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Several days passed after Allen's night with the women. Recently, Raccoon City had been spiraling into chaos — incidents of street brawls, violence, and even reports of cannibalism were becoming increasingly common in the news.
To make matters worse, the situation had escalated due to a sudden surge of newcomers flooding into the city from outside over the past few days, making the streets far more crowded than usual. This unexpected influx of people stirred unrest among the city's original residents, who soon began protesting and demanding action from the mayor.
Of course, Mayor Michael Warren didn't seem to care in the slightest. He turned a blind eye to the growing discontent, letting his citizens protest right in front of his office without lifting a finger to address their concerns.
Right now, Leon was sitting at his desk, watching the news about the ongoing protests being broadcast live on the city's local channel. The reporter covering the scene was Alyssa, delivering her report with calm professionalism — no political spin, no dumb exaggerations, just straight facts.
"Hey, Leon, what are you watching?" said Allen as he walked in, carrying snacks — a couple of pizzas and some bottles of cola. He casually placed them on the desk and gave Leon a smirk. "Want some? I brought extra, because, you know… I'm a generous guy."
"Thanks," Leon said with a small smile, accepting a slice. "I'm just watching the news about the protests happening in front of the mayor's office."
Allen took a bite of pizza, leaned against the table, and grinned. "Huh, looks like Chief Brian's gonna need to bump up the budget for holding cells. At this rate, we're gonna need an expansion plan—maybe even a franchise. Raccoon City Jail, coming soon. Sounds catchy, right?"
Leon just shook his head with a chuckle, amused by Allen's casual, humor.
Suddenly, Kevin looked like he was in a hurry.
"Hey, Kevin, what's going on? Another report about a new attack?" Allen asked, sounding like he was already used to hearing about the recent cannibalism reports happening all over the city.
"Yeah, this time there's another report from the northern district—same kind of attack," Kevin replied, looking a bit worn out. It was already the fifth case that day. After that short reply, Kevin immediately left to head to the scene.
"There's definitely something strange about these cannibalism cases," Leon said, analyzing the situation. "It feels like some kind of strange disease that's infecting people and making them aggressive. Allen, is this similar to the case you dealt with before in Tactical Rescue?"
"Yeah, it's pretty much the same thing," Allen replied. "But back in the Arklay Mountains, we were dealing with wild animals that suddenly went violent and started attacking people. This feels like rabies or something, so I'd suggest you make sure not to get bitten."
"Isn't there any way to stop this disease?" Leon asked.
"Well," Allen said with a relaxed tone, "I'm planning to develop an antibody or vaccine eventually—if this really is caused by some kind of virus or whatever it is. But of course, that would still cost a lot of money," he added, sounding more like a capitalist businessman than a field agent.
"Is that true? Do you really think this is some kind of disease?" asked a female officer who happened to overhear their conversation.
Both Leon and Allen turned toward her—it was Rita.
"Oh, hey, Rita. Were you listening to our conversation this whole time?" Allen asked with a friendly smile.
"Ah, yeah, sorry. I accidentally overheard you guys talking," Rita said, a little embarrassed that she'd been eavesdropping.
"Well, that's fine," Allen replied casually. "It's not like we were discussing anything personal anyway."
Leon nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you can join in. We're just talking about the case," he said.
"Thanks," Rita replied, then asked curiously, "By the way, Allen, aren't you supposed to be rich? Why did you say you need money to research this disease?"
"Well," Allen said casually, "most of my money's been spent on my women's needs. Jill just bought a luxury mansion in L.A. and is enjoying her vacation, so I'm pretty sure my savings are running low. And soon, I'm planning to open a new company branch, which will obviously cost a lot too. So yeah, let's just say I don't really have the funds right now to research or develop a vaccine or whatever. Even if I did manage to create one, I don't exactly have the capability to mass-produce it for the entire city anyway."
Even though Allen actually possessed the data and formula for the T-Virus vaccine, producing it on a massive scale was practically impossible and would basically mean giving away a huge donation for free. Not to mention, with Raccoon City's population being around 100,000 to 120,000 people, it would be impossible for Allen alone to produce that many doses in such a short period of time.
Rita couldn't help but agree with Allen's words—he did have a point—but at the same time, she felt a little jealous of his women, who were currently enjoying a luxurious vacation in a grand mansion.
"I sometimes think Jill's really lucky to have a guy like you," Rita said with a small smile, shaking her head slightly.
Meanwhile, Leon, who had also been listening to Allen, felt that what Allen said about the disease and the ongoing cases sounded far more serious—and dangerous—than he'd initially thought.
"Allen, do you mind if I go check on Kevin? I think I should help him out," Leon said, hoping Allen would let him go on his own.
Allen nodded. "Hmm, alright. Just be careful out there, okay? Try not to get yourself hurt."
"Thanks, Allen," Leon replied before quickly heading out to catch up with Kevin.
Rita watched him go, then turned back to Allen. "Are you sure this won't turn into a problem? He's going alone," she asked, sounding a bit concerned.
"Well, I'm sure he'll be fine," Allen said casually, giving her a reassuring smile. "Anyway, I need to drop by Chief Brian's office for a bit. Catch you later, Rita." He added with a playful wink before walking off.
"Ah—yeah, see you," Rita replied, a little flustered, before heading back to her post to handle some paperwork.
Not long after, Allen entered Chief Brian's office, who was currently sitting while smoking his cigarette.
"Please, have a seat, Allen. By the way, do you want a drink?" Brian asked Allen.
"No need. Anyway, what's the reason you were looking for me?" Allen spoke directly.
"It's about that reporter, Benjamin. The man said he once worked for you," Brian said, his eyes staring sharply at Allen.
"Ohh, then do you just believe his nonsense?" Allen replied while raising his eyebrow.
Allen's attitude, which didn't change at all, made Brian a bit doubtful whether Allen was telling the truth or lying.
"Chief Brian, do you know that right now you're betting between two sides? You do realize that if you're playing games with me, your life will be the price," Allen said in a tone that seriously implied he would kill this man.
And of course, that made Brian's hair stand on end because of Allen's threat.
Brian swallowed hard and said, "No, I don't believe his words. Besides, why would you ask me to capture and interrogate him to find out who he's working for?"
"So, did he tell you who his boss is?" Allen asked.
"Well, the guy only said he was hired by a third party who gave him the job," Brian replied.
"So basically, you didn't get anything out of him," Allen said, shaking his head.
"Oh yeah, Chief — about the recent cannibalism cases. You know that if this situation gets worse, it'll be difficult for you to leave the city quietly. And I'm sure Umbrella won't let you leave this city alive," Allen said while staring directly at Brian.
"What do you mean by that — that Umbrella won't let me leave the city?" Brian asked, a bit startled.
"Well, of course, if Umbrella ends up under pressure where they have to shut down the entire city because their research has leaked, isn't it natural that their first target would be to eliminate witnesses and evidence of their crimes? And you…" Allen paused for a moment, "can be considered one of the witnesses who knows everything they've been doing in this city — well, although you could also be considered an accomplice."
Brian, hearing Allen's words, was a bit taken aback—yet after thinking it over, he realized Allen had a point. Besides, the mayor had been silent about the recent cannibalism cases. He looked at Allen and asked, "Why are you telling me this? Can you give me a way out of this? Is there something you want me to do?" he asked, sounding hopeful.
Allen grinned—seems the fat man had taken the bait. "Well, first I want to know how much you know about what Umbrella has been doing. Do you know anything about their research?"
"No," Brian shook his head. "I don't know anything about that. I only received orders to cover up what happened there and never tried to look into it—because if I tried to dig into the details, Sergei would surely come knocking on my door."
"Then let me tell you," Allen said, giving a brief explanation so the man could understand. "Umbrella and their researchers are working on a dangerous virus that spreads through physical contact—bites—and causes severe infection that turns victims aggressive, making them attack others to spread the virus. Right now, that virus has already leaked into the city because of a breach at Arkley Mountain."
Brian, upon hearing that, obviously panicked and wondered if he should just get out of the city immediately. "Then I need to flee this city right away," he said, seemingly preparing to run.
Allen, hearing that, was speechless — that wasn't what he had planned. "You seriously think you can run? How do you expect to get away? Don't you know Umbrella has connections everywhere? It'd be very easy for them to track you down," Allen said.
"You talk like I have another option," Brian shot back.
"Well, what if I told you I do have another option for you — but of course I want you to cooperate with me to handle this? I also suspect the Mayor already has his own escape plan ready," Allen replied.
"And if you manage to save the city while the Mayor runs away…" Allen paused and looked at Brian.
"I'd become the city's savior! I could even get a senator position at the critical moment — hahaha, you're a genius, Allen!" Brian said, realizing what Allen meant.
"Exactly, but for that you have to stay alive first, survive the disaster that may unfold if this situation worsens." Allen continued.
"So what's the plan?" Brian asked, impatient. Even though he wasn't fully sure about Allen's plan, at least he wanted to try this option.
"Go and convince Warren to give me the funds so I can create a vaccine for the city to stop people from turning into cannibals," Allen said. "I have a way to make a few vaccine doses that might prevent infection after a bite so you don't turn into a zombie. Then wait for my instructions — we'll strike at the right time."
"All right, fine. I hope you're not lying to me," Brian replied.
"Hey, I'm just asking for some benefit from this deal, and you won't be harmed by it — in fact, you'll benefit if it works," Allen said.
"Hahaha, you've got a point. Let's cooperate then," Brian said, extending his hand.
Allen shook his hand. "Let's work together," he said with a smirk.
The plan had worked. Allen's real intention was simple: make Brian fight the coming crisis to buy time so as many Raccoon City residents as possible could escape safely, because that was the least he could do for them. As for Brian… well, Allen wasn't confident the man would survive, since he knew a B.O.W. — likely the Tyrant-003 model — would probably target him.
.....
A few hours after Allen's deal with Brian, Ada Wong was now observing the chaos unfolding in the northern area of Raccoon City through her binoculars from the rooftop of a building, shaking her head slightly.
People who were attacked by the infected monsters would fully turn into zombies within a day. From her vantage point, she could see several police officers moving in to seal off the area and evacuate nearby civilians to safer zones. Some officers were already taking down those who had turned into zombies, shooting them on sight — apparently after Brian suddenly authorized them to use lethal force.
"Hmmm… looks like the entrance to the northern lab has been breached and destroyed. That's not good," Ada muttered to herself. If that section was compromised, the dam — the city's main water supply — would likely become contaminated by the virus. She needed to report this to Allen immediately.
But before she could move, the rooftop door swung open.
"Ma'am, are you all right? This place isn't safe — you should get out of here," a police officer called out, momentarily stunned when he saw Ada's strikingly beautiful face.
"Oh, thank you, but that won't be necessary. I was just about to leave anyway," Ada replied calmly, her tone smooth and confident. "Before I go, though, I'd like to ask you a few questions. My name's Ada Wong — I'm with the F.B.I." She flashed a fake badge in front of him.
"I—I'm Leon Scott Kennedy," the officer stammered. "And, uh, I'm afraid I can't give you any information about this. I just got here myself, and my orders are to escort civilians to safety." His voice carried a hint of frustration — he hadn't found any solid leads yet.
"Hmmm, I see. Well then, I'll be going for now," Ada said, her red lips curving into a faint smile. "I hope next time we meet, you'll have something useful for me. See you around, Leon."
With that, she turned gracefully and left the rooftop.
Leon stood there for a moment, still processing what just happened, before letting out a small sigh. As much as he had just met a stunning woman, duty came first — and he quickly moved on to check the next location.