When everyone finished speaking, Sam stood up and said, "Ladies and gentlemen! As I mentioned earlier, some of you come from the very bottom ranks of your companies!"The reason Mr. Ford says what he does is that the current economic environment is tough, and funds are tight. However, the Innova Group has ample funds, and maintaining such benefits is not an issue at all!"He’s worried that the company won't be able to sustain this, so he's setting the stage for a pay cut!"Sam chuckled. "Of course, I believe Mr. Ford has a solution to this, which is to announce a pay raise after this conference!"Themos recoiled at the suggestion. 'A pay raise?! Frontier Tech doesn't have the funds! How could we possibly raise salaries? It is utterly impossible!'Sam had cleverly put him in a tough spot.'Don't you despise the Innova Group's benefits? Aren’t you preparing for future pay cuts? Well, I'll make sure you can't cut salaries! Have the guts not to cut wages! Raise them instead! If you d
The conference did not progress as Themos had planned and envisioned.He had vastly underestimated the workers' thirst for wealth.This was entirely understandable.Wealthy families could easily realize their ideals and ambitions under the comfort of their riches. However, those from impoverished backgrounds prioritized basic necessities. Most of them just wanted to earn more money, ideally achieving financial freedom before even thinking about ideals and ambitions.After all, this world had far more poor people.When wealth was concentrated in the hands of a few, more impoverished individuals would strive relentlessly to attain it. There was nothing wrong with pursuing wealth in itself.Themos never anticipated things would develop this way. It was completely unfavorable for him!He intended to tarnish the Innova Group's reputation, but the public had sharp eyes. They could discern what was truly good or bad.Sam glanced at Themos, whose face was dark, and smiled brightly. 'Th
Faced with so many people, Themos didn't dare to lose his temper.Donald frowned and asked, "Mr. Ford, is this really happening?"He hoped that the two companies could engage in fair competition in Salt City without resorting to stealing technology and causing a scene.Regarding the incident where Sam was stabbed, Donald had no knowledge of it. He was also unaware of Frontier Tech stealing technology from Frontier Digital—this was the first time he was hearing about it.Such issues usually didn't arise out of nowhere. If Sam dared to speak out, he must have been prepared to confront Themos.However, Themos didn't dare respond. He had assumed the issue was long gone and didn't want to bring it up. Now, with Sam bringing it up, his face turned grim.The conference was now spiraling out of Themos' control.He angrily left, saying, "If this is how it’s going to be, you can play by yourselves! I'm not playing along anymore!"Supposedly discussing workers' welfare, and now you're tal
Eric listened to the entire situation. Currently, the group of old experts was still quarantined at King City Airport, being treated with the best food and care every day. Some people hoped they could return to make some contributions. However, considering their age, if they intended to contribute, they would have done so already. Why wait until now?After hearing everything, Eric asked, "So, what is your goal, Big Boss?"He already understood Pierce's intentions. He didn't want these people to return, but in his position, he couldn't say it outright. Thus, he left Eric to be the bad guy.Pierce sighed. "To put it nicely, they're experts. To put it bluntly, who are they?"When they had the capability, they didn't return. Now that the country is peaceful and they're nearly at retirement age, they want to come back?"Heh, there's no such good fortune!"Eric nodded repeatedly. "Alright, I understand. I'll go over there and take a look tomorrow."Seeing that Pierce had no other in
"Life and death are in the hands of God, and riches are a gift from above. If someone's time is up, it’s not on us," the old man said.Upon hearing this, Eric became displeased. 'These old geezers clearly don't care about the lives of their fellow countrymen.'The Combat Department's quarantine measures were highly effective, but if the virus spread, who knew how many people would perish?However, Eric didn't show his anger. Instead, he asked, "Sir, have all your people returned? Are there any more coming back? If there are, we need to be prepared to receive them."Hearing this, the old man laughed and pointed at Eric. "Young man, you are quite considerate!"There are no more of our people coming back, but many others like us are eager to return. If we establish a foothold here, they will surely follow!"Eric understood. These old men were just the vanguard. More people would return, regardless of their nationality, as long as they had connections here. "Heh!" Eric stood up.
At King City Airport, even the duty officers belonged to the Combat Department.When the two men entered, the crowd immediately pointed at Eric."It's him! They didn't say anything, and he started barking wildly, criticizing everything!"He wants to create chaos here and spread the virus! His intentions are heinous!"The two Combat Department officers had no idea that Eric had already arrived. Judging by his attire, he appeared to be medical personnel. Such a person risking their life to come here was indeed worthy of respect. However, this did not grant him a license to act recklessly.They looked at Eric, while the rest sneered."Arrogant fool, untouched by society's harsh realities.""How dare he behave like this here!""He must be severely punished to quell public anger!"Eric glanced at the old men. "You people consider yourselves the public?"As he spoke, he removed his protective suit.The two new arrivals were shocked."Lieutenant General Johnson! What are you doing
People were always afraid of death, especially accomplished older individuals. They feared it even more. In the academic and scientific communities, they held considerable status. Wherever they went, people revered them, and they wanted to enjoy such days a little longer."Without borders? Homeland?" Eric sneered. "Who told you that science knows no borders? When the Innova Group was blacklisted by the three major international companies, why didn’t anyone tell us that science knows no borders?"And about the great contributions you claim to have made to scientific research—sorry, I don’t see it. No one in Naturia sees it either. Those contributions were made for your own country. What does that have to do with us?"In my view, you are a bunch of disrespectful, unkind, and unjust old folks! During these times, I think you should go back and stand with your country, live or die!"Follow the procedures, deport them!"If they were not citizens of this country, they would have no reas
Public opinion could be terrifying. Once something spread, few people would know the truth, and even fewer would understand what was truly hidden behind it.Distortion of facts and blurring of right and wrong were commonplace. When interests were involved, things were rarely pure, especially when lives were at stake. Without a safe environment, it was often a matter of life and death.Thus, those old experts wanted to manipulate public opinion. They planned to use its pressure to force their way back. Their calculations were clear.Many people wanted to return but couldn't. Having someone take the lead was advantageous for them. They could use this opportunity to stir things up. If it worked, everyone could return together. Naturia was safe—no virus, peaceful and harmonious—truly a paradise on earth!How dangerous was it abroad? One slip and you could catch the virus—the odds of dying were high!Eric and Sylvia glanced at the so-called public opinion and understood the implication
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