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
"Prepare an empty suitcase. Let's go over there and see what's going on first," Eric said.The empty suitcase was merely for show.Andy's confidence seemed to increase with Eric by his side.-The two quickly arrived at Salt City Grand Hotel.Standing at the door of the room, Andy glanced at Eric. Seeing Eric nod, he knocked on the door.The door opened, revealing a bald man who looked at Andy. "You're Jacob's brother? Did you bring the money?"Andy lifted the suitcase and patted it. "The money's here. Where's my brother?"Before he could finish speaking, Jacob's voice came from inside the room. "Andy! Andy! I'm here! Help me! They're going to castrate me! I'm scared! I haven't even touched a woman yet!"He burst into tears immediately.Andy pushed past the bald man and entered the room.Inside, Jacob was tied up on the bed.Next to the bed were several fierce-looking men, along with a young woman whose appearance was passable.Seeing Andy's arrival, the burly man with a g
Roko harbored a growing fear of Eric. In their line of work, Tiger's reputation preceded him. Dealing with underworld figures required caution—one couldn't partner with just anyone off the street without stirring up trouble.Andy only now grasped Eric's deep ties to Salt City's underworld. These small-time crooks might soon run out of patience.With a chuckle, Eric quipped, "Even Tiger would address me as Mr. Johnson. Seems you're in it for the money, not lives, I won't complicate things. Release Jacob, and we'll call it even!""But we can't!" Jacob interjected. "Eric, letting them go means more victims!"He seemed to grow a conscience, though not out of morality. He couldn't stand being duped. "Shut it!" Andy snapped. "Eric's handling this. Stay out of it!"Roko understood the implications of tangling with Tiger's associates, genuine or not. It was about avoiding humiliation, just in case. They hadn't lost anything, so he relented. "Fine, let's call it even. You get some leeway
"For these trivial matters, Eric actually came all the way here! If there's a next time, I won't care anymore! Go die wherever you want!"Andy was truly furious! He had assumed the lesson from Ava would make Jacob wiser, but unexpectedly, he fell into their trap. It's also because Eric had some influence that he managed to resolve this matter easily. Otherwise, who knew what kind of trouble would arise?"Andy, I dare not anymore..." Jacob looked aggrieved. "I just wanted to quickly find a girlfriend and get married. Who knew they'd set me up?! I even lost 10,000 dollars!"Andy shook his head speechlessly.Eric said, "Alright. Andy, the matter is settled. Let's first go to Nutikiville."Seeing the two getting into the car, Jacob hurriedly approached. "Andy, Eric, can you drop me off at the company first?""Get lost! Get a taxi yourself!"Andy raised his leg and gave him a shove.-Later at Nutikiville City Hall.Hank greeted Eric warmly upon his arrival.In recent years, Nuti
As they returned home, Blake was sitting on the doorstep plucking feathers from a chicken."Well, Dad, life seems good!" Andy exclaimed.Seeing his son and son-in-law, Blake was somewhat surprised. "How come you're back?" Currently, Blake was alone at home. Melinda was in Salt City helping Elly take care of the children, while household chores fell on Blake."If I feel like eating, I just catch a chicken. There is no problem," Blake remarked."We're planning to promote the cultivation of medicinal herbs in Nutikiville and several surrounding villages to improve everyone's income," Eric said.At his words, Blake paused his actions, looking at Eric and Andy. "Promote this? Is it feasible? The folks here are all old farmers. They're stubborn and reluctant to accept anything new. They're accustomed to growing wheat, corn, and potatoes. Asking them to suddenly cultivate medicinal herbs? I doubt it will work!"Besides, trouble tends to brew in poverty-stricken areas. You two hail fro
"Blake is quite thrifty. What if he eats one of those chickens? If he ends up dead, what then?" Richard exclaimed, his tone sharp with disapproval. He couldn't fathom using rat poison to kill someone else's poultry.Poisoning chickens was one thing, but if it escalated to loss of human life...Richard may not have been well-versed in law, but he grasped the principle of "an eye for an eye." If Delilah were to receive a life sentence, Gavin would be left without a mother.-Eric and Andy were oblivious to the fact that the chickens Blake raised had been targeted. When Blake finished stewing the chicken, they savored every bite.Though not an extravagant dish, it evoked childhood memories—a few pieces of chicken, a bowl of broth, a simple delight.Eric had invited Hank over to share a few drinks with Blake. They wouldn't be staying long as they had to return to Salt City by evening.After a few drinks, Hank reassured them about the herb cultivation venture. He claimed that next
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