Fortunately, the virus was no longer as terrifying due to the vaccine's distribution.By now, the sages believed that the Innova Group should not distribute the vaccine for free. Firstly, there was no obligation, and secondly, the cost of production was high.Most importantly, in the course of doing this, people would indeed die. Without funding, who would handle the aftermath? How would they manage it? Could a simple statement solve everything? If words alone could solve issues, the world wouldn't be in its current state.After experiencing these events twice, Jack realized how naive and ridiculous the initial decisions had been. However, humans were always capable of growth, learning from experiences, and gradually changing their worldview through the process.The sages and strategists had become an unstoppable force. They had grown, showing both courage and wisdom. After spending a few days in Salt City, they set off once more.Anna no longer felt anything for Eric. She believe
Two days later, Jared's memorial service came to an end.Although Kayden had once been somewhat of a troublemaker, his loyalty to his family was beyond reproach.Kayden sighed. "Life is but a few decades long. Why fight over this and that? Eric, for all the wrongs my parents did to you, I apologize on their behalf."Eric patted Kayden's shoulder. "In the end, we are family. What's past is past. There's no need to bring it up again."He bore grudges, but he also knew that some things had to be let go. How could one live while holding on to old hatreds?Hank also spoke at length, though not about the Johnson family. He lamented the troubled times. "The Dortmund virus was already bad enough, and now we have the Haevon virus."Luckily, we live in the countryside. There's less movement of people, and the air is cleaner. Sometimes, living in the countryside isn't so bad—no need to yearn for those big cities."Eric smiled. "Every place has its advantages. Take care of yourself. Despite
Tiger was the top figure in Salt City's underground scene, and with the recent legalization of underground arenas, his prominence had only increased. Thanks to the earlier restructuring by the Combat Department, figures like Tiger had become more visible and legitimate.While Eric wasn't particularly concerned with the affairs of the underworld, he figured it wouldn't hurt to ask a few questions.Brook sighed and said, "What else can be said? We just aren't as skilled. But there's something strange about it. Those people didn't show up early or late. Could they be associated with the sages and strategists?"The Haevon virus had swept across the world, bringing out all sorts of characters. It wouldn't be surprising if a group of skilled fighters followed the sages and strategists. Maybe, as Brook suggested, those fighters were indeed part of the same faction.Eric shook his head. "I doubt it. They are all out on missions. Their tasks have been exceptionally heavy lately, so it's unl
Tyson had taught the Williams siblings martial arts, with Sylvia achieving the highest accomplishments and earning the title of grandmaster. The three Williams brothers weren't as skilled, but they were more than capable of self-defense.Despite Tyson’s advanced age, the Williams family was still willing to support him financially. Before Eric, Tyson had been the family’s top defense asset. They were one of the wealthiest families in Salt City, so this kind of martial defense was necessary.-Around 10:00 p.m., both men returned.Tyson sat down and took a sip of water. "It's confirmed. They are definitely martial artists from the past! They're all still around!"Maybe not exactly," he corrected himself, "but their legacies certainly are! I just don't understand why they are appearing in major cities. What do they hope to achieve? Are they planning to carve out territory for themselves?"What era is this? What use are martial arts anymore?"Even if they aren't afraid of knives, h
The Williams residence was suddenly ablaze with lights.Brook, Sylvester, Connor, and even Tyson came out to see what was happening.Hearing the commotion, Amelia emerged in her robe. "What's going on? Are you planning to fight? Can't a person get a good night's sleep around here?""It's fine if you wake me, but if you disturb my precious daughter, I won't let it slide! Sylvester, what are you thinking, causing a ruckus in the middle of the night? With Eric here, what's there to worry about?"Sylvester rubbed his nose, feeling singled out. Wasn't this her beloved son-in-law's affair? They were just there to back him up, yet now it seemed they were the main culprits.Brook almost wanted to complain but was held back by Sylvester, who knew Amelia's temperament better than anyone.After venting a bit, Amelia went back inside, thinking, 'Why bother with these men?'The villa's soundproofing was excellent—they wouldn't hear a thunderstorm, let alone a fight. With Eric around, they co
Tiger stood beside Eric. "These few are indeed no match for you, but dealing with a few minor thugs is enough!"The leader said nothing more and merely nodded to those around him.Among them, Connor was the weakest. The attacker zeroed in on Connor and charged at him.In the blink of an eye, the attacker was in front of Connor, who was unable to react in time.However, there was someone faster than the attacker!Tiger didn't even notice that Eric had vanished from his side.Eric arrived ahead of the attacker and delivered a thunderous punch!The blow landed with a resounding thud.The attacker, who had charged in swiftly, was sent flying just as quickly.With a single punch, he crashed heavily in front of his leader, spewing blood from his mouth.The leader looked down, stunned. He hadn't even seen Eric join the fray. And the power behind that punch... was terrifying!"Eric!" Connor was so startled that he broke out in a sweat.Eric nodded slightly. "Tell Sylvester and Broo
"Mr. Johnson always knows how to handle the situation!" Tiger lit a cigarette and said, "But I have a feeling they won't let it go easily. They'll definitely come back to cause more trouble."If they're just targeting the streets, it's not a big deal. But I fear they have bigger plans to create chaos in the entire city and profit from it!"Tiger knew their tactics all too well because he had climbed the ranks using the same methods. They would test the waters and gauge the street's strength. Only after confirming they could take control would they make their move.They undoubtedly had big ambitions!"There's no need for concern, Tiger," Eric said. "If that's the case, then these people indeed have malicious intentions."Let's do this: I'll figure out a way to expose them."Tiger nodded repeatedly. "It seems like that's our best option for now."-The night passed without incident.How despicable were those rogue elements?Eric had thought last night's encounter involved all
Roland sighed with a wry smile. "In an instant, this pond has become completely murky. Who knows how many people will fight tooth and nail for these prizes?"He marveled at Eric's grand gesture of giving away such a vast sum without hesitation.The annual profit of an average listed company was merely in the tens of millions, which was already considered substantial.But billions? It would take many years for a company to earn that much.Eric waved his hand dismissively. "You're joking. My principle is simple: if money can solve a problem, it's not a problem."Alas, many problems can't be solved with money. If I could bring peace to this world by giving away all my wealth, I wouldn't hesitate to do so."He spoke sincerely. Over the years, he had traveled far and wide, experiencing all kinds of events.A person's perspective changed with age.When his monthly salary was 1,000 dollars, Eric dreamed of financial freedom. Now that he had long achieved that goal, he saw the world as
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