"If Kenneth has been exposed, things will get more complicated." Javier's face darkened as he asked, "You showed up in front of him?"He thought Kenneth, as the eldest son of the Pettersons, should have known better—when to act and when not to.Chase shook his head and explained, "Mr. Hernandez, it was only me who went. I had an encounter with Eric, but Mr. Petterson didn't go, and they didn't see him."Javier frowned and asked, "Then how—"Chase interrupted, "We don't know for sure. It's hard not to be noticed with advanced surveillance technology everywhere nowadays."Javier was at a loss for words. He sighed and said, "For the time being, don't go back to Salt City. You should all stay at the villa and not roam around. We'll make arrangements once the situation calms down."This unexpected situation disrupted Javier's plans. He hadn't anticipated that Kenneth's visit to Salt City would almost expose him. Under Eric's vigilant watch, Kenneth's chances of success were nearly imp
Eric always brought Sylvia with him to work. The Innova Group was continuously expanding. After changing its name to the Innova Group, the company also relocated its offices. At this point, all the key figures at the Innova Group knew that Sylvia would eventually join the group.On the other hand, Andy was growing impatient."Eric, when will you let Sylvia take over to free me up?" he asked, rubbing his hands together.Sylvia had excellent suggestions, but Andy found it challenging to implement them. Although he could hire someone for the work, Andy didn't fully trust outsiders. After all, family was different from outsiders. In his eyes, he already considered himself part of Eric's family due to his relationship with Elly."Why are you in such a hurry? Sylvia hasn't had enough rest yet," Eric replied.Andy looked frustrated upon hearing that. "Eric, Sylvia, don't you want to see me happy? The house is almost renovated. Now I need a wife!"He chuckled and added, "I secretly added
Henry suddenly realized that Alexander and Grace, who had come that day, were his in-laws. One was already an in-law, and the other was soon to be. This was indeed a fortunate turn of events.Amelia said, "Victoria, Grace, since you're here in Salt City, why not extend your stay and enjoy your time?"Alexander chuckled. "Our girl doesn't want to leave Salt City. If she's not eager to return, we'll have to spend more time here."It was a common belief that a married woman would leave her family to join her husband's. Alexander understood this principle and wanted both families to handle this matter together. He was quite pleased with Sylvester and the others.Aside from Grace, Alexander and Victoria were visiting Salt City for the first time. They engaged in conversation with Henry while Sylvia consulted Grace about the Innova Group. With the change in leadership on the agenda, it was time to start implementing it.Listening to Sylvia's thoughts, Grace nodded and said, "Very good.
Eric had to step into the role of Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a specific focus on technological advancements in related areas. Andy's workload had significantly reduced as the Chief Operating Officer (COO), evident in his more relaxed demeanor.Once all matters were resolved, Sylvia went into overdrive. She and her accompanying assistant worked overtime to chart the Innova Group's future and its path to rapid growth.Regardless of how late it got, Eric patiently waited for Sylvia to finish work before heading home together. Sylvia's leadership had injected new vitality into the Innova Group.-At King City.The Innova Group had become a renowned company with its products entering the market to positive reviews. Even three international giants had purchased the Innova Group equipment for in-depth research.The change in the Innova Group's leadership didn't go unnoticed, reaching the Hernandez family's ears. For Sylvia, this was her debut in the public eye.Javier remarke
A few days later, Kenneth felt fully prepared and visited the Montgomerys to find Grace.However, Grace and the others had just returned from Salt City after spending a lot of time there. Although the wedding date for Seraphine and Sylvester was not confirmed yet, they had strengthened the bond between the two families.When Kenneth showed up, he looked exactly like Eric, with no noticeable differences. Even his behavior and mannerisms were strikingly similar to Eric's.Unfortunately, Grace and Alexander couldn't be fooled. They had returned from Salt City just a few days ago and knew that the Innova Group was very busy, about to launch their new products.This wasn't the right time for Eric to visit. Besides, there was Sylvia. Every time Eric came to the Montgomerys, Sylvia would accompany him. Even though Kenneth looked just like Eric, Grace noticed too many differences.Impersonating someone in this era was no easy task. Nonetheless, Grace pretended not to see through the decep
Alexander said, "Considering his actions, Javier has most likely orchestrated this. What could his ultimate goal be?"Alexander couldn't fathom why Javier would do this. What could be gained from having someone impersonate Eric? Was it solely to halt the business war between the Montgomerys and the Hernandezes?In his view, there were several ways to end the business war without resorting to such a foolish plan if that was indeed Javier's sole purpose.Grace pondered and then suggested, "Alex, what if Javier's intention is for that person to completely replace Eric?"Alexander's expression changed. It wasn't entirely out of the realm of possibility. He could only conclude that Javier was taking extreme measures."If that's the case... Isn't Eric in danger?" Alexander expressed his concern.After all, it was clear that Eric would likely have to be eliminated for someone to take his place.Grace nodded. "I've already considered that, so I've sent Vince and Matthew back to Salt Cit
The Bikmans were not wealthy. They lived in a newly built two-story house in the village, which was considered better than most local homes.Andy hailed from a rural background and maintained a simple and humble demeanor. His parents were aware of Andy's visit and had been busy preparing lunch since early morning.Around 10:00 a.m., an Audi A6 and a Mercedes-Benz parked in front of the Bikmans' yard, attracting the attention of many villagers.Typically, the villagers would discuss Andy's success, mentioning that he had made a name for himself by owning a big company in the provincial city."Dad, Mom." Andy assisted Elly with the luggage.Eric and Sylvia had also brought numerous gifts for them.Colin Bikman and Lily Turner hurried over to help. "You're here now. Why did you buy so much? No need for extravagance! We can't spend money recklessly!"The elderly couple was careful with their finances.Eric and Sylvia politely greeted them and entered their house.Colin brewed tea
Elly sighed and glanced at Andy. The elderly couple's reactions, especially Lily's words, matched Elly's expectations.Andy had anticipated this as well. "Dad, Mom, times have changed, and who we marry doesn't matter that much. Besides, Elly is pretty good."Let's not even consider other factors. She can significantly help in my career. Moreover, there's something I've been hesitant to tell you. In fact, I've been married and divorced."Lily and Colin were both taken aback."When did this happen? Why haven't we heard about it until now?" Colin asked.Andy sighed. "This happened before we founded our company. I had planned to introduce her to you, but she thought I was too poor. We got married, but the marriage didn't last long because I couldn't earn much."He adapted Eric's story and made it his own, putting in a lot of effort to persuade his parents. Colin took another sip of wine and remained silent. Lily, however, had teary eyes and appeared somber. During the latter part o
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