This World Is Seriously Ill

"At that time, Richard secretly found me, hoping I would conduct a basic assessment of the dangers of the T-Virus..."

"We had a private discussion for three days, and finally concluded that this thing absolutely could not spread on a large scale. Therefore, even though it had vast market potential, the Crawford family was not tempted by the T-Virus."

"Furthermore, we unanimously agreed that a safety measure should be put in place for this..."

Kevin pondered, looking around.

"The Bio-Terrorism Defense and Assessment Alliance Organization... BSAA?"

Dr. Charles nodded slightly and continued to explain the origin of the BSAA to everyone.

"However, due to our foresight not being recognized, the Crawford family conglomerate was unwilling to unilaterally withdraw a large amount of funds to invest in the illusory bio-terrorism defense and assessment."

"Therefore, Richard used his archaeological research materials on the Ndipaya Empire and some cultural relics as leverage, and then utilized his connections with the United Nations to establish the prototype of BASS..."

"Initially, the BSAA's purpose was more like a semi-private organization conducting secret archaeological research on the Ndipaya Empire under the banner of 'bio-terrorism defense and assessment'."

"To avoid crossing the line, the BSAA had fewer personnel, and most were civilian staff, primarily responsible for intelligence gathering, and did not even have a formal armed force."

"You should know that their siblings' infiltration of Raccoon City was merely under the guise of 'humanitarianism,' and Matt's official occupation was nothing more than a half-time war correspondent..."

All the explanations were quite reasonable, and Kevin nodded in slight agreement, continuing to listen to Dr. Charles's introduction.

"As for your status as a BASS senior agent, it's merely an honorary title..."

"Because your parents were accomplished in archaeology and biology, they were once good friends of both Richard and me, and they helped us a lot in our search for the Ndipaya Empire."

"But I am very sorry, they returned to the United States from the Ndipaya Empire's cemetery after their fingers were cut by a purplish-red crystal in the soil, and they gradually developed inexplicable infections and passed away one after another."

"To compensate for our debt, Richard has been secretly subsidizing your living and academic expenses based on the salary of a BSAA senior agent..."

Kevin's calm face showed no joy or sorrow, as if he were merely listening and analyzing everything.

Because he truly couldn't imitate the feeling of losing both parents. It was better to be a quiet observer than to put on a clumsy performance.

"We thought it was all our delusion, but in the end, everything still happened."

"At first, the Umbrella Corporation found me and coerced me into handing over the T-Virus research data."

"I originally intended to ask Richard for help, but as fate would have it, that old guy went missing during an archaeological excavation in Cambodia! The Crawford family fell into internal strife."

"Helplessly, for Angela's sake, my wife and I had to submit and cooperate with Umbrella's virus research."

"It wasn't until three months ago, when you arrived, that I realized things might have taken a turn for the better, but I didn't hold out much hope."

No wonder this "mentor" accepted him so readily and let him act as a tutor for his daughter Angela.

Guilt was likely one factor, but more importantly, Umbrella was sinking deeper and deeper into the field of biological experiments.

Kevin's appearance brought a glimmer of hope to Dr. Charles, a chance to escape the current situation.

"I'll continue from here..."

"After a family struggle, Countess Lara eventually regained control."

"Furthermore, while sorting through her father's belongings, she discovered research materials concerning the Ndipaya Empire and the Sun Stair flower, as well as the 'Bio-Terrorism Defense and Assessment Measures' jointly signed by her father and his peers."

"This opened up a new path for Countess Lara, who was searching for her father's whereabouts."

"Therefore, she secretly commissioned me and Lisa to go to Raccoon City to investigate the Umbrella Corporation's background."

"On the other hand, she wanted to find a way to contact you two and help you escape Raccoon City as much as possible."

Matt's continuation made the situation clear and logical, everything falling into place.

"So that's how it is..."

Kevin's response was filled with meaning. This world was making everything rational and controllable, as if it possessed some kind of self-preservation consciousness.

"We've arrived, Crawford Manor!"

James, the driver in the front, quietly informed everyone that they had reached their destination.

A strange curve formed on the Commander's lips; he was becoming increasingly interested in this Countess.

Perhaps this would be an interesting meeting.

ps1: To reiterate, for those who want to add other plotlines, please state your preference in the review section. I will pin a few of the initiated choices.

ps2: For those worried about the plot collapsing later, there's no need. I am connecting everything to make the plot more rational.

The connection between "Tomb Raider" and "Biohazard" is quite good, isn't it? My two favorite goddesses and two worldviews from back in the day.

ps3: Lara's setting is a composite of the original "Tomb Raider" and the reboot.

As for her image, I still think the two movies starring Angelina Jolie are the most classic.

ps4: I'd also like to recommend a book, a multi-genre novel about "The Tanya Saga." It's rich in content, and interested friends can check out "Did I Do Wrong by Praying to the Gods?"

Chapter 55: Teammate Nemesis Count Increasing

Money is great...

The extended Lincoln was parked in the courtyard. After Kevin got out of the car, despite having been mentally prepared, he was still shocked by the luxurious manor before his eyes.

Lush green plants meticulously trimmed by gardeners, well-laid gravel paths, marble sculptures dotted along the way, exquisite and beautiful artificial fountains, and a majestic Gothic castle towering in the distance.

Even the Commander saw the purebred warhorses that Countess Lara kept in her private stables; the cost of fodder for these animals was probably equivalent to half his salary from his previous life.

The weight of history, the length of tradition, and the luxurious furnishings all spoke to the immense wealth of the Countess before him.

When he saw the two female companions beside him equally stunned, Kevin felt a little more balanced.

After all, the Umbrella roughnecks and RPD officers around him were mostly typical representatives of the poor. He wasn't the worst, and a sense of superiority always brought inner joy.

Immediately, Kevin and his two companions were led to a side hall for a search, and were asked to remove their weapons and other dangerous items.

The man responsible for searching Kevin was muscular and burly, with short brown hair and the standard black clothing and earpiece, looking very capable and clearly an old hand who had been through battles.

However, the Commander felt the way this guy looked at him was very strange... containing a mix of gratitude, curiosity, and disdain...

"I hope you don't have any bold ideas..."

Due to some unsavory psychological shadow, the Commander never dared to turn his back on this strange mercenary and subconsciously maintained a safe distance from him.

After the thorough pat-down, Kevin's scalp tingled as he fled the side hall, nearly colliding with Alice and her two companions who were approaching while chatting.

"Commander, hello! Thank you for saving Raccoon City and collecting evidence against the Umbrella Corporation!"

"More importantly, Jill and Barry were able to escape safely thanks to you!"

A short, brown-haired girl dressed as a bodyguard, following behind Alice and Jill, rushed up to Kevin and chattered her thanks.

"You are..."

Facing the impulsive yet cute girl before him, Kevin offered a polite smile and asked gently.

"Oh, sorry, I forgot to introduce myself..."

"Rebecca... Rebecca Chambers, formerly a member of the B team of Raccoon City's S.T.A.R.S., serving as a medic."

"Now, I'm officially working for the BSAA, ready for duty at any time!"

The 18-year-old genius medical student saluted the Commander as she spoke. This feeling of being like a younger sister made Kevin feel a hint of closeness.

However, this little girl clearly had no sense of caution. Not only did she volunteer her previous position, but she also revealed her current status without reservation.

S.T.A.R.S. was divided into two teams, Alpha (A team) and Beta (B team). During the escaped bioweapon incident at the abandoned sanatorium on the outskirts of Raccoon City, the B team was essentially wiped out.

Rebecca was basically the sole survivor, while the A team had many formidable members.

Besides Jill and Barry, the most legendary figures were naturally the overall captain Wesker (an Umbrella Corporation spy, currently at large) and a former Air Force pilot.

So, the tough guy who had just searched him should be Claire's brother – Chris Redfield.

This guy and Li San Guang, one with a parted hairstyle, the other with a buzz cut, were close and were once known as the "teammate killers" of the Biohazard Crisis world. Countless teammates had died by their side.

Kevin appeared calm on the surface but was internally complaining about Countess Laura's judgment in hiring people.

Weren't they afraid the entire organization would be wiped out by having these two jinxes in the BSAA?

Damn it, no! If I were forming a team, I'd definitely put these hard-luck cases together and throw them far away.

Otherwise, I can't live like this!

After a brief chat, everyone, led by Rebecca, changed their shoes and socks and stepped onto the Persian carpet leading from the entrance to the drawing-room.

The furnishings inside the ancient castle were also low-key and luxurious, with most furniture bearing custom-made labels. Oil paintings of the past heads of the Crawford family hung on either side of the corridor.

Judging by the contrast of the color bands and the beauty of the lines, they were clearly the work of a master. The most valuable items, however, were undoubtedly the antiques displayed along the way.

After walking for nearly ten minutes, they finally arrived at the drawing-room.

At this moment, the renowned adventuress Countess Lara was sitting at the round table waiting. Upon seeing her guests arrive, she waved for the main leaders of the BSAA to take their seats at their leisure.

She was a heroic beauty, and the first impression her boss gave Kevin was that she disliked rules, was rebellious and arrogant, and didn't like to take the conventional path.

The Countess before him was not wearing traditional guest attire. Her black tactical vest and tight brown-green hot pants made her look capable and energetic. She was even wearing hiking boots.

Her brown-gold long hair was tied into a simple braid at the back for ease of movement, and two gun holsters hung from her firm, healthy tan thighs.

Her three-dimensional Western features were sharply defined, exuding sharpness and edge at all times.

Coupled with her posture of leaning back in her chair with her legs crossed, she was an absolute bad example who profaned classical British aristocratic etiquette.

Fortunately, with the entrance of Dr. Charles, the rebellious Countess finally toned down her flamboyant personality a bit, uncrossed her legs, and pressed the bell on the dining table.

The servants successively brought dishes to the table, which included famous British local delicacies like Yorkshire pudding, beef Wellington, and haggis, as well as more upscale and refined French cuisine.

Kevin seemed to treat this meeting as a banquet, savoring the various dishes and enthusiastically recommending his favorites to Jill and Alice.

As for the other BSAA members under Kevin's command, they were also part of the banquet. Seeing their Commander so relaxed, they naturally ate with gusto.

As Countess Lara observed Commander Kevin, the corners of her mouth turned up, her eyebrows slightly raised, and a hint of disdain flickered in her smile.

With this pretty boy, he could turn the tide in Raccoon City and play Umbrella, the US military, and Mayor Warren like puppets? Ridiculous!

Well, the athletic, arrogant Countess was clearly a fan of muscles and a believer in the "might makes right" philosophy. Kevin's mixed-race pretty boy image did not fit her idea of a hero.

Therefore, the severity of the Raccoon City biohazard crisis was naturally misinterpreted by Lara as a boring exaggeration to flatter someone.

After eating their fill, Kevin reluctantly put down his cutlery and quietly savored the mellow black tea, showing no intention of initiating conversation.

Because the combination of disliking rules, rebelliousness, and arrogance was enough to make Kevin keep his distance from her.

They... meant endless trouble...

Having just narrowly escaped the catastrophe of the biohazard crisis, the Commander just wanted to have a good vacation. Before the next Calamity Virus appeared, he wanted to be a lazy bum for a few days, lying in bed and getting moldy.

So, can we just not cause trouble? Boss?

Unfortunately, just as Kevin had worried, after seeing everyone finish their meal, Countess Lara placed her hands on the round table, slowly stood up, and looked at the helpless Commander with a smile.

"I have great faith in your professional standards and your achievements in saving cities, but as the largest financial supporter of the BSAA, everything must follow the rules."

"Therefore, I need to conduct an assessment of certain individuals' professional capabilities..."

"So, are you ready? Commander?"

This is what you call following the rules? I don't believe you for a second! Kevin rolled his eyes helplessly as he looked at the Countess opposite him, her gaze provocative and her demeanor eager.

Here it comes... trouble...

ps1: Thanks to reader @{"reader_id":"703067","reader_name":"Dragon.Akaya"} for the "blades" and to all the readers for their monthly votes.

I hope everyone can consistently cast their unused recommendation votes and monthly votes for this book every day, as it's very important for the work's growth.

Compared to some mainstream styles on Shuke, this book is more inclined towards realistic and niche writing. I hope for your continued support.

Section 56 Chapter 53 Let's Do Something Interesting

"This is going to be good!"

"Commander vs. Countess, wanna bet on it?"

The Black man, James, nudged Leon and Barry beside him with his elbow, his teasing gaze subtle.

These former subordinates showed no intention of helping. They gathered in a corner, whispering amongst themselves, with the expressions of people watching a show.

"Odds are 3 to 1 for the Commander to win, and 0.5 to 1 for the Countess to win..."