Lora's issue hadn't even been settled, and now Ruth joined the fray.Eric hoped that Ruth was just using him as a shield.Ruth was different from Lora. He had no connection with Lora, but he and Ruth were colleagues, sometimes having to carry out missions together.Over time, who knew what trouble might arise?Eric swore not to do anything to betray Sylvia.-Maybe it was because of what Ruth had said that Lora's visits to Eric became more frequent.Andy looked puzzled. "Eric, is this woman really not after money? Why do I... feel somewhat doubtful?"Some women weren't after money, but they're definitely not the majority.Given Eric's wealth, Andy couldn't help but wonder if Lora was truly seeking his affection rather than his wealth.How did affection factor in? Lora and Eric weren't even close!Andy vividly remembered Eric's nine-year relationship with Jasmine, which had started in college. Ultimately, hadn't Jasmine been treating Eric as a long-term meal ticket?Not only
In the technological field, the presence of the Innova Group was ever-present.Over these years, the Innova Group had poured substantial funds into R&D. While a significant portion of the profits sustained the company's regular operations, most were funneled back into R&D. The results were immediate and evident.Presently, the Innova Group boasted a plethora of its own technological patents.Eric wondered, 'Even if the Innova Group ceased equipment production, relying solely on patent sales would likely yield substantial prosperity, wouldn't it?'Major international corporations had begun engaging with the Innova Group, seeking patent exchanges. This further attested to the success of the Innova Group.Just as he contemplated, the door swung open.Eric presumed it might be Sylvia or Andy. However, upon lifting his gaze, he was surprised to find Lora entering.He straightened up immediately. "You... How did you get in?"This woman was a headache for him. Unlike Ruth, who had her
Lora indeed pondered over the question Eric had posed. She still possessed some semblance of rationality.Were Eric without a wife, she might have recklessly thrown caution to the wind, like a moth drawn to flame. But Eric had a wife and a child. That changed things considerably. It warranted careful consideration."I'll give it some thought." Lora rose from her seat. Some matters required thorough contemplation, such as potential consequences and the like.If Eric had shown even a hint of interest in her, there would have been fewer qualms. But now, she could see it clearly. Eric harbored... absolutely no interest in her whatsoever.As Lora departed, Sylvia entered. The moment she stepped into the office, she sniffed the air."What are you up to?" Eric eyed Sylvia, wondering why she was sniffing around.Sylvia chuckled. "Didn't Lora just leave from here? I'm checking if there's any scent of romance lingering!"What exactly was the scent of romance? Those who understood, underst
"This is quite informative," Eric remarked, his eyebrow arching slightly. "The Rockwoods in Westlake City are gone, and now this Pentra family…""Let's hear what Mr. Biscus has to say."Ron nodded. "Our products have been approved by various relevant departments and obtained various qualifications. Logically, they should be able to enter Westlake City's market smoothly. However, the problem lies here."The relevant departments in Westlake City have acknowledged the legality of our procedures and the quality of our products, but still, we face difficulty in distribution." He continued. "The issue lies with the distributors in Westlake City. They are unwilling to sell our medicines. Even the hospitals in Westlake City refuse to accept our products!"It's quite strange. If it were just the distributors, it would be understandable since they have their own channels. But the fact that even the hospitals reject our products is peculiar."After waiting for several days, someone finally a
The woman in question was named Martha Pentra, a formidable figure even within the Pentra family.The messenger nodded hastily. "Miss, indeed, the CEO of the Innova Group is a woman named Sylvia. She is the Williams heiress from Salt City, and somehow rose to become the CEO of the Innova Group."Martha sneered. "What else could it be? I've seen the dossier of this woman. She's beautiful, I must admit, but surely she climbed the corporate ladder by trading on her looks. It's truly embarrassing for us women."Since when are women weaker than men? Using one's body to climb the ranks isn't a skill! Well then, inform Master Pentra that I'll be attending tonight!"-Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Pentra residence."Darlings, I'm here! Don't let me catch you, or else I'll have my way with you," teased a young man with his eyes covered. He was surrounded by scantily clad beauties, all renowned stars in the entertainment industry.The sight of these starlets engaging in such frivolous games
With a smirk, Mark said, "Dad, spare me the act. I know all about your affairs with those attractive female dealers. I've even heard that a few of them ended up losing control in your hands. Tell me, are you itching to play with that Sylvia, too?""Rascal!" Bryce slammed the table, rising to his feet. "You scoundrel! Watch your tongue in this household! A family of our stature should maintain decorum!"When they arrive, show some respect! If you're planning something, make sure you've scoped out the situation first!" With a flick of his sleeve, he departed. Behind him, Mark shouted, "Dad, I know, but after you're done playing, I want a turn too!"This father and son were quite a pair…-Eric and Sylvia took some time to freshen up at the hotel.In the afternoon, accompanied by Matthew and Vince, they arrived at the Pentra mansion.Standing at the gates, they were genuinely taken aback. While not an extravagant estate, the Pentra residence exuded an antiquated charm, far beyond
"Coffee, please!"Along the way, Eric had been observing the Pentra family. While their residence wasn't as vast as a manor, it exuded luxury.He speculated that the value of the Pentra residence surpassed that of aristocratic manors.Recalling his first encounter with the notion of aristocracy from Pierce, Eric pondered the significance of the Pentra family. However, the depths of such lineage remained elusive to him.Pierce had hinted at the existence of legends within these families, which explained his tolerance toward them.It was surprising for Eric to discover an aristocratic lineage even in Westlake City.Glancing at Sylvia, Bryce was unsure whether his interest was due to her status or her beauty. "The Innova Group is truly admirable, a role model for us all. Thanks to you, our domestic industry remains competitive. We all owe you a debt of gratitude!"Sylvia reciprocated with polite remarks, engaging in customary pleasantries. But beneath the surface, they both knew th
Matthew found it all incredulous.Were these so-called market maintenance fees? It felt like outright robbery!They could snatch it directly, yet they draped it under the guise of market maintenance fees.Bryce glanced at Matthew, a flash of killing intent in his eyes swiftly concealed. He chuckled. "Of course you can choose not to pay. But then, what happens if Westlake City sees fake medicine or if the medicine can't be sold, etc.? My Pentra family won't be responsible."Seeing Matthew about to say something, Sylvia stopped him and looked at Bryce. "Mr. Pentra, allow us some time to consider."Bryce grinned. "Of course!"Sylvia rose to bid farewell.This negotiation was destined to fail.An 80% profit share? The Innova Group couldn't possibly agree.That would either mean raising drug prices or finding ways to cut production costs—that wasn't the Innova Group's original intention in entering this industry.Bryce and his offspring stood up, seeing Sylvia and her group off.
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