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
Eric never liked taking credit and only did what he could to help. Luke smiled. "You don't need to underestimate yourself. I'd like to ask you again, are you interested in joining the Combat Department?"Eric was about to reply, but Luke interrupted him."Mr. Johnson, don't be in a hurry to respond. Let me finish. The Combat Department is the highest sanctuary that military martial arts practitioners aspire to enter. Once you join, you represent us."The Combat Department handles issues beyond our capacity. Simply put, being part of it grants you supreme authority and even the power to make decisions before reporting."Eric's expression changed slightly. The authority to make decisions before reporting was indeed extraordinary. However, he remembered Urias' words about insatiable human greed and the world full of temptations.Eric knew that agreeing would lead him into an endless pit of desire. Who wouldn't want supreme authority?At that point, Eric could even use his private
The Combat Department possessed more detailed information about Eric.However, as Pierce delved into Eric's background, he grew increasingly puzzled. The available information suggested that Eric lacked a martial arts mentor, except for the late Orion, a holistic physician. This left Pierce questioning the source of Eric's formidable martial skills.In response to these doubts, the Combat Department's personnel visited the Celestial Sage Sanctum, but the answers they received were unexceptional. They attributed Eric's abilities to extraordinary natural talent.Eric was unaware of the Combat Department's discreet investigations and didn't care.After all, who would be concerned about something they had no interest in? Eric desired a simple and ordinary life.-Meanwhile, at the Innova Group.The company began training new employees, marking a mutually beneficial arrangement for Salt City University and the Innova Group. The university provided potential talented individuals to th