"Let's think it this way," Andy said. "Although we're partners, there might still be some conflicts inevitably. If I end up with Elly, then most of those conflicts won't exist, right?"Eric glanced at Andy and felt he made sense. If Andy really ended up with Elly, their bond would be unbreakable."It really depends on my sister," Eric explained. "Whether it can happen relies on her. You see, she just went through a divorce, and her heart must be hurting a lot. On top of that, she recently started her own business, so she might not be ready for it right now.""No worries." Andy grinned. "Patience is the key in life."Eric was at a loss for words. He didn't have much to say about relationships because he also had experienced a failed one.Soon, Elly returned. When she spotted Andy, her expression soured."Elly," Andy approached her, but she just rolled her eyes."Take the cherries back. They're quite expensive," Elly said.Andy smiled widely and replied, "I know you and the kids
Sylvia sensed Eric's eagerness to know the answer but hesitated to introduce him to her master. She hadn't shared the complete story with her master yet. If her master said anything that revealed her secret, she'd be in serious trouble.She could only tell Eric that her master had gone out for training. But once Eric had dropped her at Williams Corp., she headed back to the Williams' residence.Her master lived there full-time, dedicating himself to martial arts research. The family financially supported him, and he taught martial arts exclusively to the four siblings.When Amelia saw Sylvia, she frowned and asked, "What's the matter, Vee? Did you two get into a fight again?"For the past three months of their marriage, every time Sylvia returned home, it meant she had argued with Eric.Sylvia chuckled as she hugged her mother. Mom, this is my home. Must I always come back after a fight with Eric?"Amelia raised an eyebrow and teased, "Oh, come on! You've hardly been home these p
Sylvia knew exactly when Eric had begun his martial arts journey. Initially, he was inexperienced, and his previous environment wasn't conducive to martial arts training. Furthermore, if Eric were a true martial arts expert, he could have defeated her long ago, given the promises she had made.Tyson said, "Well then, bring him over later. I'll assess his skills."Sylvia had the same idea.After discussing a few matters with Tyson, she returned to Williams Corp. and invited Eric. Together, they headed to a quiet park.The park was empty in the morning, making it perfect for Tyson and Eric to exchange a few moves. From a distance, Eric spotted Tyson standing as firm as a post."That's my master, and you should address him as such," Sylvia instructed Eric.Eric nodded, and they approached Tyson. Just as he was about to address Tyson as "master," he was taken by surprise by Tyson's sudden attack—a Jab Punch and a lunge at Eric.Eric was shocked. While he had been practicing martial
In the car, Eric exclaimed, "Your master is awesome! I couldn't find any openings in his techniques."Sylvia smiled. She believed Eric had great potential in martial arts—he just needed more exposure to various techniques. If he trained more with her master, his skills would surely improve significantly, and defeating her would only be a matter of time.After spending some time at Williams Corp., two uniformed individuals approached them. Eric appeared mildly surprised, wondering if there had been a breakthrough in the case.As expected, one of them stated, "We matched the fingerprints from the clues you provided. Your car's perpetrator that day was your third uncle, Jared Johnson.""W-What?!" Eric was shocked.While it wouldn't have shocked him if it were Richard, Jared was the last person he expected. In his memory, Jared had always been timid. How could he commit such a reckless act?The police officer continued. "We also located the vehicle involved in your father's hit-and-r
Eric was amazed by Tyson's skills. "This is Krav Maga!" Tyson shouted, "It utilizes elbow and shoulder strikes. Watch closely!" He slammed his shoulder into a tree, and the tree crashed down with a loud noise, startling Eric. It made Eric realize that Tyson was truly a master of martial arts. Even though Tyson was over 60 years old, he could topple a tree with a single shoulder strike.If that tree were a person, their ribs would have been shattered.After showcasing these martial arts moves, drops of sweat started forming on Tyson's forehead. He sighed and said, "I'm growing old. They say moves are best practiced in youth. I truly envy you, young folks."Despite training in martial arts for decades and effortlessly defeating three to five strong men, he had to acknowledge his aging body had its limitations. He wouldn't have broken a sweat while demonstrating these moves in his youth.Sylvia quickly complimented him. "Master, you're not old at all. There aren't many people in t
The first and second attempts were completely different.Tyson was in awe, his mouth slightly agape. "That's the energy burst! If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe that someone could unleash an energy burst in their second attempt! Sylvia, you've found a treasure!"Tyson was ecstatic. As a prominent figure in the Salt City martial arts world, he knew exactly what was happening with Eric. Perhaps in 10 years, he would revolutionize the entire martial arts world!Sylvia grinned. "Then, you'll need to put more effort into nurturing him properly, Master."After that, she turned and looked at Eric. He shone like a bright star, and his potential was not yet fully tapped.As Eric approached the end of his practice, he executed a palm strike, aiming it at a tree with a bowl-sized trunk. Although he didn't shatter it, he managed to split the tree trunk. Such a forceful strike on a person would cause either a fatal injury or serious harm."Master, how about a few rounds
Eric hadn't seen David since their encounter at the entrance of Williams Corp.Westman Technology had gone bankrupt, and most of its employees had shifted to Innova Tech. Innova was a fair employer, offering regular commission structures and weekends and holidays off. For former Westman employees, joining Innova felt like paradise.Eric could not understand what threat David still posed.Big Sis said, "David has gone back to his old ways. I heard from others that he has recently gathered a group of henchmen, probably around 20-something of them. I'm worried he might seek revenge against you."After all, David's current situation resulted from Eric's actions. He had taken Big Sis to Westman Technology to expose him, which caused him to lose his biggest backer. Subsequently, he secured a project with Williams Corp, which led to David embarrassing himself in front of his peers and, ultimately, the downfall of Westman Technology.There was no way David would not harbor any resentment
Richard clenched his jaw, struggling to find the right words. He had arrived with anger, determined to confront Eric and Sylvia. He knew Jared's arrest had happened because the truth had surfaced. Eric held the key to Jared's fate now, but Richard couldn't plead.After a prolonged internal struggle, he finally sighed and lowered his head. "Eric, we weren't good to you in the past, and I'm here to apologize. We're deeply sorry for our actions, and we hope you can find it in your heart to forgive us. Please, don't make this harder than it already is."Eric chuckled and replied, "Uncle Richard, we bear no grudges. We've forgiven you for those false accusations online. Besides, you've compensated us generously. We'll handle the rest ourselves, so don't worry. If you have nothing else, you can go, Uncle Richard."Richard was rendered speechless. He hadn't been referring to the online smears when he came here. Those were minor issues compared to what had happened to Jared. But he couldn't
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