"The distinction between humans and animals lies in humans' capacity to think and control their desires. If one cannot even manage trivial desires, what sets them apart from animals?"When I was young, herding cattle on the mountain, those bulls and cows paid no heed to whether anyone was watching. They simply acted. If humans cannot exercise self-restraint, we are akin to animals."Sylvia chuckled. "You're absolutely right. There is indeed a significant disparity between humans and animals!"She agreed with Eric's perspective. Life wasn't solely about sex, after all. Based on her understanding of Eric, she knew he wasn't inclined in that manner."Let's turn in early. I'm taking tomorrow off to spend the day at home with you. There's a new deployment looming, so I might get busy soon," Eric said.He was also preparing for the future. Although there weren't many indications within the Combat Department yet, it was only a matter of time before the truth would surface.Upon hearing
Considering the situation and following a discussion among Eric, Sylvia, and Andy, they decided to institute an employee allowance. Each individual, including janitors, would receive 100 dollars. Additionally, those on duty would be granted an extra 50 dollars.Employees stationed overseas wouldn't receive the allowance but would instead be compensated with increased subsidies.In reality, work at the Innova Group had temporarily ceased, including research and development, while equipment production gradually declined due to employee safety concerns. Some high-level executives initially considered increasing production under the assumption that a cure would be developed. However, subsequent events proved their caution justified. Despite being curable, the disease left lingering effects, impacting employees' health.The Innova Group prioritized its workforce and spared no effort in distributing funds. They recognized the importance of fostering a sense of belonging among employees
It was a serene day for Eric as he lounged in the sun with Sylvia, savoring afternoon tea.The following morning, Ruth sent over crucial data. After days of meticulous effort, they finally traced the virus' origin. Regrettably, the initial infected individual had already succumbed to the illness. Consequently, the Combat Department grew increasingly convinced that the virus had been intentionally unleashed.Coincidentally, the outbreak coincided with a large exhibition hosted in Dortmund City, providing an ideal opportunity for the virus to spread.Upon checking the data, Eric even began to harbor suspicions regarding the Oberdeens' involvement. If indeed they were implicated, it would suggest the existence of other collaborators aiding them in profiteering from this dire situation.However, the complexity of the matter far exceeded Eric's initial estimations.-A few days later, an urgent report arrived from the Combat Department."We have uncovered a grave case of confidential
In the evening, Eric returned to the Williams residence. He rarely worked overtime unless faced with a significant project.After dinner, he pondered for a while and decided it was time to speak with Queenie. After all, he had made no breakthroughs in the case over the past few days.When Eric sought out Queenie, he brought Connor and Sylvia along to prevent any misunderstandings.Queenie was aware that the viral outbreak incidents in Dortmund and Salt Cities were under official investigation when Ruth and several members of the Combat Department visited the Williams. The commanding presence of Ruth and her colleagues was not something an ordinary person could easily exhibit.At this juncture, Queenie discovered that Eric was also an official agent. Connor asked, "Queenie, can you confirm whether the Oberdeens have indeed developed the cure?"This question was crucial and required confirmation. Once confirmed, it would significantly streamline Eric's efforts. Originally, the Comba
Eric also understood that it would be futile even if Queenie desired to warn the Oberdeens now. There were forces in this world that defied easy intervention. Even with the Oberdeens aware of the potential consequences, retribution would not be immediate. Thus, they succumbed to their desires.Nevertheless, it fell upon Connor to keep Queenie safe. If Queenie chose to inform the Oberdeens, she too would bear the consequences when the scores were settled.Although Eric and Sylvia were aware of Queenie's disappointment in the Oberdeens, they remained her family.Eric told Sylvia, "By the way, Dr. Gundry headed to Phoenix City with the genetic data from the lab."Eric could freely discuss matters regarding the Combat Department with Sylvia. She was, in essence, considered half a member of the department. When Pierce faced arrest and Eric and Ruth sought refuge in Phoenix City, Sylvia exonerated them.The Combat Department's assessment portrayed Sylvia as a woman who equaled men in ev
All of Lewis' items were now neatly packed and placed on the table in front of him: USB drives and some paper documents.Eric continued. "I had people in Phoenix City check. There haven't been any recent academic exchange conferences there, so what were you doing?"Lewis' face fell. He had heard from Kirk that Eric was not someone to mess with and was beyond his league. Now, he truly felt that Eric was an extraordinary figure with unparalleled capabilities.He had done his homework well before going to Phoenix City. Once he was there, it was virtually impossible for people from this side to bring him back. Moreover, they had assured him protection. Yet, it was exactly those people who claimed to protect him that personally put him on the plane."Who exactly are you?" He looked at Eric, feeling fear for the first time. He had been in Phoenix City, breathing the air of freedom. How had he ended up in this situation?!In reality, he might have successfully taken these things out befo
Eric nodded in understanding, having already deduced the situation. To him, Lewis appeared oblivious despite his high level of education. Devoid of independent thought and conviction, Lewis seemed susceptible to manipulation with the right incentives.Eric convened a small meeting specifically to address the issue with Lewis, particularly concerning the direction of online discourse.Ultimately, they decided to unofficially leak information about Lewis' apprehension. Robert would make an official announcement after allowing the news to circulate for a few days.After the meeting, Eric and a few members of the Combat Department prepared to depart. However, as they exited the meeting room, they were met with a commotion."Who's there?" An angry voice emanated from where Lewis was being held, followed by the sounds of a scuffle.Before Eric and the others could rush over, the power in the entire building suddenly went out."Go! Provide support!" Eric exclaimed as he darted forward.
There were three shadow warriors, but one lay dead, leaving two concealed in the darkness. Eric understood their Catellonian origins, prompting him to question the link between Catellon and the virus outbreak.However, Eric couldn't dwell on this. He still had to confront the remaining shadow warriors, whose capabilities were heightened by the darkness.Suddenly, he squinted and swiftly hurled a dagger toward a shadowed corner of the wall. The glint of the blade pierced the darkness, followed by the thud of a body hitting the ground. Yet, even amidst the blackened surroundings, Eric sensed the imminent danger."Bring it on!" he bellowed, channeling his energy into his fist and launching it toward the source of the impending attack.A pair of sounds reverberated through the corridor: one, the impact of his punch meeting its target, and the other, the echo of the body colliding with the wall.Simultaneously, the corridor lights flickered to life, illuminating the scene. Strewn acros