Eric also had a mission. It was a matter he hadn't shared with Tiger and Roland.-Roland appeared somewhat disheveled as he had rushed to Salt City.After settling into their seats, Eric addressed them, "Roland, Tiger, the primary concern revolves around the underground arena in King City. I assume you both are familiar with recent developments there. Currently, Matteo and Leopard have assumed control of the underground arena."Roland and Tiger couldn't help but inhale sharply. They were aware of a mysterious and powerful figure influencing King City's underground arena. Now, with a change in leadership, it suggested that this influential person might have vanished.Eric explained, "The Combat Department acknowledges the existence of underground arenas in all major cities. However, managing them proves challenging due to the substantial number of martial arts enthusiasts and the extensive interests involved. The funds from these underground arenas must undergo laundering before l
While the underworld scene of Salt City and Dortmund City was developing positively, the Innova Group was no exception.Sylvia and Eric hadn't visited the Innova Group for some time, but the company was operating smoothly. Besides the ongoing investment in R&D, the projects of the three data centers were progressing well.Especially after the fall of the Feynmans and the Visionary Group's bankruptcy, the Innova Group had no competitors in the domestic market.The market share of the three major international manufacturers domestically had also dropped significantly after the Visionary Group's bankruptcy. Without distributors, they couldn't even enter the market.The industry believed that the Innova Group would seize the opportunity, and the three giants would be unable to operate.Unexpectedly, the Innova Group significantly reduced prices during that period.After winning the projects for the three data centers, the Innova Group had already conducted a round of price reductions
Holding a wedding was a once-in-a-lifetime event.Despite their substantial wealth, the couple remained frugal, residing in a modest single-story home valued at just a few hundred thousand dollars.For Sylvia and Eric, a 200-square-meter house was more than sufficient. Any additional space would only feel wasteful. Their focus wasn't on the wedding. Instead, they were particularly keen on starting a family.With the Innova Group dominating the domestic market, Eric adopted a relatively easygoing approach, free from excessive ambitions.However, once things settled down, he felt a desire for a child."What could be the issue..." Sylvia pondered. "Why can't I conceive?"As Brook's child was about to be born, Sylvia grew anxious.She glanced at Eric. "Could it be that you are too anxious, and the pulse reading is inaccurate? How about we consult Hol. Clarke?"There was another renowned holistic physician in Salt City.Eric was aware of Sylvia's psychological concerns and didn't h
For Winston, 50,000 dollars was just a drop in the bucket. He couldn't understand why some people still wanted a share of the pie when holistic medicine wasn't that widespread nowadays.In modern medicine, doctors held relevant licenses, and even nurses possessed certificates. However, holistic medicine had fewer formalities.In fact, most holistic physicians had a mentor-protege relationship, passing down medical skills from generation to generation. They gained their reputation through healing patients.Winston lacked a formal medical practice qualification. Still, his medical skills couldn't be outright denied just because he didn't hold one.Before Eric became Orion's successor, Winston's medical skills in Salt City were almost unmatched.He was the go-to person for medical advice, with even families like the Williams and Sonnexes relying on him for cases involving complex illnesses.Originally, Eric and Sylvia wanted to leave but decided to stay and listen.With confusion,
"If this continues, I'm truly worried that holistic medicine might disappear one day," Winston remarked.In Salt City, holistic physicians still existed, but their numbers had significantly dwindled compared to many years ago.The entry threshold for this profession was high, leading to many dropping out during the learning process. Only a handful managed to reach the top. Even Winston, who had taught numerous apprentices, saw only a few succeed.His main concern stemmed from the apparent lack of success in holistic hospitals despite their presence in several cities. While some universities did offer holistic medicine programs, they tended to compartmentalize the discipline into different subjects, even isolating herbal medicine as a separate category, which he found somewhat misguided.The most challenging aspect was for physicians like Winston, who lacked any medical licenses. Operating without a license was like a noose around their necks, restricting their practice."Hol. John
Sylvia acted swiftly, convening the Innova executives the following morning."Are we really diving into the holistic medicine industry?"The executives, including Andy, were taken aback.The Innova Group was currently thriving in its sector, having seized control after the Visionary Group's bankruptcy.Despite their success, there was still room for growth. As such, they were puzzled about why they would enter a new arena when they hadn't fully secured their current position.Crucially, the Innova Group lacked knowledge and technical expertise in holistic medicine. There was concern that spreading themselves too thin could harm the company.Moreover, venturing into new industries required a significant capital investment. With almost three years under its belt and Sylvia in office for two, the initial plan of not paying dividends for the next five years had been mentioned.However, what would happen after five years?While some were willing to wait for dividends, the move into
"Although we haven't publicly disclosed the revenue situation, everyone should be aware of our company's financial state, including our annual R&D investment and plans."As Mr. Brown mentioned, our human resources expenses are significant. However, for two whole years, I haven't proposed cutting everyone's salaries."Not only did we refrain from cuts, but we also adjusted everyone's salary according to revenue. When I said no dividends for five years, in fact, a lot of money is included in everyone's annual income."Reviewing our company's salary and benefits, the so-called bonus is almost negligible. If we must distribute it, let's consider allocating 1 billion. Suppose I take only 1,000,000 dollars to distribute among you all and allocate the remaining 9,000,000 dollars in R&D. What are your thoughts on that?"The executives nodded in agreement.While Sylvia's words sounded assertive, everyone knew she was stating the truth. Ultimately, it was up to Sylvia to decide the allocati
Sylvia immersed herself in her studies. While she didn't need to become an expert, acquiring some basic knowledge was essential. After all, leading a group of experts without any understanding was out of the question.Meanwhile, Eric took charge of preparing dinner. Whether it was a habit from childhood or a preference for the intimacy of home-cooked meals, Sylvia enjoyed having dinner at home.Just as Sylvia was deeply engrossed, her phone rang.Seeing her mother's incoming call, Sylvia felt a headache coming on. She knew exactly why her mother would be calling—it must be to invite her and Eric for dinner or discuss some nourishing food. She couldn't stomach it.While Sylvia was reluctant to pick up and was about to inform Eric and concoct an excuse, the latter's phone rang.He promptly answered."Eric, where's Vee? Why didn't she answer my call?" Amelia asked."Mom, she's probably busy with her studies since the company has implemented new changes.""Oh, I see." Amelia sighed
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