Eric and Sylvia resumed their normal lives. Regarding the matter with Jasmine, after borrowing money from them, she stopped bothering Eric and Sylvia.One day, Pierce called, asking Eric and Sylvia to go to King City. The issue involving Dante had officially concluded. Following Eric's altercation with him at the Montgomery residence, Dante was incapacitated. Even if he recovered, his martial prowess was gone.While not sentenced to death, Dante would spend the rest of his life in prison."Do I get a reward too?" Sylvia asked, pleasantly surprised that the Combat Department would acknowledge her.Eric smiled. "Why not? You're the reason Ruth, Big Boss, and I are here. Your contributions are indispensable. We admire your courage and determination. Even when Big Boss was captured and Ruth and I fled to Phoenix City, you still had the guts to stand up to Dante. So, of course, you're getting a reward."Sylvia played a truly vital role in this event. After receiving various items from
Pierce recognized the impracticality of applying the same rules to Eric as the established members, leading him to grant Eric special privileges.Eric would join the mission only during significant Combat Department operations requiring his combat prowess. The rest of the time, Eric had the flexibility to arrange his schedule as he wished.The privileges were substantial, and Pierce knew that typical missions might not make the best use of Eric's extraordinary skills.-Back home, Sylvia carefully observed Eric and exclaimed, "You look really good in this outfit! Our family has produced an extraordinary figure!"She hadn't expected Eric to reach the current level of success. She still remembered when he first contacted her—he had been struggling with the pressure of 30,000 dollars. Reality proved that she had not misjudged him or chosen the wrong person.Eric smiled. "Don't flatter me too much. Otherwise, I might become arrogant!"Faced with such power, Eric couldn't deny feelin
Sylvia wasted no time and bluntly stated, "The Innova Group owes its current success and growth to the unwavering dedication and support of everyone gathered here."In this declaration, she explicitly acknowledged the efforts of all attendees, extending her gratitude to even the janitors and security personnel.Notably, participants like Vince and Matthew, who were not part of the Innova Group, were also recognized for their involvement in the year-end conference.Sylvia continued. "Your tireless efforts and backing have been instrumental in the Innova Group's progress. When I assumed the role of CEO, I specified that the company wouldn't distribute dividends for the first five years."The initial employees who stayed with us still hold shares. While dividends can't be distributed, I assure you of fair treatment. Unfortunately, the three major investors in the Innova Group will experience a minor setback."The three significant investors were easily identifiable among the audience
Grace knew that Andy played a crucial role in the success of the Innova Group. Andy had the idea of establishing Innova Tech, and he was the driving force behind the company's expansion into the equipment industry. Without him and Eric, the Innova Group wouldn't be where it was today.Sylvia glanced at Sylvester and Keith. "Why not join in the fun, too?""Do we get a share, too?" Keith asked, surprised."Of course," Sylvia replied. "Everyone here today gets a share!"Upon hearing that, Sylvester chuckled and rolled up his sleeves. "Well then, let's go! Despite the saying that there's no such thing as a free lunch, who'd pass up the chance to seize such a fantastic opportunity and make a fortune?"They joined the crowd, and the money-grabbing event continued for hours.In the end, high-level executives like Michael, Andy, Sylvia, Eric, and investors like Grace, Henry, and Irvin symbolically took away 1,000 dollars each.When planning the event, Andy had thought ahead and invited
The arrival of Eric and Sylvia was a pleasant surprise to Seth. He was aware of their affluent backgrounds and did not anticipate them remembering him.-Seth choked up at Felicia's grave. "Darling, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have come to see you. They still remember you..."Being easy to please, Seth found satisfaction in Eric and Sylvia's visit to Felicia. Despite losing most of his family, he still had his grandson.After paying respects at the grave, they returned home.Seth cooked pig trotters, spare ribs, and steamed sausages from the neighbors. Once Eric and Sylvia finished their meal, they headed back to King City.It marked a new year for the Innova Group.On the first day back to work, Sylvia, Eric, and Andy stood at the entrance, the first to arrive.Early-bird employees were surprised to see them and wondered if the company had changed its working hours. Upon closer inspection, they realized the trio was distributing gifts for the new year.After handing out gifts, they
Westlake outshone Salt City in prosperity.Upon arrival, the group initially visited the project department and was then guided by its staff to the construction site.The Innova employees had commenced construction at the site according to the finalized plan. In addition to the basic wiring, crucial equipment had been gradually transported from Salt City and was getting ready to enter the site.High-ranking individuals such as Sylvia, Eric, and Andy rarely ventured into the field. However, this Westlake project held exceptional significance.Despite confirmed details and plans, Eric, as the CIO of the Innova Group, found it beneficial to inspect certain aspects.Post-inspection, they moved on to the employee dormitories. Since the Westlake project spanned the long term, the Innova construction personnel would be residing there.Sylvia was particularly concerned about the living environment for the employees and emphasized the importance of good meals and proper rest for the staff
Cassius filled the glasses and said, "Ms. Williams, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Bikman, thank you for coming here. Let's have a toast!"After the toast, Cassius' face was a bit flushed. During the meal, he praised the Innova Group's achievements endlessly. Over the years, numerous companies in this field had emerged in the country, but apart from the Innova Group, the rest either had gone bankrupt halfway or had not even come to life.Cassius was very talkative, discussing company matters and various topics.The meal lasted until 10:00 p.m. Realizing it was getting late, Cassius reluctantly sent Eric and the others back.-"How do you feel about Cassius?" Sylvia asked.Andy chuckled and said, "He's too enthusiastic! I've never seen someone so warm!"To Andy, Cassius seemed excessively warm, like he knew everyone very well. Sylvia looked at Eric, seeking his opinion."Cassius seems genuinely warm, but it's hard to comment on other aspects. After all, each family has its own rules. Howeve
There were only four families in the country of this level, and following the Larsons' demise, merely three remained. These families held immense wealth and power.Despite the Larsons' downfall being seemingly linked to dealings with the Innova Group, few knew the actual reason.The faces of the Rockwoods turned serious. Unaware of the true reasons behind the Larsons' collapse, they had initially believed it was due to dealing with the Innova Group.Damien remarked, "I knew they were extraordinary. The Innova Group is the only conglomerate in this industry nationwide. I've heard that to secure the contract for building the three major data centers, the Visionary Group was even temporarily suspended from operation."The suspension was only lifted when it was confirmed that the Innova Group would handle the project. Someone influential from King City must be supporting the Innova Group."A sense of worry about their future lingered. The Rockwoods were not content with Westlake—they
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