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
Sylvia tossed the documents onto the table and scoffed, "Lieutenant General Vernon, let me be clear. We're always together, and my husband has never visited any enemy country with General Fischer. He would never do such a thing!"I once had faith in the principles of justice and national security upheld by the Combat Department. But now? Employing tactics of framing and slander? Is this what you guys are doing right now?"Dante was stunned. He knew that Sylvia and others would not immediately sign the documents, but he did not expect her to speak out like that. When Pierce was the General, no one would dare to talk to him this way.Grace and Alexander also threw the documents back onto the table.Grace said, "Two years ago, my son was just a nobody. Now, you are using this kind of method against him. It's truly an honor! We won't sign this document."She was certain her son would not commit such an act. Collaborating with the enemy and betraying the country was a grave accusation
Lionel's expression darkened. He hadn't expected Dante to use bogus accusations against his daughter.He snorted coldly and retorted, "Whether she betrays the country is entirely up to your words. Where's the evidence? I want to see my daughter now!"Lionel knew he needed to be firm in dealing with someone like Dante. Otherwise, he wouldn't get what he wanted.Moreover, the McClains were one of King City's top-tier families. When they ruled over the city, Dante was a nobody.Lionel wanted to see Ruth and understand the situation. At the moment, all he saw was the highest wanted order issued by the Combat Department."See her?" Dante chuckled. "Mr. McClain, I'm sorry, but you might be disappointed. Your daughter and Eric have already gone into hiding. If she's innocent, why did she run?"You know the modus operandi of the Combat Department. We won't wrongly accuse an innocent person, but we won't let a guilty one escape, either!"The notorious Larsons have already been brought to
Dante had his own plan. After sending Lionel and the group of holistic physicians away, he released information about the crimes of Pierce, Eric, and Ruth.The people in King City were taken aback, and countless individuals erupted in applause and cheers. To the common folk, witnessing the downfall of a prominent figure who appeared untouchable became a reason for celebration.Lionel's face sank. Although he anticipated that Pierce had been taken down, the released information made it difficult for him to accept.What puzzled him even more was the cause behind the Combat Department's General and two Lieutenant Generals bearing the accusation of treason.That night, countless people couldn't sleep. Many were trying to find out the inside story, but no insider information emerged.Was Dante having a good time? Not at all.Besides the pressure from Lionel and the holistic medicine community, his phone was almost blown up throughout the night. There were always people who believed th
Sylvia avoided contacting Eric through her usual number to evade any tracking by the Combat Department.In her message, she informed him about Dante's recent visit to the Montgomerys, urging them to sign an accusation document. Sylvia conveyed that no one had signed it, and she had returned to Salt City.It appeared that Dante hadn't decided to cause trouble for them yet.Receiving this message somewhat alleviated Eric's concerns. He messaged Sylvia. Eric: [Stay safe.]-Meanwhile, Dante exited an office building with a frown. The meeting outcome left him dissatisfied. He needed irrefutable evidence to take action against Pierce, as a mere video wouldn't suffice to convict someone of Pierce's stature.What frustrated Dante even more was that the influential figures had explicitly stated that, even if guilty, the most they could do was remove Pierce from the Combat Department and proceed with a lifetime sentencing. The death penalty was not an option.Dante couldn't comprehen
The email's subject line, "Read and Delete," caught Sylvia's attention, highlighting the message's importance. Upon opening it, she discovered two video attachments.After downloading and watching them, shock gripped Sylvia, and she instinctively covered her mouth. The dark images revealed only two figures."I knew you would contact me." The unfamiliar first voice was followed by one that left Sylvia pale with astonishment—Dante."Tell me about your plan. Dealing with Pierce isn't a walk in the park, and the Combat Department is brimming with experts. They hold Pierce in high regard. Changing their minds won't be easy," Dante explained.As Sylvia continued watching, she was further surprised. The other person in the video was Shadow, the elusive figure the Combat Department had been trying to capture.Both meetings between Dante and Shadow were recorded, and the footage ended up in Sylvia's hands—an unexpected turn of events.However, Sylvia realized that the videos were part of
"Most people overwhelmingly agree with this matter and enjoy seeing it unfold. We don't have the upper hand in the situation," Sylvia explained.The more Lionel listened, the more confused he became."Hold on for a second," he interrupted. "What exactly do you want by coming to my place? It seems to me that you're not here to ask for help.Sylvia glanced around and asked, "Mr. McClain, can we find a place with no one around? I need to discuss something with you privately."Lionel knew Sylvia must have learned something. He walked outside for a moment, then returned to ask everyone in the living room to leave.After that, he turned to Sylvia and said, "Please come to my study."Lionel's study was quiet. He closed the door and turned to Sylvia. "Mrs. Johnson, did you discover anything?"Sylvia nodded and took out a USB drive from her bag, placing it in front of Lionel. "Mr. McClain, take a look at this."After inserting the USB drive into the computer and watching the two videos
Lionel greatly admired Sylvia for her meticulousness. Initially, he perceived her as merely a decorative figure, not as remarkable as his daughter.However, he witnessed Sylvia's extraordinary capabilities today. She fearlessly faced danger and considered all possibilities, potentially holding the key to turning the tide for Eric and his companions."Thank you for your compliment, Mr. McClain," Sylvia said with a smile. "I just want to help my husband."Lionel nodded. "He is indeed fortunate to have a wife like you. Alright then. Let's go with your plan. We shall let Dante enjoy his moment before we completely crush him."Understanding the importance of not hastily revealing the video, Lionel recognized the potential for unforeseen consequences. It was crucial to wait until they were almost certain and the voiceprints matched Shadow and Dante.Suddenly, Lionel had another idea. "Mrs. Johnson, Dante also used a video to frame Eric and the others. Mr. Fischer and Eric spoke in the v
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