Eric believed that, as a technical reserve, they needed to invest some money. If the country introduced policies to support such initiatives, Innova might have a chance to shift from an equipment installation and commissioning firm to an equipment manufacturer.They had to take a risk to grab a piece of the pie.Andy agreed. At present, Innova was occupied with projects for Williams Corp. and Sonnex Corp. Once those were finished, many employees would have nothing to do. Starting a new project at that point seemed wise. They wouldn't know if it could succeed if they didn't try.In terms of equipment performance, algorithms were just as important as the chips used. High-quality chips were available locally. If they could optimize algorithms on a large scale, their products might rival those of international giants.Of course, Eric couldn't do it alone. He needed a team.-In the evening.After returning to the Rosewood Estate and having dinner, Eric went to his study to work on t
"Focus on your work!" Sylvia said, playfully punching Eric before running away. Eric raised an eyebrow. Sylvia's reaction hinted that his dream would come true tonight.Despite the importance of work, Sylvia held greater significance. After saving his files, he joined her in the living room."Go shower first," Sylvia suggested.Eric grinned. He used to take ten minutes to shower, but now it only took two.Upon emerging, Sylvia had already changed into workout clothes."Why are you wearing that?" Eric scratched his head.Sylvia beckoned playfully. "I've told you, you have to defeat me first."Eric was puzzled. Sylvia couldn't match his martial arts skills, so he didn't understand her persistence."Come on!" Sylvia urged seductively, luring him in.Eric couldn't resist any longer. His martial arts prowess far surpassed Sylvia's, and he easily pinned her down on the couch.Sylvia gazed at him, her eyes filled with allure. "Mr. Johnson, let me be a part of your life for years t
Tiger finally agreed to meet with Lucas. He took a sip of his tea and asked, "Mr. Petterson, why are you here after trying to meet me so many times?"Lucas had attempted to meet Tiger several times but was consistently ignored. Despite claiming to be the young heir of the Pettersons in Dortmund, Tiger seemed uninterested in their affairs. It was only today that he found some free time and decided to see what Lucas wanted.Tiger didn't even request tea for Lucas.Lucas smiled and said, "Mr. Kirkby, I've come to discuss something very important.""Go ahead," Tiger replied, not lifting his gaze.Lucas continued. "Mr. Kirkby, you're the top figure in Salt City's underworld. But with the recent crackdowns, I imagine life hasn't been easy for you."Tiger put down his teacup.It was true that the crackdowns had made life challenging for their circle. Some of his associates had even gone legit. As for Tiger, he did have some business assets, but they weren't substantial."Get to the
"Mr. Kirkby!" When Tiger gave the order to leave, Lucas began to feel uneasy. "I know you're into underground fighting. Your two fighters got beaten. Don't you want to get back on top?"Tiger froze. It was true that Eric had injured two of his fighters, and one was still recovering.Seeing Tiger's silence, Lucas felt hopeful. He seemed to have struck a chord with Tiger.As the leader of Salt City's underworld, Tiger couldn't stand his fighters being defeated. Losing money was one thing, but losing respect was even worse.Tiger finally spoke. "Can you provide me with better fighters?""Yes!" Lucas nodded eagerly. "The Pettersons invest millions annually in training fighters. They might not match King City's powerhouses, but they're quite capable. I have a fighter with King City experience."Tiger leaned back. He had spent years grooming fighters, and the two injured fighters were his best. However, they weren't qualified for underground fights in King City. He knew formidable figh
Tiger confirmed the time and location, then asked Big Sis to pass the message to Eric. They were meeting at Tiger's upscale place, Aqua Oasis, which stayed open during the day.Upon arrival, Eric told the waiter why he was there. The waiter quickly took him inside, showing that Tiger had made arrangements.Shortly after, the waiter led Eric to a hot spring area, where Tiger relaxed in a pool, surrounded by two beautiful women.The waiter whispered to Tiger, "Mr. Kirkby, the guest is here! He's alone!"Tiger turned to Eric with a smile. "I thought you might not show up or would bring others. Your courage reminds me of my youth!"He clapped, and a group of stunning women in bikinis approached.Eric might have been tempted in the past, but things had changed. After enjoying fine food, returning to his old ways was unappealing. However, Tiger's lifestyle was undeniably luxurious.Tiger pointed to the women. "Choose a few you like. They'll take care of you!"Eric replied, "Mr. Kirkb
Jasmine had taken a bold risk by placing her hopes on Eric in such a situation. If Eric had claimed not to know her, she would have faced a terrible fate. Yet, she had gambled right this time.Regaining his composure, Tiger said, "Brook is your brother-in-law, and you'd eventually hear about these things from him. Let me give you a quick rundown for now."In the underworld, apart from me, there are other influential figures, like Big Sis. While Big Sis and Brook's methods may not be as ruthless, their actions aren't very merciful either. Many others are even less forgiving."Many of the girls in my club are brought here by them. Every year, I provide them with money. These girls get replaced annually, and after leaving my place, they end up as valuable assets for other establishments. Still, their lives don't get any better."Eric understood. Beneath the glamorous facade, a dirty business thrived. Despite efforts to crack down on it for years, these illicit activities persisted due
Eric nodded and said, "Yes, it's only been four months. Testing my abilities was just one reason. The other was that someone in my family strongly opposed it."Tiger suddenly grasped the situation. It turned out that Sylvia was the reason Eric avoided getting involved in underground fights despite the attractive prize money. This explained Eric's reluctance—their affection ran deep.Tiger sighed, seemingly reflecting on past regrets, then nodded and said, "I understand now that Ms. Williams is against it."Shifting the conversation, Tiger asked, "Have you met Lucas Petterson?""Lucas?" Eric's furrowed brow indicated his familiarity with Lucas.Tiger continued. "This morning, Lucas approached me, seeking my connections to deal with the Williams and Sonnex families. Initially, I declined, but he dangled the prospect of experienced fighters from King City. It got me thinking."Eric fell silent but quickly regained his composure. If Tiger shared this information, he might not agree t
After their conversation, Eric departed.Mainly, Tiger discussed the matter of underground fighting with him, but he didn't expect Eric to fight right away.Jasmine was now in a different attire, waiting outside Aqua Oasis. When she spotted Eric, she rushed toward him."Eric!" Jasmine called out.Eric furrowed his brow, nearly forgetting about Jasmine."Do you need something else?" Eric asked, eager to return to Williams Corp. He needed to inform the Williams and Sonnexes about Lucas' actions and take preventive measures."I didn't know you knew Tiger too," Jasmine said, studying Eric. She had heard Tiger address Eric as "Mr. Johnson." Such respect indicated Eric's significance in Tiger's eyes.David had informed her about Tiger's identity. He had mentioned that if Tiger took interest in her, her life would change, though the likelihood was slim.However, Jasmine couldn't help but notice that Eric had transformed since their breakup. Even Tiger addressed him as "Mr. Johnson", a
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