Irvin continued. "Eric, let's have a meal together this afternoon to express my gratitude. Please don't refuse."Eric thought for a moment and replied, "Alright."Hearing Eric's agreement, Irvin smiled broadly."I'll pick you up at 5:00 p.m. Please ask your wife to join us as well," Irvin said.Eric scratched his head and said, "I'm not sure if she's available. She's been working overtime for the past two days."Knowing that Irvin would persist if he declined, Eric tried to find a solution."That's alright," Irvin said. "If she's available, ask her to join us. If not, I'll find another time to treat her."-Afternoon arrived, and Eric messaged Sylvia to ask if she wanted to join them for dinner. As expected, Sylvia replied that she didn't have the time. Eric wouldn't have asked Sylvia to join if Irvin hadn't mentioned it. He would have simply informed her that he would be eating out.Initially, Eric thought Irvin might have some influence, but he didn't expect him to have such
Irvin chuckled and said, "Then Uncle Eric it is! I treat Eric like a brother, so it'd be inappropriate to change it now."Eric felt a bit awkward and uncomfortable with Irvin's enthusiasm.Soon, the dishes Irvin had ordered were delivered to the table, along with Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon.Eric's unease grew as he saw the table filled with expensive food and liquor. "Mr. Irvin, this is too extravagant!""Ah, it's nothing." Irvin waved his hand. "Let's eat and chat leisurely. Keith, pour us some liquor."Keith didn't refuse. Irvin had told him about how Eric had saved his grandfather, so he felt it was only right to offer a toast. After a few rounds of bourbon, Eric and Irvin started getting tipsy.Misty couldn't bear the atmosphere and left the restaurant. As she walked out, she spotted Brook leaning against a street lamp, smoking a cigarette."Misty!" Brook was delighted to see her and quickly discarded the cigarette, trotting over."Finished eating?" he asked
"Irvin Sonnex," Eric replied.Sylvia was inwardly shocked by the revelation.It seemed that Brook wasn't mistaken. Eric had indeed had dinner with Irvin Sonnex. How fortunate he was!"Do you have a close relationship with Irvin Sonnex?" Sylvia asked, seeking further clarification.Feeling somewhat constrained, Eric replied, "Big Bro was very enthusiastic and insistent. He wanted us to become sworn brothers, and I couldn't refuse him. So, I'm unsure if we have a good relationship.""Big Bro?" Sylvia was taken aback. "You refer to Irvin Sonnex as Big Bro!?""That's correct!" Eric nodded.Sylvia facepalmed in disbelief. "Oh my goodness!"She had mistakenly assumed that Eric was referring to Keith Sonnex."Are you finished with your questions? Can I go to sleep now?" Eric inquired.Sylvia waved her hand dismissively and said, "Go ahead. Just remember that if you end up vomiting on the bed, you'll have to clean it up yourself!"Eric chuckled and stumbled back to his room.Once E
Upon waking up early in the morning, Eric felt a slight headache but was relieved to find himself in his own room.Sylvia had also gotten out of bed, but there were dark circles beneath her eyes.Seeing Sylvia, Eric felt a bit awkward and asked, "I-I didn't do anything inappropriate last night, did I?"Sylvia pursed her lips and replied, "I don't think you have the guts for that."Eric scratched his head and said, "Well, I'm glad to hear that.""Do you remember why you drank so much last night?" Sylvia inquired.Sylvia was worried that Eric might have forgotten that he had become sworn brothers with Irvin. The fact that Eric had borrowed $15,000 from her indicated that his family background was not great. With Irvin as his support, Eric might be able to achieve great things.Eric smiled and replied, "Of course, I remember. I had dinner with Irvin Sonnex, and we became sworn brothers. Actually, I feel a bit embarrassed about it."Sylvia chuckled lightly. "Don't be embarrassed. I
In the private ward of the Sonnex family.Misty said, "Dad, you need to be more cautious. I think Eric has ulterior motives in approaching you."Irvin chuckled and replied, "Misty, stop calling him Eric. It's Uncle Eric! Why are you thinking such negative thoughts?"Misty pouted. "So you think I'm being petty...""You believe I made a mistake this time and assumed that Eric has hidden intentions. How about we make a bet?" Irvin suggested."Alright! What's the bet and the stakes?" Misty asked eagerly.Irvin smiled and explained, "It's simple. If Eric is really approaching me with intentions, he will show up frequently. But based on my understanding of him, he's unlikely to ask me for any favors. To make it fair, I won't seek him out, either."Let's set a 10-day limit. If he asks me for a favor within that time, I'll consider it a loss. If I lose, you don't have to address him as uncle, and I'll avoid him in the future. However, if I win, you won't interact with Brook Williams any
After having breakfast, Andy showed up at Mr. Johnson's private ward."Eric, I informed my family about our plan last night, and they're willing to support me with $30,000. It should be enough as our startup capital."I've already planned everything. We don't need a large team initially. Just 3-5 employees will suffice. I'll register the company tomorrow and gradually obtain the necessary qualifications."Once we settle on our office location, we'll be ready to go!"Andy was filled with excitement. He already had a few clients lined up, giving them a head start."$30,000…" Eric hesitated. "I might need some time to gather that amount…"Since Andy contributed $30,000, Eric felt it would be inappropriate if he couldn't come up with the same amount.Andy smiled and reassured him, "Don't worry about the money. If it's not enough, we can always apply for a small business loan under the company's name. It's quite convenient. With your skills, I believe we can make it happen!"Eric no
Sylvia was taken aback, finally understanding why Irvin wanted to treat Eric to a meal and become sworn brothers with him. She had some knowledge about the Sonnex family and knew that Josh Sonnex held great importance to them. As long as he was alive, his influence remained significant, and his passing would undoubtedly have a significant impact on the Sonnex family.Whenever the thought of using Eric to get the northern district project done crossed Sylvia's mind, she quickly dismissed it. She didn't want Eric to think she was using him, even though their marriage was solely based on convenience.Despite getting along well for the past few days, Sylvia believed their relationship wasn't that close yet. She was using Eric for her personal goals, offering a generous reward in return."What's wrong?" Eric asked, noticing Sylvia's silence."Nothing. What are your plans now that you've fallen out with David Westman? Why didn't you ask Irvin to arrange a position for you?"Eric raised
Back in the Sonnex family's mansion.Josh Sonnex had already been discharged from the hospital, but he still required specialized care for the lingering issues with his brain.In the luxurious living room, Irvin wore a broad smile."I told you, your Uncle Eric is reliable. Do you believe it now?" he said.Misty pursed her lips.Over the past 10 days, she had been eavesdropping on Eric's phone calls, hoping he would request something from her father. But she was disappointed. Eric only exchanged a few words with Irvin before hanging up."Hmph! Dad, that doesn't count! How can you judge someone's true intentions in just 10 days? It takes at least 10 years!" Misty argued.Irvin chuckled. "Do you think I don't know what you're thinking? A bet is a bet. From now on, you should cut ties with Brook Williams.""Dad!" Misty stomped her feet. "How could you do this to me? The bet doesn't count! Let's make a new bet!"Irvin laughed heartily. "You can't be so fickle-minded. A bet is a bet
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