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
“David, I-I want to talk to you about raising my salary." Eric Johnson said this when he stood nervously in the general manager's office.David Westman, playing games on his computer, looked up.He leaned back into his big chair, looking at Eric with a smirk. "Oh, Eric, why did you suddenly bring this up?"Eric bit his lips and clenched his fists. "David, I've been with the company for almost eight years, starting as an intern right after I graduated. My peers have become part of the management team while I'm still stuck in a technical position. You know how it's like for my family, right? My mother just had surgery and requires chemotherapy. Every week—"David interjected, "Eric, let's not bring in personal issues when discussing work here."Eric lowered his head upon hearing David's words. His cheeks turned red.He had been working diligently in this tech company for eight years. Within the industry, he was known for his excellent technical skills and knowledge.However, with
Eric regained his senses in the hospital and was confused upon seeing the unfamiliar surroundings."Eric, you're finally awake!"When a man noticed Eric had regained consciousness, he sprung to his feet hastily. He was none other than one of Eric's colleagues, Andy Bikman.Eric looked at Andy and asked, "What happened?""You're really fortunate to be alive. You got electrocuted in David's office and almost died!" Andy blurted.Eric was stunned. He finally recalled what had happened previously. He had threatened David, but the latter caught him off guard and punched him.Andy glanced at Eric and said, "I'll return to the office now that you are awake. Listen to me, Eric. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater."Then Andy left the ward.Eric had no time to figure out what Andy's words meant because he needed to rush to the hospital where his parents were.When Eric arrived, the red light of the operating theater was still on. Eric's mother and a woman in her 30s were wait
Eric had dreamed of buying a house in the Rosewood Estate after graduating. However, it would be impossible for him to buy a house in his lifetime while working for David. Needless to say, he did not expect his initial dream to be realized in such a way.Before leaving, Sylvia had informed Eric that he must spend the night at the Rosewood Estate unless he had something urgent to attend to.Eric felt hopeless but quickly came to terms upon thinking about the large sum of money he would receive as a divorce settlement three years later.After recollecting his thoughts, Eric hailed a taxi and returned to the hospital. He let out a huge sigh of relief after depositing the remaining $13,500 into the hospital account. The heavy burden in his heart was finally lifted.Mrs. Johnson and Elly were still waiting anxiously outside the operating theater. The two of them approached Eric instantly as he came through the doors. Before they could exchange words, Eric's phone rang.Looking at the i
In the hospital.Eric's father was wheeled out of the operating theater and transferred to the ICU.Mrs. Johnson again broke into tears, so Eric and Elly quickly comforted her as the surgery was successful.The ICU was off-limits, so the Johnsons had to wait quietly outside until Mr. Johnson regained consciousness.A loud voice startled Eric at that moment, causing him to jolt in his seat."Eric, you b*stard! You ruined my youth! I demand compensation!" He hurried to the nearest window and peered down, only to witness Jasmine brandishing a megaphone and bellowing beneath a crimson banner that bore the words: "Eric, you scumbag! Compensate me for ruining my youth!""You dumped me after all the years I spent with you! You scumbag! Get down here right now!" Jasmine shouted through the megaphone.A commotion was stirred in the hospital because of her.Everyone was curious who Eric was to have offended a woman to such an extent. The crowd gathered behind Jasmine expanded so out of
Eric was stunned. He did not expect Sylvia to show up, let alone give Jasmine a slap across the cheek, which was utterly gratifying.Jasmine was dumbfounded.Her head buzzed, and her cheek burned intensely from the blow. Sylvia might appear delicate, but she was surprisingly strong."H-How dare you hit me!?" Jasmine trembled uncontrollably after regaining her senses.She raised her hand to return the favor, but Eric blocked her.Jasmine nearly lost her footing as Eric gently pushed her away.Sylvia remained silent as she glanced at Eric's back."Eric Johnson!" Jasmine burst into rage. "How dare you lay your hands on me!?"She never expected Eric to make a move against her for another woman."Why not?" Eric stared indifferently at Jasmine. "Enough with your shenanigans. Get lost, or I'll expose your dirty secret to the public. I believe they'd be thrilled to hear such an exciting story."Sylvia's sudden appearance gave Eric time to recollect himself. He could still turn the ta
A user with a wolf head avatar responded to Brook's voice message.Sylvester: [Describe his physical appearance, Brooke!]Brook was peering into the living room through the pair of binoculars.Eric looked at Sylvia, who was sitting on the sofa in the living room. There was an awkward silence as Eric realized he had nothing to say to Sylvia.It was Sylvia who broke the silence."Why are you home so early? Don't you need to be with your family in the hospital? The agreement stated you need to get home before 9:00 p.m., but there are always exceptions when it comes to special circumstances. It's important to take care of a sick family member," said Sylvia."My mother is at the hospital taking care of things," replied Eric.He was still in shock.After so many years living in Salt City, Eric knew the Rosewood Estate was a neighborhood where the city's wealthy and elites lived.The house was spacious, at least 200m², and estimated to be worth at least $750,000. Eric finally came to
Brook was caught up in his thoughts when the wolf head avatar responded.Sylvester: [What did you see, Brook? Stop keeping us hanging! Everyone is concerned about Sylvia's marriage so spill the beans!]Brook: [You're absolutely not going to believe this!]Brook laughed upon hearing Sylvester's anxious voice and recounted what he had witnessed earlier.Connor sent a Shocked emoticon.A moment later, the wolf head avatar responded.Sylvester: [Brook, continue observing them. Why didn't Sylvia introduce her husband to the family if they have come this far?]Meanwhile, Eric had laid Sylvia on the bed under her guidance.She quickly covered herself with a blanket and said, "If I remember it correctly, there is a black night gown in the wardrobe further to the left in the dressing room. Do not open the rest of the wardrobes. Also, bring me the makeup bag and the book on the sofa.""Can I open my eyes now?" asked Eric.Sylvia rolled her eyes and replied, "Are you capable of looking
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