Upon hearing the news, Roco first froze, then chuckled."So, Uncle Roger has been caught twice already! Looks like there might be a third time! I warned them that Salt City's waters run deep, but they just wouldn't listen. Can't blame me, can you?"-The following morning, Roger and his companions were released.They were rough, stalwart men, yet they were in tears at the police station, crying from hunger.The police felt a bit uncomfortable witnessing their pitiful state.'Could they really have been starved like this?'When the cheese pies were brought out, they really scrambled for them!Witnessing this scene, the police finally confirmed their speculation. Still, they had to compensate where due and pay fines.Roco escorted them out, saying, "Uncle Roger, let's just leave it at that. Let more capable folks from the family come over. The waters here are too treacherous for us to handle!"Roger had suffered a setback twice already. He would likely visit the Innova Group a
Roger gritted his teeth. "Damn it! I'll take you on!"Clutching his fists, he resolved to take down Eric first, no matter what.Yet, before his fist could even swing out, Eric's fist was faster, slamming into his chest and sending him flying out of the office.The door he had just fixed shattered into pieces upon impact.Stunned, he glanced at Eric, his vision blurred, and then he passed out.When he regained consciousness, he found himself in the police station again.But this time, things were different. He was handcuffed, facing two stern-faced police officers.One of them stared at him. "Hernandez, why do you keep causing trouble for the Innova Group repeatedly? Don't you know the company's status in Salt City?"Both of them looked displeased.As public servants, their salaries were funded by the Salt City government, and a portion of that income came from the Innova Group's taxes.By causing trouble for the Innova Group, weren't they obstructing their source of income?
Hunter's voice echoed. "Roco, are you with Roger? What's going on? Why are everyone's phones unreachable?""Oh?" Roco felt awkward. "Um, Uncle Hunter, Uncle Roger... They got arrested again! This time it seems serious. I heard they might be sentenced because they got into a fight!"Uncle Hunter, maybe... you shouldn't come? The waters in Salt City are treacherous, I have no idea how Uncle Roger got caught!" He was considering leaving this place of turmoil behind.As for Roger? It was better to let other members of the Hernandez family handle it. He didn't want to linger in this troublesome place any longer. Who knew what could go wrong?He certainly didn't fancy prison meals, mainly because they tasted awful.Hunter didn't say much and hung up.Roco sighed. "This is bad. Trouble keeps finding us. It seems Uncle Hunter is going to lead the team personally. I hope they don't get into trouble again here."He wasn't very optimistic about it.-At the Innova Group.Sylvia was indi
Amelia was observant of the smallest detail, suspecting that something might be amiss between Eric and Sylvia.It wouldn't be unusual for issues to arise. Eric was wealthy beyond measure, so who wouldn't fall for him?As for Eric himself?Since one sought his wealth, it would be reasonable for him to offer to a younger beauty. After so many years of marriage with Sylvia, it would be understandable if he grew tired of her.Take the Williams family for instance, regularly indulging in lavish feasts but occasionally settling for simple fare. Who's to say a cultivated flower smells sweeter than a wild one? Eric appeared to have eyes for other women too.Sylvia chuckled. "Mom, are you not tired enough? You've taken care of Brook, and now you're here for us. When Yvette grows up a bit more, you should rest properly for a few years and stop worrying about these things.""How can I do that?" Amelia retorted irritably, "Yvette will eventually marry off. With so much money, who will inheri
"Vee, you must preserve that bracelet well. I've told you before, it might save your life when the time comes," Grace insisted, her tone grave."Eric's grandmother gave me that bracelet," Grace recounted, her voice carrying the weight of history. "His grandmother mentioned that it had been passed down for generations in the Hernandez family, always in the Hernandez daughters-in-laws' hands."Now that I think about it, that Hernandez progenitor must have brought it from Lazzla to King City."Sylvia nodded earnestly. "I'll make sure to keep it safe."Regardless of the bracelet's material worth, it was a gift from Grace, and Sylvia cherished it deeply. To her, the necklace around her neck paled in comparison to the preciousness of the bracelet on her wrist.Learning that Sylvia was having dinner, Grace refrained from further interruption.It was Eric who was curious. "What did Mom say to you?"Sylvia raised her hand dismissively. "About the bracelet. Mom mentioned it might have ori
"If only they hadn't volunteered to come to Salt City," Hunter muttered, prompting the others to resume their facade of decency.Roco forced a laugh, continuing. "Once you hear the whole story, you'll understand. I just couldn't help myself! After all, I'm only human, right? I have needs too, don't I?"Nods of agreement followed—there was no arguing with basic biological urges."Exactly!" Roco continued. "I just couldn't resist. I touched that woman's buttocks, and bam! Got another beating, then the police showed up and arrested me."Let me tell you about the third time! I learned my lesson, alright! So, I went to the Innova Group, and guess what? Ran into another beauty!"Oh, she was stunning! A real beauty! Absolutely breathtaking!"But I remembered my lesson this time, didn't touch her. I just asked her to lead me to see Eric. But she refused to cooperate, turned, and walked away!"Could I let her go? No way! I reached out and grabbed her!"But surprise, surprise! This prett
In a state of restless unease, Alvarez Hernandez arrived in Salt City.The composition of the Hernandez family in Lazzla was far more intricate than that of the Pentra family in Westlake City. Bartholomew, Roger, and Hunter were the core of the Hernandez family. Roco, though also a young Hernandez heir, was of little significance. The Hernandez family boasted numerous brothers, branching out over the years, yet each individual's status within the family hierarchy always carried weight.However, the arrival of Alvarez in Salt City undoubtedly marked an important event for the Hernandez family. He was the son of the current family head, Pablo Hernandez, and hailed as the one who would the family in the future.Despite the presence of individuals like Hunter in Salt City, he arrived later than most."Greetings, Master Alvarez!" the crowd chorused.Alvarez's status within the Hernandez family was evident—he was by no means comparable to a character like Roco.Taking his seat, Alvar
However, Alvarez's focus wasn't on Sylvia's figure and beauty, but on the bracelet adorning her wrist.Alvarez frowned. "Uncle Hunter, do you still remember the family heirloom? The matriarch's bracelet."Hunter's expression shifted slightly. "Of course, I remember. Seeing her bracelet is like seeing the matriarch herself, but that bracelet has been lost for many years. It's said that it was taken away by the branch that went to King City."Some members of the family agree to abolish this rule, but others oppose it. Fortunately, that thing hasn't appeared since then, or it might have sparked a new family dispute."The Hernandez family, a prestigious lineage, was quite intricate.Consider the matriarch's bracelet, for instance. Some argued that catching a glimpse of the bracelet was akin to encountering the matriarch herself, while others were steadfast in their desire to overturn this tradition.Yet, their efforts never bore fruit.A mere sentence could shatter their resolve: If
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