Eric's expression shifted subtly. During his time in Salt City, he held the belief that war was a distant prospect, possibly not occurring in the next few decades.However, skirmishes and even full-fledged battles were commonplace at the border. For soldiers, this was the reality of war.Pierce, driven by ambition, sought to decisively quell the border disturbances. Perhaps this explained why he and the Battle Department had come to the border. Only someone with Pierce's grand vision could muster the determination to resolve the issue with a single decisive battle.Eric was not deeply involved in such matters, so he refrained from forming strong opinions. Ruth was more informed than Eric, so she voiced her perspective. "Master, handling the other side alone is manageable. But if the Crimson Order is involved..."Upon hearing that, even Eric couldn't help but be astonished."The Crimson Order has the capability to incite such incidents?" he asked.The Crimson Order was just an o
Eric nodded in acknowledgment. Given his unique characteristics, Pierce's expectations for him seemed reasonable. Eric listened attentively, committing every word from Pierce to memory. They conversed late into the night before Pierce finally retired for the night.As Eric lay in bed, he tossed and turned, missing the comforting presence of Sylvia by his side. He messaged Sylvia, who promptly responded, informing him that the Innova Group had just arrived, and due to the time difference, they hadn't commenced their work yet.The couple avoided discussing border issues, understanding that those topics were off-limits. After chatting for a while, Eric reluctantly rested.-The following morning, Ruth sought out Eric and handed him a tablet. "Most of the Battle Department's information is here. Take some time to review it. After you finish, destroy the device. Utilize your time for studying."Taking the tablet, Eric didn't say much and delved into examining its contents. He became
Ruth couldn't help but laugh self-deprecatingly.Eric looked puzzled, wondering if there was something wrong with her. Suddenly bursting into laughter like that was quite unsettling."Master said I'm proud and arrogant. If I recall correctly, we first met in Salt City. At that time, I saw your face full of scars. After checking your information and knowing your age, I was quite repulsed when Master sent me to recruit you. Seeing you even made me feel uncomfortable," Ruth said.Eric raised an eyebrow and teased, "Miss, you might be unwanted, but my heart belongs to someone, so don't think about having any ideas about me."The atmosphere at the border was too oppressive, and Eric just wanted to lighten it up a bit. Ruth sneered. "I didn't realize you're quite narcissistic. Your appearance is enough to frighten any woman. I must say, Sylvia is admirable. Does she not have nightmares sleeping next to you?"Eric glanced at Ruth and said, "Has your mentor or your father told you that
Eric was unaware of the assassin's plan for his operation. Nevertheless, he soon discovered it as he witnessed the assassin extracting an object, spraying it toward Pierce's room, and then standing still as if anticipating something."Such an ancient technique." Eric chuckled, advancing toward Pierce's residence.Just as he neared, Pierce suddenly materialized behind the assassin.As if deliberately taunting the assassin, Pierce patted the assassin's shoulder, nearly startling him to the core. However, the assassin reacted swiftly—the moment Pierce touched his shoulder, he twisted and threw a punch.Pierce raised his hand to block, but he still staggered back several steps."Pierce?" The assassin was puzzled. "Aren't you in your room?"Pierce laughed heartily. "I knew you were coming to kill me! You must be someone I know!"Having spoken, he immediately engaged in combat.The assassin looked serious, as Pierce remaining conscious posed a significant disadvantage. It would alert
Pierce stood in disbelief. How could a legend like the assassin perish so effortlessly? It left an unsettling feeling.Approaching the fallen assassin, Eric inspected him and declared, "He's dead. Check his mouth. After the mission failed, he opted for death."Removing the assassin's mask, Eric opened his mouth to reveal a pitch-black interior—even his teeth were black."It's him!" Pierce exclaimed, his expression growing more serious."This person is a legend from the opposing side. There are few at this level, yet they sent him to kill me. Quite a bold move!"Eric had thought the assassin might be a key figure in breaking the deadlock, but he didn't anticipate him being from the enemy's ranks.Ruth and several high-ranking members of the Combat Department arrived, their expressions darkening at the sight of the assassin."Master, the target is clear, and the intel about you is remarkably accurate. I suspect… There's a mole!" Ruth asserted.Pierce's whereabouts were never publ
The room was filled with sorrow. "How could this happen..." Some high-ranking members of the Battle Department clenched their fists. Pierce was their belief, and he was a god in the hearts of many. Although they knew Pierce would eventually die, they expected a sensational and glorious death, not this silent passing.Ruth wiped away the tears on her face and said, "An order from King City was relayed after Master's passing."Lieutenant General Johnson has recently joined the Battle Department, so I will temporarily oversee the affairs at the border. Once the situation is resolved, Master's body will be sent back to King City for burial. Does everyone understand?""Yes, Lieutenant General McClain!"This blow to morale came at a critical time, yet the well-trained Battle Department members, coupled with Ruth being Pierce's protege, understood that Ruth would inherit Pierce's mantle. As long as the legacy continued, morale would remain intact.The crowd dispersed, anticipating th
The two sides met swiftly, and an intense atmosphere permeated the air.Ruth stood at the forefront, with Eric positioned behind her as per her request."Who goes there!" Ruth's demeanor shifted sharply. "You have entered our territory. Leave immediately!"Her voice reverberated in the gorge.Eric glanced at her back and discerned the commanding aura she exuded. She maintained a formidable presence while confronting around 300 opponents, explaining her position as one of the Lieutenant Generals of the Battle Department.Laughter erupted from the opposing side, echoing in the gorge."Pierce is dead, yet you dare to come here and seek death! We are just the vanguard, with 100,000 troops behind us! We will crush Old Man Gorge and drive you back!"The opponents displayed extreme arrogance. Pierce had always been an insurmountable figure for them, and with his death, they felt bold.Ruth, however, remained unfazed and continued. "You have entered our territory. Leave immediately, or
The opposing leader could engage in a battle with Ruth for 300 rounds, but a single punch from Eric caused him significant harm.Eric didn't hold back after the Battle Department had a few casualties. He landed another punch on the opponent's chest. Inner energy erupted from his fist and broke his opponent's ribs.The opposing leader spat out a mouthful of blood, staring at Eric with his eyes widened. "A leg—" Before he could finish his word, he collapsed to the ground with a thud.Eric grabbed his body and shouted, "Your leader is dead! Do you still want to fight?" The brutal battlefield fell silent instantly. They stared at their leader in Eric's hands, stunned. The members of the Battle Department didn't miss such a good opportunity, attacking them with blunt weapons.The fierce battle ended just like that.Eric threw the opponent leader's body to the ground and approached Ruth.Ruth sprung away, raising her hand to block Eric. "Don't touch me! I'm fine!" Eric was pu