"How is this even possible?!"Eric said calmly, "You find it unbelievable, don't you? The fall of the Pentra family in Westlake City made your Hernandez family anxious. That prompted you to remember a branch of the Hernandez family that had left Lazzla years ago, which had some influence in business and a decent amount of wealth. As such, you decided to integrate resources.""I imagine that after the Pentra family in Westlake City was wiped out, you started investigating who destroyed them. I can tell you now that it was me.""Bryce is imprisoned in King City. Larry and another legend were killed by me with a single punch. What, you families think that having a legend means you can act recklessly?"Alvarez's face turned ashen. He had heard of masters being killed with one punch, but never a legend. However, he had no reason to doubt Eric."What do you want?" he snarled.Listening to Eric, he felt like he had been outmaneuvered all along. No wonder they had failed. Their intel w
The visitor was Martin Hernandez, the second-in-command of the Hernandez family. However, he and Pablo were not on the same side.Pablo held significant power and advocated for abolishing the role of Nana, arguing that without the matriarch's bracelet, the family could not have a 'Nana'.But Martin was a very traditional man. How many generations had the Hernandez family had a Nana? It couldn’t just be abolished.Abolishing Nana's role would be akin to forgetting their roots. Even though the bracelet had been lost and could not be found, the position of the Nana must remain. The Hernandez family could be without a Nana, but the position could not be abolished.This stance left Pablo exasperated, especially since Martin had considerable support.Pablo had once suggested making Alvarez's mother the family's Nana, but the stubborn Martin only recognized Nana's bracelet. Whoever held the bracelet would be the Nana of the Hernandez family. This was an edict from the first-generation Na
Pablo, slightly irritated, said, "Get to the point! Where is Alvarez? And what about Alan, the legendary figure from the Vanderbilt family? Do you know his whereabouts?"Roco shook his head vigorously. "I have no idea about Mr. Alan. I don't have access to that level! As for Master Alvarez, he's been captured. He, Uncle Hunter, Uncle Roger, and others have all been arrested!""Wasn't the Vanderbilt family's legend supposed to kill Eric? He didn't succeed. I don't know why he didn't, but Eric turned around and led people to the hotel, capturing them all! Master Pablo, this incident is likely to be traced back to you. Eric's influence in Salt City is terrifying. We from Lazzla can't compete with him!"Roco did not mention that Eric was a legend himself. He was genuinely afraid that Eric would settle scores with the Hernandez family, and that he might get caught up in it. It was better to keep his mouth shut and avoid trouble.After hearing this, Pablo frowned deeply. "How is that pos
Roco had been dispatched to Salt City to confront Eric. Surprisingly, Eric, despite past conflicts, handed Roco 15,000 dollars for his journey back to the Hernandez family."Yes, Uncle Martin, initially, I doubted my senses or suspected deception. When I departed, I was destitute and attempted to exchange the money, doubting it was truly 15,000 dollars."Uncle Martin, his integrity is genuine! Despite my repeated offenses, he bestowed 15,000 dollars upon me. It defies logic!"Is he wary of me? No, that's improbable. I witnessed his prowess when he confronted the young master at the hotel. Even Uncle Hunter and Uncle Roger combined couldn't match his skill."Attempting to bribe me? Unlikely. I hold no significance to him, so why would he attempt bribery?"Following Roco's detailed account, Martin contemplated briefly before responding. "There are several plausible reasons for his decision to allow your return and provide 15,000 dollars."Firstly, he may want you to inform the Hern
Roco rubbed his hands together nervously. "It's just this funding issue..."It always came down to money. Even for someone from an aristocratic family, expenses still required money.Martin laughed. "No problem, no problem."He wasn't worried about being exposed. Roco wasn't an important figure in the Hernandez family. Whether he was around or not, hardly anyone cared.-The next morning, Roco set off for Salt City. Meanwhile, someone significant arrived at the Hernandez residence—Pedro, a legend of the Hernandez family!In the previous generation of the Hernandez family, talented individuals were plentiful. Pablo, Pedro, and Martin were all legends. The number of grandmasters was even more impressive. In fact, the Hernandez family's prosperity far exceeded that of the Pentra family in Westlake City."Pablo!" Pedro strode in, his steps powerful. "What's happened at home? Why was I urgently summoned?"Upon seeing Pedro, Pablo's furrowed brows finally relaxed. "Pedro, our famil
It was just after 4:00 p.m. when Roco arrived in Salt City. He had already received Martin's message.Upon reaching the Innova Group, he intended to share this intel with Eric, hoping to warn him in advance.Just as he stepped through the gates of the Innova Group, he was stopped by Jacob. "Hey! What are you doing here again? Looking for trouble?"Jacob was certainly arrogant, his confidence fueled by money. What, you want to hit him? Jacob would undoubtedly stick his neck out and taunt, "Come on, hit me! Hit me right here! If you don't, you're a coward!"A few more hits and he'd be a millionaire.Working a regular job? Impossible.Taking beatings was his only way to make a living!Despite Jacob's scorn, Roco maintained a smile. "Times change. I've reformed! No more mischief! Well, no more mischief against the Innova Group, at least."I've just returned from my family with some very important information for your boss. Could you let him know Roco is here with crucial intel?"R
"Oh?" Eric raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued.Seeing Eric's interest, Roco continued. "Our Hernandez family is divided into two factions. One is led by our family head, who considers himself part of the progressive faction. I was once aligned with them, but after my recent return, I switched sides to join the traditional faction."Uncle Martin is leading the traditional faction, but his influence is weak. Pedro supports Pablo."Eric found this amusing. Roco had actually switched sides after a brief visit home? Interesting."Go on," Eric urged.Nodding, Roco explained, "The trouble with the Innova Group and the Hernandez family in King City was orchestrated by Pablo. Uncle Martin had no part in it. The reason for the split in our family is simple: it all revolves around our 'Nana'."Our family rose to prominence because of her. Without her, there would be no Hernandez family. It's said she left behind a bracelet, the matriarch's bracelet. Whoever wears it is considered the He
After work in the afternoon, Sylvia settled into the passenger seat. "Have the Hernandez family come to cause trouble again?"Even though she was in the office, she was aware of everything happening. She had heard that Roco had come to the Innova Group looking for Eric."Yes," Eric replied. "It was that kid, Roco. He claimed he defected and wouldn't cause trouble for our Innova Group anymore. Over in Lazzla, the Hernandez family has split into two factions: the progressives led by Pablo and the traditionalists led by Martin."Roco used to be with Pablo. After returning, he betrayed them and joined Martin. The latter sent him to Salt City."He did provide some intel, saying that the Hernandez family's legend, Pedro, is on his way to Salt City. While dealing with me, he also plans to rescue Alvarez and the others and investigate Alan's disappearance."By the way, preliminary analysis suggests that the bracelet Mom gave you is likely a symbol of the Hernandez family's matriarch. Acco
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