"Phew—an F+ grade physique. The taste of good health is wonderful."
After stretching his body, Meng Yi went to the laboratory's sterilization room, washed the bloodstains from his skin with disinfectant, changed into clean clothes, and said softly, "Red Queen."
"Director, I'm here."
Meng Yi said, "Report the completion status of the first, second, and third directives."
"Yes."
The Artificial Intelligence · Red Queen reported methodically, "The copied files containing the relevant Gene Modification surgery data were handed to the 'visitor' forty-seven hours ago to take back."
"The various research materials delivered by the 'guest' have been organized. 'Hope Town: Elizabeth Greene' has yet to arrive."
"The siblings Alfred Ashford and Alexia Ashford arrived at the underground Hive base beneath Raccoon City fourteen hours ago."
Meng Yi slightly furrowed his brow and asked in confusion, "'Hope Town: Elizabeth Greene' hasn't been delivered? What happened?"
Red Queen waved her small hand, and several photographs of an erupting Biohazard Crisis appeared on the virtual screen.
"Eleven hours, forty-six minutes, and fifty-two seconds ago, a virus leak occurred in Manhattan City, America. Blackwatch Troops were responsible for suppressing and cleaning up the Biohazard Crisis. 'Hope Town: Elizabeth Greene,' who was being held in Manhattan, cannot be sent out for the time being."
Meng Yi looked closely and spotted a furtive man in a hood at the corner of one photograph. He was at once annoyed and amused.
Why you, Alex Mercer? You could have jumped out earlier or later, but you had to show up now and delay the delivery of my 'Red Light Virus Gift Package'!
He would recognize that familiar 'hooded man' even if he were reduced to ashes!
The famous 'Brother A' was a treasured memory from his youth. His various abilities were absurdly cool, and he moved over walls and roofs with unmatched flair.
Eleven hours...
A virus leak had occurred in Manhattan. In other words, 'Brother A' had already become Not Human.
He was now the Humanoid Black Light Virus possessing Alex Mercer's memories.
It would not be long before 'Brother A' charged into Gentek Corporation and accidentally awakened Elizabeth Green, the Red Light Virus's mother.
Should I snuff out the danger while it's still in its infancy?
The Black Light Virus grew far too quickly, evolving in just eighteen days to the point where it could withstand a Tactical Nuclear Bomb and survive.
If 'Brother A' were allowed to develop unchecked and absorb Elizabeth Green, he would definitely become an unstable factor threatening Meng Yi's own safety.
The Selection Dungeon had given him only thirty days. Twenty days remained until the dungeon ended, and he would certainly be able to witness the might of 'peak Brother A' before he left.
There's no need to panic too much. First, I have Firefly, a truly suicidal fighter, under my command. Peak Brother A might not even be able to defeat a half-crippled Prison Firefly.
Second, 'Brother A' has obvious weaknesses at this stage. His sister Dana can be exploited, and his lost memories offer even more room to maneuver.
With a few crucial hints and a targeted pursuit by the Blackwatch Troops, 'Brother A' will absolutely be unable to escape at this stage.
Killing 'Brother A' or recruiting 'Brother A'—either plan would work.
After thinking it over for a long while, Meng Yi decided to choose the latter. He had ways to counter 'Brother A' and was not afraid of nurturing a tiger that would later turn on him.
Compared with the hidden dangers 'Brother A' might bring, the stable version of the Black Light Virus he carried offered greater benefits.
"Red Queen."
"I'm here."
Once he had made up his mind, Meng Yi acted decisively and ordered, "On my authority, contact several of my 'friends' in the arms trade and the government. Now. Get them on the phone immediately!"
"Yes."
"Beep—beep—beep—"
"Hi, Bai, my dear friend. We've run into a bit of a 'small problem.' We can't deliver 'Hope Town: Elizabeth Greene' to you in the short term."
"But don't worry. We'll resolve everything soon and won't let it affect our great plan!"
The old bastards spoke through clenched teeth, their words carrying a strong aura of iron-blooded ruthlessness.
Standing with his hands behind his back before several black screens, Meng Yi remained unmoved.
"Friends, it seems the Manhattan virus leak has given you quite a headache."
Meng Yi teased them half-jokingly, then continued, "I think this is an opportunity—a chance to test the potential of the 'Red Light Virus' and the 'Black Light Virus.'"
"My dear friends, I plan to make a trip to Manhattan tomorrow. Could you temporarily lend me the Blackwatch Troops responsible for suppressing the virus leak?"
"Don't worry. A few days will be enough. I only need the Blackwatch to protect my personal safety. I won't be borrowing those big-headed soldiers for a 'long time.'"
The dagger had finally been revealed!
Meng Yi, who held these old bastards' lifelines in his hands, had already calculated that they would neither refuse nor dare to refuse!
He really would not be borrowing Blackwatch for a 'long time,' either! Mr. Meng never lied!
If the Blackwatch leadership happened to be intimidated by Meng Yi's 'kingly aura,' bowed their heads, and 'voluntarily' offered their loyalty, then that would have nothing to do with Meng Yi.
"This... Bai, you're always finding trouble for us."
"Why refuse to wait safely for the 'gift' to arrive and insist on venturing into a dangerous place? What's the point?"
Meng Yi merely smiled and said nothing, patiently waiting for the elderly vampires' answer.
"All right, all right! You win!"
"We'll handle the coordination. From the moment you arrive in Manhattan tomorrow, the Blackwatch Troops will protect your personal safety under the highest alert."
"But let's make this clear beforehand: you no longer represent only yourself. You and we are friends in the same boat, so don't treat your own life carelessly!"
Hearing this, the satisfied Meng Yi clapped his hands and laughed.
"Friends, I care about my life more than anyone."
After a pause, Meng Yi raised his voice and said meaningfully, "Everything is for the sake of our shared 'immortality'!"
"Hahaha! Good!"
"Bai, you're such a lovable yet hateful bastard!"
"All right, that's enough for now. There are still twenty-eight days before you perform the surgery for us. Make sure to arrange everything in advance. There must not be the slightest mishap!"
"The surgery will take place at a private hospital in New York. Is that all right?"
Meng Yi naturally had no objections. A gentleman did not stand beneath a dangerous wall, and he knew those elderly vampires could never come to the underground Hive beneath Raccoon City.
"Of course, no problem, my 'dear' friends. You decide the location. I'm fine with anything."
After receiving his definite confirmation, the last stone in the elderly vampires' hearts finally fell.
"I take back what I said, Bai. You aren't hateful at all. You're our eternal friend!"
"Have fun in Manhattan. Gentek Corporation has already been arranged. It now belongs to you."
Meng Yi said, "Then thank you. May our 'friendship' last forever!"
"Last forever?"
"As enduring as the earth and as everlasting as the sky?"
"Hahahaha! Good! That's an absolutely wonderful phrase! I like it!"
"The East has a long history. Once we have enough years left to live, learning more about foreign cultures might not be a bad idea."
"Of course. But only after we have them under our 'control.'"
After hanging up, the fake smile faded from Meng Yi's face.
You? In your next lives, maybe! My 'friends,' I'll personally send you all to hell.
Before you continue