After a prolonged silence, Eric affirmed, "Yes, he is indeed my biological father, and nothing more. He was afraid of Javier and avoided coming to me. But what about Mom? I can't shake the feeling that Mom made a mistake by choosing him back then. If it weren't for him, would she have suffered so much?"Recalling his mother's plight, Eric felt that his own experiences were trivial. Despite being from a prestigious family, she was all alone in King City. Without Alexander, Eric wouldn't even dare to consider if his mother would still be alive. His identity would have remained a mystery if Grace had not sought him in Salt City.As such, Eric harbored deep resentment toward Julius."So many years have passed, and Mom hasn't found a partner. But what about him?" he said, then laughed sarcastically, "He married the eldest daughter of the Calles family. You know, I mentioned all that earlier simply because I have shares in Hernandes Corp. My money!"Sylvia couldn't help but chuckle. "You
Eric experienced Sylvia's captivating singing for the first time."Eric, now that Sylvia has sung, it's your turn to perform," Seraphine declared.Eric waved his hand hastily. "Please spare me the embarrassment. I'm tone-deaf. Let's not subject your ears to that."Despite Eric's protests, Seraphine was determined to hear him sing. However, their attention shifted as the door swung open, revealing two men.One of them smirked and remarked, "Seraphine, it's unusual to find you in a place like this. Why keep us in the dark about your presence?"Seraphine furrowed her brow and crossed her arms. "Marcus Calles, Charlie Lynar, did your parents not teach you to knock before entering someone's room?!"Marcus chuckled, joining Charlie at the table. He glanced at the beer and commented, "I heard the Montgomerys struck it rich, yet you're drinking this swill. Running short on cash? Let me know. I have plenty."He glanced at Eric and Sylvester before shifting his focus to Sylvia. "Seraphine
After confronting Charlie, Seraphine grabbed another beer bottle and turned to Marcus. "Do you also want to join in the fun?"Marcus recoiled in fear, glancing at Seraphine before hastily leaving with Charlie."Why did you hit them?" Sylvester questioned.Although Marcus and Charlie were annoying, resorting to violence seemed excessive."Marcus' aunt, Nera Calles, married Julius Hernandez. Rumor has it that he never touched her at all. Their marriage is merely a transaction."Back then, the Calles family was nothing more than a second-tier family in King City. They rose to first-rate status with the Hernandezes' assistance. Now that the Hernandezes are facing difficulties, it's the Montgomerys providing support. Aunt Grace wouldn't have led a difficult life if it weren't for the Calles."As for Charlie, did you know his second uncle wanted to marry Aunt Grace in the past? That jerk tried to take advantage of her and ended up losing his penis!"Sylvester nearly choked on his beer
Sylvester kept going, delivering a resounding slap to Charlie that sent the bandage covering his head flying.Meanwhile, Sylvia efficiently took down the group of people, dusting off her hands with a dissatisfied look."Not a single decent fighter among them," she remarked.Sylvester seized Charlie, shouting, "You, how dare you curse at my girlfriend?!"Seraphine was captivated. Initially, she was drawn to Sylvester's good looks, but his defense of her completely won her over.Charlie's mouth bled. Even with Sylvester holding back, it was too much for the playboy. The slap nearly knocked him unconscious, and he struggled to speak, spitting out a few teeth. Marcus trembled, afraid to utter a word."Sylvester, give him a few more slaps! He deserves a lesson!" Seraphine excitedly shouted.Seraphine had not seen Sylvester fight before. Although she acknowledged fighting was not commendable, she found him impressively cool.Sylvester was about to slap Charlie again, but the nightc
The Lynars were a prominent family in King City, though not as influential as the Montgomerys. The incident in the past had stirred up quite a commotion, but the Montgomerys had faced no consequences.Marcus and Charlie couldn't help but wonder why Oscar was afraid of Eric. After all, the Feynmans were one of the elite families in King City."Oscar, about that scar-faced man you mentioned, what is his background?" Marcus asked tentatively."Actually, he has a little connection with your family," Oscar said with a hint of amusement.Marcus was puzzled as he didn't know who Eric was.Oscar smiled. "Didn't your aunt marry Julius Hernandez? The scar-faced man is Julius' son, so your aunt is his stepmother."Marcus was stunned by the revelation.When Nera married Julius, it wasn't without purpose. The Hernandezes had orchestrated the marriage to put an end to Julius' pursuit of Grace. Both families were aware that Julius and Grace had a son, but his whereabouts remained unknown.The
In the morning, Eric and Sylvia left the Montgomerys quietly."Hmm? Where are they?" Grace wondered, noticing that Eric and Sylvia hadn't come for breakfast. "They don't usually sleep this late.""They left early in the morning. I saw them running quite fast. How are they supposed to take it if they have to eat so much every day?" Alexander explained.Meanwhile, the couple enjoyed breakfast at a local cafe."Ah!" Sylvia took a big sip of latte. "Finally, I've been craving these pastries!"Eric chuckled. Sylvia was indeed easy to please.While filling their stomachs, Eric's phone rang. It was from an unfamiliar number."Who's this?""Is this Eric Johnson?" the caller asked tentatively."Yes, it's me. May I ask who's calling?""It's really you, sir! Someone is trying to take over Hernandez Corp.! Can you come to the company?"Eric frowned, thinking, 'Someone trying to take over Hernandez Corp.? What's going on? Didn't they borrow money from the Montgomery Corp. yesterday?'"S
The two families' representatives had already taken their seats in the conference room.Shortly after, Julius arrived with his assistant.A middle-aged man stood up promptly and greeted Julius, "Brother-in-law, how have you been lately?"It was Andrew Calles, Nera's younger brother and the current CEO of the Calles Business Group.Julius remained silent while taking his seat in the main position. He glanced at them and said, "Gentlemen, what brings you to Hernandez Corp.?"He knew they came with ill intentions.Sitting across from Andrew was Curtis Lynar, the current head of the Lynar family. His younger brother, Tyler Lynar, was the one whose penis had been severed by Grace. Despite many years passing, the Lynars still held a second-tier status, never having the opportunity to seek revenge against Grace.Julius knew the two families had joined forces to take over Hernandez Corp.Curtis sighed and said, "Julius, the recent challenges your family is facing are truly lamentable.
"S-Sir!" Julius' assistant sprang to his feet, clearing a path for Eric and Sylvia.Eric nodded at the man in his 50s who had interrupted his breakfast.Eric took his seat, rubbed his ear, and asked, "How much did you say for the purchase of 51% of the shares? I didn't catch it clearly outside. Say it again."Andrew frowned. "Who are you? What do you have to do with Hernandez Corp.?" He felt uneasy seeing Eric's scarred face."Who am I?" Eric chuckled. "I am Eric Johnson."Andrew's expression changed abruptly. He never expected Julius and Grace's son to return, especially after causing a stir in King City not long ago, resulting in Javier's imprisonment. Additionally, he recognized Sylvia, the Innova Group's CEO and a real troublemaker."Gentlemen, 1 billion dollars isn't going to help Hernandez Corp. Go back before I lose my temper," Eric said indifferently.The two men had mixed feelings. After all, they were determined to take over Hernandez Corp."Instead of benefiting outs
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