Sylvia asked, "Did the actions of the Hernandez family cause Eric's current situation?"Seraphine nodded solemnly and replied, "Yes."Aunt Grace and Julius were deeply in love and naturally came together. At first, the Hernandez family didn't object, but when my aunt became pregnant, the entire family opposed it. "More importantly, when my aunt got pregnant with Eric, she and Julius weren't married, which was a big taboo back then. However, for both the Hernandezes and Montgomerys, it wasn't a major issue."The two families didn't want my cousin to be born. I don't know about the Montgomerys, but the Hernandezes' stance was that my aunt was an illegitimate child. They would never allow Julius to marry her. They insisted on aborting the child, even though my aunt had our support."My aunt and Julius refused, causing a major problem. Both families held a 'family trial' for my aunt and uncle. In those days, they could have faced death as a result. With my dad's help, they managed to
Noticing Sylvia's serious expression, Seraphine smiled warmly. "Are you feeling frightened?"Sylvia nodded. "Yes, I am scared. We are, after all, dealing with the Hernandez family. But what good does fear do? Can we simply avoid them because we are afraid?"Eric is my husband, and they say that people often drift apart in challenging times. But for him and me, that won't happen. If that day comes, I will choose to face it with him."Seraphine gazed at Sylvia with admiration. "Eric had a tough childhood but is fortunate to have found you. My aunt always spoke highly of your virtue, and now I see it for myself."Sylvia smiled, never considering herself virtuous. She used to be distant, but Eric had changed her."Don't worry," Seraphine assured. "Aunt Grace has made some arrangements. Even if the Hernandez family learns of Eric's presence here, they won't have an immediate opportunity to pursue him.""Why?" Sylvia asked, perplexed.Seraphine smiled faintly. "Aunt Grace knew that th
"Madam..." Sylvia bit her lip. When she wanted to return the bracelet, Grace stopped her. "Take this," Grace insisted, her tone earnest. "I don't blame Eric for not calling me 'Mom'. It's my fault for abandoning him for so long. But, no matter what, he's still a Hernandez by blood."This bracelet proves the legitimacy of the Hernandez wives across generations. None of the other Hernandez daughter-in-laws has it. In case... If I can't win against the Hernandez family, this bracelet can save you and Eric."Sylvia was surprised. If the bracelet could save them, perhaps it could save Grace, too."I can't accept this, Madam Montgomery," Sylvia responded.Grace shook her head. "Don't worry. Even if I can't beat the Hernandezes, they won't harm me either. The outcome is still uncertain."Sylvia had no choice but to let Grace place the bracelet on her wrist. Grace then handed her a document bag."Eric won't accept these items. Since you're facing the Hernandezes, these might help," Syl
When Sylvia and Seraphine got back to the Williams residence, Eric was still practicing martial arts. He had been at it all day, and Sylvia felt sorry for him.She approached him and said, "Your mom has already returned to King City, but Seraphine is staying here in Salt City."Eric stopped his practice and sneered. "Is she having Seraphine monitor me?"Sylvia asked, "Do you really think she'd do that?""It's not my concern," Eric replied coldly. Nevertheless, he felt relieved when he heard that Grace had left.Sylvia sighed in frustration. Eric seemed completely uninterested in Grace. He didn't even want to visit her when she fainted.She continued. "Actually, you're mistaken. One reason Seraphine stayed is because of Sylvester."Eric raised an eyebrow, thinking that Sylvester's time had finally come.As long as Seraphine was not here to keep an eye on him, everything was fine. The two of them returned to the living room and found Seraphine. She rested her chin on her hand w
Henry and Amelia turned their heads and focused on Connor. Over the years, Connor had the easiest life among the four siblings. Nobody in the family pressured him to get married. After all, Henry and Amelia were more focused on encouraging their eldest and second child, as well as Sylvia, to settle down.Now that Sylvia had gotten married, Brook had found the love of his life, and Sylvester had shown signs of progress, it was Connor's turn."Why are you looking at me like that?" Connor asked, feeling uneasy.Amelia smiled. "Connor, you're 28 now, right?""Well…" Connor chuckled nervously. "I'm still young! Keith is also 28, and he's still single! I'm not in a hurry! By the way, Mom and Dad, I have some matters to attend to at my establishment. I'll go take a look first.""Wait, Connor…" Before Amelia could finish her sentence, Connor had already run away."What's wrong with him?" Amelia sighed. "I'm not forcing him to get married."That being said, she was content. Sylvia was
Sylvia smiled and reassured, "It's okay. Just focus on Sylvester."Sylvester shook his head helplessly, feeling that this tendency ran in his family. They always seemed more inclined to assist outsiders than their own kin. He recalled that they had acted similarly when Sylvia and Eric first obtained their marriage certificate. It seemed that divine retribution had its way of coming back around.-Meanwhile, Lucas was taken aback when he received Eric's response."He declined my challenge?" He frowned. "What a joke! As a martial artist, how could he refuse a challenge?"Lucas had assumed Eric would accept and that his fighters could defeat Eric soundly. He hadn't expected Eric to flat-out decline.Standing nearby, his fighter sneered. "He's such a coward, yet he calls himself a fighter? He's a disgrace to the underground scene!"Lucas shrugged. "No matter. Spread the word in the underground community that Eric, who claims to be the Salt City champion, rejected our challenge. Let
At that time, Irvin had openly refused to provide Williams Corp. with those properties, which hindered their business plans.Sylvia had initially thought about discussing Grace's matter with Eric. However, she decided against it when she saw Eric in such a good mood.After breakfast, they both arrived at Williams Corp. together.Lucas stood at the company's entrance again, holding a bouquet of flowers.Seeing Sylvia walk hand in hand with Eric, he smiled faintly and approached to give her the flowers.Sylvia glanced at Eric, and he understood immediately. He reached out his hand and said, "Give them to me.""Give them to you?" Lucas sneered. "Eric, I've seen you fight. I didn't expect you to be too scared to accept my challenge! It makes me wonder if you're really a man. Or could it be that you're actually a coward?"No man could stand being called a coward. Lucas' intention was to provoke Eric into accepting his challenge.Eric chuckled. "I don't need you to judge whether I'm
As Seraphine headed to Williams Corp.'s entrance to find Sylvester, a bouquet of flowers blocked her path."Hello, beautiful lady. Haven't we met before?" Lucas asked.Seraphine stopped and glanced at Lucas. "Move out of my way."She had plans to have breakfast with Sylvester, but he had stood her up.Lucas smiled and positioned himself in front of Seraphine. "Lady, it must be fate that brought us together. In the grand scheme of things, it took countless lifetimes for us to cross paths in this one—"A tall figure rushed forward before he could finish speaking and punched him to the ground."How dare you block Ms. Montgomery's path?! You must have a death wish!" the bodyguard said coldly.Fortunately, Lucas hadn't touched Seraphine yet. Otherwise, they would be in trouble.Seraphine looked at Lucas and remarked, "You've got it wrong. You must have accumulated quite a debt in your past lives to earn a punch from my bodyguard in this one."Seraphine then entered the Williams Cor
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