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
The following day, Andy found numerous missed call notifications when he turned on his phone. Some were from his mother, and some from his father. Andy chose not to respond, anticipating what his parents would say.Andy arrived at the company after dropping off Elly's kids at school.Jacob hesitated to enter the building and waited outside. Spotting Andy approaching, he quickly greeted him, "Andy! Why aren't you answering Mom and Dad's calls?!"He had been furious all night. His coursemates would undoubtedly mock him if they discovered he got fired from the Innova Group.Andy glanced at him. "Do you think you can pressure me through Mom and Dad? You're mistaken. As I mentioned, do as you please!"Given Jacob's actions, Andy wouldn't let him create more chaos in the company. If Jacob had the capability and followed the company's rules, Andy wouldn't dismiss him.Seeing Andy ignoring him, Jacob grew anxious and called their parents again.-As soon as Andy entered his office, his
This industry demanded substantial investments in R&D, with labor costs being notably high. The Innova Group diligently managed expenses to uphold the competitiveness of its products. It wasn't just about quality and technology—they also aimed to sustain a competitive advantage in costs and prices for long-term survival.While the Innova Group had the option to easily raise funds, the Salt City authorities proposed taking the company public. Given the Innova Group's technological reserves and market size, going public could result in a conglomerate worth billions. Although individual shares, like Eric's, might be diluted, the financial gain would still be significant.Funds were not a pressing issue for the Innova Group, as companies like theirs often received support from larger entities. The Williams, Sonnexes, and Montgomerys were the Innova Group's backers.Sylvia favored industrial ventures over finance, whereas Eric and Andy leaned toward using technology as the backbone of th