Eric had already settled everyone, including the service staff. Although 20 grandmasters weren't considered extremely powerful, caution was always wise.After the arrangements were made, all the lights in the estate were turned on, casting a glow on their surroundings.The estate's gate stood wide open, a symbolic welcome for the grandmasters. A gateway to hell awaited them!Low-hanging clouds in the sky threatened rain at any moment.Vince gazed at the sky and remarked, "The heavens are favoring us. Heavy rain is likely in less than half an hour. By then, all traces will be washed away."A substantial downpour would ensure that no one witnessed tonight's conflict.With the Combat Department working behind the scenes, the fate of 30 grandmasters in King City would remain unknown.Alexander and the others remained hidden in a shelter, secured by a blast-resistant door. Not even a bomb could breach it, and the door could only be opened from the inside. As a wealthy family, they ha
The group of grandmasters grew anxious—the words sounded familiar. It appeared that, before engaging in combat, the Combat Department would use similar phrases.Before the grandmasters could fully grasp the situation, Eric had already made his move.A grandmaster was sent flying with a punch, landing on the ground with a thud. It was the first time the Montgomery bodyguards witnessed Eric in action, while those who had seen him spar with Urias before noted his increased strength.At that time, Eric had already surpassed Urias, and now he proved even more formidable. The grandmasters couldn't withstand a single punch!The Montgomery and Combat Department defenders joined the fray, with Vince guarding the gate to prevent escapes.Eric aimed for a quick and decisive victory, attacking with various moves.The grandmasters struggled to withstand more than one move, and the Combat Department personnel, armed with short blades, added to the difficulty for their opponents.With Eric and
As Pierce had anticipated, the Larson estate was empty, with only a few grandmasters remaining.The loss of over 30 grandmasters dealt a severe blow to the Larsons. Shadow had deceived Owen. Before the operation, Shadow had confidently asserted that the two families were no match for them. Only then did Owen dare to dispatch his people.For Shadow, the Larson grandmasters meant nothing to him.Owen's expression darkened upon seeing the troops from the Combat Department entering. He quickly regained composure and smiled. "General Fischer, why are you here? Our family has always abided by the law and never engaged in illegal activities! We are good citizens!"Pierce scanned the surroundings, confirming that the estate was indeed empty. He calmly took a seat."Mr. Larson, do you think the Combat Department doesn't know what kind of business the Larsons are involved in? Is it necessary for me to explain it in detail to you?"Owen's expression changed slightly. He had heard of the Com
The Larsons had even covertly assisted the Crimson Order in their domestic operations."Mr. Shadow! Why haven't you shown yourself? The Larsons are in danger. If you don't appear now, I'll become a prisoner under the Combat Department!" Owen shouted.He was in a state of panic. Only Shadow could save him from the Combat Department's intervention.Shadow chuckled and materialized, accompanied by a few experts, all grandmasters.Pierce narrowed his eyes. "Crimson Order's second in command, Lucius Ortega, known as Shadow! Finally, I get to meet you!"It was the first encounter between Pierce and Shadow. Pierce admired Shadow, a formidable individual.Despite being surrounded by Combat Department personnel, Shadow still managed to appear at the Larsons. That demonstrated some level of skill.Shadow chuckled and said, "General Fischer, you're too kind. The Combat Department is indeed formidable, chasing us everywhere and making things difficult for us! But after tonight, these days w
"A legend?" Owen was well aware that trouble was brewing. Legends were the only individuals capable of handling the situation, and the absence of any action from Dante suggested the Combat Department boasted three such legends."Mr. Shadow, we're in trouble!" he exclaimed toward Shadow, who was deeply immersed in a fierce battle with Pierce.However, Shadow paid no heed. Pierce's skill was undeniable, nearly surpassing Shadow by a hair's breadth.Pierce's forceful punch sent Shadow reeling backward. Simultaneously, Eric was locked in combat with Owen.In this brief skirmish, Owen grasped the extent of Eric's strength. A single punch forced him back more than ten steps, stifling the urge to cough up blood."W-Who are you?!" Owen's face turned pale.With a single punch, it became clear that Owen was no match for Eric.Looking at Owen, Eric calmly identified himself, "Lieutenant General of the Combat Department, Eric Johnson."Even Shadow couldn't help but glance over. He had be
One of them was the opposing country's General, and the other was none other than Pierce, with Eric standing beside him! Despite the faint voices in the footage, they could still be heard clearly."When the border defense retreats 100 kilometers, you can take advantage of the situation to advance, and that piece of land will be yours!" Pierce told the enemy General.The enemy General laughed heartily. "Good! Thanks to General Fischer and Lieutenant General Johnson! I'll remember your kindness! Your interests will not be shortchanged by a single bit!"The members of the Combat Department were dumbfounded as they discussed among themselves."Are they really colluding and betraying the country?""Capture them! Including Lieutenant General McClain! As Pierce's protege, she has been responsible for this operation! Show no mercy and capture her!" Dante exclaimed.However, no one took action. Pierce was still the General of the Combat Department, after all. Shortly after, some members
Dante seethed with anger. The escape of Eric and Ruth could spell trouble for them. Under Pierce's guidance, Eric would undoubtedly thoroughly investigate the matter.While deep in thought, Shadow chuckled. "Lieutenant General Vernon, you really haven't disappointed me! No, I should address you as General Vernon now!"Dante sneered at Shadow, saying, "Don't think you can escape either!"He charged toward Shadow, aiming not only to secure the position of the Combat Department's General but also to capture Shadow.If Dante could apprehend Shadow, it would eliminate any doubts about his ability to become the next General.Pierce had severely injured Shadow, so the latter staggered backward under Dante's punch."How dare you, Dante!" Shadow spat out blood, his face filled with shock. He never expected the entire plan to inadvertently benefit Dante. He was the only one in his best condition on the entire battlefield."Shut up!" Dante shouted as he charged towards Shadow again.Shado
Dante sat next to him, lighting a cigarette before speaking. "Pierce, I never expected this from you! You used to be loyal, so I never thought you'd betray the country's interests!"Pierce frowned, sensing something fishy between Dante and Shadow. The traitor Shadow had mentioned now seemed to be Dante.With Dante in power, anything Pierce said seemed futile."Why betray your country? What did the enemy General promise you? Isn't being the Combat Department's General enough for you?" Dante asked, his ambition evident.Pierce closed his eyes, staying silent.Dante sneered, realizing the situation was entirely under his control.-Back at the Combat Department, Dante issued three wanted orders through their channels. Eric was listed top priority, followed by Shadow, and Ruth at the end.-At the Montgomery residence.Sylvia was still in shock from Eric's call. She couldn't comprehend what had happened."What's wrong?" Grace asked, noticing Sylvia's expression.Sylvia was unab
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