Even now, in a society with highly developed science and civilization, we still cannot escape that lingering sense of dread.
Humanity is so humble, so insignificant, in the face of the grand achievements of nature and the universe.
We can no longer live in fear. Whether it's a Biohazard Crisis, a mysterious disaster, or the arrival of alien species, nothing can protect us. We must protect ourselves.
While others live in the sunlight, we must fight them in the shadows and prevent them from being exposed to the public, so that others can live in a rational, ordinary world.
But at least, shouldn't you forge suitable swords and shields for these nameless heroes?
I don't want my teammates to resist all sorts of monsters with their flesh and blood, with their lives!
Do you understand, Miss Lara?
This profound narration made Lara feel an invisible, unknown fear.
She could relate to this, as this archaeologist had witnessed countless incredible existences in the ruins of many fallen civilizations.
This is a crazy world, a terrifying world!
We must maintain our fear! We must learn reverence!
"Alright, I promise you!"
After a long period of contemplation, the Countess's solemn reply brought the most sincere smile to the Commander's face.
ps1: Since I'm establishing the world-building, the preamble will be more detailed before the official mission begins. I hope you don't mind.
Feel free to guess which interesting setting this chapter is inspired by.
ps2: A personal confession, there were only four classic female screen images that once amazed and shocked me.
1. Lara Croft, played by Angelina Jolie in "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider"; 2. Alice Abernathy, played by Milla Jovovich in "Resident Evil"; 3. The female vampire, played by Kate Beckinsale in "Underworld"; 4. The White Queen, played by Anne Hathaway in "Alice in Wonderland".
Sometimes, I wish to show you the most beautiful 3D images, but for some reason, some readers are too dismissive of 3D images.
Each of them received widespread praise and recognition from viewers. Even the image of Jill Valentine in the second "Resident Evil" movie (in the first chapter) was statistically the most accurate adaptation.
So, I don't understand why, in the eyes of some readers, they become very ugly.
I not only like 2D, but I also prefer 3D. I hope for more tolerance from everyone.
The author will try not to upload images in the future to avoid arguments.
Section 59 Chapter Fifty-Six The Turning Point of History
"If the new gene enhancement serum can be developed, I request that it be allocated to the BSAA field teams first!"
"And after obtaining authorization from the United Nations, the weaponry and equipment must also be updated!"
Kevin directly stated the remaining detailed requirements.
"No problem. As long as there's enough profit to support it, the Crawford family will fully support the BSAA's development."
Lara's reply was straightforward. To get something, you have to give something.
"The BSAA will become your sharpest sword and your strongest shield!"
Kevin smiled brightly, the long-standing unease finally dissipating.
Then, striking while the iron was hot, the Commander handed Lara the plan for the BSAA personnel reorganization and facility requirements, and received her authorization.
After a moment of silence, Kevin finally brought up the topic that truly interested Lara.
"Countess, how much do you know about the [Holy Trinity Church]?"
Lara frowned slightly, searching her mind for information about the Holy Trinity Church, and gave a general answer.
"The [Holy Trinity Church] originated from Christianity and has relatively radical doctrines. They believe that God speaks through nature, and miracles exist in history..."
"Therefore, they have been using aggressive methods to collect mysterious artifacts passed down through history in different regions..."
"Hoping to use these as a medium to control supernatural powers, even to transcend life and death..."
"At the same time, they are not unrelated to my father's disappearance!"
Kevin nodded subtly. This was similar to his impression of the [Holy Trinity Church], so the information he possessed might also apply to this world.
"When I was organizing my parents' belongings, I came across an old notebook..."
"The content repeatedly mentioned an archaeologist whose name was crossed out..."
"And this mysterious person often discussed an unexcavated historical site with them..."
Lara's eyes narrowed. A mysterious person?
Then he might be my missing father—Richard Crawford.
Compared to the daytime, Kevin was frank and direct when discussing official matters at night.
"Fortunately, they wrote down specific information about this."
"Japan's Dragon Triangle Sea Area, Queen Himiko of Yamatai!"
With Lara's intelligence, she understood immediately.
"You're saying they're holding my father hostage and forcing him to excavate Queen Himiko's tomb?"
Queen Himiko, a figure shrouded in historical mystery, was rumored to possess the ability to control wind, rain, and thunder through witchcraft, even having the power of eternal life.
Could her father have discovered the tomb of Queen Himiko of Yamatai?
And the Holy Trinity Church likely coveted Queen Himiko's mystical powers, which led them to kidnap Count Richard at Angkor Wat, Cambodia, and force him to lead them to the lost Yamatai Kingdom.
Kevin nodded secretly, satisfied with the Countess's reaction. It was always convenient to talk to intelligent people.
However, in reality, the Commander had never seen any parental notes.
Everything was a fabricated truth based on his memories from a past life, but the content was flawless.
The "notes" didn't even mention Count Richard's name, leaving no room for suspicion.
After all, all the conclusions were drawn by Lara herself, guided by Kevin's suggestions.
Even if things went wrong later, he could easily absolve himself.
Clearly, the Countess, with gratitude in her eyes, didn't perceive the Commander's sinister intentions.
The long period of uncertainty had made Lara, who had always believed her father was alive, doubt her own judgment.
The crucial information Kevin provided brought her a glimmer of hope.
"Excellent! I'll go find the hydrological data for Japan's Dragon Triangle Sea Area and the historical records of the Yamatai Kingdom right away!"
"Furthermore, from now on, some BSAA intelligence personnel will focus on collecting information along the coast of Kyushu Island, Japan, and closely monitor for any suspicious individuals entering or leaving the Dragon Triangle region!"
The Countess clenched her fist, her fighting spirit ignited, and she was eager to rush to the study to compare the data.
"Frankly, I don't like you, but feelings are feelings, and grievances are grievances."
"If you can safely bring my father back, I'm willing to give you a third of my shares as a reward."
Lara gazed at the calm Commander before her, generously offering a large carrot to lure this donkey into working diligently.
"Forget it, I can't accept that. You should put more thought into how to divide Umbrella's various resources in Europe."
"And, while you're at it, prepare for the BSAA's weapon upgrades."
Kevin quickly waved his hands, letting his boss record this favor, which was far more useful than any scraps of paper he might receive.
The Countess no longer insisted and excitedly rushed to the study, likely to work through the night.
Meanwhile, in the hall, the Commander's expression was a bit odd, because in his memory, Lara was also a typical example of someone who "ruined things for her father."
Before she found Queen Himiko's tomb, the hostage Dr. Richard could still be alive and kicking on the island, outsmarting the Holy Trinity Church.
But the moment this woman reached the island where Queen Himiko was buried, her own father would die because of her.
Therefore, it was best to find a way to form the BSAA's field teams as soon as possible. After sending Lara, the bringer of bad luck, away, everyone could head to the island for a professional rescue.
He almost forgot, this mission absolutely required keeping Leon and Chris, those two teammate killers, far away! It would be best to send them to some godforsaken place in Africa to clear land!
Otherwise, without Lara's interference, Count Richard might be killed by these two.
So, the troop integration and "that matter" needed to be put on the agenda as soon as possible.
Kevin sat on the sofa, lightly tapping the round table, his gaze towards London deep and inscrutable.
I really hope it's not what I think...
However, what Kevin and Lara never expected was that due to the interweaving and chaos of various Calamity Viruses, the world's original script had become unrecognizable.
The future had taken a turn in an unpredictable direction...
At the same time, in Japan's Dragon Triangle Sea Area, on a desolate island.
On a reef-strewn shallow beach, a handsome young man with white hair tied in a ponytail leaped from a sinking small boat onto the shore.
This uninvited guest, dressed in a simple blue trench coat, looked around, confirmed it was safe, and then took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lowering his head to place one in his mouth.
Immediately, the man slightly raised his hand, gently pulled the trigger, and a subtle flame rose from a magnificent black and white handgun with a gilded barrel, igniting the cigarette.
The crimson ruby embedded in the safety catch further increased the value of this precious weapon.
After this stylish and flashy way of lighting his cigarette, the man comfortably took a puff.
"Was the intel wrong? What the hell kind of Stigma could be recovered from this godforsaken place?"
The man's nonchalant expression was like that of a playboy on vacation.
Suddenly, the uninvited guest flicked his cigarette butt, stepped on it to extinguish it, and his frivolous gaze turned somewhat solemn.
Maybe there really is!
The man looked towards the distant mountains, a slight curve forming on his lips.
ps: Thanks to readers Baker Street Requiem, Crayon Shin-chan Lost Its Star, Spectre of Huaxu, Want to Sleep In, and Leng Qianyi for their tips.
Section 60, Chapter 57: Hide and Seek
England, County of Surrey, a newly built military base.
Kevin observed the BSAA field team training base, and he was very satisfied with its scale and configuration.
The two military-green Longbow Apache attack helicopters, one Black Hawk helicopter, and three armored vehicles driving into the warehouse at the tarmac further boosted the impressive image.
The first batch of field members, who had already assembled, were all dressed in black combat suits and armed with M4A1s and other standard weapons.
The optical sights and gas masks were temporarily removed as they were not needed, and everyone looked invigorated.
Everything was as the Commander had anticipated: Umbrella Corporation's financial struggles led to increased leaks of T-Virus data, and even many types of bio-weapons found their way into the black market through various channels.
The Crawford family had reaped substantial rewards from the European pharmaceutical market, and Dr. Charles's exclusive laboratory was now in their possession.
Meanwhile, the United Nations finally remembered the organization that bore its name – BSAA.
Thanks to the stellar performance of these two teams during the Raccoon City Biohazard Incident, where they professionally turned the tide, coupled with the financial support from the Crawford family and the endorsement of Mayor Warren, the organization evolved from a mere concept into a tangible department with real power.
The Commander was in a good mood, facing the results after nearly a week of waiting.
"Thanks to everyone's efforts, the BSAA Field Team is officially established. I will now announce the specific team assignments."
"The Field Team will currently be divided into two groups, temporarily named Group A and Group B."
"Group A members include Leon, Chris, Barry, Rebecca..."
"Group B members include Jill, James, Rain, Kaplan..."
"I have finished speaking. Does anyone have any objections?"
After reading out the team roster, Kevin asked everyone with a smile. This was the most reasonable plan he could devise.
This division essentially meant that the Commander had placed all the jinxed stars into Group A, preventing a situation where, after every mission, only a select few returned safely while the rest became ashes.
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