Andy and Michael nodded. In reality, Eric didn't have much responsibility in the company. Usually, they only sought him out for technical problems they couldn't solve.-After work that afternoon, Eric called Pierce to explain the reason for his upcoming trip abroad. Pierce reassured him, "They don't know your identity yet, so it shouldn't be a big problem. The sooner you go, the sooner you can return."Ending the call with Pierce, Eric contacted Grace. "Mom, help me ask if Sean can arrange a meeting with Sylvia. I want to go over there."Grace readily agreed, recognizing that her son and daughter-in-law were rarely apart.Acting swiftly as usual, Sean called Eric in the evening with everything arranged.-Early the next morning, Eric flew to King City. Only on the plane did he manage to close his eyes for a brief two-hour nap.The tickets were booked in advance, and the passport was ready. Eric didn't even have time to meet Grace before leaving King City.-At Phoenix Airp
As Eric approached, his heartbeat quickened. The captain guided him to the second floor and stated, "Surveillance and listening devices will be temporarily disabled for two hours."With that, the captain turned and left.Eric was taken aback—he hadn't expected the captain to be so fluent in his language.Turning back, he calmed his excited heart.Sylvia sensed someone's presence and remarked, "Don't worry. I won't run away. You don't need to keep an eye on me all the time."Her words carried bitterness, and Eric felt a pang of sadness. These days must have been tough for her. Eric's lips parted. At that moment, he realized he hadn't figured out what to say as the first words to Sylvia."Honey…"Sylvia turned around, joy flooding her face at the sight of the person she could only see in her dreams for the past few days."E…" Before she could finish, she lowered her voice and suppressed her joy. "Eric, why are you here?"Dropping the box in his hand, Eric rushed toward Sylvia.
Facing those who detained her, the negotiation team from her country, and the executives of the Innova Group, Sylvia hadn't shed a tear. Even when detained, she comforted the executives with overly optimistic attitudes.However, she couldn't hold back any longer in Eric's presence. The yearning for Eric, persistent day in and day out, turned into tears.Hearing Sylvia's cries, Eric felt his heart stabbed. He briefly considered switching places with her, but he knew it was impossible. The military wouldn't allow it, and there were too many factors to consider.Sylvia wept bitterly, releasing all the grievances and yearning for Eric that had accumulated during this time. After a long while, she finally pulled away from Eric's embrace.Wiping away the tears on her face, Eric reassured, "We're working on a solution. Stay here and wait for me. I'll pick you up as soon as possible. And when I come, you mustn't have lost any weight!"Sylvia nodded, understanding that few problems or peop
Eric quickly joined the negotiation team in a temporary office dedicated to addressing the detention issue.The team leader, Braydon Murphy, had received a call before Eric's arrival, explaining Eric's various identities. Upon seeing Eric, a hint of respect flashed across Braydon's face. If Eric were just the Innova Group's CIO, there would be no need for such a call to reach him.While the others in the room were engrossed in their tasks, Eric couldn't help expressing gratitude to Braydon for their hard work for the Innova Group.Braydon poured coffee and invited Eric to sit. "Mr. Johnson, the situation is quite challenging. I've dealt with similar cases before, but what Ms. Williams is facing is the most difficult."Their goal is clear—to detain Ms. Williams and undermine the Innova Group. I must admit, until now, we haven't identified the mastermind behind all this. From this perspective, our progress hasn't been substantial."We initially considered taking the initiative to in
Besides, Eric was also a holistic physician, and the holistic medicine community would step in.Scott stared fixedly at Eric. As far as he knew, Eric held the CIO position at the Innova Group. However, it seemed that his role was not as significant as Sylvia's.The Innova Group had achieved its current status entirely due to its outstanding CEO.Smiling, Scott said, "You really are cunning, Mr. Johnson, even more cunning than the people I have encountered from your country! Whether we release Ms. Williams or not depends on your sincerity.""What sincerity?" Eric asked calmly.Scott continued. "I assume that you are pretty capable, given that you could establish the Innova Group on your own. The reason our people detained your CEO should also be clear to you."I'll cut to the chase. We can release Ms. Williams, but you must agree to sell 51% of the Innova Group's shares. At the same time, the two founders must relinquish control of the Innova Group. As long as we get the shares, w
Eric said, "Mom, Vee is doing well. She eats and sleeps soundly every day. The place she stays in is quite spacious, and when she's bored, she practices martial arts to pass the time. She's in a good environment, surrounded by green hills and waters."The exact time of her return is still uncertain, but the negotiating team is working hard. I've also discovered that some people are playing tricks behind the scenes, and I've met with their representatives."Upon hearing that, Grace sighed. "The poor child is really going through a lot. Thinking about her being detained alone in a foreign country breaks my heart."After wiping away her tears, she continued. "Fortunately, we have some connections over there. I'll call Sean later and ask him to get some of our people inside."Grace had already started making plans.After spending two days with her in King City, Eric returned to Salt City.Upon returning, he went straight to the Williams residence to inform Henry, Amelia, and the othe
"Did you agree to their conditions?" Michael asked.Eric shook his head. "No way I could agree to such conditions!" Michael breathed a sigh of relief. "I didn't misjudge you guys. You're young people who refuse to bow to evil forces. Now that we're certain someone is causing trouble behind our backs, I have a rough idea of who it might be. This could be a breakthrough!""Who?" Eric asked."Remember when I told you about the super conglomerates?" Michael reminded him.Eric nodded, recalling the discussion about how the super conglomerates influenced the three international giants."They practically control the world's economic development," Michael explained. "The value of those three international giants, worth trillions, is just the tip of the iceberg in their wealth. It's quite terrifying."Eric was stunned. He had only encountered such super conglomerates in novels and did not realize they actually existed."Around two years ago, one of those super conglomerates under the R
"Why are you here again?" Eric asked.Ruth was rendered speechless. She had also realized that every time she came to Salt City to find Eric, it was never good news."This time, it's good news," Ruth said.Eric raised an eyebrow skeptically."Don't believe it?" Ruth sneered. "Consider yourself lucky, scoundrel. My father heard that your wife is temporarily unable to return because she's being detained there. He asked me to come to seduce you and improve our relationship a bit. Maybe I'll take her place?""Get to the point!" Eric said."What's the matter?" Ruth asked as she glanced at Eric. "Are you really not interested in me? Not even the slightest bit?"She was starting to doubt herself. She had many suitors, so she did not believe that Eric had no interest in her at all."Get to the point!" Eric emphasized again, noticing that Ruth seemed to be getting less serious.Ruth scoffed. "After the incident at the border, my mentor and I found out that someone on our side instigate
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