Throughout the week, I dedicated my time to taking each member of STARS and even Marvin into the underground warehouse for intensive training. The progress has been astounding. Those who were once the weakest, like Rebecca and Marvin, can now handle two Hunters each without much difficulty. Their movements are faster, their reflexes sharper, and they are beginning to master their newfound superhuman strength.
Of course, I reminded them not to kill the creatures they were facing. Hunters are precious resources, and I can't afford to lose such rare specimens. One extra every 18 hours is quite limited, so it's better to preserve them.
During each session, I reiterated the importance of the training: to become stronger without exhausting our resources. I've even started to see camaraderie growing among the team members, a solidarity strengthened by these shared battles.
At Marvin's request, I also initiated a restructuring plan for the Raccoon City Police Department. Commissioner Irons, now under my control, has been more than cooperative. His influence has allowed me to reorganize the teams and extend the enhancement program to all members of the RPD. Every police officer in the city is now endowed with superhuman abilities, although I've had to restrict the freedom of some of them, particularly those who tend to act recklessly and violently.
I don't want it to be too obvious that some officers can now ignore the bullets fired at them. Such a capability could attract unwanted attention, and I need to play this card carefully.
Meanwhile, I took advantage of this week to identify and capture Umbrella spies who were attempting to monitor the activities of STARS and myself. In total, I managed to neutralize twenty infiltrated agents, all transformed into puppets similar to Irons. These agents will now serve me in spreading false information to Umbrella, confusing their efforts and protecting our true intentions.
Finally, I took inventory of the creatures I've captured and discovered that I had enough specimens to enhance two specific types: leeches and wasps. With 23,844 leeches and 11,404 wasps at my disposal, I feel I can create something formidable.
Ding
You have acquired more than 5,000 "Leech v2" creatures; enhancement possibility detected.
Would you like to double the overall capabilities of the "Leech": cost 5,000 leeches.
"Yes."
Choice accepted. Deduction of 5,000 leeches, remaining leeches: 18,844
You have acquired more than 10,000 "Leech v3" creatures; enhancement possibility detected.
Would you like to double the overall capabilities of the "Leech": cost 10,000 leeches.
"Yes."
Choice accepted. Deduction of 10,000 leeches, remaining leeches: 8,844
You have acquired more than 1,000 "Wasps"; enhancement possibility detected.
Would you like to double the overall capabilities of the "Wasps": cost 1,000 wasps.
"Yes."
Choice accepted. Deduction of 1,000 wasps, remaining wasps: 10,404
You have acquired more than 5,000 "Wasps v2" creatures; enhancement possibility detected.
Would you like to double the overall capabilities of the "Wasps": cost 5,000 wasps.
"Yes."
Choice accepted. Deduction of 5,000 wasps, remaining wasps: 5,404
The new v4 leeches are impressive. They are now the size of a dog, and their ability to divide while remaining connected makes them even more formidable. Although the different parts of the same leech cannot move more than ten meters apart, they form a living web that is as difficult to escape as it is to fight.
As for the v3 wasps, they have grown to the size of sparrows. Fast and agile, they have become real threats in flight, to the point that ten of them managed to give Wesker a hard time. Although they can be taken down with a handgun, hitting them is far from easy.
As for me, after hundreds of rounds with Teddy, the super Tyrant, I've finally reached a level of strength sufficient to withstand his blows. However, he didn't just train me. At one point, I decided to inject him with the G-virus, hoping to create an enhanced model of a super Tyrant.
G-Virus Mutation or Super Tyrant G successfully created, available in the factory.
1 Super Tyrant G will be produced every month. You have 2 Super Tyrant Gs directly in the factory.
You will be able to instantly control any Super Tyrant G not under your control by simply touching it.
The result exceeded my expectations: Teddy didn't get bigger; he even became smaller, but his strength tripled. This manifested brilliantly when he sent me flying 50 meters across the hangar with a single blow.
Teddy, despite his monstrous appearance, turns to me with a beastly grin. "Ger... ald... strong," he growls in a deep voice, his words clumsy but filled with a strange camaraderie.
Jill, who had been watching the fight from afar, rushes towards me with a worried expression. "Gerald! Are you okay? That flight... it was incredible, but you could have been hurt!"
I get up, slightly dizzy but unharmed thanks to my regeneration. "Don't worry, Jill, I'm fine," I say, giving her a reassuring smile. "That's why we train, after all. We had to test the limits."
Wesker, who had been observing the scene, approaches but avoids making eye contact with Teddy. "Impressive... really impressive," he murmurs, visibly uncomfortable.
I notice his hesitation and, with a smile, I quip, "You know, Wesker, maybe you should train with him too. After all, we all need to be ready for what's coming."
Wesker forces a nervous smile, avoiding looking Teddy in the eyes. "Uh... I think I'll sit this one out. I need to make sure the others are training properly."
Jill, standing nearby, bursts into laughter. "Oh, so even the great Wesker can be scared?"
Wesker merely smiles awkwardly, trying to steer the conversation away. "It's important that everyone plays their part, after all."
Meanwhile, Teddy stands ready, his massive muscles trembling with excitement at the thought of another fight. He growls, impatient, as I feel the adrenaline rising in me. The training sessions are becoming more intense, and I know we are approaching a new threshold of power.
"Teddy, come back. I need to go pick up Lisa and then take her to the studio," I say, calling my sparring partner back into the factory.
After closing the hangar, Jill accompanies me to pick up Lisa from school. As we arrive at the entrance, we find Kathy, Barry's wife, also waiting to pick up her daughters, Moira and Polly.
After a few minutes, I see my little angel running out with the two sisters. As soon as she spots me, Lisa turns into a little rocket and rushes towards me, jumping into my arms with overflowing energy. "DADDY!" she exclaims enthusiastically.
I smile broadly, teasing my daughter by ruffling her hair under Jill's affectionate gaze. Moira and Polly burst into laughter at the exuberance of their friend.
"Lisa is always so fast," remarks Moira, laughing.
"Yes, she could win all the races," adds Polly, smiling admiringly.
I greet Kathy and her daughters before we head to the car. Jill takes Lisa in her arms, and they both climb into the back while I take the wheel to drive us to the studio.
On the way, Jill strikes up a conversation with Lisa. "So, big girl, how was your day at school today?"
Lisa, still as joyful as ever, starts telling her animatedly. "It was great, Aunt Jill! We did some drawings, and I even learned a new song. Moira and Polly showed me how to play hide-and-seek during recess. And guess what? I found all the hiding spots!"
Jill chuckles softly as she listens to the little one's enthusiasm. "Well, you're really good at that, Lisa. Maybe you'll be the best detective in the school."
Lisa smiles proudly before resting her head on Jill's shoulder, visibly happy. "I want to be as strong as Daddy and as smart as you, Aunt Jill."
I glance quickly in the rearview mirror, smiling as I see my daughter so fulfilled.
After several hours of intensive filming, we managed to record several episodes in a row. Although I haven't yet seen the final output, I am rather satisfied with our work. My contract stipulates that I will earn $1,000 per episode, with a potential increase depending on the audience. But, to be honest, it's not the money that interests me the most. This project is mainly for Lisa, so she can have fun and explore her creativity.
Seeing Lisa thrive in her role as a little detective is a true source of happiness. She takes her role to heart, and the director, understanding and patient, doesn't ask for too many retakes, making the experience even more enjoyable for her.
After filming, Jill suggested taking Lisa to the police station to visit her "uncles" in STARS. Meanwhile, I decide to take a quick tour of my companies to check on the progress of ongoing projects.
Arriving at one of my offices, I meet the chief researcher, a man in his forties named Dr. Wallace. He heads the technological development team.
"Hello, Gerald," he says as he sees me enter the lab. "We've made some progress on the advanced mobile phone project you asked us to develop. However, we're a bit stuck on some technical aspects, particularly concerning the miniaturization of the components."
I nod, thinking for a moment. "I suspected as much. Miniaturization is always a challenge. But I remember a concept I once saw... You could try using multilayer integrated circuits. This would reduce the necessary space while increasing processing power."
Dr. Wallace quickly notes down my suggestions, looking focused. "That's an excellent idea, Gerald. We could also explore using lithium-polymer batteries to keep the phone lightweight while extending battery life."
"Exactly," I say, smiling. "And for the display, have you thought about using OLED screens? They consume less energy and offer better image quality, which could be an advantage for a portable device."
Dr. Wallace nods enthusiastically. "That's brilliant. We'll get to work on these concepts right away and see how we can integrate them into the prototype. With any luck, we could be ahead of the competition soon."
"I have no doubt about it, Dr. Wallace. Keep up the good work. Don't hesitate to contact me if you need more advice or ideas."
We exchange a few more ideas before I leave the lab, satisfied with the progress made. With these new directions, I am confident that our technological projects will develop at a steady pace.
Why do I know so much about phones? I thought to myself.
Ding
It is one of the effects of Lowering the difficulty in non-combat-related projects.
Seeing the system response, I don't question it further. As long as the results are positive, that's fine with me.
I head towards the lab where Marcus and Wesker Junior are engrossed in their work. Passing through the adjoining hangar, I quickly greet Pascal and Steeve, learning with satisfaction that Pascal has managed to reconnect with his wife and son. Steeve, on the other hand, surprised everyone by starting a relationship with Rebecca. This news makes me smile, especially when imagining the reaction of the STARS team.
"Marcus, Junior, any updates?" I ask as I enter the lab, my gaze settling on the two scientists deep in discussion.
"We need you for the experimental part, but we've already gathered most of the specimens found in the area," Marcus replies while adjusting his glasses. Wesker Junior, meanwhile, gestures towards a row of cages and terrariums lined up against the wall. The various captured creatures are imprisoned there, some growling, others silently observing, their eyes glinting with a strange light.
"Let's start with the T-Virus," I say as I remove my top, revealing a perfectly sculpted chest, free of any scars thanks to my superhuman regeneration. I approach the first cage, where a black bear stares at me with its piercing eyes. Its breathing is heavy, its muscles tense. I waste no time and, with a fluid motion, open the cage before using my vines to bind the bear, which struggles violently at first. Despite its size and strength, the vines hold it firmly in place. Their toughness is such that even Teddy, in his new form, would have difficulty breaking them.
"This bear is already impressive," comments Albert Junior as he approaches to take a closer look. "Let's see what the T-Virus will do to it."
I retrieve a syringe filled with a green liquid, the T-Virus, and inject it directly into the bear's body. Almost immediately, spasms shake its body. Its fur seems to thicken, its muscles swell under its skin as it grows, reaching the size of a grizzly bear in a few minutes. Its jaw elongates, revealing sharp fangs. However, its temperament calms almost instantly, despite the enormous strength it has gained.
"Interesting," murmurs Marcus, taking notes. "The mutation amplified its physical abilities, but it also altered its behavior. Less aggressive, but much more resilient."
"Perhaps a side effect of the T-Virus combined with your submission via the vines," adds Albert, looking thoughtful. "This could be useful for certain applications, particularly the control of post-mutation creatures."
"None of that is why I asked you to let me transform these creatures; if I am the one who mutates a creature, it submits to me," I say with a smile before turning to the bear, which I release.
I then continue the transformation process, moving from cage to cage, injecting the T-Virus and, in some cases, the G-Virus. The results are astonishing. A fly grows to the size of a bat, while a mosquito becomes as large as a fist. These once-insignificant insects turn into real biological weapons, capable of penetrating even the most resistant defenses with their new abilities.
The felines, for their part, undergo spectacular transformations. A simple house cat becomes a formidable predator, its claws lengthening, its muscles multiplying. A lynx transforms into a fiercer creature than ever, its eyes glowing with a bloodthirsty gleam. As for the lioness, she becomes a true war machine, faster, stronger, and above all, more intelligent.
"These feline mutations are fascinating," Marcus observes, looking at the lioness. "They've gained intelligence, not just strength. We should keep a close eye on that."
But the true feats of this experimental session come with the larger specimens. The bear, which has already doubled in size with the T-Virus, now reaches titanic proportions under the effect of the G-Virus. It now stands as tall as a super Tyrant, its muscles rippling under its thick skin, each of its movements exuding raw power. The gorilla, in turn, transforms into a terrifying beast, its strength multiplied, and its eyes now endowed with a sinister intelligence.
"If we unleashed a beast like this in an urban environment, it would be carnage," comments Albert Junior, a mix of fascination and caution in his voice.
Finally, the rhinoceros, already massive, becomes a true living fortress. Its hide hardens to rival steel, and its size makes a tank look like a child's toy.
"We could use this specimen as a living battering ram," Marcus jokes, taking notes. "Imagine what it could do against an armored barrier."
The results of these experiments are beyond what I had imagined. I finish the process by observing all the new creatures with satisfaction.
The only issue is that it takes one day for all the creatures and 15 days for the lioness, the bear, the gorilla, and the rhinoceros.
After completing the experiments, I turn to Marcus, a smirk on my face. "Keep collecting animals, and don't forget some fish and other reptiles. However, see if you can obtain certain enzymes to improve the G-virus from them," I say, gesturing to the mutated creatures around us.
Marcus nods, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "All right, but pick me up from the factory with them. That will avoid food expenses, and above all, even if I go too far with my experiments, your new additions won't die. Albert can manage the lab and the animal supply, although we'll need to inject some liquidity."
I bring all the creatures back to the factory before turning to Wesker. "Albert, we'll need to add $500,000 to the company's account to cover upcoming expenses."
Wesker, ever the calculator, nods. "Consider it done. I'll also ensure the funds are used wisely."
I then head to the Jordans, the three clones waiting for me with their usual focused expressions. "Guys, I need you to start producing energy-boosting medicines. Something that can generate regular income for us. I've already given some concepts for phones, but now we need to diversify."
One of the Jordans speaks up, his tone professional. "We're already working on it. With the knowledge you've given us, we'll be able to create a range of stimulants that will help the body without severe side effects. This could really take off."
I nod, satisfied. "Perfect, do everything you can to make it a success."
After finalizing these matters, I return to the police station. Upon my arrival, I notice that almost all the officers smile at me as I walk through the hall. It's unusual, but I don't dwell on it too much. I head straight to the STARS office.
As I enter, Lisa rushes to me before snuggling into my lap as I sit in a chair. I feel the team's insistent gazes on me, and their silence only heightens the strangeness of the situation.
Jill, with her usual teasing tone, breaks the silence. "So, Commissioner King, any idea who Detective Raccoon is?" she asks before bursting into laughter, closely followed by the other STARS members.
I'm puzzled. "Lisa, can you tell me what's going on?" I ask, looking down at my daughter, seeking an explanation amidst the laughter of her uncles.
Lisa, a bit sulky at the others' teasing, replies, "We watched an episode of Detective Raccoon in the projection room with everyone, Daddy. It's the episode where you act clumsy in the costume while protecting me. And then, you put on your stoic face in front of the reporters' questions. They all burst out laughing at that moment," she says, pouting slightly at her uncles' laughter.
I smile despite myself, gently stroking Lisa's head. "Well, at least I've become a comedy star, even if it was unintentional," I say, trying to take the situation lightly, which only amplifies the laughter in the room.
(Nda: here's the work of a week of reflection, I hope you enjoyed it, have a good weekend.)