"Why do you say that?" Eric asked. He was genuinely curious about what Lora was thinking."It's quite obvious, isn't it? The textbook issue had been going on for years. Was anyone managing it? No one at all! And what about the milk problem? Was anyone managing it? Still, no one!" Lora said."There are too many complications involved. Even the principal, or certain bigshots in the education department, wouldn't dare to intervene in such matters. They might end up causing significant problems for themselves! "And you? You're fearless against authority, daring to act. You're truly someone doing good deeds. If someone gets killed by you, it's definitely because they deserved it, because they did something wrong."Eric chuckled at her words. Was this woman truly naive or just pretending? Could love really drive someone to such extremes? Despite having killed many people, wasn't she afraid?"I'm a dangerous person. Many want me dead. My parents are in the countryside, unlikely to be di
Roco was known for his extensive network of connections. Despite being apprehended twice, he emerged relatively unscathed, save for a few unsightly marks on his face.Meanwhile, he had skillfully reset his dislocated wrist and arm without external assistance. Even amidst the scandal he created by harassing women at the Innova Group, the Hernandez family posted a sizable bail for his release, ensuring his freedom."Fucking hell!" Roco muttered under his breath as he exited the police station. "Is there something dubious going on with this Innova Group? I've been apprehended twice… Might a third encounter be inevitable?"He couldn't shake off the feeling of being shadowed.Once caught could be deemed accidental, but twice? That suggested negligence on his part. Seating himself, he contemplated his actions. He concluded that his own impulsiveness had led him astray. If he hadn't flirted with the receptionist the first time, Eric wouldn't have attacked him. If he hadn't groped someone'
Upon his arrival at the Innova Group, Roco found the receptionist exceptionally beautiful. That was until he laid eyes on Lora. She was even more stunning than the receptionist.Now, seeing Sylvia, he couldn't help but think, 'Does the Innova Group really have such beauties? They outshine even the members of the Hernandez family!'She was akin to an angel that had descended to earth! Her face, slender waist, and round buttocks—perfection. How could such a beauty exist?As Sylvia entered, the receptionist hurriedly greeted, "Good day, Ms. Williams!"Sylvia nodded slightly without saying much.Roco snapped out of his trance. He couldn't believe that Sylvia was also a top executive at the Innova Group. Well, whether it was a CEO, vice president, or department manager, they were all addressed appropriately. Thinking that Sylvia might introduce him to Eric, Roco immediately put on a smile and approached her. "Hey, Ms. Williams, wait! Let me catch up with you!"Sylvia paused and turn
As Jacob arrived, Roco struggled to his feet. He was utterly dumbfounded. How could the elegant and imposing Sylvia be this formidable? He hadn't even had a chance to react!Jacob tapped his palm with a riot baton, eyeing Roco. "Kid, you've got some nerve. You dare lay a finger on the CEO? I've lived for so many years, but I've never seen someone with such audacity. What's wrong? Is your brain full of worms?"Roco seethed with frustration. He hadn't even processed what happened before he was knocked down to the ground.A kick with high heels really hurt. How come no one could mess with the Innova Group's people?Seeing Jacob about to act, he decided to leave, to get out of this troublesome place sooner. And he made a firm resolution. 'No more talking to women this afternoon, only confrontations with men! Yeah, avoiding women should solve everything, right? I'm quite smart!'Unfortunately, Jacob blocked his path. Swinging the riot baton, he said, "You're asking for trouble by assau
Jacob spat on his suit, then calmly wiped it clean with a tissue. 'This guy can really endure!' Finally, Roco caught sight of Eric driving out and hurried over. "Eric! Wait! Just wait a moment! Let's talk, let's have a good talk. There were some misunderstandings before!"Eric pulled the car over and got out.Seeing Sylvia also stepping out of the car, Roco couldn't help but freeze. 'How come this beautiful woman is with Eric?'He shook his head, adamant about not allowing himself to be enticed by another woman. 'These city women are scarier than tigers,' he thought."You're Eric," Roco said with a grin. "I guessed right, didn't I? I'm Roco Hernandez. We're practically cousins, being from the same generation in the Hernandez family!"Eric nodded. "You're not wrong. Sharing the same surname and generation in the Hernandez family, it's fair to call us cousins."Roco felt at ease with this acknowledgment. It appeared that the people of the Hernandez family were reasonable, open to
In King City.These days, Julius grew increasingly uneasy. The sudden appearance of an envoy from the Hernandez family was not something he could easily dismiss. It was time to seek Lionel McClain's counsel on the matter of the aristocratic families."Concerning the aristocratic families?" Lionel appeared knowledgeable. "Have you incurred their displeasure?"Julius shook his head. "I've had no dealings with them. However, a few days back, someone claiming to be from the Hernandez family visited my home. They spoke accurately about our progenitor."It seems they intend to absorb ours."Lionel nodded thoughtfully. "I hadn't anticipated this. The ties between your Hernandez family and the aristocrats run deeper than I imagined."While time had obscured much history, Lionel knew that the Hernandezes arrived later compared to the McClains. Over time, they rose to prominence in King City, eventually becoming one of its top-tier families.Yet, Lionel hadn't realized that the Hernandez
After finishing his coffee, Julius departed.The Hernandez family couldn't touch Eric, and with the Association behind him, he wasn't as afraid of them.His visit to the McClains was twofold: first, to gather information about the aristocratic families, and second, to see if the Association stood by him. If the Association abandoned him, he'd be in a tight spot.-Once Julius left, Lionel picked up his phone and dialed Ruth's number. He masked his embarrassment with a chuckle. "Ruth, guess what? Heard someone's causing trouble for your boyfriend, according to Julius..."He hoped to glean from Ruth any precautions the Combat Department had against the aristocratic families. After all, these families didn't move easily. Their emergence signaled significant events."Boyfriend?" Ruth's puzzled voice came through. "Dad, what boyfriend?"Lionel chuckled. 'Ruth is pretending to be oblivious? Is it necessary to feign ignorance with her old man? Well, daughters ought to maintain some dec
Roco made a call to Bartholomew.The uncle and nephew shared their grievances. "Uncle Bartholomew, I don't mind admitting it to you, but it seems like Salt City is naturally against me! I've only been here for a few days, and I've been stopped three times already!"Uncle Bartholomew, do you know how I've been spending these days? It's been like living in perpetual darkness!"I'm even considering calling for backup, but it's embarrassing! I can't even handle a small place like Salt City. Won't they laugh at us?"I've noticed something, Uncle Bartholomew. Eric is versed in martial arts!"Bartholomew also vented. "My situation isn't much better than yours. Although I haven't been beaten or arrested, Julius simply doesn't buy into my approach. And Rafael, I don't even know how many benefits I've promised him. I even offered him Hernandez Corp.'s CEO position, but he refused!"It seems… he wants nothing to do with me! Roco, what's going on with these people? Do you think they suspect
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