Note: 1 extra chapter per 35 power stone.
1 chapter per two or three days.
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Note: This is an extra chapter due to getting 35 power stones also keep supporting me guys with your power stones.
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Emma quietly watched the helicopter disappear into the distant skies.
The violent winds from the spinning rotors slowly calmed afterward, causing her silver hair to settle once again.
For several moments—
She simply stood there silently.
Then her expression became serious again.
Emma slowly looked toward the agents standing behind her and calmly ordered,
"Do exactly as Master Leon instructed."
The men immediately nodded.
"Yes, ma'am."
Emma then suddenly remembered something.
Her eyes narrowed slightly afterward.
"And another thing."
The agents instantly became attentive again.
"Find everything related to that news reporter."
One of the men looked slightly confused.
"The reporter from the outbreak broadcast?"
Emma calmly nodded.
"How did she obtain classified footage?"
"How did she learn about the cult so quickly?"
Her cold gaze slightly sharpened.
"And how much does she really know?"
The atmosphere instantly became heavier.
Emma then continued calmly,
"Check her background."
"Her current location."
"Her recent contacts."
"If she's connected to this incident in any way…"
A brief silence followed.
"I want to know before the government does."
The men immediately nodded seriously.
"Yes, ma'am."
Emma then added one final thing before turning away,
"And if she's in danger…"
Her calm voice softened slightly.
"Send our people to protect her immediately."
The agents looked slightly surprised.
Emma calmly continued walking toward the villa afterward.
"She might be more important than she realizes."
The men silently watched her leave before immediately splitting up to carry out her orders.
Meanwhile—
Inside the skies far above Manhattan—
The helicopter carrying Leon and Jill continued flying toward the mysterious village hidden deep within the mountains.
Deep within the dark forests, far away from civilization—
An ancient village quietly stood beneath the night sky.
It was already past 10 P.M.
The entire village looked unnaturally quiet.
No electricity.
No modern technology.
Only dim torches illuminating the narrow muddy paths between the old wooden houses.
Several villagers could be seen slowly walking around while carrying burning torches in their hands.
From afar—
They looked normal.
But the atmosphere surrounding the place felt deeply unsettling.
Then suddenly—
RMMMMMMMMM!!
The loud sound of military engines echoed throughout the forest.
Heavy armored vehicles rolled through the muddy roads while tanks slowly advanced behind them.
Several military trucks followed close behind.
Above them—
Five military helicopters flew across the dark skies.
Inside one of the armored vehicles, a high-ranking military commander grabbed his walkie-talkie and spoke seriously,
"Sir, we're approaching the target village."
"Our forces are ready to surround the entire area."
A brief pause followed.
"Should we begin the assault?"
Static echoed briefly through the radio before a calm voice replied from the other side.
"Negative."
"Do not attack."
The commander immediately frowned.
"What?"
"Why, sir?"
The voice calmly continued,
"Mr. Leon is already on his way."
The commander's expression instantly changed.
"He personally requested that the military only contain the area."
"Your mission is to surround the village and ensure nothing infected escapes."
A brief silence followed before the voice added,
"He said he'll handle the rest himself."
The commander looked genuinely shocked afterward.
"Mr. Leon is coming here personally?"
"You mean the magma guy from New York?"
The voice on the radio sighed slightly.
"Yes."
"That Leon."
Then the voice continued again,
"And make sure to introduce the candidate to him."
"He was personally selected by the government."
The commander immediately understood.
"You mean the blonde man with the sunglasses?"
"Yes."
"Him."
The commander nodded seriously.
"Understood, sir."
The call ended immediately afterward.
Soon—
Within the next twenty minutes—
The military convoy finally stopped several hundred meters away from the village.
The commander stepped outside his vehicle and immediately started issuing orders.
"Move!"
"Surround the entire village!"
"Battalions One through Four, take separate positions!"
"No one enters!"
"No one leaves!"
The soldiers immediately responded loudly.
"Yes, sir!"
Within moments, the military forces split apart and surrounded the village from every direction.
Meanwhile, the helicopters above began monitoring the forests to ensure nothing escaped through the mountains.
The commander quietly observed the operation before muttering under his breath,
"…I just hope this doesn't turn into another disaster."
Then he calmly walked toward another military jeep nearby.
Standing beside it—
Was a tall blonde man wearing black combat gear and dark sunglasses.
Even in the dim lighting, his sharp jawline and calm expression made him stand out immediately.
The commander approached him calmly.
"Mr. Wesker."
The blonde man looked toward him.
"You're the candidate selected for S.T.A.R.S, correct?"
The man calmly nodded.
"Yes."
"You can call me Albert Wesker."
Then he casually reloaded his pistol with precise movements before continuing,
"The government expects results from this mission."
His calm tone carried quiet confidence.
"And I don't intend to disappoint them."
The commander slowly nodded afterward.
"I hope so too."
Then his expression became serious again.
"For now, our job is only containment."
"Mr. Leon personally ordered us not to interfere unless necessary."
Wesker slightly paused after hearing Leon's name.
Though hidden behind his sunglasses—
A faint flicker appeared in his eyes.
Leon.
So he's really coming here personally.
Interesting.
However, Wesker quickly hid his reaction and calmly replied,
"Understood."
"I'll cooperate fully."
Then a faint smirk appeared on his face.
"And perhaps make a good first impression."
The commander let out a small chuckle afterward.
"So you already know him?"
Wesker calmly nodded.
"We've met before."
The commander relaxed slightly afterward before extending his hand.
"Robert Cross."
"You can call me Robert."
Wesker looked at the hand briefly before shaking it firmly.
"Albert Wesker."
"I look forward to working together, Mr. Robert."
The two men released their handshake shortly afterward.
Meanwhile—
Far above the forest—
Another helicopter silently approached the village from the dark skies.
Leon had arrived.
Robert and Wesker were still discussing the containment plans when suddenly—
WHOOOOOOOSH!!
Powerful winds howled across the forest.
The trees violently shook as everyone instinctively looked toward the skies.
A massive military helicopter slowly descended from above.
The atmosphere instantly became tense.
Both Robert and Wesker immediately understood.
Leon had arrived.
The soldiers nearby unconsciously straightened their posture.
Even the experienced military personnel looked nervous.
After all—
Three years ago, Leon had annihilated an entire military battalion by himself.
Even now, that incident still haunted many people inside the government and military.
Some respected him.
Some feared him.
Most felt both.
Soon, the helicopter slowly landed before its doors finally slid open.
Leon calmly stepped out first.
Jill followed closely behind him.
The moment the soldiers saw Leon in person—
The pressure around them instantly intensified.
His cold expression alone made several younger soldiers nervous.
Robert quickly composed himself before stepping forward and extending his hand.
"Hello, Mr. Leon."
"My name is Robert Cross."
"You can call me Robert."
Then he smiled professionally.
"We're honored to cooperate with you on this operation."
Leon calmly shook his hand.
"I hope it stays cooperative."
That one sentence alone made several officers tense slightly.
Leon then looked around at the nervous soldiers before casually adding,
"Relax."
"I'm not here to destroy another battalion tonight."
Several soldiers instantly froze.
One nearly choked on his own breath.
Even Robert's face twitched slightly.
Meanwhile, Jill looked at Leon like she couldn't believe he actually said that out loud.
Leon calmly glanced at her afterward.
"What?"
"You all were thinking it anyway."
Jill sighed while rubbing her forehead.
"You seriously joke at the worst possible moments."
Leon casually shrugged.
"Helps with stress."
Shockingly—
A few soldiers actually laughed nervously afterward.
The tension eased slightly.
Then Leon looked toward Jill beside him.
"This is Jill Valentine."
"One of the candidates I selected for S.T.A.R.S."
Jill calmly nodded toward Robert.
Robert looked slightly surprised before replying,
"So she's one of your picks?"
Leon casually replied,
"She survived New York."
"That already says enough."
Jill crossed her arms slightly afterward.
"You make it sound like I barely survived."
Leon calmly glanced at her.
"You were fighting zombies with an empty pistol."
"…Fair point."
That actually made Robert laugh quietly this time.
Then Robert suddenly looked behind him and called out,
"Mr. Wesker."
A tall blonde man wearing sunglasses slowly walked toward them.
The moment Leon saw him—
His eyes slightly narrowed.
He remembered him.
Albert Wesker.
One of the few people who had helped during the incident surrounding Julia's death years ago.
For the briefest moment—
A faint sadness appeared in Leon's eyes.
Jill immediately noticed it.
Though she stayed silent.
Wesker noticed it as well.
"Hello, Mr. Leon."
"It's been over three years."
Then his tone softened slightly.
"I hope I didn't bring back unpleasant memories."
Jill blinked slightly beside Leon.
Unpleasant memories?
So he really does have a past like that…
Leon quietly exhaled before pushing those thoughts aside.
"I'm fine."
His voice returned to its usual calm coldness almost instantly.
Then he extended his hand toward Wesker.
"If I remember correctly…"
"Wesker, right?"
The blonde man calmly shook his hand.
"Albert Wesker."
"But Wesker is fine."
Leon nodded once.
"Leon."
A faint smirk appeared on Wesker's face.
"I know."
Then Leon calmly looked toward the dark village ahead.
His eyes slowly narrowed.
"…Let's move."
"Something about this place stinks."
Then after a brief pause, he added,
"And for once, it's not the government."
A few nearby soldiers immediately looked away trying not to laugh.
Even Jill failed to suppress a small smile this time.
Meanwhile, the soldiers behind them silently watched the group move toward the village.
Respect.
Fear.
Curiosity.
All mixed together inside their eyes.
Because everyone here understood one thing—
Whatever waited inside that village…
Wasn't human anymore.
Leon suddenly went silent for a moment while walking.
Inside his mind, he quietly asked,
System… will fate interfere here?
A mechanical sound immediately echoed inside his head.
[Ding.]
[System: Host, the current situation carries signs of interference.]
[System: The host is advised to proceed carefully.]
[System: Do not forcefully solve the situation like you did in New York.]
Leon's eyes narrowed slightly.
[System: The host should investigate step by step.]
[System: Gather clues.]
[System: Find information.]
[System: Solve the hidden problems gradually.]
[System: The host is advised against using overwhelming force from the beginning—]
Before it could continue further, Leon quietly cut it off in his mind.
Yeah, yeah.
"So basically…"
"Don't speedrun the nightmare."
The system instantly fell silent.
Meanwhile, Jill glanced at him strangely and asked, " are you thinking something."
Jill and Wesker were still processing Leon talking to himself earlier when Robert suddenly looked at him and asked,
"Mr. Leon…"
"Do you always think out loud like that?"
Jill also looked at him curiously.
Even Wesker slightly turned his head toward Leon.
Leon calmly replied,
"Only when the voices start charging rent."
A brief silence followed.
Then Robert awkwardly coughed.
"…I'm not even going to ask."
Leon casually shrugged.
"Smart choice."
Then his expression slowly became serious again.
"I've decided something."
The atmosphere immediately changed.
Robert frowned slightly.
"What is it?"
Leon calmly looked toward the dark village ahead before replying,
"Jill and Wesker will handle the raid."
The three of them instantly looked shocked.
Robert immediately asked,
"What?"
"Why, Mr. Leon?"
Leon calmly placed one hand inside his coat pocket.
"Because S.T.A.R.S doesn't lack talent."
"It lacks experience."
His cold eyes moved toward Jill and Wesker.
"They need real field experience."
"They need to learn how to investigate, survive, adapt, and make decisions under pressure."
Jill crossed her arms afterward.
"So this really is training."
Leon glanced at her calmly.
"You wanted to help."
"Congratulations."
"You're officially employed."
Jill's face twitched slightly.
"…You somehow make everything sound threatening."
"Years of practice."
Even Wesker quietly smirked at that.
Leon then continued seriously,
"I'll remain outside the village."
"I'll observe everything from a distance."
"And if things go wrong…"
His voice became colder afterward.
"I'll interfere."
Then he looked directly at Jill and Wesker.
"You both have communicators."
"If you run into danger, call me."
A brief silence followed.
"I'll come."
Despite his calm tone—
Both Jill and Wesker could feel the weight behind those words.
Robert quietly looked at Leon for a moment.
He finally understood.
Leon wasn't trying to avoid the mission.
He was building soldiers capable of surviving future outbreaks without depending entirely on him.
Originally—
Leon created S.T.A.R.S, the BSAA, and the Hound Wolf Squad for that exact reason.
There were missions he couldn't solve directly.
Not because he lacked power—
But because fate itself constantly interfered whenever he acted too aggressively.
Some situations required investigation.
Precision.
Patience.
Solving hidden puzzles.
And Leon himself understood something very clearly—
This world resisted his existence.
Almost as if reality itself rejected someone not originally meant to belong here.
Still—
He could use that resistance against itself.
By creating people capable of handling those situations naturally.
Leon quietly let out a sigh before looking toward Jill and Wesker again.
"One more thing."
Both of them focused on him immediately.
"If you find a man named Alan…"
His eyes slowly narrowed.
"Bring him to me alive."
The atmosphere instantly became colder.
"He's connected to the New York outbreak."
"And according to our information…"
"He came from this village."
Wesker calmly nodded.
"Understood."
Jill also nodded firmly.
"We'll find him."
Leon then looked toward Robert.
"Are your forces fully deployed?"
Robert immediately nodded.
"Yes, sir."
"The entire village is already surrounded."
"Nothing is getting out."
Leon quietly looked toward the dark village one final time.
Then a faint cold smirk appeared on his face.
"Good."
"Then let's stop standing around like background characters."
Without wasting another second—
The group finally started moving toward the cursed village.
Soon, Jill and Wesker looked at each other briefly.
Then both of them looked toward Leon.
"We're going," Jill said firmly.
Wesker calmly nodded beside her.
Leon looked toward the dark village ahead before replying,
"Watch the villagers carefully."
"They're not normal."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"They move like predators pretending to be human."
That alone made the atmosphere heavier.
Jill slowly tightened her grip around her weapon.
Wesker calmly adjusted his sunglasses.
Without wasting another second—
Both of them started walking toward the village entrance with their weapons ready.
Leon quietly watched them disappear into the darkness.
Then Robert walked beside him and asked,
"What now, Mr. Leon?"
Leon calmly replied,
"Prepare a tent near the perimeter."
"I'll monitor the situation from here."
Then his expression became colder afterward.
"And tell your men not to lower their guard."
"The whole village could erupt at any moment."
"I don't want a single infected escaping this forest."
Robert immediately nodded seriously.
"Understood."
"Don't worry, Mr. Leon."
"Our soldiers are covering every exit."
Leon quietly looked toward the distant village lights.
"I hope that's enough."
Then after a brief pause, he calmly added,
"Because if this turns into another outbreak…"
His eyes slowly narrowed.
"Things are going to get ugly fast."
Even Robert felt pressure from those words.
Then Leon suddenly looked toward the dark skies above.
For a rare moment—
His expression became quieter.
Almost thoughtful.
"Even with all this power…"
Robert silently listened.
Leon continued calmly,
"Even if I could erase an entire nation if I wanted…"
A brief silence followed.
"I'm still not invincible."
Then quietly—
Almost to himself—
He muttered,
"Not yet."
Robert's eyes widened slightly.
That one word alone sent chills through him.
Not yet?
Meaning—
Leon was still becoming stronger?
The thought itself was terrifying.
Robert slowly looked away afterward.
At this point, he genuinely couldn't imagine what Leon might become in the future.
Soon afterward, Robert quietly walked away from the area before grabbing his walkie-talkie.
"Headquarters, this is Robert Cross."
Static echoed briefly.
"Go ahead."
Robert calmly reported,
"Jill Valentine and Albert Wesker have officially begun their first operation as S.T.A.R.S candidates under Leon's supervision."
A brief pause followed.
Then Robert hesitated slightly before adding,
"And…"
"…Mr. Leon mentioned he still hasn't reached his full strength yet."
Silence instantly filled the other side of the radio.
Pure silence.
After several moments—
A nervous voice finally replied,
"…Understood."
The transmission ended immediately afterward.
Robert slowly lowered the walkie-talkie before letting out a deep exhausted sigh.
"I'm still in my twenties…"
Then he rubbed his forehead tiredly.
"Staying around these monsters is going to make me bald."
A nearby soldier accidentally overheard him.
"…Sir?"
Robert looked at him seriously.
"If my hairline starts retreating after this mission, I'm blaming Leon personally."
Even the soldier almost laughed hearing that.
Robert sighed again before walking toward the troops.
"Alright, move it!"
"Set up the command tent!"
"Double the perimeter patrols!"
"Tonight's gonna be a long one."
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Chapter End
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