After a thorough review, Eric didn’t find any confidential information about the three major international firms, which was a slight disappointment. As for the other materials, he wasn’t particularly interested. He instructed Brent to have the data organized and sent to King City.With so much content, it could be reviewed at leisure later.Brent gestured toward the piles of gold and jewels. "Mr. Johnson, should these also be sent to King City? I think sending them to Salt City would suffice."From Brent's perspective, since Eric had defeated the Crimson Order, these riches naturally belonged to him.Eric waved his hand dismissively. "I’ll give you a contact number. Once packed, send these items to King City and coordinate with this person to receive them."Brent nodded without further comment. The remaining materials also needed to be organized into data and sent to King City. If the volume was too large, air freight would be an option. Otherwise, it could be transferred via the
After conversing with Michael for quite a while, Eric finally excused himself and left. Descending the stairs, he noticed the homeless man still lying on the ground. Curiosity piqued, Eric crouched beside him, saying, "Hey, wake up!"The man opened his eyes, his expression one of curiosity upon seeing Eric.Eric smiled and asked, "Do you want to return to Naturia? The place where you were born?"The homeless man's eyes showed no spark at this mention. Eric could see clearly that this man had no desire to return. Why, then, were there people back home saying they wanted to bring him back? A mere ploy?The homeless man shook his head. "Why go back? What's the point?"Eric didn't need to hear more—the answer was already evident in the man's eyes. Whatever his qualifications or talents might be, they were irrelevant. His life was now bound to Faustaria. His birth, life, illness, and death were all matters of Faustaria.-As Eric departed, the Rogers family transported the first
Eric had another bout with Donovan, but neither Pierce nor Ruth could watch. Donovan wouldn't allow it.-Half an hour later, Eric left King City.Pierce couldn't contain his curiosity. "Master, who won between you and Eric?"Donovan beamed. "The young are truly remarkable!"Ruth interjected with exasperation, "Grand Master, just tell us who won! Master and I are dying to know."From Donovan's admiring words, it was clear that Eric was exceptionally strong. But since it was a sparring match, there must have been a winner and a loser."He won, by half a move!" Donovan sighed. "Just that half move… I couldn't counter it. Even more astonishing is his age—if I’m not mistaken, he should only be 33. In Naturia's hundred-year history, no one at his age has achieved such prowess in martial arts."He said gravely, "Pierce, Eric is an extraordinary talent. You must hold onto him, but also beware—if he ever decides to do something harmful, not even you or I can stop him!"Fortunately, he
Robert came to Eric's office for coffee, mainly because this month’s salary was still nowhere in sight. Donald had diverted all the money, so where would the funds come from?Eric smiled. "I've already informed the bank. The day after tomorrow, everyone will receive their salaries."Robert was grateful and wrote another promissory note for Eric. This small amount of money meant nothing to Eric.Not long after Robert left, Sylvia arrived.She sat on Eric's lap and sighed, "My mother keeps urging us to have a son. Why isn’t there any sign of a baby yet?"Now, she wanted a second child.The Innova Group’s plans were almost complete, so it was time to consider these matters. Having both a son and a daughter was the mark of a true winner.She also wanted a son.Didn’t Eric want one too?He hugged Sylvia. "Take it slow. We’re not that old, and we can’t force these things."Sylvia nodded repeatedly—she just wanted to talk to Eric about it.With someone at home to help with Yvette,
Through Lora's introduction, Eric and Sylvia learned that the foreign man's name was Jason Bing, who had settled in the country for many years.Jason couldn't help but steal several glances at Sylvia. There was no way around it—Sylvia was a stunning woman, captivating in any setting.Over the past few years, she had become even more charming, her beauty and figure exceptional. Her fair skin had a rosy tint, making her even more enticing.Even in Sylvia's presence, someone as elegant and bookish as Lora paled in comparison.Eric was delighted! It didn’t matter to him whether Jason was a foreigner or not. As long as he was male, that was good enough. In fact, Eric wouldn’t even mind if he was a woman. He even wondered if Ruth might announce she had a boyfriend too.Seeing the joy in Eric's eyes, Lora felt a bit downhearted. Was she really that unlikable to Eric?During their conversation, Jason asked Eric and Sylvia what they did for a living.Eric didn't hide anything. "I am the
"Marrying a foreigner? Won't that just create more conflicts?"My daughter isn't well-educated, hasn't traveled abroad, or seen the world. How much does she really understand about foreign countries?"At best, she might have seen things online, but is that real? Does she know what foreigners think of us? What their beliefs are?"She knows nothing!"Eric coughed at this point, thinking, 'Professor, your daughter is already here, and you still dare to say such things?'Ignoring Eric’s cough, Tobias continued. "I heard you have a daughter too. Will you let her marry a foreigner when she grows up?"Before Eric could reply, Sylvia smiled. "Of course not! If they moved abroad, we’d be so far away. How would we know if she’s being treated well? It's too far to visit. It’s definitely out of the question!"She was quite certain about it."With so many outstanding people here to choose from, why look abroad?"Given Eric's position, Yvette certainly couldn't have a foreign boyfriend.Sy
When Eric and Sylvia left, Lora had not returned yet. The couple decided not to wait and headed out.Once they got into the car, Sylvia chuckled. "It’s really hard for a woman to take control of her destiny. She finally finds a boyfriend, and her family won’t allow it."She was well aware that Lora’s situation was likely doomed, with the odds heavily stacked against her.The kind of upbringing Lora had received meant she was destined to obey Tobias. Perhaps she might act out for a while, but she would eventually fall back in line.Eric nodded repeatedly. "Why did she have to choose a foreigner? Her father knows the history and understands our current situation. Letting his daughter marry a foreigner is out of the question. It’s practically killing him."He felt a twinge of regret. If Lora came back to seek his help, it would be another mess. It was very troublesome.But things didn’t turn out as Eric had imagined. To him, the nature or identity of Lora’s boyfriend didn’t matt
Feelings should be mutual. If Lora wasn't willing, then what was there to discuss? Jason certainly couldn't force anything, could he?Max held onto Eric's arm. "Uncle Eric, didn't Ms. Kensington say you were her best friend? Maybe you should pick me up tomorrow. If that big-nosed foreigner bothers Ms. Kensington again, you can help him out."Eric, feeling cornered, reluctantly nodded. "Alright! I'll pick you up tomorrow."-By the following afternoon, Eric had nearly forgotten about it. By the time he arrived at the school, most of the students had already left. Seeing Eric agree last night, Elly had not come to pick up Max today, confident that her brother was usually reliable. Who would have guessed he almost forgot?Luckily, it didn't cause any issues.When Eric reached the school gate, Max was hiding behind Lora, while Jason stood there, looking extremely upset. Seeing Eric, Max quickly grabbed Lora's hand, "Ms. Kensington, my uncle's here!"Lora, visibly relieved, hur
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