Irvin always believed he hadn't misunderstood Eric. Wealth was important, but Irvin cherished character more. Eric's behavior had clearly impressed him.-In the afternoon, Eric returned to Williams Corp.On his way, he did something unexpected—he bought a bouquet of flowers. When he arrived at the entrance of Williams Corp., Sylvia was already waiting.The employees leaving the office knew Sylvia always waited for Eric. They commuted these days, and Eric also picked Sylvia up from work in the evening. Everyone was accustomed to it.Curious whispers spread, and that's how they discovered Eric was Sylvia's husband.Sylvia checked the time and wondered why Eric was running late today. He was usually very punctual.Then, she saw Lucas."Vee!" He approached Sylvia excitedly. "I've invited Mr. Sonnex and your father for dinner. I called your elder brother, too. Shall we all go together?"Sylvia smiled and said, "My elder brother can join you. I won't be going."Lucas was in a good
Sylvester wanted to talk to Lucas, hoping it would stop him from bothering his sister. He said, "You see, my sister and her husband have a great relationship. They commute to work together every day. They've been through ups and downs, and their love is strong."I envy them! Finding true love isn't easy. There are plenty of wonderful women out there!"Lucas reluctantly nodded. "But, Sylvester, I can't understand it! Your sister is usually distant. How did she fall for Eric?"Sylvester chuckled. "Sometimes, love just happens. Let's not dwell on that. Let's grab a bite to eat!"Lucas followed, still pondering Sylvia's attraction to Eric.-At the nail salon.When Eric and Sylvia arrived, Big Sis was about to leave.Big Sis approached him. "Eric, you seem pretty relaxed about all this.""Big Sis, what's going on?" Eric looked puzzled. He didn't blame Grace for her actions. He and Sylvia were doing well, and their projects with Williams Corp. and Sonnex Corp. were nearing completi
The Pettersons were thrilled to acquire numerous businesses from the Williams and Sonnexes. Despite their suspicion, they couldn't uncover the conspiracy. They were eager to enter the Salt City market, a rare opportunity they couldn't afford to miss.The next day, the two companies continued their business integration with the Pettersons.Eric ran into Gavin at the entrance of Williams Corp., where he realized Gavin worked at Petterson Corp.This explained Gavin's hefty salary, confirming Richard's words. Petterson Corp. was short-staffed, so they transferred Gavin since he was originally from Salt City.Both were surprised to see each other.Eric nodded at Gavin before entering the Williams Corp. Tower with Sylvia.Gavin frowned as he looked at the Williams Corp. Tower. He was unaware that Sylvia was the CEO of Williams Corp. When their grandmother passed away, he recognized Irvin, Keith, and Sylvester but couldn't figure out why they visited their village.'Could Eric's beauti
Gavin was thrilled when he realized that Lucas and Sylvia knew each other. Just as he was about to speak up, Lucas beat him to it, saying, "Sylvia is your cousin's wife, right? So, your cousin must be Eric, correct?""Yes, Mr. Petterson. You know my cousin?" Gavin couldn't contain his joy, and Lucas' companions couldn't hide their surprise. None of them expected Gavin to have such a connection."I do. I know him quite well." Lucas chuckled. "Do you know Sylvia's position at Williams Corp.?"Gavin shook his head and replied, "I'm not sure, but she seems to hold a high-ranking position there.""High-ranking?" Lucas smirked. "Sylvia is the CEO of Williams Corp!"Gavin was rendered speechless, struggling to grasp that Eric had married the CEO of Williams Corp.As they entered the company, Lucas suddenly halted. His secretary asked, "Mr. Petterson, do you want to dismiss Gavin Johnson?"Knowing that Lucas and Eric had a strained relationship and that Gavin was Eric's cousin, she assu
Facing the media, Grace declared war on Hernandez Corp.! Montgomery Corp. had already taken steps in the business world."Grace Montgomery has lost her mind!""Why did Hernandez Corp. have to provoke that woman of all people?!"The cries of despair spread far and wide.As Grace declared war on Hernandez Corp., the two corporations' influence immediately became clear, impacting the stock market and numerous companies.-At Williams Corp.Sylvia was shocked upon hearing the news.Sylvester rushed into her office, exclaiming, "Sylvia, the war between Montgomery Corp. and Hernandez Corp. has started!"He was equally surprised. Sylvia hadn't expected her words to come true so soon.A few days after Grace returned to King City, she initiated a business war against Hernandez Corp. Even Seraphine had temporarily returned to King City, presumably to support Grace. Sylvia had a hunch when Seraphine left the day before.Sylvia gasped. "This is definitely her doing!"The impact of th
Irvin said, "Lucas, I've disbanded my team and moved them to different departments. How can I handle this? I just can't."Lucas replied, "Uncle Irvin, how about a 30% discount? Take them all!""Even with a 50% discount, I can't manage them!" Irvin hung up after saying that.Lucas cursed under his breath and then tried calling Sylvia, but there was no answer. Out of desperation, he reached out to Sylvester."Hey, Sylvester. Can we talk?"Sylvester chuckled. "Lucas, what's on your mind? Let me guess, do you want to thank me?"Lucas seethed inwardly. He couldn't afford to offend Sylvester, as he needed Sylvester to help him out of this mess.He forced a smile and said, "Sylvester, I've realized that the businesses I acquired from Williams Corp. don't align with Petterson Corp.'s direction. I'd like to return them to you.""Return them to me?" Sylvester pretended to be surprised. "Lucas, what kind of game are you playing? You can't do this! You can't take advantage of my lack of bu
Lucas felt extremely unwilling. He hadn't even started yet, and it felt like it was all over. -Meanwhile, at Petterson Corp.'s headquarters in Dortmund City, they were working diligently. They were trying to determine if this situation might be a trap set by Sonnex Corp. and Williams Corp. The timing just seemed too perfect. Shortly after they took over the relevant businesses, the war between the two major King City corporations erupted. But the Pettersons also wondered how the Williams and Sonnexes had obtained such confidential information.After analyzing the situation, Frederick would visit Salt City and gauge Sylvester and Irvin's attitudes.-Sylvia couldn't care less about these matters. Lately, she had been questioned by the top executives of Williams Corp. However, after Montgomery Corp. declared war on Hernandez Corp. and took action, all doubts vanished. They even praised Sylvia's remarkable vision and business acumen.Sylvia paid no attention to their compliments
After saying that, Eric continued eating.-In the afternoon, Frederick arrived in Salt City for a meal with Sylvester, Henry, Irvin, and Lucas. Sylvia couldn't make it as she had plans with Elly.Frederick wasted no time and asked Henry why Sonnex Corp. and Williams Corp. were selling their businesses.Henry's answer was straightforward. He explained that both families welcomed the Pettersons to Salt City and willingly reduced their market share to help them expand. He also apologized for not foreseeing the war between the Montgomerys and Hernandezes, which had disrupted the related markets.As Frederick sipped his wine, he wondered if Irvin might be the source of this information, having recently returned from King City.However, Frederick doubted Irvin's connections there remained. Could it just be a coincidence that some unaffected businesses were handed over?"Bad luck this year." Frederick sighed. "Who could've predicted the major conglomerates in King City would go to war
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