Seraphine said, "When I saw you packing, I had no choice but to call your mom and have her threaten you. Your legs are attached to your body. I can't physically stop you from leaving, right? "Besides, Eric and Sylvia are still in King City. Can you leave them without worry? You're the big brother. Shouldn't you look out for them?"Sylvester was on the verge of tears. He had expected Seraphine to deny it when he confronted her about reporting him to his mother. He hoped to use it as a reason to distance himself from her. Little did he know, Seraphine openly admitted to it."Alright, just stay here with us. I'm sure we'll have a lot of fun together." Seraphine glanced at her watch and continued. "Eric and Sylvia will be heading to Hol. Thornfield's place in a while. They're unfamiliar with King City, so we must escort them there."After that, she threw the key to Sylvester. "You'll drive." Sylvester was speechless. 'So you keep me here just to be your driver?' he thought.-Afte
"What does 'energy' mean?" Orion stroked his beard and continued. "In holistic medicine, the human body has three main elements: essence, energy, and spirit. To control your inner energy, you need practice. I mastered it at 40 and improved my medical skills significantly."Acupoint techniques are more effective with energy. Martial artists can use energy to create a protective barrier against attacks."Starting holistic medicine at your age might not be ideal, but with your martial arts background, you can blend it with holistic medicine for good results."Eric nodded.Orion advised, "Begin with acupoint techniques. Accuracy is crucial when inserting needles. Don't try if you're unsure, as it could harm the patient.""Got it," Eric replied.Under Orion's guidance, Eric picked up a silver needle and practiced on the manikin.Orion watched closely and complimented, "You're talented and have a steady hand."Eric grinned. "I didn't play with birds as a kid, so my hands are steady."
Orion stared at Eric in amazement and asked, "How did you manage that?"Eric scratched his head and replied, "I honestly don't know. But prior to my martial arts training, I learned a breathing technique that generates a warm sensation in my lower abdomen."Orion placed his hand on Eric's lower abdomen and instructed, "Try to replicate what you just did."Eric nodded, and a warm sensation began to circulate in his lower abdomen."Oh my goodness!" Orion withdrew his hand, his gaze fixed on Eric. "That's the inner energy I've been talking about. Why didn't you mention this before?"In the next moment, he burst into laughter. "I had a hunch I'd find a successor before my time is up!"His smile was so wide that his eyes reddened at the edges. "I've finally found someone to pass on all my knowledge!"Seeing Orion's laughter warmed Eric's heart."I didn't intentionally hide it from you. I've only been practicing martial arts for half a year, and I wasn't sure if this was the energy y
After the Hernandezes forcefully cleared a path, no one dared to obstruct them.Approaching the pair, Rafael glanced at Eric and Sylvia. "What did Hol. Thornfield say to you?" Rafael's condescending tone rubbed Eric the wrong way. Eric didn't know Rafael's background but had a hunch that he hailed from a prestigious King City family."He didn't tell us anything," Eric replied flatly. He then turned to leave with Sylvia.However, someone blocked their path just as they attempted to take a step forward.The onlookers watched from the sidelines, sensing the Hernandezes' frustration over being denied entry into Orion's residence.Rafael pressed the question. "I'll ask you again, and you better answer properly this time. You've spent quite a while inside, and you're telling me Hol. Thornfield said nothing to you?"He peered at Eric, not considering him a threat as an unrecognized member of the Hernandezes, regardless of his affiliation with Orion.Eric frowned, finding Rafael's att
"We're fine now. That's all that matters, right?" Sylvia smiled. "It's a shame you couldn't see Rafael's face when Eric called the police."Eric chimed in. "I was thinking, if he didn't let us go, and it turned into a real fight, we could claim self-defense."Sylvia glanced at Eric, surprised by his strategic thinking. She hadn't expected him to plan like that. She was ready to join the fight if the Hernandezes chose to attack. After all, Eric was skilled in combat.Even though there were over ten Hernandezes, they might not match her and Eric. Plus, they could restrain Rafael and stop them from making a move.-Back at the Montgomery residence.Grace slammed the table in anger upon learning about that incident. She was determined to go to the Hernandezes' manor and hold Rafael accountable. No one from the Montgomerys could stop her.-In the well-lit Hernandezes' manor, the butler hurriedly rushed inside and shouted, "Master! This is bad! The CEO of Montgomery Corp. is coming
Grace had made herself very clear, but Javier wouldn't permit Rafael to slap himself twice and apologize to Grace. Both of them stood firm."What's going on? Aren't you willing to do it?" Grace's expression turned icy as she addressed the people around her. "Bring him over! If he won't do it, I'll take matters into my own hands!""Yes, Madam!" the man beside her replied firmly. His calloused hands and pronounced cheekbones betrayed his expertise as a fighter."Wait!" Seeing Grace ready to act, Javier interjected urgently, "Grace, have you gone too far? Do you think you can do as you please here?""Too far?" Grace sneered. "Your son was the one who acted rudely first. He's the one who crossed the line!"Did you all think the Montgomerys were pushovers? That's why I brought our fighters with me! If your son doesn't comply, we'll settle it with a one-on-one duel with your fighters. If yours win, I'll say no more. But if they can't..."Javier's face darkened."You're a lunatic!" He
Orion had become the center of attention in King City ever since he announced his retirement. Many people sought his medical expertise or aspired to become his apprentices, including the Hernandezes.However, Orion allowed only Eric and Sylvia into his residence, leaving others curious about his choice.Frowning, Javier expressed his concern, "Is Hol. Thornfield going to take Grace's son or her daughter-in-law as his apprentice?"The Hernandezes and Montgomerys were evenly matched. If Eric and Sylvia became Orion's apprentices, the Montgomerys would undoubtedly gain strength, which wasn't favorable for the Hernandezes.Rafael pondered for a moment and replied, "It's unlikely. Hol. Thornfield is already 108 years old. If he wanted apprentices, he would have taken them long ago. They're probably his patients."Javier nodded in agreement. Learning holistic medicine relied heavily on talent, and it was improbable that Orion would take Eric or Sylvia as apprentices, even if Grace offer
"Please, Mr. Heinzman, take a seat," Rafael greeted with a smile, pouring a glass of wine. "Join me for a drink."Billy Heinzman, aka Leopard, raised his glass and downed it. "I assume you didn't call me here just for a drink, right? I thought that's what the charming ladies outside are for."Rafael chuckled and refilled Leopard's glass. "You're correct, Mr. Heinzman. I do have a matter to discuss. I've been dealing with some bullying.""Bullying you?" Leopard's interest was piqued. "Who in King City has the guts to bully you? Are you asking me to help you deal with this person?""That's exactly it," Rafael replied.Rafael decided against involving anyone from the Hernandez family, fearing Grace might seek retribution. He considered turning to the underworld of King City, where money took precedence over personal ties.Leopard asked, "Who is this person?"Not many dared to challenge Rafael in King City. If he couldn't handle this individual, it was unlikely Leopard could either.
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