This was really adding insult to injury."Dad..." Lucas looked puzzled. "When I went to King City, I behaved well! I didn't harm any woman, and I certainly didn't have the courage to...""Hmph! You touched Sylvia Williams but not other women? Stop lying! Tell me, who did you upset in King City?"Frederick unfastened his belt as he scolded."Frederick!" A woman quickly held him back. "Lucas is in no condition. Do you want to hurt him?""He deserves it!" Frederick pointed at Lucas. "Without him, we wouldn't be in this mess!"He wanted to beat Lucas, but the Petersons managed to stop him.-Late at night.The Petersons had left the hospital, and Lucas was half awake. The ward was dimly lit."Lucas... you're still alive, huh?" A cold voice echoed."Who's there?" Lucas trembled. He tried to sit up, but moving hurt and made him grimace.He spotted someone wearing a Ghostface mask in a chair across his bed. It looked scarier in the dim light.Eric rose and leaned over Lucas' bed.
"Let me check your pulse first," said the elderly holistic physician calmly.Eric extended his hand, and Gilbert examined it carefully before speaking slowly. "Your heartbeat is strong, and your blood is abundant. While this is usually advantageous for martial artists, it might pose a significant challenge for you."Eric and Roland were impressed.Eric lacked the typical calluses on his hands that martial artists often had, and Roland had never mentioned his martial arts practice. Yet, Gilbert deduced it just from Eric's heartbeat. His skill was truly remarkable.However, everyone remained puzzled. How could something typically beneficial become an obstacle?Gilbert continued. "This appears to be a blade wound. If I'm correct, it's likely self-inflicted."Eric's admiration for Gilbert deepened. "You're right, Hol. Walker," he admitted. "The scars on my face are indeed self-inflicted."This revelation left Roland and Valerie even more perplexed. They had assumed someone else had
Tiger smiled bitterly and said, "Let's not dwell on the past."The brief exchange between Roland and his daughter revealed to both of them that Eric was married, and he might have harmed his face for his wife's sake.Eric had decided to take Sylvia to King City after he got his revenge. He was willing to try, even if success wasn't guaranteed.Roland got straight to the point, saying, "Mr. Johnson, Frederick called me while I was on my way here. He mentioned that his son, Lucas, is convinced someone in a Ghostface mask is trying to kill him."Roland suspected that Eric had visited the hospital the previous night, terrifying Lucas. He continued. "Frederick wants to know when you're available. He's willing to host a dinner as a sincere apology."From Frederick's words, Roland realized that Eric's fake identity was working. Frederick was wary of Eric's fictional friend from King City and sensed that the Pettersons were truly in decline.It surprised Roland that they were frightened
Frederick knew the Pettersons were in a tough spot due to trouble between Montgomery Corp. and Hernandez Corp. in King City. Although they had suffered losses, it wasn't enough to ruin them. He may have received the news late, but there was still a chance to fix things.What puzzled Frederick most was that they became targets after losing in Salt City due to Lucas' actions. He had considered the possibility of retaliation from the Williams and Sonnex families, but he didn't think they posed a significant threat until Eric's menacing gesture at the underground arena.However, Frederick misunderstood Eric's intentions. He was only targeting Lucas, not the entire Pettersons family. Grace would handle the family business. Eric simply wanted to block Lucas' path.When Frederick heard Eric's response, his face turned grim. He knew better than to cross Eric, as their family wouldn't have sent him to negotiate if he wasn't formidable.With a strained smile, Frederick asked, "Sir, what do w
Roland sighed and said, "Boss, my friend in King City told me his fighter is going through a tough time and needs to rebuild confidence. He holds this fighter in high regard. If he succeeds here, I believe he won't harm your son, and he might even assist him."Lies could be deadly!They were deceiving Frederick, yet he trusted them completely.Unfortunately, he had no choice but to trust them. He didn't know how to escape this situation, so when someone offered a solution, he couldn't refuse.Frederick nodded. "Alright! I'll choose the strongest fighters from my family and have a good match with him!"Hearing Frederick's agreement, Roland felt relieved. The plan to disarm the Pettersons could now proceed smoothly.-The Pettersons arranged for a formidable fighter to spar with Eric that night. They battled for dozens of rounds.Seeing that, Frederick felt somewhat reassured. Although Eric had nearly maimed their fighter, Frederick realized the gap between the two sides wasn't a
The couple talked late into the night before reluctantly ending their call.At this moment, Eric simply wanted a quick resolution to the Petterson matter so he could return to Salt City and be with Sylvia. After just two days apart, he missed her greatly.-On the second night, Eric wrapped up the matches. The bouts over the past two nights were thrilling and evenly matched, in contrast to the first night when he dominated completely.This time, Eric took a few punches, and his mask bore the marks of the struggle before ultimately defeating the Pettersons' top fighters.Vince suspected that Eric did it intentionally, though he didn't know the reason yet.-In the locker room.Eric wiped off his sweat, and Roland and Valerie entered.Roland glanced at Eric and remarked, "You defeated one of their top fighters once again, Mr. Johnson. At this pace, you'll have taken down all their high-level fighters in a week."Since Eric arrived in Dortmund City, he had already defeated four
With the Pettersons' top fighters gravely injured and their people around Roland meeting untimely deaths, they would lose control over Dortmund City's underworld. Despite Roland's apparent loyalty to the Pettersons, Frederick understood that Roland would only submit to those stronger than him. With this in mind, Frederick narrowed his eyes and said, "We might be helpless against Ghostface, but that doesn't mean we can't take action against Roland."He quickly dialed a number and ordered, "Bring Roland's daughter to our house!"-Meanwhile, in the arena's lounge.As Eric and his group prepared to leave, Frederick's men arrived. They all stared intently at Eric, though their words maintained a semblance of politeness.The leader spoke. "Mr. Draco, Mr. Petterson has requested your daughter stay at the Petterson manor. Ms. Draco, please accompany us."Despite their courteous tone, Roland sensed Frederick's intention to use his daughter as leverage.Valerie snapped, "Do I have to
The Pettersons' crisis was closing in, and it forced Frederick to pressure Kenneth to handle matters in Salt City.-Meanwhile, Irvin and his family visited the Williams for an afternoon lunch to inquire about Sylvia's condition.During this visit, Irvin learned that Eric had been absent from Salt City for several days.While enjoying their meal, Sylvia indulged in three large bowls of food, bringing joy to the Williams family. It appeared that the old Sylvia was slowly making a comeback.After the meal, Sylvester spoke up. "Kenneth has arrived in Salt City and wishes to address the businesses they purchased here. Mr. Sonnex, what are your thoughts on this?"Irvin nodded and replied, "He contacted me this afternoon. Faced with relentless strikes from the Montgomerys, the Pettersons have no means to counter them. Their losses in Dortmund City are severe. Based on the information I've gathered, they could face bankruptcy within a week."He expressed his astonishment at the Montgom
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