Chapter 125: Noble

Raccoon City.

The top-floor office of Umbrella's new headquarters building.

"Sir, all abnormal creatures are being transported to the Paris Research Center, under the responsibility of the Special Task Force and elite security for escort."

"Technical personnel from Rome are conducting a comprehensive disinfection and inspection of Via Cernaia Avenue."

"Meanwhile, Rome's aftermath team is screening all personnel near Via Cernaia Avenue as the center and preparing to implement standard memory deletion measures, while also negotiating with Rome police and government."

"Currently, Agent Kennedy has shared relevant information about this abnormal incident with twenty-four other intelligence personnel."

"Furthermore, Agent Kennedy has also applied to be allowed to organize and lead a temporary intelligence team."

"The Red Queen, whose virtual image was projected in the office, reported to Sui Bian with a frosty demeanor."

"Similarly expressionless, Sui Bian lightly moved his left hand to switch the holographic screen, closing the real-time feed from the Special Task Force helmet camera."

"He then said in a calm voice: 'Approve Agent Kennedy's request and let him thoroughly investigate vampires and werewolves across Europe.'"

"'Yes, sir.' The Red Queen agreed."

"After giving instructions to the Red Queen, Sui Bian continued to manipulate the holographic screen, playing the video and photo materials uploaded by Leon."

"From the materials, he discovered that although these vampires are nocturnal, they have already integrated into human society."

"Moreover, these vampires mostly work night shifts as doctors or police, or are involved in finance, investment, analysis, and similar industries."

"Information on werewolves is scarce; at least Leon has not yet investigated any werewolves, but they may also be disguising themselves as humans to adapt to the human world."

"A moment of silence passed."

"'Red Queen, prior to this incident, did you notice that two races have been lurking among us humans?' Sui Bian asked."

"'Sir, please look at these.'"

"The Red Queen said while also switching the holographic screen's content for Sui Bian, displaying files labeled 'persons'."

"The files also included medical examination reports."

"Upon seeing these, Sui Bian remarked: 'It seems these guys possess a very complete system.'"

"'Yes, the identity files and medical data of these abnormal creatures show no discrepancies, indicating they have infiltrated governments and medical institutions worldwide.'"

"'However, they have never undergone examinations at medical institutions under the company's jurisdiction, and in all aspects they try to avoid contact with the company as much as possible.'"

"'Ultimately, they are creatures that dare not see the light.' Sui Bian commented blandly."

"It appears this group of vampires and werewolves seems to have deeply understood the consequences of exposing themselves."

"Especially in guarding against Umbrella before he came to power; however, even after he took control of the company, it still remains very interested in these two races."

"From this, we can infer that their existence predates Umbrella's history by far—certainly several centuries at least."

"Seeing Sui Bian silent, the Red Queen added in a cold tone:"

"'With the widespread use of smartphones produced by the company's subsidiaries and the rapid development of the internet, my surveillance of the entire world together with the White Queen will become ever more perfect, leaving no hiding place for abnormal creatures attempting to blend into humanity.'"

"(Heard that.)"

"Sui Bian turned his head to glance at the Red Queen standing on his right, then returned his gaze to the holographic screen before him, speaking softly:"

"'There's no need to worry about my earlier question; after all, the current world is not yet sufficient for you to unleash your full strength, and moreover, the outcome for these two races has already been exposed to the company's view.'"

"'Therefore, Red Queen, your and the White Queen's primary task for the near future is to assist Agent Kennedy and his team, and you must thoroughly investigate both races in the shortest possible time.'"

"'Since the werewolves are unwilling to risk exposure in order to eliminate that vampire, it shows that they will likely undertake even greater actions next.'"

"'That's right, sir. An abnormal creature captured by the Special Task Force has volunteered to negotiate with you.' the Red Queen said."

"'What does it say?'"

"'It calls itself Seina von Cavendish.'"

"'Oh? It seems to be a descendant of German or British nobility, or perhaps an ancestor.' Sui Bian remarked blandly."

"'But it's merely a noble.' he added dismissively."

"'It also said that the information it possesses concerns the balance among the three races.' the Red Queen added."

"'The balance among the three races?' Sui Bian frowned slightly."

"He had originally believed that werewolves would not act rashly without cause, so this vampire noble's self‑identification only reinforced his suspicion."

"After a brief pause,"

"'First follow the normal procedure for inspection and interrogation, then notify the Paris Research Center to use a vampire to verify how their brains differ from humans.'"

"'If the difference is insignificant, proceed directly with surgery to obtain all they know, bypassing the interrogation process.'"

"Sui Bian understood that the vampire noble's fundamental reason for wanting to negotiate with him was to secure benefits for itself, its family, or its race."

"But the other party failed to grasp its own position."

"Umbrella's current biotechnology is not up to them to decide whether to speak; it is a matter of whether Umbrella wishes to do so."

"'I have already conveyed your orders to the Paris side.' the Red Queen replied."

"'Very well, arrange the Fisher Europa; I will first make a trip to Minos Island.'"

"'Understood.'"

"The conversation ended."

"The Red Queen dissipated her virtual projection, while Sui Bian headed out of the office."

"Before leaving the office, Sui Bian also took the black suit hanging on the rack to the right of the automatic door."

"He put on the suit."

"He arrived at the corridor."

"Outside, four Alphas dressed in black suits and wearing sunglasses, who had been waiting, immediately fell in step with Sui Bian as they headed toward the central hall."

"Upon reaching the hall, they boarded the dedicated elevator to ascend above the top floor."

"The elevator doors opened, revealing the Fisher Europa with its engine running and rear hatch open."

"The area where the Fisher Europa was docked is the sealed hangar on the building's top floor."

After Sui Bian and the other three entered the cabin, the crew closed the hatch.

Immediately after, the hangar lights went out, and the gate above began to open slowly.

"Whoosh—!" The cold airflow instantly surged into the hangar.

The Fishing Europe, already employing Optical Camouflage, left the hangar through the gate, then adjusted its angle for an accelerated sprint, finally disappearing over Raccoon City.

———————

Two hours later.

About two hundred nautical miles west of Lockford Island.

The current Indian Ocean waters are still in the morning period.

The sea surface is misty, and the newly risen sunrise casts warm, gentle sunlight onto the sea.

Tiny droplets in the mist refract and reflect light, giving the sea a uniquely splendid scenery.

And an island whose area is second only to Lockford Island lies within these waters.

Minos Island.

The island is a large training base that Umbrella began constructing in spring 1999 and completed in summer 2000.

The island hosts conventional military base facilities, and even civilian teaching and entertainment buildings.

Moreover, the island retains large tracts of virgin forest for the "new recruits" to conduct wilderness survival training.

(End of chapter)