"Miss Ada Wong, you're a well-known figure in the mercenary industry, so we're aware of your identity and your objective."
Putting aside the headache of future problems, Kevin decided to play big and commit to the act.
"Oh?" The mysterious and dangerous female agent smiled serenely, but a hint of surprise and wariness flickered deep within her eyes.
Kevin leaned against the headboard, his gaze fixed on Ada's eyes as he enunciated each word.
"At the very least, our current objective is the same: to obtain the T-Virus… So, why can't we cooperate?"
"This kind of risky approach isn't like those old-fashioned British gentlemen." The woman's lips curved slightly, seemingly intrigued by Kevin's proposal.
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do! America is the playground for gamblers and adventurers!"
Kevin gradually became more talkative and sharp, dispelling Ada's lingering doubts with a casual, American-style shrug.
Then, he pressed his advantage. "Furthermore, you've seen the power of the bioweapons under the Umbrella Corporation. Trying to breach the security system of The Hive head-on single-handedly is a pipe dream, and even more difficult for me."
"I have connections, you have the ability. If we cooperate and stir up trouble, then everyone can get what they need."
Kevin's mind raced as he spoke eloquently. He had never realized he was so persuasive.
"Indeed, keeping you around seems more useful…" Ada put on her tan trench coat and walked towards the window, her back to Kevin.
However, just as a relieved smile spread across the boy's tense face, a silver dinner knife shot past his cheek and embedded itself into the wooden headboard.
"But calling a girl 'Auntie' without permission is quite rude…"
"So, be a good boy next time we meet, kiddo…"
Ada turned back with a smile, then pulled out her grappling hook, secured the claw, waved goodbye to the startled youngster, and leaped out of the inn.
Finally… I managed to fool her. Kevin collapsed onto the bed, gasping for air.
But in an instant, he realized a more pressing problem.
Wait, she left. Who's going to untie me?
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Section 10 Chapter Ten: Develop Stealthily, Don't Gamble!
When Kevin, with dark circles under his eyes and a weary face, stumbled down the stairs, the landlady's pitying gaze struck him hard.
I've never been so embarrassed… But the problem is, I'm not into that stuff!
Recalling the predicament of nearly half the night to escape last night, Kevin regretted his momentary slip of the tongue.
A sharp tongue feels good for a moment, but leads to a fiery end later.
A lesson learned! Kevin calmed himself, constantly warning himself.
Many geniuses who think they're clever fall by the wayside. Those who reach the end are often not the smartest, but the ones who can endure the longest.
Moreover! In this world, he might be the one with the farthest vision, but he's definitely not the smartest!
This is a vibrant world, a dangerous world, and a crazy, sick world!
His most crucial task is: to survive as much as possible!
Therefore, develop stealthily, don't gamble!
Kevin's thoughts raced at the entrance. Finally, he tucked the retrieved identification documents into his wallet, pulled up his hood, deliberately avoided the cameras, and walked calmly in the shadows.
However, as he took half a step out of the dim alley, his body stiffened, and he retreated without a trace.
Damn it! The Umbrella Squad!
On the main road, twelve Umbrella mercenaries in black tactical gear, wearing gas masks and carrying MP5 submachine guns, were setting up a checkpoint, patrolling and questioning people.
Umbrella's infiltration of Raccoon City was terrifyingly thorough, essentially controlling most of the military and political power.
Based on Kevin's rough observation, their stated reason was the infiltration of terrorists carrying special weapons from Mexico, requiring special quarantine by Umbrella.
But those two Mexican drug dealers were already dead.
And these Umbrella mercenaries, who were "kindly" maintaining public order, were comparing their photos with passing pedestrians.
Although he didn't know why, he was undoubtedly exposed!
Could it be… Alice? Kevin dismissed the suspicion that arose in his mind, it didn't make sense.
However, one thing was clear: he absolutely could not contact Alice anymore. Her surroundings were far more dangerous than he imagined!
Similarly, Dr. Charles's house had also become a forbidden zone.
Where should he go? Kevin was a bit lost. As he subconsciously retreated, he unknowingly arrived at the "Wild Rose" inn.
However, a black Hummer H1 parked at the entrance of the inn, with its door open, and the red and white umbrella logo of Umbrella made his heart sink.
In just about ten minutes, three Umbrella mercenaries emerged from the inn and fanned out, closing in on the alley.
Kevin's heart pounded violently. Instinctively, he slowed his pace and ducked into the shadows. With no better option, he figured he'd hide for now.
However, just as the Umbrella mercenaries entered the alley, a commotion erupted on the street. A suspicious man in a hood fled in the opposite direction of the mercenaries.
The three men immediately turned and gave chase, their shouts and the sounds of a struggle filling the air.
Finally… safe… Kevin let out a long sigh. Those three Umbrella mercenaries had been less than 5 meters from his hiding spot. He'd almost been a goner.
Suddenly, a hand shot out from behind him, clamping firmly over his mouth and teeth, dragging the struggling mixed-race boy into the deep darkness.
"Boss, we got him!" Less than ten minutes later, the suspicious man from in front of the "Wild Rose" hotel was pinned to the ground by two members of the Umbrella Squad.
Looking at the wriggling object on the ground, covered in dust and grime, Captain John, who had a slight case of mysophobia, couldn't help but show a hint of disgust. He waved his hand, signaling his men to haul the suspect up.
"Hey! Wanna take a hit, buddy?" The man with short, yellowish-brown hair, vacant pupils, and a shaky body was clearly a drug addict.
After carefully comparing him against the facial recognition system, John disgustedly pushed away the junkie trying to get close to him and ordered his men to drive him off.
Disturbed by the sudden turn of events, John felt a bit annoyed. The Umbrella Squad inside The Hive had been almost completely mobilized just to catch a tutor who had wandered into a restricted area?
What did they take them for? Hyenas cleaning up carrion?
He shook his head, dispelling the images of the special experiments swirling in his mind. The displeasure was suppressed, and his expression returned to its usual coldness, because the scenes inside The Hive were not only nauseating but also chilling.
But he felt like he had forgotten something, and that this junkie's appearance was too coincidental.
John snapped back to reality. His gaze, like a falcon's, swept the surroundings. As the sharp glint in his eyes passed over the alley from before, his expression changed slightly.
Whoosh! Inside a private room at a coffee shop, the man slowly drew the curtains shut, exhaling a breath of stale air. The Umbrella mercenaries searching the alley hadn't noticed the prying eyes looking down on them at all.
"Kevin, right? A pleasure to meet you..." The man with short, dark brown hair, wearing a black leather jacket and a reporter's ID around his neck, wasn't burly, but he possessed an inexplicable agility.
His smiling outstretched hand, however, left Kevin, who sat opposite him, somewhat confused.
Just moments ago, when he was in trouble, this guy had lifted a manhole cover and pulled him out of the danger zone through the city's sewage pipes. So what was this guy's purpose?
"I can see you have many questions. Alright then, let me reintroduce myself."
The reporter in the black jacket noticed Kevin's wariness and suspicion, scratching his head sheepishly before his expression turned serious.
"Matt Addison, BSAA Level 3 Field Operative, here to make contact. I assume you're the other agent who infiltrated Raccoon City. Happy to cooperate."
Then, the reporter in the black jacket smiled slightly, easing the atmosphere between them.
Kevin calmly shook his hand and sat down. Through subtle questioning, he gradually confirmed a suspicion he had.
As his exploration of this world deepened, his identity information anchor would eventually solidify from virtual to real.
In other words, he was becoming a part of this crazy world, and the BSAA agent information code that appeared in his mind was proof.
So, which world was real, and which was fake?
Kevin gave a wry smile, but he didn't know.
"Agent Kevin, your early exposure has put you in a dangerous situation. Headquarters is concerned for your safety, so they're preparing to activate the second plan. I'm responsible for contacting that Umbrella executive and the informant planted inside The Hive," Matt said, his words very subtle and tactful.
Clearly, due to his exposure, BSAA headquarters was preparing to abandon him as a pawn. The so-called "concern for his safety" was just Matt's way of comforting him.
But because of this, Kevin was determined not to let this kindness turn into a lament of bloodshed and sacrifice.
Now, due to the alteration of the worldline, not only his identity but also Alice's secret might be compromised. It was possible a huge net had already been cast, waiting for prey to step into the trap.
So... Kevin pondered for a moment, then solemnly spoke to the enthusiastic young man disguised as a reporter.
"Matt, if you trust me, tell your sister Lisa to leave The Hive within two days, no matter what it takes, and get as far away as possible!"
While he wasn't a saint who loved all beings, he was emotional. Therefore, if he could offer help within his capabilities, he would naturally strive to do so.
"But the mission..." The young man, full of fervor for a noble cause, hesitated.
According to the organization's intelligence, the project being developed in the underground Hive of Raccoon City was definitely an inhumane bioweapon. If it were to leak, the consequences would be endless.
They had spent countless time, manpower, and energy just to catch a small handle on Umbrella Corporation.
If they let this go, who knew when these bastards would show their true colors again.
But Kevin's words made Matt hesitate. He hadn't reported his sister Lisa's infiltration of Umbrella Corporation as an informant to the organization for her safety.
If the agent in front of him already knew her identity, it meant Lisa's situation might be truly dangerous.
"Currently, I still have absolute authority, right? I'll take full responsibility for the consequences of this decision."
Kevin saw Matt's struggle. He then lifted his clothes, revealing bruises and contusions all over. Coupled with the mixed-race boy's calm narration, the danger of the previous night made Matt's heart tremble.
"This mission has gone sideways, and Lisa's identity is no longer safe. Go now! Get her out! Otherwise, you'll regret it for the rest of your life!"
Kevin patted Matt's shoulder, his expression serious.
"Okay! But after the mission is over, I'll help explain things to headquarters."
Matt pondered for a moment, then nodded seriously, choosing to share the responsibility.
Good, saved one person. Kevin leaned back on the rattan chair in the coffee shop, letting out a long sigh.
But as Matt walked towards the door, he seemed to remember something and turned back.
"I almost forgot, there are Umbrella Squad checkpoints everywhere now. It won't be safe here for long. You need to find your next safe place immediately."
"And I have the city's sewage system blueprints. I can lead the way."
This was indeed a reason he couldn't refuse. Kevin stroked his chin, lost in thought.
He mentally crossed off the cabin in the Acre Mountains, Dr. Charles's house, and Raccoon City University.
From their previous conversation, he knew Matt also had a criminal record and hadn't found a suitable place to lay low.
So, it had to be that place...
Kevin's gaze, directed towards the center of Raccoon City, held a deep significance.
ps: Where will the protagonist choose to go?
Chapter 11: This is an accident, do you believe me?
"Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Stop yapping and let's get to work!"
As dusk settled, in front of a residential house, two figures argued in hushed tones.
Finally, the young man with short, dark brown hair seemed to be persuaded. He reluctantly pulled a wire from his wallet, inserted it into the keyhole, and after a few fiddles, the anti-theft door was slowly pushed open by the two.
As expected of a skilled technician... this lock-picking ability is quite proficient. No wonder he has so many records across different places.
Kevin's eyes gleamed with admiration, silently giving him a thumbs-up.
However, just as Kevin stepped inside, he heard the sound of the door locking behind him.
"I'll handle the traces and be responsible for picking up Lisa. You just hide here. See you tomorrow night at eight, at the usual spot."
Matt seemed like an old hand at this, with extremely strong counter-surveillance awareness. He even took the initiative to stay outside to clean the traces on the lock surface. A few minutes later, he quietly left.
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