The couple was deeply engrossed in their conversation, while Jack was fiercely engaged in battle. After all, he had to put on a show for Eric. Without a strong performance, what kind of future could he hope for?The fight remained a stalemate.Eric set up tables and chairs on the lawn.When the food delivery arrived, the couriers were shocked."Whoa! Is this a gang fight? Scared the life out of me!"They took a long detour to deliver the food to the villa. If it weren’t for the generous pay, they would have canceled this order on the spot.Eric arranged the food and shouted outside, "Alright, stop fighting! It's time for supper."Jack clenched his fist. "Mr. Johnson, I can keep fighting! I want to beat these guys so badly that their own mothers won't recognize them!"What a battle maniac."Enough," Eric said. "Let them go. They can't kill you, and you can't kill them. How about arranging a rematch later?"What a good guy!Even those who came to kill Eric thought he was a dec
"The darkest thing?" Anna muttered,Jack gnawed on a giant lobster. "I think the darkest thing is when the boss whips me hard with a belt."Eric's mouth twitched. Was this really the darkest experience this fellow had encountered?Anna put down her lobster. "We haven't seen much of the world, but I think the darkest thing is those deceitful men. I know what they're thinking when they look at me."She concluded, "Human hearts are the darkest things in this world."One sage spoke up. "What is the darkest? It's doing unspeakable things for personal gain or the benefit of a group, like the virus incident in Haevon."The group paused, the gravity of the conversation hanging in the air. They hadn't initially planned to discuss such matters, but Eric's extravagant midnight snack had loosened their tongues. The expense was astronomical, something even sages couldn't indulge in without financial ruin.After they spoke, Jack turned to Eric. "What about you, Mr. Johnson? Who are these peop
Sylvia felt that the money spent tonight wasn’t quite worth it.Eric said, "Even if you're upset, don't you want this level of combat strength? With them around, we don't need to get involved. Plus, the Lockes and Big Boss can share some of the burden too."He then added, "Besides, it's just a few thousand. I can afford it."Considering all the pressures from various sides, Eric felt that the money was well spent.Back inside the house, he began inquiring about Andy’s situation. There had been attempts to assassinate Andy, but the Lockes' team had thwarted them, capturing several attackers. They were interrogating them urgently.As expected, they were from Haevon and there was a connection to Frontier Tech. Without this connection, they wouldn’t have made it to Salt City so smoothly.-Andy mentioned this matter first thing in the morning when he arrived at the company."Madness!" he exclaimed. "How can those people be so bold?"Last night's events had left him shaken. Even if
"It's you again!" The man across the way, seething with rage, didn't bother with words and attacked.Chaos erupted instantly, the scene devolving into an all-out brawl.Stealthbane stood dumbfounded. "Good heavens, Mr. Johnson. What's going on here? Why are these two groups fighting so fiercely?"He had seen intense battles before, but never like this. They didn't even exchange words before attacking each other as if they had a deep-seated vendetta."Look." Eric pointed to the opponents. "One side is here to kill me and Vee, while the other consists of sages and strategists. They despise evil and can't stand the sight of the other group, so they started fighting.""Good grief! This is incredible!" Stealthbane rubbed his hands together in excitement. He had never witnessed such a thrilling scene before.Suddenly, the adversaries drew their weapons, clearly well-prepared for a deadly confrontation that night."Fall back!" shouted a sage.The opponents brandished iron rods, dagger
Eric stood up and introduced Stealthbane. "As you all witnessed, this man is an expert, and he has some very skilled subordinates."This morning, we received some distressing news. Foreign pharmaceutical companies came to us to buy supplies to combat the Haevon virus, but those suppliers have all encountered trouble. They’ve either been assassinated or had their supplies burned."Since they dared to deal with these people, the vaccine is a powerful weapon that can strike at their heart."But right now, I don’t have enough manpower. You can go abroad with the vaccine to seek revenge. Don’t worry about the expenses. I will cover all your costs for future operations."Upon hearing this, Jack didn’t hesitate and immediately said, "Let’s do it!"The second batch of the vaccine was ready for shipment. The pharmaceutical companies were too scared to buy it, knowing it was not just a cure but also a death warrant from the Innova Group. Anyone daring to touch the Innova Group’s vaccine wou
Since the outbreak of the virus in Haevon, Themos' days had been far from easy. He spent his time sighing deeply."We're out of money! Completely out!" he lamented.The three major international companies had cut off his funding. They were struggling to survive themselves and had no extra resources for Themos. Or perhaps their money was allocated elsewhere.As Themos was lamenting his ill fate, just as he was about to make significant strides, Eric arrived.In an instant, Themos' eyes lit up when he saw Eric, regarding him as a savior. He rushed to greet him. "Mr. Johnson! What brings you here?"At this critical moment, when he desperately needed funds, Themos felt that Eric's visit was likely an offer to acquire his company. Even though most of it belonged to three giants, Themos could still walk away with his share and live quite comfortably.He eagerly poured coffee for Eric and his companions.Eric pushed the coffee aside and asked, "Tell me, how many people have come to Sal
As they were chatting, Sylvia suddenly felt nauseous. "What's wrong?" Eric asked.Sylvia pulled out a tissue and wiped her mouth. "I think something I ate for lunch is bothering me. I feel like I might throw up."Eric was slightly startled and immediately grabbed Sylvia's wrist to check her pulse.In an instant, his face lit up with joy."W-What's going on?" Sylvia was still a bit confused. She was feeling nauseous, and he was getting excited?Eric exhaled a breath, hardly daring to believe it. "Vee, you're... pregnant!""Wha... What?"After the initial shock, tears rolled down Sylvia's cheeks. She had waited so long for this day! Ever since giving birth to Yvette, she had wanted a second child, preferably a son for Eric. But despite her longing, her belly had remained stubbornly unresponsive. Sylvia had even started to worry that something was wrong with her body after giving birth to Yvette.Finally, she was pregnant!"Let's go! Time to take leave and focus on nurtur
During the conversation, Grace couldn't help but bring up Julius. When she called Julius from King City to ask if he wanted to join her in Salt City, she learned he had fallen ill.Since taking over the Hernandez family, he had been working tirelessly without rest. Thanks to his relentless efforts over the years, Hernandez Corp. had seen significant improvements, but his health had deteriorated as a result. A few days ago, he had taken to his bed, seemingly in serious condition."He has fallen ill?" Amelia exclaimed. "Eric, aren't you a miracle physician? Go to King City and check on your father!"She knew the complex relationship between Eric and Julius. Regardless of their past, Julius was still Eric's father—a fact that couldn't be changed. Even if Julius had committed unpardonable crimes in the past, he was still Eric's biological father.Sylvia pursed her lips. "Actually... I think you should go see him. Don't worry. We're all here at home. There won't be any problems."Eric
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