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
People who suddenly attained power were often a bit conceited, and Jacob was clearly one of themUpon learning that Andy had successfully founded a company, he almost failed several college courses and barely graduated. Finding a decent job wasn't too challenging for him, it seemed.However, Jacob's arrogance reached new heights upon joining the Innova Group. He attempted to get close to the attractive ladies in the company, even expressing a desire to barge into the CEO's office after hearing about her supposed beauty.Sylvia's assistant couldn't prevent him.Sylvia was on a call with Izzie when he burst in.Seeing Jacob, she told Izzie on the phone, "Hold on for a moment."She covered the phone speaker and turned her gaze toward Jacob."Do you have any business here?" Her tone was icy, and even her glance at the assistant held a touch of reproach. She didn't know Jacob, and even if it were Eric and Andy visiting, they'd have to knock or have her assistant announce their presen
"That's outrageous!" exclaimed Sylvia's assistant, grabbing the paper from the desk, crumpling it into a ball, and tossing it into the nearby trash bin."Ms. Williams, even if he were Mr. Bikman's son, he should behave himself. Besides, he's just his little brother! He shouldn't act like the Innova Group belongs to him!"Sylvia chuckled and reassured, "It's just a small matter. Don't worry about him."Jacob meant nothing to her after witnessing the events involving the Hamptons and Dorseys in Volpolis. Moreover, as Andy's sibling, it was only right to let Andy manage his own brother.Sylvia's assistant was indignant but also acknowledged that since Sylvia got married, she had changed entirely, even improving her temper.-At the end of the afternoon, Eric and Sylvia left work on time. Generally, the Innova employees rarely needed to work overtime.Despite being a technology company, Sylvia believed that tasks requiring more than eight hours couldn't be done well with an addition
The stark contrast between Andyi's successful career and his almost failed relationship due to his parents provided a vivid comparison. This influenced Andyi's decision to allow Jacob into the company.-After dinner at Elly's house, Eric and Sylvia returned to the Rosewood Estate.Meanwhile, Andy headed to a street-side bar where Jacob was already seated in a private booth.Andy was still angry with Jacob and refrained from drinking the glass Jacob poured for him.Jacob chuckled. "Andy! I'm your brother! You were just joking this afternoon, right?"Andy replied sternly, "Joking? Do you think I would joke about something like this with you?"Seeing Andy's expression, Jacob frowned—he was truly fired."Are you serious, Andy?" Jacob asked, "I've only been in the company for a few days, and you're firing me? I've already told my coursemates that I joined the Innova Group. If I go to work somewhere else now, they'll all think I was bragging and lying to them. You can't make me lose