Matteo could not dispute the analysis' accuracy, leaving him no choice but to accept it. Immediately after concluding the call with Matteo, Tiger called Eric."Mr. Johnson, the underground scene in King City is under siege! It appears someone is attempting to seize control of the streets and bring unity. Several influential figures have already fallen victim!""Tiger, I'm already aware. Remember Matteo from King City? I've asked him to seek refuge in Salt City. Unfortunately, I need to trouble you," Eric explained."Mr. Johnson, it's no trouble at all," Tiger reassured.King City's multitude of gangs was the reason Salt City hadn't succumbed to their influence. Tiger understood that if King City's streets were consolidated, Salt City would undoubtedly become a target. Although it was not as affluent as King City, it still held its allure."Is it because of that book?" Sylvia asked.Eric had briefed her on the matter in Phoenix City. Last night, she had witnessed Eric diligently w
Upon reaching Salt City, Matteo and his men remained in a state of fear, still haunted by the harrowing encounter with over a dozen grandmasters.Tiger attempted to alleviate Matteo's panic. "Matteo, I've instructed my men to stay vigilant at checkpoints. Even if the grandmasters show up, we'll detect them first."Tiger's confidence in Salt City stemmed from his prior interactions with Matteo in King City, as well as Matteo's connection with Eric, making him more than willing to assist. Additionally, Tiger foresaw the convenience of helping Matteo upon his return to King City.Simultaneously, the Combat Department in King City took decisive action. Accustomed to large-scale conflicts, their intervention aimed to uncover the orchestrator behind the turmoil. The department quickly captured several grandmasters, some losing their lives in the process.-In the afternoon, Eric received information from the Combat Department revealing the group's quest for the book Scar had unearthed.
With matters settled, Eric and Sylvia departed from Tiger's residence.Sylvia cast a quick glance at Eric, offering a smile. "I didn't expect you to be so capable now. By the way, what level have you reached?"Sylvia was genuinely curious. Eric's prowess in medicine was unmatched. Aside from a handful of seasoned holistic physicians in King City, no one could rival him in the field. However, when it came to martial arts, Eric had relatively little experience."Legend?" Eric responded uncertainly. "Perhaps even more formidable than a legend?"Given his brief exposure to martial arts, Eric couldn't entirely grasp it himself. Yet, he had a sense that it might surpass the legendary status, especially considering his ability to seriously injure Shadow in Falcon City.Sylvia beamed with pride. She had witnessed Eric's growth firsthand, from the time he borrowed money from her as an ordinary employee to their collaboration at the Innova Group.-With Michael leading a team to Phoenix C
"It took you quite a while to wake up," Ruth remarked. "Well, if I were you, I wouldn't be eager to wake up either with such beauty in my arms."From Eric's voice, she gathered that he hadn't gotten up yet.Eric sighed. "Do you know how the antagonists in novels usually meet their end?"Ruth paused momentarily and asked, "How do they meet their end?""They meet their demise from talking too much. Anyway, what's up? Have you reached Salt City?" Eric asked.The previous night, Eric had learned from Pierce that Ruth had arrived in Salt City with a group of grandmasters from the Combat Department."Yes, we're in Salt City now," Ruth replied. "We're gearing up for our operation after a short break. If you're not busy, lend us a hand."It was clear that the Combat Department had acquired some information, as Ruth wouldn't have made such a request otherwise. Given the circumstances, Eric couldn't decline.Dealing with this group of people could bring peace to Salt City.-After brea
Beside her, a member from the Combat Department exclaimed, "The numbers don't match!"Ruth's brows furrowed deeply. "Two people are missing!" She hadn't anticipated this unexpected development after launching the operation with precise information."Take them down!" She waved her hand. "Immediately interrogate them and extract the whereabouts of the other two from their mouths!""Yes, Ma'am!"The personnel swiftly escorted the individuals away.Observing Ruth's serious expression, Eric commented, "Only two people are missing. It shouldn't be a big problem, right?""Only two people are missing?" Ruth scoffed, "These people have done all sorts of evil, and they must be exterminated. Do you know the severe impact the Crimson Order has caused in King City these days?"Eric shook his head, unaware of the Crimson Order's activities.Ruth elaborated, "Numerous casualties, severe injuries, and massacres of entire families—all linked to them!"Eric's face turned pale. He had no knowl
"They're the Orlandos," Henry explained. "The head of the family is Paxton Orlando. He has a son, Wince Orlando, a younger brother named Kayden Orlando, and his wife, Madam Orlando. They left Salt City more than 40 years ago, and it seems, with such a grand gesture, they're planning to return."As Henry introduced them, the Orlandos approached.Paxton warmly greeted, "Mr. Williams, welcome, welcome! Your presence adds tremendous value to tonight's banquet!"Henry replied courteously, "Mr. Orlando, that might be an exaggeration."Meanwhile, Irvin and his family arrived. Being among the most prominent families in Salt City, the Orlandos invited them to take their seats.After everyone settled, Paxton smiled and explained, "Originally, I wanted a small gathering, but Wince insisted on a banquet. Since he's my only son, I went along with it."His words clearly conveyed his affection for Wince.Irvin chuckled. "Young people are always like this. My son also enjoys hosting banquets fo
Both nodded at Wince.-The banquet wrapped up smoothly, and by a little 11:30 p.m., the guests had dispersed, leaving the Orlando manor in a quiet state once again.Paxton's expression turned somewhat solemn as he remarked, "It's a bit troublesome. I didn't expect the Sonnexes and Williams to have become in-laws."This revelation was something he only learned after arriving in Salt City. As the former largest family in Salt City, the Orlandos naturally desired to reclaim that position. However, the current situation in Salt City raised concerns for Paxton."There can't be two alphas in one pack." Kayden squinted and commented, "I see that the Williams and Sonnexes get along quite well."Despite some overlapping industries, the lack of fierce competition between the Williams and Sonnexes perplexed Paxton and Kayden. When the Orlandos were in Salt City years ago, they engaged in intense rivalry.Paxton nodded. "It's indeed puzzling, but there's some good news. Wince, what do you
Back at the Rosewood Estate, Eric asked Ruth about the two remaining grandmasters. However, the Combat Department hadn't yet located them.Eric wasn't too concerned. They didn't pose much of a threat to Tiger and the team.The Combat Department's operation wasn't exactly a success, given that two individuals had slipped through the cracks.Nevertheless, Eric had his hands full with the ongoing technological advancements within the Innova Group. While the technical department handled most issues, some tricky problems required his personal attention.After work, he and Sylvia planned to have dinner with Andy to discuss the company's recent developments.With Andy recovering and Michael overseas, only Eric and Sylvia were left as key figures in the Innova Group.Leaving the office, they bumped into Wince, who, having seen Eric at the banquet, approached them with a gentlemanly demeanor."Ms. Williams, may I invite you to dinner to discuss the business plans for Salt City? Would you
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