Bryce felt somewhat powerless. He hadn't anticipated the Innova Group resorting to such tactics, and most importantly, he couldn't manipulate them.Mark began to suggest, "Dad, I think when Sylvia arrives, we should take them all down. After capturing them, we'll strip her naked and take explicit photos from every angle without leaving any blind spots!"Hmph! And if we capture some more stimulating scenes, I don't believe she will still resist!" He looked smug.While he was thinking his plan was ingenious, Bryce slapped him."Foolish!" Bryce uttered coldly.Mark wore a puzzled expression. He thought their plan was brilliant, so why did Bryce call it foolish?Bryce sneered. "Have you ever considered the Innova Group's structure? Slvia is just an employee they've hired. She doesn't own the company. Holding her hostage, threatening her, what good would that do?"She is expendable. If the Innova Group wishes, they can easily replace her as CEO today! How much impact would that have
Sylvia maintained a composed expression. "You call them underhanded tactics, but are they really? Besides, we haven't manipulated them. We're simply conducting business as usual. Isn't this the structure of business in various cities?"On the contrary, I've heard a lot of negative things about the Pentras from them. Mr. Pentra, could this be true? Are they slandering you?"Bryce's expression fluctuated.Sylvia had said too much, leaving him unsure how to respond."How exactly does minding our own business concern the Pentras?" she asked.If Bryce admitted to it, wouldn't it mean acknowledging that the Pentras controlled the Westlake distributors?Finally, he slapped his thigh. "Right! You're absolutely right! The Pentras stand upright. How could there be anything negative to say about us? Slander! They're just slandering us!"Those ungrateful bastards! Without my family, would they be living so well now? Ingrates!"He advised, "Ms. Williams, Mr. Johnson, I suggest you refrain f
Bryce was furious."Damn it!" he cursed through gritted teeth. "A bunch of ingrates! Why are they all hell-bent on opposing our family?""Dad!" Mark approached. "Let's take decisive action! Didn't you say that Sylvia isn't important to the Innova Group? Let's just grab her and have some fun! If we get tired, we can bring in 10 or 20 more men to deal with her!""What if she resists?""Hmph! I have connections in Catellon. We can sell her there for filming. I'm sure she'll fetch a good price!"Bryce raised his hand and delivered a resounding slap. "Are you out of your mind? Our family's authority and reputation are under severe challenge!"These bastards think they can defy us just because the Innova Group is backing them? If they succeed, how will others see us? Do we still have any standing left? Send some people to warn John and other distriputors."They must know that we are not to be trifled with!"He had no mood for women now.-At John's company.These past few days had
Outside John's company offices, a group of men in sharp suits arrived with determined strides. As they approached the reception desk, they forcefully shoved past the receptionist before a word could escape her lips."Out of the way! One more word and I'll lay you out! Don't think I won't hit a woman!"The receptionist recoiled, instinctively retreating behind the desk.Observing them heading upstairs, she hurriedly dialed John's number. "Mr. Dede, some very aggressive men are heading to your office!"Ever since John began managing finances for them, he had been granting them raises. Now, someone was causing trouble for their employer? That couldn't be allowed!If they messed with John, wouldn't their chances of getting another raise go down the drain? They might even lose their jobs. They had to secure their livelihoods!-In the office, John pondered how fortunes had changed when he received the call from the receptionist.It startled him. Although he knew the Pentras would se
The individuals sent by the Pentra family were all subdued by the Locke brothers.Seeing them, John wiped the sweat off his forehead."Thank goodness you were here, or we'd be in danger!" He approached, kicking one of them. "Mr. Locke, how should we handle them?"The Locke brothers glanced at them. "Let them go. They're just a few weaklings raised by the Pentra family. Killing them would only dirty our hands.""Get lost!" John kicked them a few more times.In the past, they had been oppressed too harshly, so kicking them was a way to vent his frustrations.Similarly, in another place, the Pentra family's people who had gone to Dwayne's side were dealt with by Eric's subordinates.-Meanwhile, at the Pentra residence.Bryce and Mark thought everything was under control. Ultimately, they were too arrogant.The Pentras, an aristocratic family, had greater martial power than even the top-tier families in King City.Both father and son believed they could resolve matters through
As wisps of smoke curled from Martha's cigarette, she approached. Taking a seat, she cast a disdainful glance at her father and brother before saying, "Underestimating the Innova Group and sending those small fries over there? Isn't that just asking for trouble?"They've already handled the Rockwoods. Can't they deal with these small-timers? Unbelievable."Martha's expression oozed sarcasm while looking at Bryce and Mark. "You don't seriously think a few minor players can match up to the Rockwoods, do you?"Bryce's face turned ashen. Was his own daughter reprimanding him?Tapping her cigarette into the ashtray, Martha continued. "Let me handle this. I'll take a few men and bring all those distributors' families to our place. I don't believe they won't yield then!"She was ready to act! Why bother reasoning with them when threatening their families would do?"Hold on!" Bryce interjected hastily, "Are you afraid our family isn't dying fast enough? It's only been a few days since th
"A soirée" Sylvia's expression twisted with puzzlement upon receiving the Pentras's invitation. "What scheme are the Pentras up to this time?"She knew well that the Pentras' soirée came with strings attached. With the distributors breaking away from their control and their previous attempts yielding no fruit, the Pentras were undoubtedly preparing for their next move.Eric interjected, "The Pentras have also invited John and his associates. They must have some agenda in mind. Vee, if you were in their shoes, what would be the most beneficial way to conduct such an event?"The Pentras weren't known for charitable endeavors—there had to be a purpose behind every gathering. Even if it were for charity, it was merely a means to mobilize affluent individuals for donations."Let's first assess the current situation," Sylvia suggested. "The distributors have severed ties, and being an aristocratic family, the Pentras won't tolerate such defiance.""Given these circumstances, the Pentras
John and his companions stood not far behind Eric and Sylvia, each holding their wine glasses with unease gnawing at them. Without the presence of Matthew's group tonight, the risk of any aggressive move from the Pentra family loomed large.And indeed, the Pentras were contemplating just that.After a while, Mark and Bryce huddled together."Dad, those guys who were supposed to make a move tonight didn't show up. I suspect they've gone to the distributors' families!" Mark said.Bryce smirked coldly. "A bunch of fools! Thinking we would lay a finger on their families? The scale of the Pentra family's game isn't that low!""What use are those family members if we have these people under control?" Bryce dismissed the Innova Group's people as too naive.After a brief exchange, he continued. "I'll go keep Eric occupied. You move in quickly. It seems we can't avoid some dirty tactics this time!"Mark's excitement surged. It looked like he'd have to be the one to go after Sylvia first!
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