Chapter 69: Ghost Operation

Blood flares into fire.

In his previous life, Sui Bian hadn't played 'Code Veronica', but he watched the cutscene of Wei Si Ke versus Alekxia on Cool Six.

The memory is still fresh.

Especially how Alekxia left Wei Si Ke in a terrible mess.

"Truly the Flame Queen, only you can make Uncle Wei get crushed just by showing up."

Looking at Alekxia, who was now sitting on the sickbed with an innocent, eager-to-learn demeanor, Sui Bian couldn't help but give that assessment.

But on second thought, Chris, who could handle both Wei Si Ke and Alekxia…

"Hmm, cannot evaluate," Sui Bian added.

At that moment.

After BoKen's professional remarks, Alekxia initially realized that, to some extent, she no longer belonged to the human category.

Moreover, her body gradually shed fatigue, feeling the power, perception, and responsiveness that Veronica bestowed upon her.

An indescribable, unparalleled experience.

Could she have become a species of higher rank than humans?

But soon, Alekxia dismissed the notion that she was a higher-level being.

According to her "memory", after Sui Bian transferred her to the Mother Nest, she recounted that Umbrella developed viruses, energy sources, and high‑tech weapons to combat anomalous phenomena.

Her original "original intention" was to serve the entire human race and society, so she devoted all her knowledge to Umbrella.

Now that she has the ability to counter anomalous phenomena, she should bear an even greater responsibility to protect humanity.

Because, no matter what, her heart remains human.

Realizing this, Alekxia immediately pulled back the blanket, stepped onto disposable slippers, rose, and said to Sui Bian:

"Mr. Sui, you made me aware of the hidden threats behind this world. I've rested for a full two years, and I think I'm ready to return to my post and assist Dr. BoKen in the super‑soldier research."

As she spoke, Alekxia looked at BoKen and said, "Doctor, let's go, show me the current progress."

"Um…" BoKen hesitated, looking at Sui Bian.

"Hehe, fine. Since that's the case, I'll have someone escort you to the new quarters. You need to change clothes before working, right?" Sui Bian said with a faint smile.

"Alright." Alekxia gladly accepted.

Next.

Alekxia, escorted by two armed security guards, went to the second‑floor rest area of the Mother Nest to familiarize herself with her new quarters.

Donning the fitted work uniform prepared for her, Alekxia, following her "memory", walked confidently through the second floor and took the lift to the third‑floor bio R&D zone.

As Alekxia's superior, BoKen could only force a reluctant smile and begin briefing her on the current super‑soldier program's development progress.

Meanwhile, Sui Bian tasked the Red Queen to keep constant watch over Alekxia, and to notify him immediately should any change occur.

After handling these matters, it was already 10:34 a. m. in Raccoon City.

Just like any other day without crisis.

Sui Bian first toured all the R&D centers on the third floor of the Mother Nest, seeing firsthand the progress of each department, especially Wang Zhaofeng's high‑tech R&D team.

The current high‑tech R&D team has almost fully mastered the Optical Camouflage system and replicated several suits capable of "invisibility".

These are the Iron Blood clan's "Fishing Net Sock" outfits.

However, Wang Zhaofeng and the other researchers aren't that unconventional, and combat personnel wouldn't wear the "Fishing Net Sock" suit bare‑chested.

Thus the research team humanized it, turning it into an Optical Camouflage combat uniform suitable for humans.

To achieve the Iron Blood clan's level of "invisibility", one needs not only the Optical Camouflage combat suit but also a simplified replicated mask for optimal effect.

Accordingly, Wang Zhaofeng's team began modifying the Mother Nest's first‑generation Mechanical exoskeleton NE-1 in November 1998.

On January 12, 1999, the research team completed development of the NE-1 derivative model.

On January 16, the Mother Nest produced the first prototype armor.

This derivative, based on the original, covers the Mechanical exoskeleton with digital Optical Camouflage modules and includes a custom helmet and mask.

The mask provides combat personnel with a pilot‑helmet‑like HUD, including infrared and thermal night‑vision systems.

It also incorporates a Mother Nest‑produced filter, allowing operation in low‑ to medium‑threat microbial exposure zones.

Combined with a wrist‑mounted soldier computer, the mask assists with fire‑control calibration, target marking for teammates, and provides a mini‑map.

One could say this derivative's Mechanical exoskeleton surpasses the NE-1 in every aspect.

Of course, its cost is six times that of the NE-1, about $800,000.

The full designation is NEST‑Exoskeleton‑1 Active Camouflage Model, abbreviated NE-1-ACM.

Also known as Ousannas.

Ousannas is a chameleon discovered by humans in Madagascar, making it a fitting nickname for the NE-1-ACM.

Having seen the NE-1-ACM prototype armor, Sui Bian's first thought was that this gear was far too similar to the outfit in "Ghost Operation: Future Warrior".

The differences are the added mask and the Mechanical exoskeleton with higher load capacity.

In other words, this NE-1-ACM set is far more advanced than the one in "Future Warrior".

Hmm, not bad.

Sui Bian is very satisfied with Wang Zhaofeng's high‑tech R&D team.

Good work is rewarded; everyone on Wang Zhaofeng's team received bonuses and two months of double‑pay benefits.

People can't escape the mundane.

Even though the team knows that developing high‑tech weapons aims to improve soldier survival against anomalous phenomena, humans still have personal desires and emotions.

However, mass production of the NE-1-ACM is not yet scheduled; the Mother Nest's factories are already saturated and cannot accommodate its production.

Fortunately, the armaments factory in the outskirts of Raccoon City will be completed in less than four months.

By then, production of weapons and equipment such as the NE-1, NE-1-ACM, MA5B, M41A, Shellless Pulse Ammo, hydrogen batteries, and others will increase dramatically.

Sui Bian can also use this time to consider which unit equipped with NE-1-ACM can maximize the potential of this individual equipment.

Approaching twelve o'clock.

Sui Bian left the high-tech R&D zone and went to the cafeteria on the second floor of the Mother Nest to have a meal.

He didn't make any special arrangements because of his chairman status; he just got a set meal of an American hamburger and sat in the public dining area.

While eating, Sui Bian also thought inwardly: "System, I remember I still have a lottery chance; let's use it now."

【Received, currently conducting the lottery, please wait…】

Congratulations, host, you have obtained the four-man team from the *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare* series, the Special Task Force.

(End of chapter)