Countless test footage of experimental subjects played across the meeting room screens as the board of directors and senior management stared intently.
From strength and speed to a range of other trials, the results gave them the answer they wanted: the R-1 Human Enhancement Serum showed virtually no side effects—and astonishingly, it could be administered up to three times in succession.
Huff… The executives' heavy breathing betrayed their excitement. This was exactly what they desired. Why were they so obsessed with the T-Virus in the first place?
It was nothing more than a craving for the kind of transformation it promised. Though the R-1 Serum was not yet perfect, wasn't Dr. Jon standing before them now? Given time and resources, he could certainly refine it further. No wonder that old fox Isaacs had been so eager to grant Jon equity—it was truly worth it.
Strength and speed were of little concern to these people. Under normal circumstances, even a moderately gifted ordinary human could reach such levels with disciplined and scientific training.
But the ability to extend life? That was not something just anyone could achieve.
That alone was one of the reasons they valued the R-1 Serum so highly.
What's more, R-1 could even be deployed to Umbrella's armed divisions, playing a decisive role in future operations.
"So, everyone… what do you think?" Isaacs asked with a grin, his eyes glimmering with amusement.
Alyssa immediately raised her hand. "I agree. However, the R-1 Serum must first be made available to us—the management. Even future iterations of the serum must prioritize our use. Welcome to Umbrella, Dr. Jon."
"Agreed."
"…Agreed."
Unanimous approval. With this, Jon officially entered Umbrella's upper echelons. Though his stake was small, that hardly mattered. After all, he wasn't here for shares.
"This is a win-win situation," Jon said evenly. "I like this outcome. In fact, if I'm given enough time, within two to three years I may be able to upgrade the R-1 Serum again. Versions 2 and 3 could very well appear before us soon."
"And when all of you awaken from the Winter Sleep Program, you will witness a brighter future."
A collective gasp broke the tension. In that instant, the executives' so-called gentlemanly facades shattered. Their eyes gleamed like ravenous hyenas, glowing green with greed, as though they could devour Jon whole.
The temptation was irresistible.
Alyssa nodded. "Then, Dr. Jon, what support do you require? At this moment, I doubt anyone here will stand in your way."
"Hahaha!" The board erupted in laughter. Indeed, they could hardly wait for Jon to produce the next batch of upgraded serums.
"I need an independent base for my research," Jon replied coolly. "It must be fully equipped with cloning machinery, sufficient energy reserves, material supplies, and adequate security forces."
Isaacs nodded without hesitation. "That is reasonable—and necessary."
"And do you have any requirements for location?"
Jon's lips curved slightly. "I like the sunlight."
"I recall we have a base in Las Vegas," Isaacs said. "It would suit Dr. Jon's request perfectly. Why don't we assign that base to him? What do you all think?"
"Agreed."
"…Agreed."
"Then this meeting is adjourned."
Zzzzt! One by one, the holographic figures vanished. Isaacs lingered, his gaze resting on Jon with satisfaction. To be honest, even he had not expected Jon to bring him such an immense surprise.
"You're about to have your very own base. So—how does it feel?" Isaacs teased.
Jon smirked. "Calm. It won't be my base, but the base of my research. Hopefully, it will yield results. When the time comes, I may require some samples of the T-Virus."
Isaacs raised an eyebrow. "You're not going to continue with R-1?"
"I will. But you know the allure of the T-Virus. I believe there may be areas where the two complement each other. Perhaps something worth my attention."
"…Very well."
Umbrella's compensation was the most generous in the industry. And if one participated in additional projects, the bonuses were staggering—temptations hard for anyone to resist.
"Who is that man? Have you seen him before?"
"No. But he must be a big shot. Didn't you see how the Boss spoke with him like an equal?"
"Don't ask what you shouldn't. Surely you know Umbrella's confidentiality rules? Or do you intend to test them yourself?"
At that, the whispers ceased instantly. Challenge Umbrella's secrecy? Those who had entertained such thoughts had long since become experimental material. Everyone knew exactly what fate awaited "test subjects."
Jon, flanked by an armed Umbrella security squad, descended into the deepest levels of the Hive.
Here lay the storage vaults of the T-Virus. In truth, the T-Virus wasn't rare within the Hive; otherwise, Spence would never have stolen it so easily back then.
But to withdraw such a large amount of raw viral samples—that was a rarity indeed.
Even the supervisors of this division were astonished. They had only been informed that someone would retrieve the virus today, but never imagined in such vast quantities.
"Forgive me, sir," one finally asked hesitantly, "but may I ask why you're requisitioning so much raw virus?"
Jon turned his head, his gaze cold and devoid of emotion. "Is there a problem?"
The man paled. "N-No. Of course not."
The squad continued transferring the samples into secure containers. For a move of this scale, specialized equipment was required, so the process wasn't quick.
That was when Jon noticed her.
Hnh? Isn't that Alice?
Standing among a group outside was the woman who, in the future, would become one of Umbrella's most exceptional experimental subjects.
Of course—Alice was the Hive's security supervisor. Her presence here was entirely natural.
"I hear you're the chief of security here?" Jon asked.
Alice nodded respectfully. "Yes, sir. Is there any way I can assist you?"
Jon shook his head. "No. Continue your duties."
She had already checked Jon's file before his arrival. She'd assumed he was merely the head of another facility. But to her shock, he possessed Level 8 clearance. She, the Hive's head of security, only held Level 5.
This man was unquestionably a major figure.
"Sir, is there an issue?" the squad captain asked warily, casting Alice a hostile glance.
"No."
Jon waved it off and urged them to hurry. The T-Virus had to be transferred to Las Vegas, where the base was still undergoing modifications—at his request.
He had told them he wanted to feel sunlight even in an underground facility. For Umbrella's construction division, this was child's play. A simple system of mirrors and conduits to refract sunlight into the base.
The real challenge was excavating a massive entry for his spacecraft.
Yes—his scientific research vessel. Jon intended to move it into the base, where he would begin cultivating Kryptonians, one by one, ensuring he had a safeguard in this world.
The Alice he had just encountered must have been the first generation. The earliest test subjects were always the most promising. The first had not even merged with the T-Virus yet, but her potential was undeniable. The second generation had even awakened psychic telekinesis.
Perhaps he could capture one for study. Could a single person in all of humanity truly be the only perfect match for the T-Virus? From a scientific standpoint, such singularity was impossible—especially within an entire species.
Unless… you weren't truly of that species.
There had to be specific conditions. If Jon could discover them, he could clone an entire legion.
Still, Kryptonians were the true prize. They would serve as the foundation before he dared attempt merging with the T-Virus himself. He could afford no mistakes.
On the outskirts of Raccoon City, inside a villa.
Gentle hands slid around Alice's waist, caressing her slowly.
"I heard a big shot visited the Hive today," Spence murmured in her ear. "Someone no one's ever seen before?"
Alice sighed. Her "boyfriend"—or perhaps just a fling—could be clingy.
"Mhm. There was such a man. When I first received the orders, I was honestly shocked."
Spence chuckled. "What? Something that could actually scare you?"
"Of course. You know, your clearance is Level 3. Mine is Level 5. But his? Level 8. Even many in management don't have that clearance."
"No way! What would someone like that come here for? There's nothing in the Hive worth his time."
"…The T-Virus."
At that word, Spence's eyes flickered, though he quickly masked it.
"They say once it's perfected, the T-Virus could evolve humanity, cure all diseases. Do you have any idea how much people on the outside are willing to pay for it?"
"Who knows? We're not researchers. But lately… haven't you noticed? So many people disappearing in Raccoon City. This world is getting less and less stable."
Spence grinned slyly. "Maybe we should move someday. Find a bigger house. Live somewhere better."
Alice arched a brow. "This house isn't big enough?"
"No. I mean a house that's truly ours. This place belongs to Umbrella."
Alice laughed. "Are you trying to propose to me?" She brushed him off and went to shower.
Spence lingered, inhaling her lingering scent. Who could say how valuable the virus really was? Lately, someone had already approached him with an offer: smuggle the T-Virus out, and he would be given more money than he could ever spend in a lifetime.
And he wouldn't even need to fear Umbrella's retribution.
Why? Because the ones who had contacted him… were from the United States government itself. Umbrella might be vast, but it could never surpass a nation.
Truth be told, he was already tempted.
"I hope you don't disappoint me…" he muttered under his breath.
Later, after their intimacy, Alice absentmindedly doodled circles with her fingers. "Tell me… why are so many people after the T-Virus? Lately, they've caught quite a few intruders—even some so-called environmentalists among them. Their brains must be broken. What does the T-Virus have to do with ecology?"
Spence snorted. "Do you really believe they're environmentalists?"
Alice propped herself up, frowning. "…Maybe not."
"It's all about profit," Spence said, stubbing out his cigarette. "The T-Virus is Umbrella's discovery, and its potential is endless. Of course others want it. Methods? Who cares about methods?"