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
Nera caught up with Eric in the living room. "Eric, wait a moment!"Eric paused, and Nera hurriedly said, "Your father is just that stubborn. He says no, but his actions speak otherwise. Don't take his words to heart, or you'll just drive yourself crazy."Two days ago, he had a fever and kept mumbling, asking for your forgiveness. Sit down, let me pour you a glass of water."Seeing Eric sit down, she quickly poured him water. As she went upstairs, she kept looking back, afraid Eric would leave. If Eric stayed in King City for a few days, Julius' health might improve more quickly.Half an hour later, Nera came back down and sat opposite Eric. "He's already asleep. I'm at my wit's end. They say you're a miracle physician. Could you... take a look at him?"Nera had been crying for days, fearing Julius wouldn't make it. If even Eric couldn't help, they would have to prepare for the worst.Eric didn't refuse. If Julius was asleep, it would be easier—he didn't want to deal with Julius
After taking the medicine, Julius felt significantly better. His energy returned, and his spirits lifted.In the morning, Nera reflected on the effort Eric had made by traveling all the way to diagnose Julius' condition and prescribe the medicine, only to end up having just a glass of water.Feeling that this gesture was insufficient, she decided to invite Eric for lunch if he was still in King City. After all, other doctors would be compensated monetarily, so why not offer a meal?To her delight, Eric was still in King City and accepted the invitation to have lunch at the Hernandez residence."That's wonderful!" Nera exclaimed, immediately instructing the kitchen to prepare a meal. But then she felt a bit anxious. "Julius, what does Eric like to eat? Is there anything he dislikes?"Oh dear! In my excitement, I forgot. You've been apart for so many years. You probably don't know his dietary preferences. Never mind, let's just prepare the best and most expensive dishes."Julius' l
Some were for Sylvia, some for Eric, and some for Yvette. Regardless, as a grandfather, Julius had done his utmost in terms of financial support. Nothing more could be asked of him.Eric took the envelope without a word.Observing this, Julius chuckled. "I thought you might refuse it."Eric's expression remained calm. "This is for the children. Why would I refuse? If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way. I have a few more friends to visit today."Without waiting for a response, Eric stood up and left."Let me see you out, Eric!" Nera quickly got up. Since Julius didn't offer, she decided to.When Nera returned, Julius was muttering under his breath, "Hmph! Thought he wouldn't take it, but he just quietly accepted it. I thought he was more stubborn than that!"Nera couldn't stand it any longer. "Oh, will you shut up? No one will think you're unable to speak if you stop talking!"Tell me, why are fathers and sons always like this? You clearly care about each other, yet you act
Eric had little time to address the issues between himself and Julius. Perhaps only when Julius closed his eyes for the last time would Eric be able to forgive him. But by then, would it be too late?He had no time for such thoughts.-On this particular day, Jack and his group returned. Having left the battlefield, Jack was still buzzing with excitement as if injected with adrenaline. He animatedly described to Eric their chaotic exploits abroad. These strategists and sages were not only intellectually sharp but also extraordinarily skilled in martial arts."Being abroad is exhilarating!" he exclaimed. "Their systems have collapsed, and laws and regulations are nonexistent. It's complete anarchy. We could kill as many as we wanted, and no one would come after us. It was... incredibly thrilling!"He summarized his experience with two words: incredibly thrilling.Eric simply watched him.Sensing something amiss, Jack hesitated. "Mr. Johnson, is there a problem?"Eric responded w
In Naturia, human life was considered the most precious, the most noble, and priceless. However, abroad, a human life was worth less than a dog's life in Naturia. Death came swiftly, without hesitation or remorse.The most terrifying part was that no one cared or intervened. There were even malevolent individuals deliberately sabotaging and destroying life-saving drugs.The sages arrived at Eric's place. They seemed transformed, no longer exuding their previous arrogance. There was a heaviness to them now, perhaps even a hint of killing intent. They felt they were closing in on the mastermind behind the chaos. But they were still far from their goal. The road ahead was long."Mr. Johnson!" One of the sages gritted his teeth. "From now on, leave the task of sending vaccines abroad to us! If the world falls into darkness, we are willing to be that glimmer of light, no matter how many lives it costs!"When they first emerged from seclusion, they aimed to conquer the world. Now, they h
Julius was visiting Salt City for the first time. Like Henry, Amelia, and Irvin, who warmly welcomed him, the rest of the family also showed enthusiasm.However, Eric and Grace were exceptions. Fortunately, Yvette often circled around Julius, ensuring he didn't feel too left out.From Grace's demeanor, it seemed clear to everyone that any romantic prospects between her and Julius were likely doomed. After all, there was still Nera to consider.The entire family basked in the harmonious and picturesque moment, marking the first time Eric's closest ones gathered so completely.Eric and Sylvia had temporarily stepped back from managing the Innova Group, leaving everything in the capable hands of Andy and Michael. Their competence was unquestionable, and they could handle the company's responsibilities with ease.Not long after, Pierce also arrived in Salt City. His last visit had been during Eric and Sylvia's wedding.People naturally desired a complete family with both sons and dau
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