Sylvia had been in the office for over half an hour, but Eric hadn't noticed.While he was absorbed in his work, Sylvia finally spoke up. "It's time for lunch."Eric snapped back to reality. "Haha, is it noon already? Let's go eat."The couple usually had breakfast at home but had lunch at the Innova Group.On their way to the cafeteria, Sylvia remarked, "Even though the Crimson Order is gone, I feel like the three major international manufacturers are still out to get us.""How so?" Eric asked.Sylvia explained, "A few days ago, when you were in Phoenix City, a group announced plans to invest in Salt City to establish the country's most advanced chip company, with strong support from the local government.""Really?" Eric raised an eyebrow. "A chip company? Doesn't Salt City already have Frontier Digital? Are they trying to compete with us?"Sylvia shook her head. "It's not clear yet. Let them do as they please. Our mid-to-high-end chips are for our own use. I'm even planning t
The next day, Sylvia indeed had no special preparations.Although, in a broad sense, the authorities did own shares in the Innova Group, the company still maintained complete autonomy.In the worst-case scenario, they could just throw in the towel and relocate the Innova Group to any city. Would anyone refuse them? They’d be welcomed with open arms.After returning for two days, Eric was feeling much better. His body wasn't hurting as much anymore.Upon arriving at the company, the Innova Group received some news that a new mayor had taken office.The former mayor and his assistant had moved to King City.Eric expected the new mayor and his assistant to visit the Innova Group, but to his surprise, they didn’t show up. Instead, it was Ruth who arrived by noon.Her visit to the Innova Group wasn’t for Sylvia, but clearly for Eric.She was still wearing the expensive necklace she took from the Rosewood Estate, which suited her perfectly."You’re quite something." Sitting down and
"She just wants to show off for Lora," someone remarked.Ruth smiled and asked, "Hol. Johnson, can you solve my problem?"Eric was equally puzzled. He glanced at Ruth, his hand still on her pulse. "It's quite strange. I'm starting to question reality. Let me ask you, do you have any brothers?"Ruth smiled. "No, I'm my father's only daughter. Could my problem be related to having brothers?"Eric didn't respond. His brows furrowed deeper, making Ruth uneasy. His expression wasn't one of acting.On the sofa, Sylvia chimed in irritably. "Alright, Eric, stop scaring her. It's not funny at all."Ruth nodded repeatedly. She was indeed frightened.But Eric shook his head. "I'm not scaring her. She really has a problem, and it's a significant one!"He then took out his phone and called Winston. "Hello, Hol. Clarke, are you busy?""Not at all. What's up?""Well, I've encountered a perplexing issue. You've seen a lot, so I need your advice. Can a woman have a man's pulse pattern?""No,
Eric felt quite helpless. After confirming repeatedly, he was sure Ruth was a man. "Congratulations to your father. Suddenly, he has a son now. This matter..."Ruth was absolutely furious!She still thought Eric was joking with her.She touched her lower body and suddenly snapped, "Eric! I'll hammer you to death!"She was clearly a woman, so how could he say she was a man?And so terrifyingly at that!Eric quickly dodged, completely unable to defend himself. He could already imagine how Ruth felt.Sylvia intervened, "Alright, alright, stop fighting. Eric, you too. How can you joke about something like this? She's even wearing light makeup, and now you say she's a man? Are you looking for a beating?"Eric raised his hands. "I'm serious. In holistic medicine, it's called Gender Reversal Disorder. The most direct manifestation in holistic medicine is looking like a woman, but having a man's pulse. In modern medicine, it's called congenital sexual development disorder."If you don
It must be investigated.The doctor's intention was merely to confirm a result. For over a decade, Ruth had never experienced menstruation, and the doctor was almost certain of the diagnosis.Ruth paid a substantial amount of money and requested the hospital to expedite the results, hoping to receive them the same day.The hospital extracted Ruth's genes and sent them for urgent testing. What would normally take several days was resolved by around 3:00 p.m. due to the powerful influence of money.When the results came in, the doctor was stunned for a long time. "Miss McClain, it's confirmed now. Your chromosomes indicate that you should be male, and it's the abnormal chromosomes that have caused you to never have menstruation all these years."Ruth burst into tears, unable to stop them!After all, being a woman for decades and suddenly being told she was a man—how could any woman handle that?The key issue was that men were supposed to have certain features, but Ruth lacked
It wasn't like they were fighting.But she quickly understood, "Waaah! I don't even have a sword!"Lora was exasperated, thinking, 'Sylvia, you're a real beauty! Is this how you console people?"'She wasn't even planning to jump, but with your words, she might just leap.'If you don't know how to console, just don't do it.'She hurried over. "Miss McClain, the doctor said there is a way. It's caused by chromosomal issues leading to abnormal hormone secretion. Hormone injections can likely fix it. Don't lose hope!"Despite her words, she was still pondering what Sylvia meant by sword fighting.Could it really be about fighting?Men fighting and messing around seemed pretty normal.Brandishing swords and sticks also seemed quite normal."Enough, all of you." Ruth, tears streaming down her face, said, "Since I was young, I've felt abnormal. I have a woman's body but none of the other characteristics."Eric is right. I'm just a man. I've accepted my fate! Don't bother with me an
Eric was utterly exhausted.When he reached the rooftop, he looked at Ruth and said, "Trust me, every illness has a solution. I checked with the people in King City—hormone injections are indeed one of the options."I'll also start researching as soon as possible to find a cure. If, and I'm saying if, there's absolutely no solution, then you can consider ending your life, okay?"Ruth thought for a long time.It seemed like she was struggling internally.After what felt like an eternity, she finally nodded, agreeing not to jump.Eric couldn't believe that a casual pulse check almost caused Ruth to end her life.If Ruth had really jumped, Eric would have been a sinner.Finally, things settled down again.Ruth was still in a low mood, but at least she wasn't suicidal anymore.Lora had wanted to chat with Eric, but she hadn't expected to encounter such a situation.-After arriving at the Williams residence for dinner, Sylvia arranged for a driver to take Lora back.Ruth went
No one knew about this matter yet, not even Lionel or Pierce.However, Pierce was aware of Eric and Ruth's whereabouts.Hearing from Eric that they were at the villa in King City, his curiosity was piqued, and he drove over.Seeing Eric searching through the library, Pierce was puzzled. "What is he doing? I heard that if an old doctor has to look up books, it’s quite serious."If even books can't provide the answers, then it's even more concerning! What's going on?"Mentioning it only made things worse, as Ruth burst into tears again.She threw herself into Pierce's arms, sobbing uncontrollably."What’s wrong? What happened?" Pierce felt at a loss, hearing nothing but Ruth's relentless crying.Sylvia sighed deeply. "Big Boss, it seems that Ruth has a rare disorder. Although she's a woman, other examinations indicate she's a man. Eric is trying to find a solution in the books."Pierce was stunned, his mind going blank.'A woman turning into a man? What on earth?'Even with al
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