"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
Upon seeing Eric, Delilah's anger surged like a tide, "Are you trying to give me a heart attack? It's already dark, why the hell are you shouting like that? Who threw stones at your chickens? Only an asshole would throw stones at your chickens!"To evade suspicion, she even indirectly called herself an asshole."What are you standing there for?" Delilah yelled again. "Can't you see I'm injured? If it weren't for your shouting, would I have gotten hurt? You have to take responsibility!"Her mind worked swiftly, and she quickly shifted the blame onto Eric.Eric chuckled. "Aunt Delilah, if you hadn't done anything wrong, why would you have run when I shouted? I saw it clearly, it was you who injured our chickens! I even suspect that you broke the leg of a chicken my dad slaughtered today!"Delilah's expression changed. She knew Eric wasn't someone to mess with, but she couldn't admit to attacking Blake's chickens either. That would mean compensation.At this moment, Richard arrived.
Surveying the scene, Eric swiftly discerned the situation at hand. During the meal, Blake had mentioned the incident of the injured chicken, implying that if the chicken hadn't been harmed, they wouldn't have enjoyed its taste tonight.Now, it appeared that Delilah was responsible for attacking Blake's chickens. Wasn't this a case of the thief crying "stop thief"?Hank was known for his impartiality. Otherwise, the Nutikiville villagers wouldn't have elected him as their mayor.Delilah's face turned livid. "Who says I went and harmed their chickens? Which of you saw me throwing rocks at them? These are baseless accusations! Watch out, I'll sue for defamation!"Her agitation was evident. It was clear Hank wasn't taking her side. From her perspective, Hank either needed to be fair or had ulterior motives favoring Blake's family. It was odd for him not to defend them. 'Birds of a feather flock together, indeed!'Andy chuckled. "You can't put it like that. My father-in-law has surveil
Back in Salt City, Sylvia had also returned to the Williams residence.Eric recounted the events at Nutikiville to Sylvia. She couldn't help but cry from laughing, saying, "How can there be such people? You didn't go all saintly and heal her back injury, did you?"To her, leaving it untreated was the best option. If healed, who's to say she wouldn't turn around and injure the chickens again?Although those chickens and ducks weren't worth much, they represented Blake and Melinda's hard work!"How could I?" Eric chuckled. "Do I look like a do-gooder? I'm quite discerning, you know.""Yes, yes," Sylvia agreed. "Thankfully, you and Andy went to Nutikiville today. Otherwise, you'd have encountered Lora again after work."At the mention of that name, Eric felt a headache coming on."I just don't understand that woman." Sylvia sighed, equally exasperated. "She doesn't seem to want anything except, perhaps, you?"Eric was at a loss. What was there to desire about him?"Let's ignore h
Stealthbane was almost in tears. "Boss! I even call you boss! Just come with me once! My organization has been taken over. You have to help me reclaim it!"I... I... I even gave you such good stuff!"He wanted to manipulate Eric into going with him to reclaim the territory.But would Eric be so easily swayed?"Stealthbane, I'm being honest with you. This is a hectic time. The company has new strategies, and next year we're launching new projects."Once we get through this current rush, I promise I'll join you, alright? Let's lay low for now. When things calm down there, we'll go together. Our odds will be better!"He was genuinely making an effort to convince Stealthbane. After all, New Year's was approaching, and he couldn't just drop everything!In the end, Stealthbane relented. Without Eric's support, he didn't dare to return alone.In truth, Eric was also considering it. What he told Stealthbane was sincere. Once the year was over, he truly intended to accompany him.With
Lora was met with resistance at the Innova Group's reception."Ms. Kensington, Mr. Johnson hasn't been around since the new year started. He hasn't set foot in the company."But Lora was undeterred—she was determined to see Eric.How long had it been since they last met?Even her messages to Eric had gone unanswered. She knew he was avoiding her, which was why she decided to come directly to the Innova Group. Surely, he couldn't avoid her there, right?Yet, Eric was nowhere to be found in the building.Frustrated, Lora leered at the receptionist. "You must be mistaken. It's the beginning of the new year, and he's the founder of the Innova Group. How could he not be here? I need to see him."The receptionist was at a loss for words.At that moment, Sylvia intervened. "Ms. Kensington, Eric is truly not in the company. In fact, he's not even in Salt City. He left for King City early this morning."Sylvia didn't elaborate further. Eric had a mission this time, accompanying the not
"Three years ago, I purchased this cruise ship and invested over 10,000,000 dollars in its renovation. The cruise offers all-inclusive facilities, including an opera house, world-class cuisine, and everything imaginable. In the past, three Miss Universe finalists, all ranking in the top ten, have sailed on board!"Isn't that exhilarating just to think about?"Pierce chuckled. "How much did it cost?"Despite his experience, he found such extravagance overwhelming."Not much, not much!" Stealthbane chuckled. "It only totaled a little over 50,000,000 dollars, mainly for the facilities. The staff costs barely made a dent in the budget. Some of the beauties were even gifts from others!"He seemed quite proud, radiating an air of superiority.He had spent 50,000,000 dollars to build that cruise ship, and he said it wasn't much…But the next moment, he felt a murderous gaze on the back of his head. "I think it's better for you to take a plane. If commercial airlines won't do, I can arr
Eric assumed that by mentioning the Luminous, Stealthbane would talk extensively. He even wondered whether Stealthbane was a Luminous member.However, Stealthbane said, "I know of this organization. It's said that its members are spread all over the world, and many wealthy people are its members. I've had a few clients who seemed to be Luminous members, but they seemed very low-key. It is as if they... don't like attracting attention?"Boss, why are you suddenly asking about this organization? The Luminous is not recognized by any country!"Obviously, he knew a little but seemed reluctant to discuss this so-called Luminous.Eric said, "The last time I went to Catellon, I killed a transcendent shadow warrior. Later, someone said he was an important Luminous member. Who knows?"Stealthbane's face changed!"What's wrong?" Eric asked.Stealthbane looked terrified. "A transcendent shadow warrior ninja?! That's the strongest expert in Catellon and among the top experts globally! He ac
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