The atmosphere grew tense.Eric now had more reason to believe that Ruth prioritized looks over intelligence. Pierce clearly sought an excuse to leave, but Ruth thwarted his plan.Luke chuckled. "Pierce, if you're busy, feel free to go back. Official matters take precedence."Luke also worried that Pierce might try to recruit Eric, and leaving him behind could cause more trouble."Indeed, I'm quite busy." Pierce nodded. "I'll return to King City then.""I'll escort you," Luke offered.After leaving the military area, Luke asked, "Pierce, tell me honestly, what is Eric's level?"From Luke's perspective, Eric and Pierce seemed evenly matched during their recent spar.Pierce recalled the battle, "He's very strong, and it seems he hasn't fully unleashed his power yet. I did indeed use my full strength.""Are you saying he has reached the legendary level?" Luke was shocked.Pierce quickly shook his head. "I didn't sense the aura of a legend in him, but he does have legendary-level
Eric never liked taking credit and only did what he could to help. Luke smiled. "You don't need to underestimate yourself. I'd like to ask you again, are you interested in joining the Combat Department?"Eric was about to reply, but Luke interrupted him."Mr. Johnson, don't be in a hurry to respond. Let me finish. The Combat Department is the highest sanctuary that military martial arts practitioners aspire to enter. Once you join, you represent us."The Combat Department handles issues beyond our capacity. Simply put, being part of it grants you supreme authority and even the power to make decisions before reporting."Eric's expression changed slightly. The authority to make decisions before reporting was indeed extraordinary. However, he remembered Urias' words about insatiable human greed and the world full of temptations.Eric knew that agreeing would lead him into an endless pit of desire. Who wouldn't want supreme authority?At that point, Eric could even use his private
The Combat Department possessed more detailed information about Eric.However, as Pierce delved into Eric's background, he grew increasingly puzzled. The available information suggested that Eric lacked a martial arts mentor, except for the late Orion, a holistic physician. This left Pierce questioning the source of Eric's formidable martial skills.In response to these doubts, the Combat Department's personnel visited the Celestial Sage Sanctum, but the answers they received were unexceptional. They attributed Eric's abilities to extraordinary natural talent.Eric was unaware of the Combat Department's discreet investigations and didn't care.After all, who would be concerned about something they had no interest in? Eric desired a simple and ordinary life.-Meanwhile, at the Innova Group.The company began training new employees, marking a mutually beneficial arrangement for Salt City University and the Innova Group. The university provided potential talented individuals to th
People who suddenly attained power were often a bit conceited, and Jacob was clearly one of themUpon learning that Andy had successfully founded a company, he almost failed several college courses and barely graduated. Finding a decent job wasn't too challenging for him, it seemed.However, Jacob's arrogance reached new heights upon joining the Innova Group. He attempted to get close to the attractive ladies in the company, even expressing a desire to barge into the CEO's office after hearing about her supposed beauty.Sylvia's assistant couldn't prevent him.Sylvia was on a call with Izzie when he burst in.Seeing Jacob, she told Izzie on the phone, "Hold on for a moment."She covered the phone speaker and turned her gaze toward Jacob."Do you have any business here?" Her tone was icy, and even her glance at the assistant held a touch of reproach. She didn't know Jacob, and even if it were Eric and Andy visiting, they'd have to knock or have her assistant announce their presen
"That's outrageous!" exclaimed Sylvia's assistant, grabbing the paper from the desk, crumpling it into a ball, and tossing it into the nearby trash bin."Ms. Williams, even if he were Mr. Bikman's son, he should behave himself. Besides, he's just his little brother! He shouldn't act like the Innova Group belongs to him!"Sylvia chuckled and reassured, "It's just a small matter. Don't worry about him."Jacob meant nothing to her after witnessing the events involving the Hamptons and Dorseys in Volpolis. Moreover, as Andy's sibling, it was only right to let Andy manage his own brother.Sylvia's assistant was indignant but also acknowledged that since Sylvia got married, she had changed entirely, even improving her temper.-At the end of the afternoon, Eric and Sylvia left work on time. Generally, the Innova employees rarely needed to work overtime.Despite being a technology company, Sylvia believed that tasks requiring more than eight hours couldn't be done well with an addition
The stark contrast between Andyi's successful career and his almost failed relationship due to his parents provided a vivid comparison. This influenced Andyi's decision to allow Jacob into the company.-After dinner at Elly's house, Eric and Sylvia returned to the Rosewood Estate.Meanwhile, Andy headed to a street-side bar where Jacob was already seated in a private booth.Andy was still angry with Jacob and refrained from drinking the glass Jacob poured for him.Jacob chuckled. "Andy! I'm your brother! You were just joking this afternoon, right?"Andy replied sternly, "Joking? Do you think I would joke about something like this with you?"Seeing Andy's expression, Jacob frowned—he was truly fired."Are you serious, Andy?" Jacob asked, "I've only been in the company for a few days, and you're firing me? I've already told my coursemates that I joined the Innova Group. If I go to work somewhere else now, they'll all think I was bragging and lying to them. You can't make me lose
The following day, Andy found numerous missed call notifications when he turned on his phone. Some were from his mother, and some from his father. Andy chose not to respond, anticipating what his parents would say.Andy arrived at the company after dropping off Elly's kids at school.Jacob hesitated to enter the building and waited outside. Spotting Andy approaching, he quickly greeted him, "Andy! Why aren't you answering Mom and Dad's calls?!"He had been furious all night. His coursemates would undoubtedly mock him if they discovered he got fired from the Innova Group.Andy glanced at him. "Do you think you can pressure me through Mom and Dad? You're mistaken. As I mentioned, do as you please!"Given Jacob's actions, Andy wouldn't let him create more chaos in the company. If Jacob had the capability and followed the company's rules, Andy wouldn't dismiss him.Seeing Andy ignoring him, Jacob grew anxious and called their parents again.-As soon as Andy entered his office, his
This industry demanded substantial investments in R&D, with labor costs being notably high. The Innova Group diligently managed expenses to uphold the competitiveness of its products. It wasn't just about quality and technology—they also aimed to sustain a competitive advantage in costs and prices for long-term survival.While the Innova Group had the option to easily raise funds, the Salt City authorities proposed taking the company public. Given the Innova Group's technological reserves and market size, going public could result in a conglomerate worth billions. Although individual shares, like Eric's, might be diluted, the financial gain would still be significant.Funds were not a pressing issue for the Innova Group, as companies like theirs often received support from larger entities. The Williams, Sonnexes, and Montgomerys were the Innova Group's backers.Sylvia favored industrial ventures over finance, whereas Eric and Andy leaned toward using technology as the backbone of th
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