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
Sylvia set the phone aside and said, "Let's conclude the morning meeting here. Everyone can go have lunch. We'll continue this afternoon."The executives dispersed.Sylvester approached Sylvia and asked, "Whose call was it? What happened?"Sylvia smiled. "Who do you think it was other than Eric? He brought chicken soup and asked me to eat on time."Sylvester said, "Well, it seems you're enjoying it. I guess I should heed my brother-in-law's advice and get myself a girlfriend."Sylvia chuckled. "Well, you need to hurry up then. Mom and Dad are eager for a grandchild!"She playfully pushed Sylvester and continued. "Go have your lunch, Sylvester! If Eric sees you with me later, he might get jealous again!""Alright! I'll go! I was hoping to take a sip of my brother-in-law's homemade chicken soup!" Sylvester said as he hastily left the meeting room.When Sylvia went back to her office, Eric was waiting for her on the couch. Sylvia said in an annoyed tone, "Eric, can't you wait a
In the following days, Eric would consistently bring Sylvia meals on time and show up at Williams Corp. promptly after work in the evening.Sylvia looked at Eric. "You're not going to do this every day, are you?"The employees at the Williams Corp. now looked at her differently. They could not believe that the dignified CEO would be looked after by a man like a child.Eric replied, "I don't have that much time to take care of you like this forever. I just want you to develop a regular routine. Once you've established that, I'll stop bringing you meals.""What if I can't develop that habit?" Sylvia asked."Then I'll keep bringing you meals," Eric answered.Manager Schwartz thanked him this morning, but Eric did not know why. Sylvia asked, "You don't mind Sylvester anymore? After all, you've mentioned before that he's handsome and wealthy. Any woman would want to get close to him."Eric sighed. "I admit there's a significant gap between us, but I also have advantages he doesn't
Eric could not figure out why Andy would come all the way there to help his sister wash the rolling shutter in the morning. Just what was their relationship now? Sylvia fell silent. After a while, she said, "Your sister has truly let go of the past and is facing a new life. Craig is in the past now, and she has the right to pursue happiness, doesn't she? "Moreover, Andy doesn't have a wife. If they really fall for each other, you should offer your blessings."Eric did not say anything. After all, Sylvia was right. But were they really suitable for each other?After a while, the two of them returned, and Andy had not left yet. They saw him taking Max and Cody to the supermarket when they came back.Eric looked at Andy, who took the kids away, and asked, "Elly, tell me honestly. What's going on between you and Andy?""What are you talking about?" Elly rolled her eyes. "He was just passing by and saw me cleaning the door, so he offered to help. What's so strange about that?""I s
This was the first time Eric had heard of a father asking back the money he gave to support his children.Karen chimed in. "Before, Craig supported her with food and clothes. Now that he's struggling, she should support him. Otherwise, we'll be here every day! We'll see if she can run the store or not!"Eric was left without words, and Andy was surprised."Seriously?" Andy said, "You're asking for money from Elly? I thought you were already divorced?""And who are you?" Craig snarled as he glared at Andy. "Whether or not we've gotten a divorce is none of your business!"Andy scratched his nose and said, "Me? I'm Elly's boyfriend."Eric was at a loss for words, while Craig was stunned momentarily.In the next moment, Craig barked, "I knew it! I knew she was up for no good! How dare she accuse me of cheating on her while she's seeing a man behind my back? This is why she divorced me! Fucking slut!" Craig cursed angrily, but Andy stepped up and punched him before he could say mor
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