David exuded confidence, his company earning tens of millions annually. How could a new startup possibly compete with him? He held significant influence in Salt City's industry, making it easy for him to suppress any competition.He casually lit a cigarette and remarked, "I'm afraid your ex-boyfriend's investment is going down the drain."Jasmine leaned against David and asked, "Babe, why bring this up? When are we getting married and buying a house, babe?""No need to rush," David replied, exhaling smoke.David had become penniless, with only one company remaining under his possession.Jasmine pursed her lips, remaining silent. Eric would comply with all her demands out of fear of losing her due to his financial situation. However, David was different. Not only was he wealthy, but he also didn't spoil Jasmine. She had to make an effort to keep him happy, or else she risked losing her position.Furthermore, Jasmine sensed that David had gradually lost interest in her after his di
"That's great!" Eric exclaimed. "Considering our current strength, it's unlikely for us to secure the contract. However, participating in the bidding process with the two major conglomerates will help us establish our reputation. It looks like we'll be busy in the upcoming days, familiarizing ourselves with the specific needs of these companies."Andy nodded in agreement. "Since you're the expert in the technical aspects, it makes sense for you to be the one to communicate with the two major conglomerates."Eric didn't refuse. He knew he had more technical expertise than Andy. He was pleased that their company had encountered such a promising opportunity.After briefly visiting his father in the hospital, Eric went to the supermarket to buy groceries before returning to the Rosewood Estate. Soon, a variety of delicious dishes were served on the table.As Sylvia took her seat at the dining table, Eric turned to her and asked, "Today, we received an invitation from Williams Corp. to
Manager Schwarts was well-prepared, and he had clearly documented the current network status of Williams Corp. About half an hour later, Eric set down the documents he had been reviewing."The equipment is indeed quite outdated, lagging behind the latest technology by one or two generations. Has the company never replaced this equipment before?" Eric inquired.He had expected a large conglomerate like Williams Corp. to prioritize network security and other aspects, but the information he reviewed did not reflect that.Manager Schwarts smiled sheepishly and explained, "The company doesn't pay much attention to these aspects. Whenever a device breaks, we simply replace it. Nobody really bothers as long as the network keeps running."Upon hearing Manager Schwarts' words, Eric understood the situation. The lack of attention to these issues by Williams Corp. had led to the current state of its network."There should be a central data station, right? The corporation should still have a
Sylvia expressed her thoughts, "The company's starting date isn't important. What matters is the people and their capabilities. I believe you should consider hiring more staff to avoid being overwhelmed later on."Curious, Eric looked at Sylvia and asked, "What do you mean?"At their current stage, Innova Tech had sufficient staff to handle their workload unless they secured a project from one of the major conglomerates. However, Eric sensed that Sylvia had more to say."After inquiring around, I discovered that your company was the only one to conduct an on-site inspection when Williams Corp and Sonnex Corp. sent invitations to other companies. Attitude is crucial in business, and based on your attitude alone, you've already achieved half of the success," Sylvia remarked.Eric smiled and replied, "I hope so."Hiring more employees could be considered once they secured projects. Having worked in the tech industry for many years, Eric had built connections with peers who could prov
At Westman Technology.David received a notice from Sonnex Corp. stating that the bidding process would be a joint effort, with Westman Technology playing a supporting role. This didn't come as a surprise to David, as he was familiar with such unspoken rules. While he didn't expect to win the bid with Sonnex Corp., he had confidence in securing the project with Williams Corp.Just as David was lost in his thoughts, his phone suddenly rang, bringing a smile to his face."Come downstairs and join me in welcoming Brook Williams!" the caller exclaimed.David and Jasmine made their way downstairs, only to find that Brook had already arrived."You have something to discuss with me, asshole?" Brook asked, using his usual nickname for David.Jasmine struggled to contain her laughter upon hearing the nickname, knowing she'd face the consequences if she laughed.Maintaining a respectful expression, David replied, "Brook, I managed to get a bottle of fine wine yesterday. How about we go to
Westman Technology was just playing a supporting role in the bidding process. How priceless would David's reaction be when he realized Innova Tech had secured the projects?Brook finished his glass of wine, stood up, and said, "I'll represent you in this matter. You just need to attend the bidding when the time comes.""Wait, Brook!" David quickly stood up. "Let me arrange some entertainment for you tonight as a token of appreciation! I'll make sure you're satisfied!"Brook waved his hand. "It's not necessary. Just focus on the bidding process and do a good job."David saw Brook off, overflowing with joy."Westman Technology is on its way to becoming one of the top tech companies in Salt City!""Congratulations, babe!" Jasmine exclaimed.David glanced at Jasmine and bragged, "Your ex-boyfriend thought he could compete with me by starting his own company. Ha! He's no match!""That's right!" Jasmine responded, although her mind was elsewhere.Seeing David about to return to the
"I will return to our hometown to recuperate!" Blake said firmly.If he stayed here in Salt City to recuperate, it would only cause trouble for Eric and Elly. Moreover, the higher cost of living in Salt City was another factor to consider.Besides, Elly had very little say when it came to matters involving Craig. If Blake stayed there for some time, it would inevitably lead to conflicts between the couple.As for Eric, his company had just started, and he would undoubtedly be very busy.Hence, in Blake's opinion, returning to their hometown for rest and recuperation was undeniably the best choice.Expressing his thoughts proved challenging for Eric. He pursed his lips and said, "Dad, I have rented a house here in Salt City, and there are still two months left on the lease. You could stay there."Considering Sylvia's blunt statement to Eric on his first night there, that Eric's parents couldn't move into the Rosewood Estate, there was no need to even consider it.Eric would fulfi
Sylvia expressed doubt, but Eric reassured her, "I'm sure Big Bro's family is well-off, but our bond as sworn brothers transcends money. I don't expect him to give me anything or help me in any way. Just like our relationship, I could exploit it for personal gain, but I am not that kind of person. I could never stoop so low."He continued. "We just need to endure for another three years. You'll achieve your goal by then, and I'll receive what I deserve. It will be a happily-ever-after story."Eric generously said, cutting off any further objections from Sylvia, "Alright, take your time eating. When you're finished, just leave everything here. I'll clean up later." Before Sylvia could respond, Eric swiftly rose from his seat and retreated to his room.Seeing Eric close the door to his room, Sylvia suddenly felt an unexpected sense of unease. Had she made a grave mistake by extending her control over Williams Corp.? This rare moment of doubt shook her to the core.The next morning,
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