On February 19, 2008, Miguel, a researcher from Tricell, arrived at the abandoned Umbrella Africa Research Facility and brought with him the Progenitor virus, which he had successfully obtained. Prior to that, Tricell was already familiar with the T-virus, the G-virus, the Veronica virus, and the Plaga parasite.
Tricell successfully used the Progenitor virus and the T-virus to create an enhanced Plaga, but at the time, it was discovered that this bioweapon could no longer evolve. Since it failed to deliver the expected results, the plan to continue its research and development was abandoned.
April 5–13, 2008
The tribes in the Kijuju region of Africa were notified to receive vaccinations provided by Tricell, supposedly to combat potential infectious diseases. However, Tricell used this as a pretext to implant a modified Plaga, with the aim of controlling the population and gathering more data on mutations.
The day after the vaccination, all the children in the tribe died. Tricell claimed that an infectious disease had spread and that the children were too weak to resist the illness before the vaccine could take effect. The natives believed this explanation and agreed to be vaccinated again. Soon, the behavior of the tribespeople began to change drastically.
All the men came under control and eventually committed suicide. The women died due to the virus rejection and the brutality of their own tribesmen. Tricell then deployed bioweapons in each tribe to suppress any potential hostile forces that might arise.
Javier discovered what Tricell had done in Africa. The company's recklessness would ultimately lead to its complete downfall.
In addition, the United Nations began paying attention to the situation on the African continent and sent peacekeeping forces, along with the B.S.A.A., to support local tribes and populations. Terrasave also dispatched personnel to the area as quickly as possible.
At that moment, Africa was in chaos, and various organizations started sending their representatives—each one hoping to claim a piece of the pie in the final moments.
Excella flawlessly dragged Tricell into ruin and, following Javier's instructions, began transferring critical data and personnel. Only a few members of the company remained, serving as shields.
Javier watched it all unfold with satisfaction—until Angela arrived unexpectedly. Javier kept his promise and went diving with her, just as they had agreed.
Angela resigned from her job and joined Javier, who appointed her captain of a special unit that dealt with biological and chemical weapons—exactly the role she had always wanted.
After resolving Angela's situation, Javier received a phone call. Aya needed him to come to Washington, where new bioweapons had appeared.
At that time, Aya had already left the police department and joined MIST, a government-created organization affiliated with the FBI, becoming a hunter of bioweapons.
Recently, biochemical crises had been occurring frequently in Washington, and they were different from any previously known virus. It was a new type—the same kind that had affected Melissa.
The last incident caused Aya to place great trust in Javier. Since he had experience with such situations, she reached out to him for help.
Javier suspected that Dr. Isaacs was involved once again. He wasn't sure if he would be able to stop him this time, but he was deeply interested in this new virus.
Javier accepted Aya's request and flew to Washington. She picked him up at the airport. They hadn't seen each other in a long time, and they embraced warmly.
She took him to her office. There weren't many people around, as most were out on missions due to the constant emergence of biological threats.
They walked into Aya's office and sat down.
"I didn't expect you to have your own office," Javier said jokingly.
Aya gave a soft smile and replied,
"You're much freer than I am. I still work for others, but you're the boss."
Javier shrugged.
As they talked and thought about having dinner together that night, he received a phone call.
"Looks like our candlelit dinner is off," Javier said with a hint of regret.
Aya hung up and explained,
"I just received a report about a biochemical crisis in a building. The higher-ups asked me to investigate. It's a good opportunity for you to come along. Here's your temporary ID."
Aya handed Javier a badge. He looked at it—it was a temporary FBI investigator ID. He pocketed it, and the two set off. The building was about ten minutes away, and on the way, they passed police vehicles rushing to the same location.
Just before they arrived, a helicopter crashed from the sky and slammed into the ground. The explosion affected nearby vehicles, causing a fierce fire and injuring many people.
They stopped at the building entrance. The place was swarming with police. As they got out of the car, the police chief approached and asked,
"Ron, what's the situation inside?" Aya seemed to know him.
"The SWAT team entered the building, but things don't look good. There was heavy gunfire inside, but it suddenly stopped, and we've lost contact with the team."
Aya's expression turned serious.
"This doesn't look good. Let's go in and see for ourselves," she said, heading toward the entrance, with Javier right behind her.
The officers opened the door and let them in, then shut it behind them. They walked through the corridor and entered the main lobby.
The scene was nightmarish. SWAT officers' bodies were strewn across the floor, which was soaked in blood. It was a horrifying sight.
"How did this happen? SWAT members are highly trained. What could have killed them all?" Aya asked in disbelief.
Javier found the situation increasingly intriguing. A faint cry for help echoed through the lobby. They discovered that one SWAT officer was still alive. When he saw Aya and Javier, he began to shout.
They rushed over to him. The officer was covered in blood and severely wounded. It was clear he didn't have much time left.
"You have to be careful... those monsters... they can disguise themselves as humans... they'll attack you... be careful..." he said before dying.
"Monsters that can disguise themselves?" Aya repeated, shocked.
It was the first time Javier had heard anything like that. He was used to fighting grotesque zombies and bioweapons through brute force—but now... they could use strategy? To him, it seemed impossible.
"Let's look around and see if there are any survivors," said Aya.
---
(End of Chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."