Javier found himself sentenced with undeniable evidence, unable to escape the clutches of justice, especially under the pressure exerted by the Combat Department.Even if he contemplated fleeing, it would be impossible. The Combat Department had orchestrated this to gain favor with Eric.The news surrounding Javier's sentencing was presented in a simple manner, stating that a person named Javier had received a life sentence.Ultimately, justice prevailed, and the head of the Hernandezes faced the legal consequences. Despite Javier's potential for good behavior in prison and the chance for parole, the Combat Department's watchful eye rendered the probability close to zero.At the same time, Kenneth met a similar fate, sentenced to life imprisonment, solidifying the demise of the Pettersons in Dortmund City.Eric found satisfaction in the outcome, considering it revenge for his mentor and Felicia. With Astrid deceased and Javier and Kenneth incarcerated, the score was settled.In t
Cash was unique—its purchasing power would only gradually depreciate with inflation, and this process unfolded slowly.Eric sighed and remarked, "The Hernandezes are incredibly wealthy, yet they don't seem to make any wealthy lists."Not only the Hernandezes but also influential families like the McClains and the Watsons—Eric hadn't seen either of them on such lists. Given the substantial assets of these families, they should undoubtedly qualify.Sylvia smiled and added, "The billionaires on the list are undoubtedly wealthy, but many invisible billionaires never make the cut."The so-called list might just be a goal for ordinary people to aspire to."These words held insight. Numerous wealthy individuals surpassed those on the list but disdained the recognition. The list was entirely meaningless for families like the McClains and the Watsons. They could even control those who made it if they desired.Despite Eric's sudden wealth, he remained indifferent. At this level, money migh
Life had temporarily returned to calm, with the focus now squarely on the Innova Group. The international chip manufacturers cutting off the chip supply to the Innova Group marked the initial step in their attack against the company, indicating their awareness of the Innova Group's threat.In the tech industry, the domestic market had greatly lagged behind, making the sudden rise of a company like the Innova Group unacceptable.The Innova Group had provided explanations regarding its overseas market layout, characterizing it as ordinary business arrangements and nothing more.Since her return from King City, Sylvia had been immersed in the company's affairs and was beginning to feel the strain.-At the Rosewood Estate.Sylvia reclined on the sofa, massaging her forehead. "What's all this talk about technology without borders? It's all nonsense."Taking on the role of the Innova Group's CEO had provided Sylvia with new experiences.Eric could tell she was exhausted, so he broug
In light of this, the Innova Group had established its after-sales service department. Within the original team, many had ascended to management positions, enjoying elevated salaries. Ambition wasn't their primary drive—rather, they sought compensation equivalent to their skills, reflecting their true value.At the same time, Innova Tech undertook installing and debugging the Innova Group's equipment. While the marketing department spearheaded exploration into overseas markets, both Innova Tech and the after-sales department played equally vital roles. Maintaining the existing structure would facilitate the Innova Group's expansion into overseas markets.Sylvia found herself occupied to the point where morning affections with Eric took a backseat. Her determination was fixed on making the Innova Group a powerhouse, challenging the monopoly of the top three international giants.Entrepreneurship was arduous, but sustaining success proved even more challenging.Undeniably, the Inno
After a brief moment of reflection, Sylvia suggested, "Respond to them and confirm the location. Instruct them to arrive promptly after work in the afternoon."With the venue settled, the Innova Group naturally opted for a high-end and classy setting.As it was time to leave work, Eric asked, "Are you certain you don't want either Andy or me to accompany you?"Sylvia smiled. "I can handle my liquor. Besides, it's just a few people from the local government. Also, I feel that having you accompany them would be giving them too much respect."Eric understood her perspective and wondered if Sylvia had dealt with them before.-After escorting Sylvia and her assistant downstairs, Eric waited in the car.Several stout and smiling men were already seated in the private room."Ms. Williams, Ms. Harper, please take a seat!"They stood up, projecting a host-like demeanor despite the location being chosen by the Innova Group. The dishes were exquisite, and the wine was top-notch.As Syl
Sylvia remained silent, steadily downing the ten glasses. However, after a moment, dizziness set in. Typically, these ten glasses would be a breeze for her, but she drank too hastily today. Her inherent beauty was already striking, and now, her rosy cheeks added an extra allure."Mr. House, I've had ten glasses of wine. Shouldn't you fulfill your promise now?" she asked.Frankie smiled faintly, gesturing to two companions who accompanied him."You've indeed finished my ten glasses, but you haven't finished theirs yet!" he pointed out.Sylvia's expression changed.Even Mell couldn't bear it and remarked, "Mr. House, this is a bit much. Why didn't you clarify before drinking?"Frankie shrugged. "You didn't ask..."Mell was annoyed.Frankie continued pouring the wine, saying, "Ms. Williams, you've had ten glasses. What's wrong with another ten? Considering the Innova Group's current revenue, these drinks could bring in more money. Doesn't Ms. Williams want that?""Mr. House, take
Leaving the restaurant, Mell assisted Sylvia into the passenger seat, and a strong smell of alcohol hit Eric's nose."How much did you drink? Is everything settled?" Eric asked.In his opinion, there was no reason not to settle things after drinking so much. Otherwise, why drink so much in the first place?Shaking her head, Sylvia mumbled, "Eric... I messed up."Confused, Eric looked at Mell sitting in the back.Mell explained the situation.After listening, Eric just smiled faintly. "You didn't mess up anything. It's just a minor issue."-Eric dropped off Mell at her home and then returned to the Rosewood Estate, carrying Sylvia into the room. Although she claimed to have messed up, Sylvia slept soundly without a care in the world.The next morning, she woke up feeling a bit dizzy.She vaguely remembered Mell helping her into the car the night before. Seeing the familiar surroundings, she sighed in relief but noticed the absence of Eric by her side.As she got up, Eric ent
When they reached Eric's office, news of the issue had already spread throughout the company.Andy and Eric set out to find Sylvia, both puzzled by the sudden appearance of tax authorities and the suggestion of suspending operations."There shouldn't be any problems with our finances!" Andy exclaimed. "Even if there are minor issues, it shouldn't lead to a suspension. What's going on? Is someone retaliating against us?"Eric replied, "It's a long story. But no matter what, we can't afford a suspension. Andy, let's check the finance department first. Sylvia, you wait here with Mell."They hurried to the finance department, where the manager was sweating with anxiety."Mr. Hall, what's going on?" Andy asked.The manager wiped his forehead and replied, "I don't know either. They're still investigating, but they mentioned the possibility of suspending operations!"Feeling outraged, Andy pressed on, "It's been almost a day since you started investigating. If you want us to suspend op
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