There was no response from Sylvia. In fact, Eric did not care either.-When he got home in the evening, Sylvia was already at home."Rest earlier since we're going back to Nutikiville tomorrow," she said.Eric nodded and remained silent. -At the crack of dawn, the two of them headed to Nutikiville. When they arrived, Hank was holding a list of names in his hand. Many villagers had come as they were excited that the main road was about to be rebuilt.Needless to say, they were all curious to know how they had managed to gather the 20,000 dollars they were short of just a while ago. Nobody knew where the money came from, even though they tried asking around.Hank went to the notice board and faced the villagers."Everyone, that stretch of road has troubled us for many years. Fortunately, hard work pays off! With our collective effort, we will finally have a proper road!"The villagers applauded.People and vehicles would get stuck on the muddy road whenever it rained, which
"10,000 dollars?" Puzzled by Richard's question, Hank frowned.Richard chuckled and said, "I miscalculated! It should be 20,000 dollars!"Hank suddenly came to realize what Richard was talking about.Hank was livid. "Richard Johnson! All you care about is money! The 20,000 dollars is what Eric and his girlfriend donated to repair the road in the village. It's none of your business!"Richard immediately retorted, "What do you mean none of my business? Don't forget, Blake adopted Eric!""He's just an adopted son, and Elly is already married. If something happens to Blake and Melinda, guess who will have to take care of them? Me!"When they get sick, I'll have to spend money on their treatment. When they die, I'll have to spend money on their burial. Everything needs money!"If they don't give me that money, who else will?"Hank gave Richard a stern look. "What kind of twisted logic is that? Alright, enough already! Your son is doing so well, and you're fixated on Blake's meager e
The car accident occurred around noon, and now it was evening.The accident took place in a remote rural area, so there were hardly any passing vehicles. That was probably why no one noticed the accident for hours.Eric didn't have time to search for the van's driver. He quickly called 911 and also contacted the insurance company.The van's driver was missing, raising suspicions that this wasn't just an ordinary accident.Approaching the car, he opened the back door, got a coat from the back seat, and covered Sylvia with it. The nights in the countryside were cold now that autumn had arrived.Sylvia hadn't anticipated this and hadn't taken a coat when she left in the morning.Sylvia's brow slightly furrowed as she tossed the coat to Eric, much to his surprise."The sun has just set, so it's not that cold yet. You'll experience the cold in a bit!" Eric said. Sylvia harrumphed. "It's none of your business."Eric looked around. "I've already called the police but don't know when
Under the dim moonlight, Sylvia increased the song's volume to its maximum, trying to lessen her fear. Yet, what scared her wasn't only the elusive flashes of ghostly lights but also the chilling roar of a beast.It sounded as if a wolf was howling at the full moon on top of a mountain.Sylvia leaned closer to Eric and asked, "Eric, are there really wolves here?!"Eric nodded. "My dad mentioned there were wolves when he was in the hospital. One of my uncle's cows was bitten by a wolf."Sylvia became even more frightened.Generally, wolves traveled in packs. If one appeared, there would likely be a whole group. Even if she were skilled in martial arts, how could she fend off a pack of wolves?Eric got his phone out, ready to call Hank. He wasn't sure about wolves nearby, but if there were any, they might end up as their dinner tonight.But before he could dial, he saw warning lights on the road over the hill.Eric felt better. Maybe the town's police had come.A police car ar
The test results were already out when Brook and the others arrived. Sylvia had a strong cold, a high fever, and an unknown bacterial infection, which made her extremely tired. This was confusing for the Williams family. Sylvia was usually healthier than most people. So, why did she suddenly get such a bad cold with a bacterial infection?"Where's Eric?" Connor asked. It was only then they all realized that Eric was missing.Brook wanted to phone Eric, but Sylvester stopped him. Eric didn't know Sylvia's real identity yet. If Brook called now, it'd expose Sylvia.Once the doctor confirmed there was no major issue with her test results, the Williams decided to tell Eric.-Eric hurried to the hospital upon getting the call.Only Sylvia lay on the bed in the ward.Eric sighed. "Where's that guy when you're in the hospital?"He was referring to Sylvester. The doctor arrived before he could sit down. When he saw Erick, he paused and asked, "Where's her family? There were many p
Sylvia expected Eric's reaction. She decided not to hide anything from him. Three bowls of warm soup comforted not only her stomach but also her heart. She believed it was time to commit to a life with Eric.Looking at Sylvia, Eric replied, "Alright, I understand."From Eric's point of view, Sylvia and Sylvester shared the same last name. If they were from the same generation, it made sense for Sylvester to be Sylvia's brother.His response surprised Sylvia. She had prepared for Eric to question her truthfulness or even become angry. She had planned to explain everything to Eric in detail and with kindness. However, seeing Eric's reaction made her second-guess herself.Did he really not care about her?Frowning, Sylvia asked, "You get it?"Eric chuckled and said, "Are you about to tell me you're the Williams' heiress? Your aunt and a guy named Brook told me that Sylvester is his brother. So are you Brook's sister?"Come on, I already confirmed it with Irvin. He said that I was j
Noticing Sylvia sleeping peacefully, Eric stood up to make her some soup.Upon his return, Sylvia was already awake and looking directly at him. Feeling a touch of guilt, he asked, "Um, is everything alright?"'Has she found out that I was going to touch her hand last night?' Eric thought. He only now realized how inappropriate his thoughts had been.He approached her bed and set the soup beside her. Sylvia glanced at him and uttered, "Nothing."Sylvia suddenly noticed fresh, deep nail marks on Eric's right hand. She frowned and stretched out her hand, asking, "What's wrong with your hand? Show me."Eric extended his hand, allowing Sylvia to inspect the scratches on its back.She gently placed her hand on his, her face slightly reddening. "I apologize... I had a nightmare last night.""What kind of nightmare?" Eric asked. Sylvia sighed at his inability to read between the lines. She took her hand away and said, "I'm hungry."Eric was at a loss for words.Sylvia seemed to be
The art of grappling emphasized speed, accuracy, and power. It was easy to teach Eric since he had a photographic memory. After practicing for a while, Eric went to prepare breakfast.Sylvia stood by and said, "Can you go to work a little bit late? I'll have someone deliver a wooden stake later, and you can practice with it from now on."Eric nodded.Soon, breakfast was ready. There were some sandwiches and yogurt. Sylvia ate some yogurt and left for work. Eric cleaned up the table and went to the market to buy chicken to cook chicken soup for Sylvia. By the time he finished, it was already 9:00 a.m.Before he could even sit down and rest, the wooden stake that Sylvia had bought arrived.Eric helped to bring the stake into the house.After practicing grappling for a while, his phone rang again.Seeing an unfamiliar number, Eric answered, "Hello, who's this?"A polite voice came through the line. "May I speak to Mr. Johnson, please?""This is me," Eric replied."Mr. John
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