Soon, a group of individuals stepped forward, proclaiming, "We won't gang up on you! Let's settle this with one-on-one combat. Choose someone!"Despite their internal rivalries, they united when confronted with an external challenge.Eric pointed at a person and declared, "You, then!"The chosen individual stepped forward, flexing his fists and sneering. "Instructor Johnson, if I injure you, I won't cover your medical expenses!"Squinting, Eric observed the person before him. The individual emitted a familiar aura reminiscent of the three grandmasters at the Hampton residence. This aura suggested he had taken someone else's life before and had extensive combat experience.However, Eric didn't find him intimidating. Despite his rich combat experience, he was just a grandmaster. According to Urias, a grandmaster could never defeat him.With that thought in mind, Eric shook his head and said, "Don't worry. You don't need to cover expenses."As soon as he spoke, the person kicked th
Each soldier here was the best in their own divisions, hailed as the strongest. Little did they expect that Eric could easily outmatch them. Despite none of them sustaining injuries, it was apparent that Eric possessed greater strength.Luke turned to Mason in satisfaction and asked, "Mason, can you read his moves?"Mason shook his head and replied, "Sir, honestly, I can't read his moves.""Well, it's normal that you can't," Luke explained. "He has integrated all his techniques together. If my subordinates were all like him, those arrogant folks in the Combat Department wouldn't dare to raise their heads before me.""That day will certainly come, sir!" Mason declared.The rest retreated into formation after Eric defeated the two opponents with just two moves. Luke and Mason approached."I understand your aspirations to join the Combat Department, but each of you is exceptionally talented. You don't need to associate with that group of arrogant individuals to showcase your abili
"This is a good thing!" Henry exclaimed.Even though the Williams were a powerful family in King City, they lacked significant support. They could handle problems on their own, but if things got out of hand, they might struggle. In essence, their ability to manage risks was weak without a strong background.However, the issue had been resolved. Eric, Sylvia's husband, was there, and Henry was confident that he would assist them in times of trouble.Brook took a sip of wine and exclaimed, "Eric, from now on, no one will dare to mess with you! Even kingpins will have to bow down when they see you!"Misty lightly tapped on his shoulder, signaling him to stop talking.Nevertheless, Brook's statement held true. Eric had established a strong reputation in the underworld, earning respect from Matteo in King City and Tiger in Salt City.Sylvester chimed in. "Brook is right. Eric has achieved the most among us.""Of course." Seraphine added, "He's Aunt Grace's son. He's destined for grea
Eric wasn't boasting. Understanding the essence of martial arts instilled the confidence to guide grandmasters in the field.Upon hearing these words, the woman asked, "Are you Eric?""Yes, I am," Eric replied. "Come on, you go first. Demonstrate a set for me."Time was tight. Guiding 58 people would take six days, even if he spent one day with ten individuals. Eric aimed to avoid wasting time on trivial matters.Eric ignored her and focused on the task at hand, causing Luke to restrain his laughter. Mason's nod signaled that the Combat Department's tactic, using a beauty, was ineffective against Eric.Observing Eric's indifference, Ruth grew somewhat angry. Although she was not overly concerned about her own beauty, she was confident that few men could resist glancing at her. Eric's complete disregard outraged her."Hey!" she shouted. "I'm talking to you! It's rude not to look at someone when they're speaking, you know?"With the first person in position, Eric said, "Give me a
Ruth exclaimed as she kicked Eric back, "You've got something going on!"Women, especially those from the Combat Department like Ruth, were always a proud species. Eric's ability to withstand her kick without injury surprised her. It seemed that those recognized by the Combat Department were not weaklings.Eric shook his hand, thankful that he had mastered the Basic Breath Regulation Method, allowing him to mobilize his inner energy at any time. Ruth's kick could have easily broken his hand otherwise.He cast a sidelong glance at Ruth and said, "Step aside. I won't fight a woman.""I'm not just a woman." Ruth sneered and launched an attack on Eric.Those who taunted her would usually meet a miserable end. She instantly closed in on Eric. The others watched intently. Ruth held a high position in the Combat Department, and anyone from there held a lofty status. When necessary, they could easily mobilize local military forces. Ruth's status was even more esteemed—rumors suggested
A loud pop startled everyone, and even Luke couldn't help but shiver.Had Eric just dislocated Ruth's arm? It was terrifying!Eric stepped back as Ruth held onto her dislocated arm."Are you going to keep fighting?" Eric glanced at Ruth. This kind of injury wasn't significant for him—he had disabled her fighting ability. But Ruth was furious.Seeing Ruth remain silent, Eric turned to a nearby soldier, saying, "You, show me your moves."The soldier shivered, considering what Eric had done to Ruth. He began to demonstrate, and Eric watched closely, searching for weaknesses in their techniques as a way to improve."Asshole!" Ruth cursed, but Eric ignored her.Arguing with this woman was too tiring."Eric Johnson!" Ruth shouted, "The Combat Department asked me to bring you to them. Name your terms! As long as it's within the Combat Department's capabilities, they'll satisfy you!"Despite Ruth's tempting offer, Eric remained calm. "Sorry, I'm not interested in the Combat Department
The Combat Department functioned with remarkable efficiency. Upon Ruth's return to King City, she found a file on Eric waiting on her desk. As she delved into Eric's records, a sense of bewilderment overcame her.Eric's history appeared mundane until a year and a half ago. Abandoned as a child, he graduated from Salt City University, worked at Westman Technology, and had a girlfriend. Following a breakup, he married into the affluent Williams family, signaling a significant shift in his life and the emergence of extraordinary abilities.Ruth remarked in disdain, "I thought he was upright, but he's just another scumbag? Abandoning his girlfriend and marrying a rich girl? How shallow!"Judging from his unclear records, she had already deemed Eric worthy of condemnation. Marrying another woman immediately after a breakup seemed to solidify the label of a scumbag. However, further scrutiny of the file revealed a conspicuous omission.While the records detailed Eric's adoptive parents,
Pierce understood Ruth's temperament well. Someone with talent and an elite background might naturally exhibit some arrogance.However, Ruth had misjudged certain aspects of Eric, and Pierce knew she must have found it challenging to deal with him."Master..."Ruth felt a bit embarrassed, realizing that Luke had likely informed Pierce.Pierce chuckled and said, "Although you possess extraordinary talent, you've encountered a monstrous talent. This person managed to grasp the essence of martial arts in just a year and a half, which is truly remarkable."He then sighed. "If he receives the right guidance, he could become a legend in another year, perhaps even comparable to my level. It's a pity he's not joining our Combat Department.""Master, why not meet him personally? When he sees your capabilities, he'll undoubtedly be in awe. People like him lack someone like you to set them straight."Pierce smiled, knowing that Ruth held some grudges. But he was genuinely curious to meet E