In the early morning, the couple headed to the hospital for an examination.Initially, Eric resisted the check-up, but Sylvia's persistence won him over.The examination lasted until noon, and the results wouldn't be available for a few more days. Despite this uncertainty, Eric and Sylvia remained positive.After having lunch at the Innova Group, they began their work.Around 3:00 p.m., Andy entered Eric's office."Eric, it seems like there's an issue in Sunridge."Sunridge, one of the three major data center construction sites, was in the final stages of building the main structure. Just half a month ago, the Innova Group's technical team had conducted on-site inspections.Eric frowned. "What could go wrong there?" The construction of the data center's main building was handled by a third-party construction company, with minimal involvement from the Innova Group. They could only provide suggestions to the third-party construction company based on their own plans to facilitate
They learned about Sunridge in the noon news, and now people from Sunridge were at the company in the afternoon?Sylvia, Eric, and Andy descended the stairs.At the entrance, security guards blocked two disheveled beggars. Despite their condition, the guards treated them with surprising kindness, offering each a bottle of mineral water.Seeing Sylvia and the others approaching, a security guard stepped forward."Ms. Williams, they claim to be from Sunridge and were employed by Whitlocks Construction a year ago," the security guard explained. "They say they walked here from Sunridge!"The group was stunned. Sunridge was over 1,000 kilometers away from Salt City. It was hard to believe that these people had walked such a distance.When Eric looked at them, he noticed their torn clothes, weathered faces, and, most tragically, the completely worn-out soles of their shoes. The shoe fabric had fused with the flesh on the soles of their feet. Though obscured by dirt, the sight was too h
Eric and Sylvia decided to head to Sunridge the following day.Jake and Ethan stayed at the hospital, where they had access to meals, beverages, medical care, and the chance to recuperate.The next morning, accompanied by Matthew, they flew to Sunridge.Before boarding the plane, Eric requested the Combat Department to check the information about Whitlocks Construction. This time, he didn't plan to intervene in the name of the Innova Group.-After several hours of flight, they arrived in Sunridge.The Innova Group had already established an office there, and a car was parked in advance at the airport parking lot.Getting into the car, they decided to visit Jake's house first. They were unsure of the situation in Sunridge and couldn't take immediate action.Jake and his family lived in an affordable old house on the outskirts.When Jake moved to Sunridge, he brought his wife and daughter with him, expecting a better life. Unfortunately, they didn't anticipate the current situa
In theory, the Combat Department would not get involved in this matter, but it seemed unavoidable given the number of people implicated.After ending the call, Jake's wife, Nora Povitch, and daughter, Fiona Mason, returned home, looking weary. Nora carried a large bag filled with bottles, cans, newspapers, and cardboard she had collected. The little girl held a plastic bag, her once tender hands now dirty with noticeable cracks.Sylvia felt sorry for them. She approached Fiona and said, "Come, I'll give you candy.""Thank you, Miss," the little girl sweetly replied.Sylvia smiled, took out a piece of candy from her pocket, unwrapped it, and handed it to Fiona. Perhaps it had been a long time since Fiona had enjoyed such candy, so she immediately cheered and rejoiced."Fiona!" Jake approached and said, "Get off Ms. Williams. You've gotten her clothes dirty!"Sylvia smiled and replied, "It's okay."She genuinely liked children and felt her heart break seeing them suffer.At tha
It became evident that a group led by Whitlocks Construction was actively searching for Jake and Ethan. Although Ethan's family was not in Sunridge, he felt guilty for not sending money home for a long time.Meanwhile, Jake found himself entangled in a more intricate predicament. While his parents resided in the countryside and managed to get by on a piece of land, his wife and child were experiencing difficulties alongside him. Adding to Jake's worries, people were watching downstairs every day, possibly lying in wait for his return.Eric gained more insights after listening to Jake's account. Around 200 workers wanted to leave, but Whitlocks Construction coerced them into submission. Eric couldn't believe that such dark practices still existed in today's society."We can't do anything," Jake said helplessly. "We were arrested for trying to get our money back. To make matters worse, they colluded with the authorities, treating us like mere laborers, almost like slaves!"Eric nodde
Ethan snorted and remarked, "No need to fear them. We've got over 100 people on the construction site, all doing hard labor. I'm confident we're stronger than them. We'll give them a run for their money if they want a fight. Our lives are tough enough. It doesn't seem like things could get any worse. No reason to be scared!"Matthew chuckled at this and assured, "Don't worry. If it comes to a fight, I'll handle them all myself. I've been Mr. Johnson's bodyguard and practiced martial arts for over two decades!"Jake and Ethan felt somewhat relieved. Though unafraid of a fight, they lacked a leader to rally them. With someone taking charge, they would have retaliated long ago.After gathering information, Eric and Sylvia found themselves with nothing to do, so they took Fiona to kindergarten.Even though it had been over a month since kindergarten started, it wasn't too late for Fiona to join.Sylvia paid the childcare fees and living expenses for the entire semester.They all had
The man felt dizzy from witnessing Matthew's knife skills. It was evident that Matthew was a master at handling blades. However, he couldn't fathom where Jake and Ethan had found such a skilled individual and where the two had disappeared.Suddenly, Matthew thrust the knife into the cement floor and demanded, "Speak or not?!"His voice was cold, and the three men were frightened to the core.One of them stammered, "I-I'll speak! I'll speak!""I'll talk too! Don't kill me!" another one pleaded.Matthew sneered. "First, tell me why you came looking for Jake and Ethan. Did you hunt them a month ago?"He recalled Jake mentioning that someone had been hunting them when they left Sunridge.The leader hastily explained, "Yes, we hunted them. We knew they were going to run, and if they escaped, it wouldn't be good for us!""Who ordered you to do this?""It's Mr. Baldwin!" The leader said, "Mr. Baldwin ordered us to do this. He told us to watch the construction site and monitor the peo
Houston did not suspect anything else since only Eric and Sylvia had arrived. He poured coffee for them.Taking a sip, Eric said, "Mr. Whitlock, could you take us to the construction site?"Houston's body trembled slightly. The workers were busy with construction, and dozens of Baldwin's people were keeping an eye on them. If Sylvia and Eric went over, everything would be exposed instantly.However, the Innova Group had commissioned the construction of the main building. It would seem inappropriate and suspicious if he refused to let them go there.Seeing the troubled expression on Houston's face, Sylvia asked, "Is there any problem?"Houston snapped himself back from his trance and replied, "Nothing. It's just that the weather is hot, and it's quite dusty at the construction site. I'm afraid—"Before he could finish speaking, Sylvia waved her hand and interjected, "Mr. Whitlock, Mr. Johnson and I aren't afraid of getting dirty. It's crucial for the smooth progress of the constru
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