As for the U.S. military gathering all suspected virus-infected individuals into one place, Dan naturally saw through it at a glance.
However, their actions weren't unexpected. After all, with such mysterious Bugster Virus appearing out of nowhere and causing massive destruction, the U.S. military would of course try every possible method to uncover their origin and characteristics.
The people who had once been infected but were treated were the only clues they had.Although full medical examinations showed they were no different from normal humans, the symptoms they exhibited during infection still offered valuable reference.
In fact, the military had an even deeper plan.
Outside the base where the infected were gathered, they secretly stationed an elite unit equipped with advanced weapon systems.
If the two armored warriors who defeated the monsters reappeared, they would immediately initiate a capture operation.
Even if those armors belonged to Tony Stark, they could simply claim the armors had trespassed into a military facility and confiscate them.
As long as they got their hands on the equipment first, even Tony Stark wouldn't be able to say much afterward. The U.S. government could then pocket the armor technology with no trouble.
Dan didn't care about this at all.
The U.S. military's plan might sound beautiful, but they were far too confident in their own strength.
They wanted to research Bugster monsters, but that all depended on their ability to even defeat one.
For years, the U.S. military flaunted their power across the world, acting as global police. Naturally, they had developed a blind confidence in their own firepower.
But once a genuinely infected patient among the gathered group transformed into a monster—
Only then would they realize how laughably arrogant and foolish they had been.
Bugster monster were not something their weapons could handle at all.
By the time catastrophe struck, their plans to capture Kamen Riders would be the least of their concerns.
Not achieving any of their goals, and suffering massive losses on top of it.
When Bugster Monsters ran wild and everything spiraled out of control,
that would be the moment the Kamen Riders made their entrance.
After all, whether it was the U.S. military, S.H.I.E.L.D. observing from the side,or Hydra lurking in the shadows…
They were all the type that wouldn't know fear until their heads were smashed in.
Only severe lessons and heavy casualties could teach such organizations humility.
Only then would they truly understand how fragile and helpless they were.
At the moment, what interested Dan more was the girl now standing before the Holy City Hospital—Gwen Stacy.
Gwen stood at the hospital entrance, her heart wavering with anxiety.
She had already visited every other hospital on her suspect list in New York. If she couldn't find the Kamen Rider she saw that night here, it would mean her entire deduction had been wrong.
Her thoughts churned.
If I can't find him… then Bianca…
Bianca was a senior at Midtown High School and Gwen's predecessor as student council president.
She stepped down because of college entrance pressure, becoming the vice president instead. She was not only extremely helpful to Gwen, but also her closest friend.
Recently, Bianca failed her university application and began developing symptoms similar to Basel's.
After Gwen and Peter brought classmate Basel to the hospital—after his Bugster virus was cleared—Gwen thoroughly interviewed him about his symptoms and sensations during infection.
Combined with the brief explanation she heard from the Kamen Rider, she formed a clear understanding.
So when Bianca showed similar signs, Gwen immediately suspected the infection.But she had no way to verify it.
Even more troubling, when Bianca's parents took her to the hospital, tests showed no abnormalities.
Later, government agents visited their home, claiming Bianca had contracted a rare and dangerous virus and had to be taken away for treatment.
With that, Gwen was nearly certain:
Bianca had been infected with the Bugster virus.
So she began visiting hospitals on her list, describing Bugster virus like symptoms and searching for the masked doctor who defeated the monster that night.
She didn't trust the U.S. government's so-called "treatment" at all.
After witnessing the Kamen Rider fight a monster, she was convinced:
This virus produced monsters beyond normal comprehension.
Ordinary methods wouldn't work.
Even the military's firepower might not.
Gwen's hesitant posture in front of the hospital soon drew attention.
"Girl, since you're already at the hospital, there's no need to be shy. If something's wrong with your body, you should treat it early. No one here will judge you."
A nurse had noticed the fifteen- or sixteen-year-old girl standing uncertainly at the door.
She quickly assumed the girl must be dealing with some private female health issue and was too embarrassed to enter.
Since she came alone, without family, it must be something she couldn't tell her parents.
"I'll take you to the gynecology department. Honestly, at your age, you should focus on studying. Doing that kind of thing this early isn't good for your health. And even if you must, you should use protection. Your boyfriend letting you come alone? How irresponsible!"
As the nurse spoke, she began dragging Gwen toward the gyno wing.
Gwen was completely confused at first.
When she heard the word "boyfriend," she finally understood and her face turned scarlet.
"No— I don't have a boyfriend… and I haven't done… that… with any boy…" she whispered, mortified.
The nurse realized she had overthought the situation and awkwardly covered her face.
Spotting a doctor ahead, she called out:
"Doctor Elena, this girl's here for a check-up. I'll leave her to you!"
Then she practically ran away.
Elena nodded to Gwen.
"Come with me."
Gwen, still frazzled from the misunderstanding, simply followed her.
"Alright, tell me what's wrong. Don't be embarrassed. At your age it's normal to have various physiological issues. Most girls do."
Gwen quickly shook her head.
"It's not me… It's my friend."
"Your friend? A girl?" Elena immediately made the I know this excuse face.
My friend.
Of course.
She didn't question why the "friend" didn't come herself.
Gwen nodded.
"Yes, she's really close to me. My senior."
Elena nodded knowingly again.
Add details, make the imaginary friend sound real—understood.
"So what symptoms does your… friend have?"
Gwen felt something strange about the doctor's expression, but Bianca's situation was too important, so she ignored it.
"My friend's symptoms are a bit unusual, and I'm hoping—"
"You can call me Elena," the doctor interrupted gently. "I understand. I'll keep her condition confidential."
Gwen shook her head.
"No, Dr. Elena, I want you to tell the symptoms to every doctor in the hospital."
"Ah?" Elena froze.
What kind of situation required… wide-spread disclosure?
Gwen continued naturally:
"My friend's condition is special. I want to find a doctor who understands it. So it needs to be known."
Elena realized she had misunderstood again and cleared her throat.
"…Alright. I understand.So what exactly is the strange condition?"
"You're sure it was like this?!"Elena's expression turned extremely serious after hearing Gwen's explanation.
It completely matched the Bugster virus infection.
Seeing her reaction, Gwen became suspicious.Did this doctor know about Bugster virus?
But the Kamen Riders she'd met were both male…
Still, Elena's expression suggested she knew something.
Gwen probed:
"I heard… this is caused by a virus called the Bugster Virus."
Elena's eyes sharpened instantly."Where did you learn that name? And where is your infected friend now?"
Recognizing her reaction, Gwen told her everything—what happened at school that night,and Bianca's situation.
Elena nodded slowly."I see. So you searched all over New York just to help your friend. That's admirable."
Hearing this, Gwen finally asked:"Dr. Elena… you must know those two Kamen Riders, right? Please… please tell them.Please save Bianca."
Elena nodded."Don't worry. We won't stand by. Eliminating the virus is our responsibility."
Gwen froze. "You mean… Dr. Elena, you're also…"
Elena nodded.
"Yes. I am a Kamen Rider. Codename: Snipe.
And don't call me doctor all the time. Just call me Big Sister."
"Okay, Big Sister." Gwen said sweetly.
"This isn't the right place to talk about the Bugster Virus. Come— I'll take you somewhere else."
Elena smiled warmly.
(End of Chapter)