Eric and Sylvia visited several jewelry stores, but they couldn't find anything suitable."What are you searching for?" Sylvia asked, curious about Eric's intentions.Eric replied, "I wanted to get you a necklace, but I haven't found the perfect one."Sylvia smiled and revealed the bracelet on her wrist. "Your mom gave me this one, and I'm not fond of wearing necklaces. They feel constricting, and I prefer bracelets."Noticing the bracelet, Eric paused, unsure when Grace had given it to Sylvia.-In the afternoon, after shopping for toys, they headed to Elly's nail salon.Elly was closing the store to pick up her sons. Upon seeing Eric and Sylvia, she decided to keep the store open."Could you watch the store? I'll go get the boys," Elly said before leaving in a hurry.The items on the shelves had prices, and discounts were common. Eric and Sylvia weren't worried about it.Shortly after Elly left, Andy finished work and arrived at the nail salon.Craig suddenly appeared. Bef
Upon seeing the police arrive, Craig hurried over and exclaimed, "I've been assaulted! I demand a medical examination for my injuries and compensation from them!"He had planned this meticulously. He aimed to get one person to pay him 3,000 dollars, which would suffice. With three people involved, that would total 9,000 dollars, more than his current yearly income.One of the police officers, Ryan Popper, glanced at him and remarked, "You again? Last time, you were assaulted at this store, too, right?"Craig grinned at this.Just then, Eric and his group emerged.Craig got agitated, pointed at them, and shouted, "They're the ones who attacked me! Arrest them!"Officer Popper didn't pay much attention, merely glancing at Eric's group and asking, "Why did you attack him?""He deserved it!" Andy said. He clenched his fists, still angry.Sylvia spoke up. "This is my sister-in-law's store, and he is her ex-husband. My sister doesn't allow him inside, but he insisted on entering. We
Elly said, "In the future, just ignore him when he comes. No matter how he wastes his money, don't let him extort it from us.""I just couldn't bear it!" Andy said, "He can insult anyone, but not you."Elly was momentarily taken aback and couldn't blame Andy.After closing the store, the group returned to the second floor. Elly was preparing dinner, and Sylvia received a call from the hospital. It turned out that Craig's injuries were not serious. Brook's men paid for the examination and medication and gave Craig 200 dollars as compensation. This time, Craig didn't get much from his extortion attempt.Andy frowned. "So much money?" He clenched his fists and said, "We shouldn't give him a single cent!"Eric said, "Just stay away from him in the future."In retrospect, Eric sighed deeply. He had once lived with Elly for some time after graduating. Back then, Eric had been incredibly envious of Craig's monthly income. Even though he had worked for seven or eight years, his monthly
Valerie had developed some positive feelings for Eric. Even though his face bore scars and might not be conventionally attractive, it was not just looks that drew women in. After all, who could resist a wealthy man?While Eric might not be a millionaire, his displayed abilities were more than enough to attract women.Up to this point, Valerie hadn't met Sylvia. Knowing that Brook was Sylvia's brother, she felt a bit awkward, and Brook also felt uneasy. He hadn't expected Roland's daughter to take an interest in Eric. Was Eric really that appealing?After a while of chatting, Brook and Tiger left.Once they were outside, Tiger said, "Don't take it personally, Mr. Williams. Women often admire heroes."Brook smiled. "It's her choice, and I can't stop her from liking my brother-in-law, can I?"Tiger nodded. He knew the Williams family held Eric in high regard and wouldn't let anyone take him away. He hoped Brook wouldn't feel the need to confront Roland and his daughter.They bid ea
Irvin nodded and asked, "Where is this young lady from?"Eric replied, "She is from Dortmund City. Her name is Valerie, and her father is prominent in Dortmund City's underworld scene. When I visited Dortmund City to deal with the Pettersons last year, her father, Roland Draco, provided valuable assistance. He's a good person, and she's also quite attractive."After his explanation, he glanced at Irvin. His main concern was Roland's background—he feared Irvin might look down on someone associated with the underworld.While Brook was also linked to the underworld, there were significant distinctions. Ultimately, Brook was still the second heir of the Williams family, which defined his fundamental identity.Irvin said, "That's fine. Whether she's associated with the underworld or not doesn't trouble me. People like them tend to be loyal. Keith, find some time to meet her with your Uncle Eric and Aunt Sylvia."Keith scratched his head and hesitated. "Dad... I'm really busy."Keith w
In the afternoon, the three of them left Roland's place.Keith asked, "Uncle Eric, where's Valerie's mother? Why did only she and her dad come?"When Eric and Sylvia heard that, they chuckled. This fellow had initially used work as an excuse, and now he was concerned about someone else's family?Eric smiled and replied, "According to Mr. Draco, Valerie's mother passed away early, and he raised Valerie on his own. He also happened to become the top figure in Dortmund City's underworld scene. It hasn't been easy for him!"So, are you into Valerie?"Keith smirked but didn't say anything, essentially confirming it.-They ate dinner at the Sonnex family. Irvin felt that Keith had taken a liking to Valerie, so he drank a few more cups of wine and reminded Keith to take the initiative. Just like advancing projects in the Sonnex Corp., he should also advance his relationship with Valerie.Eric was pleased with Keith's feelings for Valerie. If the two of them ended up together, it woul
Grace excitedly urged Veronica to check if she looked beautiful.After dining at the Montgomery residence, Eric and Sylvia returned to their place. Eric contemplated staying in King City for a few days to attend to any real patients seeking medical assistance.Among the elegant business cards, there were also some simple notes with phone numbers. They understood that Eric might not check those notes, but it was their last hope. After all, having hope in life was better than having none.Eric knew that if someone sought medical help, it would certainly be a complex and challenging case, possibly one he hadn't encountered before.Ordinary illnesses would have sent patients to the hospital long ago instead of waiting for him.In fact, even though the renowned holistic physicians in King City rarely handled routine medical cases, they had various sources of income. Apart from treating wealthy families, some of them were involved in business ventures.Getting them to treat common illn
Eric sighed as he laid eyes on Jessica once more. He couldn't help but wonder if she had nothing better to do with her time. Yet, he refrained from questioning her, his thoughts drifting to Seraphine and Misty. Both were born into wealthy families and seemed to spend their days idly."Huh?" Jessica asked when she spotted Sylvia, "Why are both of you here today?"Eric was dumbfounded. "We're married. Why can't we both be here? This is our home, and we don't have to inform you about our plans, right?"Jessica merely chuckled, sensing that Eric was keeping something from Sylvia.However, Sylvia was more perceptive and asked, "Ms. Watson, has Eric ever come to King City by himself?""Yes," Jessica replied. "I saw him here alone last time. He even mentioned you were in Salt City handling other matters."Just to make her point, she added, "If you doubt it, you can ask your housekeeper."Felicia approached and added, "I remember it was the 14th. It struck me as odd when Mr. Johnson sho
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