They were unaware of how Frankie was released despite having all the evidence against him. If even someone like Frankie could be released, then what about those people in prison? Did they really have committed crimes, or were they just someone else's scapegoat?"Strange, isn't it?" Ruth asked, prompting nods from Eric and Sylvia.Frankie's release was already confusing, and Ruth's insight into the situation added another layer of mystery. It appeared she was present because of Frankie's case."When we got word of Frankie's arrest, my mentor dispatched me to Salt City to handle the matter," Ruth explained. "In reality, his release was sanctioned by us. We've been monitoring him for a while, and it turns out he's a member of the Crimson Order."Eric was taken aback. While the Combat Department had been investigating the Crimson Order, he hadn't expected someone like Frankie to be associated with them.Did this not signify the extensive influence of the Crimson Order?Ruth sighed.
Eric perceived that the Crimson Order was an organization not officially recognized by the authorities. Over the years, the Combat Department had compiled a list of Crimson members, yet the names of high-ranking members remained elusive.Ruth interjected, "You officially become one of us upon joining the Crimson Department. If you encounter highly skilled Crimson members listed in our records, you have the authority to eliminate them on the spot."Eric was momentarily stunned. "I can eliminate them on the spot? Without needing any evidence?""Yes, you can eliminate them on the spot," Ruth affirmed. "We're dealing with terrorists. No need for evidence."Eric took a deep breath, realizing that the Crimson Order was more formidable than he had imagined."I've said what needs to be said." Ruth continued. "I'll discreetly send two people to protect you. Access more information about the Crimson Order after joining the Combat Department."Once we wrap up our mission here, you'll return
Frankie brimmed with excitement at the opportunity to engage with the Innova Group, attributing his current predicament solely to their influence.The relevant information about the company was swiftly acquired.Frankie asked, "Are we going to dismantle the Innova Group? Let me—"Before he could finish speaking, the stubbed man fixed a stern gaze upon him, snarling, "Don't ask what you shouldn't ask!"Frankie sealed his lips, watching as the stubbed man scrutinized the information and pinpointed the target.Squinting, the stubbed man remarked, "It's astonishing that a company founded by three individuals under 30 is causing us trouble. They possess some skill.""They're competent," Frankie concurred. "But not invincible! Sir, how should we handle them?"The stubbed man glanced at Frankie. "Two of the three are the founders of the Innova Group, and the other is the CEO. Despite being a woman, she's astute. They would have gone bankrupt according to our last plan if not for her! C
The room was permeated with the smell of gas as Frankie took a sip of hot tea and lit a cigarette, placing it between his lips.The man standing beside him frowned. "Are you trying to take me down with you?"Frankie fell silent, then spoke. "Don't worry. As long as you promise to spare my wife and child, I'll comply with your wishes."To avoid unnecessary trouble, the stubbled man wanted Frankie to take his own life. That way, there would be no traces leading back to them. Frankie understood their intentions.The man nodded and left without saying more.As soon as he reached the bottom of the building, a loud explosion echoed from above. Evidently, Frankie's home had exploded. His steps hesitated briefly before he disappeared into the night.Little did he know that someone else had their eyes on him as he left the residential area. The people brought by Ruth were also watching Frankie, aware of the man entering Frankie's home.Frankie's tragic fate was inevitable. The Crimson Or
Unbeknownst to him, Eric was a formidable martial artist. Moreover, skilled individuals from the Combat Department and elite guards, including Vince and Matthew, surrounded him.Eliminating Eric would prove to be no easy task.-As the workday concluded, Sylvia, unlike the others, had to put in extra hours due to the Innova Group's overseas market expansion.It was well past 10:00 pm.. when they finally departed from the Innova Group and headed back to their house.Situated in the affluent area of Salt City, the Rosewood Estate saw fewer people around 10:00 pm. Even the security guards in the guardhouse were dozing off.The sky was dark, and the dimly lit streets added an eerie atmosphere.Upon parking the car, Eric and Sylvia commenced their journey home. A few steps into their walk, Eric abruptly halted."What's wrong?" Sylvia asked."There's someone here," Eric replied in a low tone.The underground parking lot was dimly lit and hinted at the presence of other individuals.
When the assassin struggled to rise, he felt an intense pain in his chest. Lowering his head, he noticed Eric had broken his ribcage with a punch.Fear filled his eyes. The intelligence from the Crimson Order failed to mention Eric's combat skills, emphasizing only his role in the Innova Group's technology.This oversight proved costly, incapacitating the assassin with a single punch.With the Combat Department present, escape became a luxury. The two members of the Combat Department took the assassin away.Sylvia said, "It seems Ruth was right. The people behind Frankie really want revenge."Unbeknownst to Sylvia, eliminating them was part of the Crimson Order's plan from the beginning."Don't worry," Eric said. "The Combat Department is tracking their movements. When the time is right, they'll apprehend them."Despite that, Eric couldn't shake the feeling of being drawn into a dangerous situation that could endanger Sylvia.Sylvia nodded. She and Eric were skilled in martial
In the Combat Department's vast hierarchy, there were only two Lieutenant Generals, and those who could secure such a position were undeniably extraordinary.Even the stubbled man sensed the challenging nature of the situation.Apart from the prospect of Ruth bringing formidable fighters to Salt City, uncertainty surrounded her current whereabouts, raising the question of how to ensure her presence in the city. Additionally, the stubbled man lacked the nerve to confront Ruth directly."What's our plan?" one of them inquired, acknowledging the lack of confidence in facing Ruth head-on.The stubbled man sighed. "I'll make another call. Dealing with someone as formidable as Ruth on our own is impossible."He harbored the belief that the Crimson Order would dispatch more reinforcements.After the call, he exhaled and announced, "Good news! Shadow will personally oversee this operation!""Thank goodness!" they exclaimed, fists clenched. "With Shadow in Salt City, we will surely acc
At Salt City.Eric was peacefully asleep when an abrupt phone call woke him up. Glancing at the caller ID indicating King City, he hesitated to answer.However, after just a few seconds of contemplation, his phone rang again."Just answer it," Sylvia murmured. "It might be something urgent."Eric reluctantly picked up, only to be greeted by a voice that left him annoyed."Are you asleep? Do you want some late-night snacks?" Ruth said."It's almost dawn, and you're asking me if I want late-night snacks? Why not ask if I want breakfast?" Eric responded, baffled by Ruth's peculiar timing.Encountering someone like Ruth, who stayed up late and offered late-night snacks, left Eric wondering if she had no better things to do.Ruth was undeterred. "So, do you want breakfast?"Eric was momentarily at a loss for words before he finally said, "If you don't have anything urgent, I'll hang up. I have to get up for work soon.""You're still thinking about work?" Ruth retorted. "There's so
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