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
At the Innova Group.Sylvia indulged in a hearty lunch. Although she missed Eric, she recognized that maintaining frequent contact at this juncture might not be wise.After lunch, she readied herself for a nap, understanding the importance of adequate rest for sustaining the energy required for subsequent tasks.Before she could take a break, Mell entered and informed her, "Ms. Williams, a man named Mr. Vernon is looking for you."At the mention of the surname, Sylvia became alert, realizing that Dante had sought her out. -After Mell served coffee and departed, Dante asked, "Last night, you went to King City and met with Mr. McClain. Was it an attempt to seek help from the McClains for your husband?"Sylvia didn't deny it. "Yes, I went to see Mr. McClain. We discussed some crucial matters. Lieutenant General Vernon, is there any law forbidding me from meeting him?"Dante sneered and warned, "I advise you not to waste your efforts."With that, he presented the document again,
Sylvia was aware of Dante's desire to harm her. This indirectly confirmed that the two people in the videos were indeed Dante and Shadow. As long as she had these two videos in her hands, Dante would not dare to do anything to her. She told Dante, "Knowing I visited the McClains last night, you probably assumed I handed the videos to Mr. McClain. Yet, he's not the sole recipient. Given your current role in the Combat Department, I'm worried about potential harm. Hence, I made copies, distributing them to people unknown to you but whom I trust."I won't trouble you if you leave me be. However, any harm you inflict will expose these videos online. While many rejoiced over the fate of Pierce and Ruth after betraying our nation, I'm sure you'd prefer not to alter public sentiment now."Dante's expression darkened, realizing Sylvia's threat.Although he was unaware of how she obtained the videos, he was certain Shadow had recorded them. Despite his successful plan, Shadow's cunning tri
Sylvia had no confidence in dealing with him after what he did to Pierce, Eric, and Ruth. The fear lingered that Dante might suddenly turn hostile, and it took her quite a while to regain her composure.Her victory in the second confrontation with Dante was hard-won. Although he had reluctantly agreed not to harm her friends or family at the moment, Sylvia needed to proceed cautiously. Sylvia retrieved a voice recorder from her drawer—she had recorded the entire conversation with Dante.Listening to the recording, she gradually smiled. She promptly called Matthew and said, "Come to my office. There's something important I need you to do."-Matthew swiftly arrived, and Sylvia handed him the voice recorder. "Matthew, inside is my recent conversation with Dante. I want you to compare Dante's voiceprint from the recorder with the one in the videos. Just let me know the results for now. Don't produce any official proof."If the voiceprints matched, Sylvia would have another card in
Sylvia and Lionel frequently exchanged information. Lionel could discern that she had exerted tremendous effort for Eric and others.Sylvia's voice reassured Lionel, affirming that Dante's influence from the Combat Department hadn't affected their communication much. It marked a partial victory for both. Armed with two video clips, they felt immune to Dante's actions.Lionel said, "Ms. Williams, Dante contacted me recently, likely to discuss the video matter. I suspect he might use my daughter to coerce me into abandoning the investigation."Whether Ruth committed treason or not, her fate appeared to be under Dante's authority.Lionel anticipated Dante using Ruth as a bargaining chip. He sought advice on responding to such an approach, considering they were on the same ship now.Sylvia suggested, "If Dante decides not to pursue your daughter's case, it might be better to have her return. Currently, our hands are tied, and we need someone capable to help us."Sylvia had many consi
When Dante met with those few individuals, they never mentioned appointing him as the head of the Combat Department. This made it difficult for him to act and even more challenging to deal directly with Sylvia and Lionel. He had to compromise and wait for the right opportunity.Lionel glanced at Dante and asked, "Can I trust words?"It was another round of merciless mockery. The term "trust" ignited Dante's anger, but he had no choice with Lionel holding the videos.Dante replied, "Mr. McClain, my hands are tied now. I've already promised Ms. Williams not to harm those around her. I'll even take extra care of the Innova Group. Even if you don't trust me, do you doubt her?"Lionel chuckled, increasingly admiring Sylvia. Just days ago, Dante had framed her husband, and now she had already turned the tables around."Very well," Lionel nodded. "Let's do what you said. However, I hope you won't go back on your word. Otherwise, how the video got leaked might become a mystery!""Okay."
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