alright." Andy nodded, then asked, "Eric, did Jacob contact you?""Nope," Eric replied, looking at Andy. "What's wrong? Is he quitting?"Andy pondered for a moment and said, "He called me late last night, saying he had been kidnapped and they demanded 20,000 dollars in ransom."I thought it might be one of his tricks. Today, he didn't show up at the company, and his phone is
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