This World Is Seriously Ill

Under James's instruction, the computer expert Kaplan even calculated the odds and set up a betting pool on the spot.

As his closest confidantes, they somewhat knew Kevin's actual combat level, and the "mental shock" ability seemed to be on cooldown.

Overall, the Commander's marksmanship was above average, but his hand-to-hand combat was a definite weakness. Aside from the computer expert Kaplan, most of those present could overpower the Commander.

In contrast, having recently witnessed the Countess's explosive combat power in the courtyard, everyone had already anticipated the outcome of a one-on-one fight.

"I bet on Countess Laura!"

Kaplan, who trusted data analysis the most, naturally threw several hundred dollars on Laura.

"Countess Laura, count me in..."

James, the female soldier Rain, and Barry followed suit with their bets.

Leon hesitated for a moment before finally investing the $300 in his pocket on Kevin's side.

Under Claire's inquiring gaze, Leon's voice sounded low and meaningful.

"Knowing the Captain for so long, he doesn't seem to have suffered many losses..."

"Do you think Countess Laura will win if it comes down to wits?"

Claire hesitated for a minute before quickly pulling Jill along and placing her scattered cash on Kevin.

James and the others chewed on Leon's words, and upon careful reflection, their expressions grew increasingly grim.

Suffered losses? He really hasn't had many... That guy is full of schemes.

At the same time, the Commander finally stood up and met Laura's gaze, his casual smile gradually fading.

"People of the Crawford family, is your so-called assessment a boring friendly match on a public level, or a formal duel from a private perspective?"

"If it's the former, I apologize. As a senior BSAA agent, recognized by Count Richard and authorized by the UN, I don't have time to play house with you here."

Laura's brow furrowed. She heard an invisible hostility in the Commander's voice.

That's right, although the Crawford family was a major financial supporter of the BSAA, the organization was ultimately registered with the UN.

Coupled with the turmoil at Umbrella and the T-Virus leak, the BSAA's authority would inevitably increase, possibly even gaining extraterritorial law enforcement powers.

At such a sensitive time, trying to move against it would indeed be troublesome.

She hated trouble...

"You can consider it a personal sparring invitation..."

"However, life is like a battlefield, and there are always bumps and bruises. If you're worried about scratching your pretty face and not being able to touch up your makeup afterwards, you can refuse."

After being subtly provoked by the Commander's words, Laura's eyes narrowed, and her lips curled into a sarcastic retort.

"Refuse? People of the Crawford family are walking into the line of fire, why should I refuse?"

"Let's make it quick, how about a Western shootout?"

"Just right. I hope you can help me send my regards to my parents..."

The Commander's words were filled with gunpowder, and the two became confrontational.

"I hope you don't shoot yourself in the foot halfway, pretty boy!"

The arrogant Countess was also provoked.

"Enough! All of you, sit down!"

Just as the confrontation was about to erupt, Dr. Charles, whose expression was a mix of anger and uncertainty, slowly steered his wheelchair forward and roared, his neck stiff.

Laura and Kevin glared at each other before slightly separating. After all, Dr. Charles was an elder among their parents' generation, and they had to show him at least a modicum of respect.

"Kevin, regarding the death of your parents, Richard and I are very sorry..."

"But the grievances of the previous generation should not be passed on to you!"

"I truly regret telling you the truth on the road!"

"Furthermore, Richard has done everything he can to support your life and studies. He is your elder! You have no reason to take your anger out on him!"

Laura frowned slightly at this. She then remembered that her father's leftover diary seemed to mention the death of Kevin's parents.

In a sense, the Crawford family did bear some responsibility for it.

Kevin chuckled lightly, with little trace of anger.

"Uncle Charles, Count Richard is my benefactor, there's no doubt about that. I wouldn't go so far as to take my parents' accidental deaths out on someone else."

"But if someone from the Crawford family deliberately walks into the line of fire, should I hand them the trigger?"

Laura, that impulsive and reckless girl! Dr. Charles looked at the Countess with some disappointment.

It seemed that ever since she entered, her actions towards Kevin had been nothing but difficult and targeted. It was no wonder the boy was overthinking things.

After all, he had only just learned the cause of his parents' death, and it was commendable that he could maintain a calm demeanor.

"I'm sorry, I was rude..."

Although she felt indignant, Laura could only force a smile and apologize to ease the atmosphere. After all, logically and ethically, her actions were indeed inappropriate.

Moreover, she still needed Dr. Charles's help to decipher some of the hidden information in her father's diary.

"It's fine, it seems this was just a misunderstanding. Please forgive my rudeness, Countess Lara..."

Kevin's smile bloomed on his face, but its falseness only made Lara more disgusted.

However, the Commander couldn't be bothered to cater to this difficult Countess. He figured she'd lay off for a while after hitting this soft nail.

Of course, there was one more crucial reason for escalating the conflict and framing this simple duel.

He couldn't win...

Name: Lara Crawford Rank: The Fool (B+) (Overall Stats 75-80) Profession: Archaeologist, Adventurer, Investigator Strength: 14 Constitution: 16 Agility: 15 Intelligence: 14 Perception: 17 Overall Stats: 76 (Years of mountain climbing and hiking adventures have cultivated her strong physique.) Skills: 1. Firearms Mastery: Advanced 2. Close Combat: Intermediate 3. Archaeology: Advanced 4. Trap Disarming: Intermediate

These stats had actually been analyzed by [Apocalypse] the moment Kevin entered.

It seemed that ever since assimilating Red Queen's motherboard, [Apocalypse] had gained the function to scan personnel information.

Never mind the string of intermediate and advanced skills that followed; her overall stats alone, at 76 points, were enough to put most people to shame.

Among those present, only Chris and James had slightly surpassed the 70-point threshold. Even Li San Guang, who would later be able to go toe-to-toe with a Tyrant, only had a mere 69 overall stats.

The only one present who could completely defeat this Countess was Alice in her Half-Apostle form.

As for Kevin himself, aside from his full 20 points in Intelligence, which was easily misleading, his physical attributes in all other aspects were crushed by Countess Lara.

Unless he was out of his mind, why would he willingly step forward to get beaten? It also didn't align with his principles of self-interest.

But then again, he thought, perhaps he could stir up some interesting trouble.

Kevin looked at Countess Lara, who was clearly seething, and a smile suddenly bloomed on his face.

"Actually, setting aside our differences, I agree to Countess Lara's proposal for a spar with a BSAA member..."

ps1: This book has received a recommendation slot for "Most Potential," but its performance is second to last compared to other big shots. Once again, I hope readers will use their spare recommendation tickets and monthly votes for this book. Thank you.

ps2: I'd like to thank the reader Cang Yu Jiu for their suggestions. Some were quite pertinent, and I've made revisions. However, I want to share some thoughts: every work has its author's considerations and characteristics, but it's impossible to please everyone. Reading should be about discovering beauty, not searching for flaws (unless the problems are significant, of course). If you focus too much on minor details, it will affect your mood for appreciating the beauty. So, if there are any shortcomings, please be more forgiving. Thank you for your understanding.

Section 57, Chapter 54: Goodnight, Countess

"Oh? Then that's perfect. You can decide the method of sparring. There are a few unused training rooms in the backyard, so you can pick a good spot."

Countess Lara, who had expected to swallow her anger, heard this and the corners of her lips lifted into a bright smile, though her eyes were cold and sharp.

Kevin naturally understood Lara's unspoken words: Please decide on your death method and burial site.

"However, to avoid deepening our misunderstandings and to ensure fairness, I think you should choose one of the female members of the BSAA as your opponent." "They are elites I personally recruited from Raccoon City and are qualified to represent the BSAA!"

The Commander's face also showed a gentle smile, as if he were genuinely considering fairness.

"Hmph! How do you know I'll definitely participate in this boring game?"

Lara let out a cold snort. The latter half of her taunt towards Kevin, under Dr. Charles's gaze, was ultimately not spoken directly. A coward hiding behind a woman! The Countess's impression of the Commander dropped again.

"The Holy Trinity Church..."

Kevin smiled slightly, revealing a neat row of eight teeth.

Upon hearing the familiar words, the Countess's pupils contracted sharply.

Based on the clues she had painstakingly gathered over a long time, her father's disappearance seemed to be inextricably linked to this secret organization. Could this pretty boy know something?

At this moment, those watching from a distance all put a hand to their foreheads, their eyes filled with pity.

It's over. The Captain, that scheming guy, is digging a trap again.

It seems our Countess will be the next naive deer to be lured into it.

"Fine! How do you want to compete?"

As expected, after Lara gave the Commander a deep look, she immediately accepted Kevin's proposal. But the Countess then made her own demands.

"Also, I want to make a bet with you. If I win this game..."

"Tell me everything you know about my father and the Holy Trinity Church..."

Kevin nodded subtly, having anticipated Lara's directness.

"Since it's a bet, boss, you should add something to the stakes too. If our side happens to win..."

"First, on top of their current BSAA pay, my team members need a 30% salary increase. Prices in Britain aren't cheap..."

"Second, these heroes who stepped up in a time of crisis, fought bravely for their beliefs, and were even forced to become homeless."

"So, as the owner here, could you generously lend a hand and purchase a small property for them in Surrey?"

"They've already shed blood; at the very least, don't let them shed tears due to the hardships of life, right?"

She's not asking for herself?

Perhaps this guy isn't a lone hero who can turn the tide, but he's definitely a competent officer!

Lara's opinion of Kevin shifted slightly.

However, a salary raise and property purchase were indeed considerable expenses.

Although the Countess was willing to pay any price for information about her father, she hesitated for a moment before making a decision.