Eric found Mason's proposal intriguing but lacked the time to commit to it."I understand," Mason acknowledged. "There's always a trade-off. Your parents are in Salt City, and your company has your wife looking after it. It shouldn't be a big problem."If you agree, I can apply to build the base near Salt City. You can spend one or two hours a day guiding them. They are smart and skilled individuals, so it won't require much of your time."To Eric, it appeared the military had chosen a group of talented individuals facing challenges in their martial arts training. If it were just providing guidance, Eric could spare the time.However, he couldn't guarantee how much time the military would demand, so he asked, "Can I discuss this with my family first?""Of course," Mason agreed, handing Eric a name card. "Whether you agree or not, give me a call.""Okay," Eric replied.-After Mason's departure, Eric sought out Sylvia in the CEO's office.Seeing Eric early, Sylvia asked, "What'
Mason reassured Eric, "They might act disrespectfully when they see you, but don't worry. Just beat them up as hard as you can. Otherwise, they might not respect you."This revelation stunned Eric—he hadn't anticipated the multitude of responsibilities that came with being an instructor.-A little over an hour later, Mason guided Eric to a heavily guarded location. The armed guards at the entrance set a solemn tone. This military region, known for its substantial troop presence, wasn't an uncommon sight around larger cities.Eric entered smoothly with Mason and found himself on a parade ground. Fifty-eight people stood in formation, facing an officer.After stepping out of the car, Mason jogged over, saluted, and exclaimed, "Colonel Buckner! I've brought Mr. Johnson here!""Good job!" the officer thundered. "It's time to show these bunch of brats some color!"It appeared that Colonel Luke Buckner had witnessed Eric in action before.Eric approached and earned an approving nod
Soon, a group of individuals stepped forward, proclaiming, "We won't gang up on you! Let's settle this with one-on-one combat. Choose someone!"Despite their internal rivalries, they united when confronted with an external challenge.Eric pointed at a person and declared, "You, then!"The chosen individual stepped forward, flexing his fists and sneering. "Instructor Johnson, if I injure you, I won't cover your medical expenses!"Squinting, Eric observed the person before him. The individual emitted a familiar aura reminiscent of the three grandmasters at the Hampton residence. This aura suggested he had taken someone else's life before and had extensive combat experience.However, Eric didn't find him intimidating. Despite his rich combat experience, he was just a grandmaster. According to Urias, a grandmaster could never defeat him.With that thought in mind, Eric shook his head and said, "Don't worry. You don't need to cover expenses."As soon as he spoke, the person kicked th
Each soldier here was the best in their own divisions, hailed as the strongest. Little did they expect that Eric could easily outmatch them. Despite none of them sustaining injuries, it was apparent that Eric possessed greater strength.Luke turned to Mason in satisfaction and asked, "Mason, can you read his moves?"Mason shook his head and replied, "Sir, honestly, I can't read his moves.""Well, it's normal that you can't," Luke explained. "He has integrated all his techniques together. If my subordinates were all like him, those arrogant folks in the Combat Department wouldn't dare to raise their heads before me.""That day will certainly come, sir!" Mason declared.The rest retreated into formation after Eric defeated the two opponents with just two moves. Luke and Mason approached."I understand your aspirations to join the Combat Department, but each of you is exceptionally talented. You don't need to associate with that group of arrogant individuals to showcase your abili
"This is a good thing!" Henry exclaimed.Even though the Williams were a powerful family in King City, they lacked significant support. They could handle problems on their own, but if things got out of hand, they might struggle. In essence, their ability to manage risks was weak without a strong background.However, the issue had been resolved. Eric, Sylvia's husband, was there, and Henry was confident that he would assist them in times of trouble.Brook took a sip of wine and exclaimed, "Eric, from now on, no one will dare to mess with you! Even kingpins will have to bow down when they see you!"Misty lightly tapped on his shoulder, signaling him to stop talking.Nevertheless, Brook's statement held true. Eric had established a strong reputation in the underworld, earning respect from Matteo in King City and Tiger in Salt City.Sylvester chimed in. "Brook is right. Eric has achieved the most among us.""Of course." Seraphine added, "He's Aunt Grace's son. He's destined for grea
Eric wasn't boasting. Understanding the essence of martial arts instilled the confidence to guide grandmasters in the field.Upon hearing these words, the woman asked, "Are you Eric?""Yes, I am," Eric replied. "Come on, you go first. Demonstrate a set for me."Time was tight. Guiding 58 people would take six days, even if he spent one day with ten individuals. Eric aimed to avoid wasting time on trivial matters.Eric ignored her and focused on the task at hand, causing Luke to restrain his laughter. Mason's nod signaled that the Combat Department's tactic, using a beauty, was ineffective against Eric.Observing Eric's indifference, Ruth grew somewhat angry. Although she was not overly concerned about her own beauty, she was confident that few men could resist glancing at her. Eric's complete disregard outraged her."Hey!" she shouted. "I'm talking to you! It's rude not to look at someone when they're speaking, you know?"With the first person in position, Eric said, "Give me a
Ruth exclaimed as she kicked Eric back, "You've got something going on!"Women, especially those from the Combat Department like Ruth, were always a proud species. Eric's ability to withstand her kick without injury surprised her. It seemed that those recognized by the Combat Department were not weaklings.Eric shook his hand, thankful that he had mastered the Basic Breath Regulation Method, allowing him to mobilize his inner energy at any time. Ruth's kick could have easily broken his hand otherwise.He cast a sidelong glance at Ruth and said, "Step aside. I won't fight a woman.""I'm not just a woman." Ruth sneered and launched an attack on Eric.Those who taunted her would usually meet a miserable end. She instantly closed in on Eric. The others watched intently. Ruth held a high position in the Combat Department, and anyone from there held a lofty status. When necessary, they could easily mobilize local military forces. Ruth's status was even more esteemed—rumors suggested
A loud pop startled everyone, and even Luke couldn't help but shiver.Had Eric just dislocated Ruth's arm? It was terrifying!Eric stepped back as Ruth held onto her dislocated arm."Are you going to keep fighting?" Eric glanced at Ruth. This kind of injury wasn't significant for him—he had disabled her fighting ability. But Ruth was furious.Seeing Ruth remain silent, Eric turned to a nearby soldier, saying, "You, show me your moves."The soldier shivered, considering what Eric had done to Ruth. He began to demonstrate, and Eric watched closely, searching for weaknesses in their techniques as a way to improve."Asshole!" Ruth cursed, but Eric ignored her.Arguing with this woman was too tiring."Eric Johnson!" Ruth shouted, "The Combat Department asked me to bring you to them. Name your terms! As long as it's within the Combat Department's capabilities, they'll satisfy you!"Despite Ruth's tempting offer, Eric remained calm. "Sorry, I'm not interested in the Combat Department
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