Coincidentally, it was Irvin who made the call instead. The phone rang for a while before Eric finally picked it up. "Hey, bro—"He stopped himself mid-greeting and went for a more formal approach. "Mr. Sonnex?""'Mr. Sonnex'? God, Eric, why address me that way? We're sworn brothers now, and this is definitely not how brothers address each other!"Eric laughed dryly as Irvin continued. "So, how was it? Quite the surprise, wasn't it? Ha!"Eric pouted. "Surprise? It was a shock! It could have given me a heart attack when Andy told me all about it!" he grumbled. "Why didn't you tell me you're the CEO of Sonnex Corp.?"This revelation made it difficult for Eric to treat Irvin like an ordinary friend. They were now two people occupying different positions in society. How was he supposed to call a magnate his "bro" without feeling awkward?Irvin, however, simply guffawed. "It's your fault for not asking!" he jocularly retorted. "Have you ever asked me who I am? What kind of work I do?
Sylvia's shadow stretched over the pavement, a solitary figure in the embrace of the night. Yet, her beauty remained untouched, and Eric found her back alluring.Eric parked the car and called out to her, but she didn't respond. He had to step out of the car and raise his voice before Sylvia finally glanced back, surprise shadowing her face. "You? I thought you were celebrating your victory with your colleagues."She had read his message and expected him to return much later in the night. Why wouldn't he? It wasn't every day their company secured two projects from the city's major players."I thought a celebratory dinner would suffice. They wanted to go to a club or karaoke, but I'm not fond of those places," Eric replied.That was his nature—direct and sometimes aloof. He had been declining such parties since he started working at Westman Technology."Do you want to go home or continue walking?" he asked, prepared to go home if she chose the latter.Unexpectedly, she replied, "A
Eric waved. "I consider myself lucky to have a strong heart. That revelation could have given me a heart attack! But that's not important right now. I remember you've been having trouble acquiring land owned by the Sonnex family, right? Well, I can help you with that. Maybe Irvin will actually agree."Sylvia had been considering this idea for a while, but hearing Eric say it so plainly made it even more enticing. If she could obtain more land, she could resolve most of the issues plaguing Williams Corp.However, she resisted the urge to let her desire spill into her words. "Don't jeopardize your friendship for my sake. It might strain your relationship with Irvin too soon."You come from a humble background, Eric. If you rely solely on your own strength, climbing up the social ladder could be difficult. You're more likely to fail and crash."But with Irvin's help, you can go far. The fact that he sees you as a worthy brother means he values your character. I believe he'll gradually
"Goddamnit!" David trembled with rage, his anger boiling over. "It's all because of your ex-boyfriend!"Jasmine looked puzzled, her confusion evident. Why did he bring up Eric?David lit a cigarette and grumbled, "I can't believe it! Those two bastards managed to secure two big projects shortly after establishing their company! The projects are worth tens of millions!"Jasmine was shocked. She had heard from David about Eric starting his own company, but to land two projects worth tens of millions so quickly? And now Eric had become a prominent figure in the industry?Jasmine's emotions fluctuated rapidly. She had approached David for financial reasons, but now it seemed that Eric had become wealthier than David. Regret filled Jasmine's heart. She had betrayed Eric because of his financial status, yet he turned out to be more obedient than David.Unaware of Jasmine's inner turmoil, David erupted in anger. "I don't understand! How did a newly established company manage to secure su
Eric brushed off the familiar figure lingering in his mind, hoping he had mistaken it. He turned around and smiled, questioning, "I thought I saw someone I knew, but perhaps I was mistaken?"Irvin raised an eyebrow. "Oh? I didn't expect you to have an acquaintance working in our Sonnex Corp., Eric. Do tell me who it is, so I can handle the situation."Eric offered a wry smile, feeling uncomfortable with Irvin's enthusiasm. He chose not to reveal the identity of the acquaintance. After all, if Craig was truly having an affair, Eric did not need to intervene.Once inside the building, Irvin instructed the receptionist to remember Eric's face. He wanted Eric to have unrestricted access to Sonnex Corp. without any registration or notification. Eric's face alone served as his access pass.Upon reaching his office, Irvin summoned his secretary to bring them tea.As Eric took a sip, he said, "Big Bro, you nearly gave me a heart attack yesterday."Irvin burst into laughter. "Your toleran
Eric entered the parking lot, about to get into his car, when Craig and the woman approached him."Eric," Craig called out, his curiosity evident.Craig viewed Eric as a low-level worker, struggling financially each month. He couldn't understand why Eric was at Sonnex Corp. After all, everyone working there was considered elite.Eric glanced at the woman standing with Craig. She was dressed stylishly and seemed well-off. He had seen them holding hands earlier, and now their presence confirmed it.Regaining his composure, Eric explained, "Mr. Sonnex asked me to retrieve the contract for some modifications."Eric's statement was truthful, but Craig couldn't help but laugh."Eric, what did you just say?" Craig chuckled. "I hope I didn't mishear. You claim that CEO Sonnex personally gave you the contract? Do you even know who the CEO of Sonnex Corp. is? Do you think it's so easy to meet him?"Craig's words were laced with mockery. He wondered why Eric would lie about such a matter.
Craig didn't consider Eric a threat. Even if Eric found out about his affair, what could he possibly do?On his way back to the company, Eric felt unease in his heart. He had been skeptical when Elly first mentioned the possibility of Craig having an affair. However, now he had seen it with his own eyes. Though he didn't catch them in the act, the interaction between Craig and the other woman was unmistakable, resembling that of a couple.When Eric arrived at Innova Tech, the recruitment process had already concluded. Over 30 candidates had shown up for the interview, but only 10 were hired. As their team grew, Andy realized that the office they rented was becoming too small for their needs. The rapid growth of Innova Tech had taken him by surprise.After work, Eric went to Elly's house after messaging Sylvia. He knew Craig wouldn't be home early. In fact, he had been absent for a few days. Little did Craig know that Mr. and Mrs. Johnson had already moved into his house.Eric found
Eric was taken aback by Irvin's swift actions. When he arrived at Irvin's office, he noticed two files on the desk.Irvin picked them up and approached Eric. "I issued the order yesterday. These are the investigation results. Your brother-in-law, Craig, is a mid-level manager in our company, earning an annual salary of approximately $75,000. The woman seen with him yesterday was Jocelyn Pearce.""Another person from the Pearce family!" Eric couldn't help but blurt out, leaving Irvin puzzled.Irvin raised an eyebrow. "Is there an issue with the Pearce family?"Eric shook his head. "It's not that everyone from the Pearce family has a problem, just certain individuals. My ex-girlfriend had an affair with my ex-boss. We broke up just a month ago. Her last name is Pearce."Sympathy filled Irvin's eyes as he looked at Eric. "I didn't realize you had such a history. No wonder you decided to start your own company."Eric couldn't fully express his grievances, but it seemed that Irvin had
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