Eric's parents temporarily returned to Nutikiville. They chose to stay wherever they felt most comfortable living.-With the estate completed, Eric and Sylvia began planning their wedding. Over the years, they had journeyed together through thick and thin, and Eric felt it was time to make up for the wedding Sylvia deserved.Eric specifically invited a priest from the Celestial Sage Sanctum to select an auspicious date for their wedding. Eric had no objections to following traditions.Soon, the date was set.Amelia was quite pleased, saying, "Luckily, Eric hasn’t forgotten about this. Yvette is already running around, so the wedding is long overdue!"As a woman, she understood what a wedding meant to another woman.As for the dowry, the Williams family decided not to ask for it. Over the years, Eric had already brought so much to the Williams family. They didn’t seek a lavish ceremony, but the process was essential.The couple sent out invitations widely, including relatives a
The secretary shook his head. "I’m not quite sure, but maybe it’s because the Innova Group has significant influence in the business circle?"That seemed to be the most plausible explanation.The wealth of the Innova Group was undeniable, and Eric had relied on it to gain entry into that circle. Naturally, people from that circle would attend.However, it wasn’t until the wedding ceremony that everyone learned Grace was Eric’s mother and Alexander was his uncle!And shockingly, Julius turned out to be Eric’s father!Watching Blake, Melinda, Grace, Alexander, Amelia, Henry, Julius, and Nera sitting there waiting for the couple, Donald was utterly dumbfounded."How many parents does he have? Goodness! This is too much!" Donald was astonished.There were already eight people waiting to congratulate them!Donald had never seen a wedding with so many parents.Julius and Nera were naturally among them.A wedding was a major event. Although Eric didn’t want to admit it, Julius was s
Up to now, Donald had no idea who Ruth really was. However, from their conversation, he deduced that Ruth must be Lionel's daughter. Clearly, she had a prestigious background!Anyone bold enough to hold him accountable must wield considerable authority, and it was far from ordinary.Donald pondered whether he should seek out Lionel. But since he was already there, he decided to exchange a few words. "Mr. McClain, I’m Donald Ford, the mayor of Salt City. It’s an honor to meet you."Lionel glanced at Donald and nodded slightly before addressing Ruth, "Ruth, this is impossible. They are a legitimate married couple with a certificate and have even held a wedding. You want to borrow someone else’s husband to have a son? That’s absurd!"Donald was utterly bewildered. 'Borrow a husband to have a son? What kind of logic is this? Could such a thing even be possible?'Ruth pouted. "There’s no other way. Those young heirs in King City don’t interest me at all. Even if you scrubbed them insid
People would talk about how much money they made, their contributions, the success of one project or another, how to acquire this company, what profits to gain, or about yachts, jewelry, high-society banquets, and the like.But what about a nobody?They'd feel the pinch when the price of coffee went up by a dollar.From James' perspective, even if Jessica found an outstanding boyfriend, he couldn't help but compare him to Eric.He sighed. "Why is it that all the good prospects are snagged by others? How come I don't have such luck?"Jessica also sighed. "I tried my best, but he just wasn't interested in me."She lacked Ruth's boldness to do something like borrowing a man to have a child. She just felt she had no chance.While they were talking, Donald came over and introduced himself again, then asked James if he had any investment plans in Salt City.James's response was simple and similar to Lionel's.He would not invest in Salt City. The city’s three major companies belonge
"Mr. Ford, I really don't have the money!" Eric sighed and said, "I'm quite broke myself. This estate cost a fortune, and I had to take out loans to refurbish it. If you don’t believe me, you can check with the bank. As for the gifts from friends and family, those are just shares that were recently transferred to me. I can’t sell them right now due to regulations."Still, no loan.Donald's face turned grim. "Mr. Johnson, even though I sued you before, I did apologize. These projects are crucial—they directly impact people's convenience, employment, and much more. If these projects fail, the financial waste is one thing. It will also shatter people’s hopes, causing a huge impact! Without new funds, I can’t hold on anymore!"He had been extremely stressed lately. In such a large city, it was incredible how there was no money to be found. Who could he even complain to? He had learned a lesson by now.Even if one disliked these tycoons, they shouldn't easily offend them. The wealthy we
"It seems that Eric not only excels in medical skills but also has a profound understanding of martial arts that is unmatched by ordinary people!"Ruth smiled and said, "Actually, these talents aren't the most important. What's crucial is your vision. You have a unique way of recognizing talent, and that's what has made Eric a key asset for our Combat Department."If it weren't for him, we would still be entangled with the Crimson Order."Pierce nodded repeatedly. "I didn't expect that within a few years, the Crimson Order would be gone. The credit for their downfall belongs entirely to Eric. Our operation in Phoenix City didn’t contribute much at all."I've documented these achievements—from the virus outbreak in Dortmund City to the incidents in Catellon, and the conflicts with the aristocratic families and the Crimson Order. Eric has played a critical role. But he’s still young. I worry that he might make serious mistakes in the future. I hope these accomplishments can offset an
Eric and Sylvia took Yvette on their honeymoon, planning to be away from Salt City for ten days to half a month.Donald was still fretting over financial issues. He had visited both Williams Corp. and Sonnex Corp. several times, but Sylvester and Irvin's responses remained unchanged, even down to the exact wording, as if meticulously planned.Yet, just when it seemed like there was no way out, a new opportunity emerged!Someone came to Salt City to invest, bringing with them staggering funds!This brought Donald immense joy!This substantial investment came from abroad, from the three major international manufacturers, aimed at supporting the development of cutting-edge technology.Such an endeavor was extremely capital-intensive. Frontier Tech had already invested billions but quickly exhausted those funds.Even the Innova Group had to acquire the former Frontier Digital to save a significant amount of money, as this field could be a bottomless pit otherwise.Beyond money, s
"From a technical standpoint, their chip technology is rapidly catching up to ours! We need to curb their advancements in this area."Nathaniel was deeply concerned.In fact, they had considered limiting the Innova Group through their lithography machines, but the requirements for chip performance in the Innova Group's business weren’t particularly high. Moreover, the Innova Group had transitioned from an equipment manufacturer to a solution provider, leaving the three giants at a loss.Their only option now was to obtain some of the Innova Group's confidential information.While both parties were generally content, Donald was the exception.It was clear to him that Nathaniel was ignoring him, barely speaking to him. Unfortunately, since Nathaniel held the financial power, Donald couldn’t afford to offend him.Yet, a question nagged at him. 'What exactly is on that USB drive? Why all the secrecy?'If it's just data, with today's advanced networks, wouldn’t transmission be mo
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