Andy couldn't take it anymore. This was pure torment.Eric patted Andy on the shoulder, "Andy, you've had it tough. Leave the rest to me and Vee."Andy nodded quickly. He knew he couldn't handle someone as influential as the mayor. He didn't want to burn any bridges and make things difficult for everyone. He was especially concerned about the Innova employees.Offending the mayor would mean the entire company was in hot water, and surely some people would be frightened.-As expected, the mayor arrived with several people before noon, making quite a scene! Andy arranged for them to meet in the conference room, as his office couldn't accommodate so many people. The work in his hands had been delayed for days because of the mayor’s frequent visits.After the mayor and his entourage had been seated for a while, Eric and Sylvia finally arrived.Seeing the three key figures of the Innova Group all present, Donald chuckled. "Ms. Williams, Mr. Johnson, I've been waiting for you for s
"In Salt City, there are other major companies like the Innova Group, Williams Corp., and Sonnex Corp. Yet, we don't see you sending people to take shares or even to take control of those companies."Why is it that you're targeting my Innova Group?"Just as Donald was about to speak, Eric continued. "Now, let me ask you, Mr. Ford, under which regulation are you demanding shares of the Innova Group and even planting people into the Innova Group?"If there was such a regulation, I imagine it wouldn't apply solely to the Innova Group, would it?"Donald had no chance to respond.After Eric finished speaking, Donald finally said, "Mr. Johnson, your sense of awareness is seriously lacking!"Eric waved his hand dismissively. "Don't talk to me about awareness. Do you know how many employees we have at the Innova Group? Do you know how many families depend on them?"Do you know what the employees are thinking, what they want to do?"Do you know the future strategic goals of the Innova G
Eric raised his voice. "Mr. Ford, there's no need to bring this up again. Everything you're suggesting is completely impossible! Andy, show him out!"Andy smiled. "Gentlemen, this way, please."Eric had chosen to confront them head-on, leaving nothing more to be said.Over the years, he had learned that some people would never be satisfied with a compromise. Giving them an inch would only make them take a mile, becoming increasingly unreasonable.Donald left with a gloomy face.The first thing he wanted to do in Salt City was to rectify the Innova Group and start his campaign with a strong impact.Unexpectedly, instead of starting the fire, he ended up burning himself.He raised his hand and told his secretary, "When we get back, immediately increase the taxes on the Innova Group! All the money they've saved over the years, we want it all back!""But..." The secretary was troubled. "The Innova Group is quite special. To increase their taxes, we need to pass a resolution in the
Having indulged in more than enough coffee, Robert finally called it a day. Donning his hat, he addressed Eric, "Mr. Johnson, while you might not care about him, I must show him some respect. I apologize for any inconvenience over the past couple of days."Eric responded with a smile. "No worries. There's plenty of good tea to go around."With that, Robert left, and Eric and Sylvia clocked out. As they got into the car, Sylvia voiced her concern. "I have a feeling Donald won't give up easily.""Of course not," Eric replied, starting the car. "Robert spent the entire afternoon here, putting on a show for Donald. We didn't agree to his demands, so now he's sent Robert to investigate problems with the Innova Group. This is just the beginning."Sylvia nodded firmly. "We mustn't yield to him!"When they arrived home and parked the car, they saw Ruth and Amelia returning with Yvette. Sylvia was utterly stunned. She knew her mother had a particular dislike for Ruth, yet there they were
Lora’s name flashed just as Eric was about to make a call. It wasn't about anything else—just this issue. Not only did Yvette’s kindergarten face this issue, but even Cody and Max's primary school faced it!Naturally, the task fell squarely on Lora’s shoulders."Don’t worry," Eric said, sensing the urgency in Lora’s voice. "I’ll look into this."Lora felt reassured by these simple words. She had indeed received the ridiculous consent form but had withheld it, neither distributing it to students nor informing parents to sign. She knew this wasn’t something that could be done.What did "voluntary" even mean in this context? If signing the form was required, could it still be considered voluntary? Moreover, could students and parents truly act voluntarily under such circumstances? Most likely, they would be pressured from all sides.Consider the issue of schooling, for example. Refuse to sign? Fine. But don’t expect your child to be treated fairly at school. Refuse, and your child ha
Sylvia picked up the paper and saw that it was the same consent form Yvette had brought home yesterday for signing.At that moment, several other parents arrived as well. They hadn't signed the forms, which was why they had been called in.These parents were not as courteous as Sylvia and Eric. They immediately questioned what their children had done wrong.One woman, hands on her hips, came forward and demanded, "Ms. Talapia, what on earth are you doing? My son is so young, and you’re asking him to donate his organs? Does he even understand what organ donation means?"Oh, they don't understand, so you push the responsibility onto the parents? My son came here to study, not to supply you with organs!"How can you, as a principal, not consider the children’s well-being? Asking children to donate organs? Why don’t you donate yours? Why don’t you get your whole family to donate theirs?"She unleashed her anger, her words sharp and fast, almost overwhelming. In the past, people might
She stormed in with a group of parents, demanding resolution. This matter couldn't be brushed aside—it required an outcome, or it would escalate.Lina was equally distressed. This directive from above insisted that all parents must sign. If they refused, the school must create circumstances that would compel them to comply. Naturally, the pressure would fall on the children. In a school, what leverage did one have over parents if not their kids?Eric and Sylvia left as well. There was nothing more to discuss amidst the uproar. No one was willing to sign, as it concerned their children’s well-being.If one thought about it in the worst way, signing today might mean something terrible happening to the kids tomorrow. Then someone might come around with consent forms, demanding their organs. This was not an impossible scenario.Eric’s mind wandered to darker possibilities—if such conditions existed and he needed an organ to save his own life, he might resort to the same measures. M
The meeting commenced with much fanfare. The speaker on stage was fervent and impassioned, but the parents seated below were fighting off drowsiness.Ordinarily, they might have shown some respect, given that he was someone authoritative. However, now that their children's futures were at stake, patience was wearing thin.The speech was long-winded and tedious, extolling the virtues of the proposal without offering much substance. When the speech finally ended, volunteers began distributing consent forms to the parents.Eric glanced at the form and stood up, declaring, "We can consider signing, but have signed for your own children? And what about the children of employees and figureheads from the agencies in Salt City? Have they signed too?"Eric was known for taking drastic measures. When Salt City introduced pre-packaged meals, he ensured that those responsible ate the meals themselves for several days. Many couldn't stomach it and claimed the stuff was inedible. Occasional cons
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