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
Eric a legend too? That seemed like a joke!At 40 years old, Pierce achieved legendary status, making him the youngest legend in history. Meanwhile, Eric hadn't even reached 30.Restlessness spread through the formation. While training had maintained their discipline, every soldier aspired to become a general. Any soldier lacking this ambition wasn't considered good. Joining the Combat Department was the pinnacle of their military careers, the ultimate goal for these martial artists.Pierce addressed Eric as he approached, "Eric Johnson, your reputation precedes you.""You must be the legendary figure from the Combat Department," Eric replied."Exactly." Pierce nodded, extending his hand to Eric.As they shook hands, a powerful aura emanated from both, creating a palpable pressure that made others hesitate to approach. Their contest was initiated at the touch of their hands.Luke was taken aback. Expecting Pierce to recruit Eric, he had prepared special promotions to secure the
Luke hesitated, realizing he was too late to intervene. With no chance to make a move, he could only hope that Eric could endure Pierce's relentless attacks."Alright!"Eric was confident and filled with prowess. Ever since he started practicing martial arts, especially after grasping its true essence, he had never unleashed his full strength. Even during his encounter with the grandmasters in Volpolis, he had delivered just a casual punch.Mobilizing the inner energy in his lower abdomen, Eric faced Pierce, who closed in on him with an imposing aura."Watch out!" Pierce's punch came hurtling toward Eric.Responding in kind, Eric executed a familiar technique. With the aid of inner energy, he faced any punch head-on without fear.Before their fists collided, a surging aura erupted between them.Both recoiled from the impact, yet Eric felt a terrifying power surge through his arm. Understanding the mechanics of punches allowed him to deflect Pierce's formidable strength."What t
The atmosphere grew tense.Eric now had more reason to believe that Ruth prioritized looks over intelligence. Pierce clearly sought an excuse to leave, but Ruth thwarted his plan.Luke chuckled. "Pierce, if you're busy, feel free to go back. Official matters take precedence."Luke also worried that Pierce might try to recruit Eric, and leaving him behind could cause more trouble."Indeed, I'm quite busy." Pierce nodded. "I'll return to King City then.""I'll escort you," Luke offered.After leaving the military area, Luke asked, "Pierce, tell me honestly, what is Eric's level?"From Luke's perspective, Eric and Pierce seemed evenly matched during their recent spar.Pierce recalled the battle, "He's very strong, and it seems he hasn't fully unleashed his power yet. I did indeed use my full strength.""Are you saying he has reached the legendary level?" Luke was shocked.Pierce quickly shook his head. "I didn't sense the aura of a legend in him, but he does have legendary-level