Plague Doctor

Inside the airport lobby built above Containment Center One;

It was clean and bright, with a distinct black and white aesthetic, typical of Umbrella's interior design.

A thin male researcher in his fifties, wearing a white lab coat, was waiting in the lobby.

Dr. Corson Dielson, the supervisor responsible for Containment Center One, possessed extensive knowledge and research experience.

Dozens of security personnel also stood guard beside Dielson.

They wore dark blue combat uniforms emblazoned with the red and white umbrella logo, helmets, and masks. Their bulletproof vests were laden with a dazzling array of weapons and equipment.

The security personnel's equipment surpassed that of the standard armies of countries worldwide, but it was still far inferior to UBCS and USS.

One had to know that UBCS combat uniforms were semi-sealed, offering excellent cut resistance, and the combat proficiency of UBCS members was all above ninety.

And compared to the USS?

There was no comparison.

Every USS operative was a product of immense investment; they were in no way comparable to these 'grunts' among the security forces.

Similarly, Victor and five other UBCS members responsible for escorting the Plague Doctor, along with the three Tyrants, were also waiting here.

Everyone stood behind the exit of the airport jet bridge, and an atmosphere of tension and excitement filled the lobby.

This was because connected to the jet bridge was the private jet of Umbrella Enterprises' boss, William Russell.

"Thump-thump—"

Soon, the sound of numerous footsteps echoed from the jet bridge.

Alpha, led by Hunk, emerged first, fanning out in a semi-circle at the exit.

William, draped in a trench coat, and Halsey, dressed casually, were the last to enter the lobby via the jet bridge.

Upon seeing them, the security and UBCS personnel saluted loudly, "Boss!"

"Mm," William nodded and signaled, "At ease, everyone."

"Yes!"

Immediately after, William's gaze focused on Victor.

Victor had short hair, was in his early thirties, with a resolute expression and a natural military bearing.

William then bypassed Dr. Dielson and approached Victor and the other UBCS members, praising them, "Captain, entrusting the first containment mission to you was indeed the right choice. I am proud of you."

"Boss, it's our duty!" Victor and the UBCS responded, puffing out their chests.

"Heh heh."

William smiled slightly, patted Victor on the shoulder, and then scanned the UBCS members, saying, "Given your company's outstanding performance, I doubt you're interested in bonuses. Therefore, I bestow upon your company the title of 'Obstacle Clearers'."

"Yes!"

Hearing William's words, the UBCS members seemed even more excited.

Indeed, having been assimilated by the System, they were no longer very interested in money and possessed absolute loyalty to William.

To have their company personally named by the boss was enough for them to brag about for a lifetime among personnel of all ranks.

William then looked at Victor and said in a low voice, "Captain, from this day forward, you are a Major and the Western Operations Commander.

Also, the three Tyrants will be handed over to you Obstacle Clearers. Do not disappoint me."

"This..."

Victor was taken aback at first, but he quickly regained his composure and solemnly replied, "Boss, please rest assured."

"Ugh~"

At this moment, Halsey covered her mouth and yawned, saying in a languid, urging tone, "Boss William, hurry up. I'm getting impatient~."

"You," William shook his head helplessly.

Then, he walked with her to Dr. Dielson and said, "Alright, Doctor, please lead us down."

"Yes, Boss."

Dr. Dielson, who had been waiting for a long time, showed no sign of complaint and led William and Halsey.

After receiving their rewards, Victor and the other UBCS members directed the three Tyrants out of the lobby and headed towards the CH-53E Super Stallion waiting outside to return to Alberta Province.

Due to the limited capacity of the elevator, only Hunk and six other members of the Alpha squad accompanied William and the others.

Shortly after, everyone arrived at the underground containment facility, which had a similar layout to The Hive.

As they headed to the control center, Halsey, whose expression had turned serious, asked Dr. Dielson:

"Did that doctor dressed in medieval clothing speak with you?"

Dielson, facing Halsey, who was more than thirty years younger than him, replied respectfully:

"As per the Boss's instructions, we've designated him as 049, also known as the Plague Doctor."

"049?" Halsey glanced at William behind her.

William merely shrugged, offering no further explanation.

Dielson, not noticing their subtle exchange, continued, "Upon learning that you and the Boss were coming, we did not interrogate him privately."

"Doctor," William took over from Halsey, asking Dielson, "Are there any matters at the containment center that require reporting?"

Hearing this, Dielson recounted to William, "The D-class personnel brought in yesterday seemed to exhibit strong resistance.

Security first tried to persuade them, assuring them of food and lodging, and promising that they wouldn't be used as experimental subjects as long as there were sufficient other D-class personnel.

However, they still resisted violently and attempted to escape, but were easily subdued by security personnel."

"Mm," William said nothing further.

In fact, months ago, he had proposed a memory modification plan to Halsey.

However, she hadn't been able to fully research memory technology yet.

According to her explanation...

Clones were like blank sheets of paper, easy to write various pasts upon.

But normal people's memories were like messy draft paper.

Attempting to erase or modify them could result in the best outcome being a vegetative state.

Therefore, William could only have the survivors become D-class personnel.

Sympathy?

Unacceptable.

Before long, everyone arrived at the containment center's control room. Hunk and the rest of Alpha remained outside to maintain vigilance.

The central screen displayed the interrogation room, where the Plague Doctor sat against the wall, reading notes.

William and Halsey walked side-by-side to the screen. William ordered Dielson, "Alright, dispatch researchers to converse with him."

"Yes, Boss."

The following content is the first interrogation of Subject 049:

(A researcher approached the room and sat opposite 049.)

049: (Speaking in a magnetic voice, in standard English) Oh, it's finally starting.

Researcher: Starting what?

049: Heh, never mind.

Researcher: Good, I am Doctor ■■...

049: (Interrupting, his tone slightly excited) Doctor? Are you the one who tried to cure those three patients?

Your medical skills are excellent and have greatly aided my research into curing the Plague.

Researcher: Three patients? The Plague? I don't understand.

049: (His tone becoming somewhat dejected) It seems you aren't that doctor. What a pity, what a pity.

The Plague... hmm... (His left fingers tap rhythmically on the table) What was its name... it's just...

(Sighs) Ah, forget it.

It's everywhere, and many have succumbed to it. More will succumb in the future.

And I...

Have dedicated my life to finding a cure for it.