Imperium of Man Terra Aeterna Season 01: Rise of Humanity's War Machin

Reuel and his group moved forward without encountering much resistance along the way, until they finally arrived at Raccoon City Hall. On the top floor of the semi-circular building, a helicopter was parked, surrounded by heavily armed U.B.C.S. soldiers—Umbrella's private military force—patrolling the area.

Reuel knew it was clearly a trap. But he didn't care.

Seeing the soldiers in Umbrella uniforms, his mind drifted to one thing: Weren't there supposed to be two mercenaries in the school earlier? One of them was even the main male protagonist in Resident Evil 3. But... what was his name again? He couldn't remember.

Reuel turned. "Sergeant Thorne, did you encounter anyone else at the school?"

Sergeant Thorne responded quickly, as firmly as ever.

"Lord of Terra, we found no one else alive."

Reuel paused for a moment.

"No? Has the timeline shifted again?" he wondered. He shook the doubt from his head.

"So, how do we take that chopper?" asked L.J., the big-built Black man, breaking the tense silence.

Reuel immediately gave his orders.

"It's a trap. Sergeant Thorne, you and the Kasrkin unit will wipe out the mercenaries outside. And you're coming too, big guy."

"Understood, Lord of Terra. We'll execute your command at once," Thorne answered resolutely.

Meanwhile, Red Queen had already activated the aerial protocol.

"Notify James and the Obsidian Talon unit immediately—tell them the time has come. The Black Hawk and the two Apache helicopters on standby at the villa must take off now. Secure the airspace above Raccoon City Hall," Reuel commanded through Red Queen.

"Of course, Big Brother," replied Red Queen—soft, but sharp.

Reuel turned, his gaze landing on the two women beside him.

"Alice, you and I will deal with their secret weapon. Jill, you stay here. Protect the little girl—and the reporter, Terri Morales."

Alice looked at him, puzzled. "Reuel, what secret weapon are you talking about?"

"Nemesis," Reuel replied flatly. "Umbrella's latest bioweapon. According to Red Queen's intel, the creature is... very strong."

He took a quick breath, then looked at everyone.

"Everyone get ready. We move in three minutes."

"Initiate elimination process," ordered Sergeant Thorne to Kasrkin Squad-Delta.

"Target locked."

"Alpha priority, execute."

"Extraction in thirty seconds."

ZZZAP-KRACK!

A single hot-shot lasrifle shot shattered the night's stillness.

The Kasrkin sniper was the first to pull the trigger. The bolt of searing energy punched through the enemy's helmet and dropped one U.B.C.S. soldier instantly—before he could even scream. Within seconds, the rest followed: precision headshots, silent movements, knives slitting throats—efficient, merciless.

The U.B.C.S. troops didn't even realize what was slaughtering them.

In no time, the Kasrkin had swept the perimeter of Raccoon City Hall clean.

The place had turned into a mass grave for Umbrella's mercenary force.

Meanwhile, Reuel and Alice moved quickly toward Umbrella's command center. KA-BAR knives glinted in their hands beneath flickering, broken lights. Every U.B.C.S. soldier they encountered was taken down with brutal precision—fast, silent, lethal.

Gunfire echoed from outside. Reuel recognized the rhythm.

Kasrkin Squad-Delta. Standard procedure. They were closing in.

As they neared the main tent at the center of the area, Thomas appeared. Beside him stood an armed man, pushing Professor Ashford forward with the barrel of a gun pressed against the scientist's back.

Thomas stared at Reuel and Alice. His voice was flat, but his eyes burned.

"You're really something... This is starting to get fun."

"Oh? You're not afraid? Your forces will be gone in minutes," Reuel shot back, his gaze sharp. He glanced at Ashford.

"Ding, begin check-in protocol from Professor Ashford's side."

But Reuel knew: the system could only be unlocked from the professor's current position. And the distance... was still too far.

"Hah, afraid? No. Look over there," Thomas gestured toward the tent on the left.

Reuel turned.

Heavy footsteps echoed—metal and flesh pounding against the ground.

From behind the tent flap, a monstrous figure over two meters tall emerged—one arm holding a Rotary Gatling Gun, the other shoulder mounting an M202 FLASH rocket launcher.

Its face...

Worse than anything Reuel had seen in any version of Resident Evil.

And he knew without a doubt:

That wasn't Matt.

Matt was still alive. This one... was someone else.

Whoever it used to be, this creature was a tragedy.

And now, a weapon of death.

"Reuel..."

Alice looked at the monster briefly, then turned to him. She didn't say a word—but her eyes spoke volumes.

Reuel met her gaze calmly. His confidence unshaken.

Thomas gave a thin smile.

"This is our flagship product. Nemesis. Also known as Tyrant. A special gift from me to you... I hope you two get along."

He chuckled. A laugh that was hollow, deranged.

Then, a single word that sealed the moment.

"Kill them."

Nemesis raised the M202 FLASH rocket launcher.

A heavy metallic sound echoed: "Click-chkkk..."

A second later, from inside the launcher's tubes, a missile burst out with a loud "FWHOOSH!"

An earth-shattering explosion followed: "KRAA-BOOOM!!" — fire and debris rained through the air, shaking the entire city hall.

Without delay, Nemesis swung its other weapon — the Rotary Gatling Gun.

The electric motor began to whir: "Whirr...", then turned into a storm of bullets:

"BRRRRRTTTTTTTT!!!"

A torrent of rounds shredded everything in its path. Gunpowder smoke billowed from the fast-spinning barrels.

Reuel and Alice, already prepared from the beginning, sprang into action. Both of them leapt in opposite directions, dodging the line of fire.

Nemesis locked onto Reuel. With agile movements, Reuel darted behind the city hall's pillars. He knew a single hit from that Gatling Gun would turn him into ground meat.

While Nemesis's attention was fully focused on Reuel, Alice moved in from behind. She leapt and landed a powerful kick to the monster's back, forcing its massive body forward a few steps.

Reuel didn't waste the opening. He charged in from the side and slashed at Nemesis's arm. Though the attack didn't deal a critical injury, it severely damaged the Gatling Gun's control system — which had been his aim all along. That weapon was too dangerous to remain online.

Growling in fury, Nemesis threw both the Rotary Gatling Gun and M202 FLASH aside.

With bare fists, it lunged at Reuel — but Reuel was faster, ducking and dodging the blow.

Alice struck again. She drove her knife into Nemesis's back. But the monster only roared, spun around, and swung a brutal punch.

Alice was sent flying, crashing into a lamp post with a metallic clang that rang through the air.

Nemesis wasted no time and charged after her.

Meanwhile, Thomas watched the fight with deep interest. He turned to Professor Ashford and said calmly:

"You think they can win? Our product is magnificent, isn't it?"

Professor Ashford clenched his teeth, anxious. He knew that if Reuel and the others failed, then his fate — and his daughter's — wouldn't be much different.

Fortunately, his daughter wasn't with him now. She was still under Reuel's protection.

---

On the battlefield, Reuel surged forward.

One swift kick struck Nemesis's head, pushing it back several steps.

Before the creature could react, a second kick landed — hard enough to knock it down to the ground.

Alice didn't waste a second. She leapt in and slashed her knife toward Nemesis's neck.

Unfortunately, a single cut wasn't enough to take down something that powerful.

Nemesis thrashed, growling like a wounded beast.

But Reuel didn't give it the chance.

He advanced steadily, gripping his knife tight, and delivered the final slash to Nemesis's neck — cutting the creature down for good.

As he landed, Reuel stared at the deep wound in the creature's neck.

Thick black blood began to pour out.

The massive body finally went still — dead after its final struggle.

---

Seeing Nemesis fall, Thomas immediately grabbed Professor Ashford.

At the same time, the last two U.B.C.S. soldiers were quickly neutralized by the Kasrkin team before they could even react.

The Kasrkin had wiped the entire area of mercenaries. Now, only one threat remained:

Thomas.

"Stop! Don't come any closer, or I'll kill him!"

Thomas pointed a pistol at Professor Ashford's head — the threat unmistakable.

"You really think you can still escape?" Reuel asked, calm yet cutting.

"I can't escape... and you don't want to die, do you?" Thomas replied, his breathing heavy. "There'll be a nuclear explosion before dawn. But I've got a helicopter. I can get you out."

At that moment, the sound of rotors echoed in the distance.

"That's our company's aircraft. So, have you thought it over? Let me go... and I can save you too..."

But before Thomas could finish speaking, explosions erupted in the sky.

Umbrella helicopters exploded one by one mid-air.

The rest were shot down from the opposite direction.

Thomas could only stare blankly, frozen as he watched his rescue fleet get obliterated.

"I have my own aircraft," Reuel said with a thin grin. "I can leave with my own ride. So, looks like you're no longer useful, huh?"

"I still have a hostage!" Thomas shouted, low but desperate. "If you let me go, I'll release him!"

He tightened his grip on Professor Ashford, panic seeping into his voice.

Suddenly, a helicopter landed not far from them.

James jumped out, ran straight to Reuel, and saluted.

"Sir, all enemy aircraft have been shot down. We've secured two helicopters on the ground."

James and the Kasrkin team had taken two of the enemy's aircraft.

Sergeant Thorne immediately took command of one of them. That was enough to get everyone out.

"Good," Reuel said simply. "Thank you for your hard work."

"Kh... khhh..."

Professor Ashford began coughing violently. His body trembled, his breath came in gasps. The sound of his coughing echoed through the damp, dark underground corridor, causing everyone to immediately turn their heads.

Thomas suddenly seemed to realize something—his eyes widened in panic.

Without warning, he shoved Professor Ashford aside and tried to run.

But he had only made it a few meters—

BANG!

A bullet struck his left calf. Thomas crashed to the ground, screaming in agony.

"AAARGHH!! AAHH—FK!! NGAAAHH!!"

Jill Valentine emerged from behind a pillar, her weapon still raised.

Sergeant Thorne and the Kasrkin team moved in instantly, pinning Thomas's writhing body and cuffing him swiftly and efficiently.

On the other side, Angie—the anxious-eyed little girl standing beside Jill—sprinted toward her father.

"Daddy! Daddy!"

She hugged the old man tightly.

Ashford, pale and weak, still returned the embrace with gentle arms.

"My daughter... everything's okay now. Don't be afraid..."

But the tender moment shattered with Thomas's raspy voice.

Though pinned down and in pain, he could still manage a small, twisted laugh.

"Haha... Professor Ashford... you think the company will just let you go free?"

He groaned, breath labored, but still grinned.

"Before all this... I already spiked your drinking water with the T-virus. And now... well, now it's starting to kick in, isn't it?"

Shock spread across every face.

Alice stepped forward, brows furrowed.

Jill turned sharply toward Ashford.

Reuel remained silent, but his gaze turned icy.

Professor Ashford lowered his head, weak. He didn't deny it.

"It's alright... it's alright. I can die... as long as I know my daughter will be safe."

His hand trembled as he gently stroked Angie's hair.

Angie sobbed but quickly tore open her backpack in desperation. She pulled out a syringe filled with a clear liquid—detox serum—and held it up to her father.

"Daddy! This... this can cure you! Take it, please!"

But Ashford stopped her hand.

"It's too late..." he whispered. "Two hours have passed. My body... it's too weak. The serum... won't help anymore."

Tears streamed down Angie's face.

"But... but—Daddy... don't go... don't leave me..."

Ashford forced a smile, then turned to Reuel, who stood a few steps away.

"Mr. Reuel... Angie... I entrust her to you."

He held her closer for a moment.

"Please... guide her... far from all this. Let her grow up as a human being—not as an experiment."

Reuel stepped forward slowly.

"You have my word," he said firmly. "I'll protect her—with my life, if I must."

Ashford nodded, eyes wet but peaceful.

He placed Angie into Reuel's arms, then closed his eyes, his body going limp as the infection began to devour his biological systems.

"Ding! Check-in location detected. Does the Host wish to initiate the login process now?"

Reuel glanced at the system notification that appeared in his vision.

"Ding! Login successful. Congratulations to the Host. You have acquired:

10 units of Perfect T-Virus

100 High-Grade Virus Detox Serums"

"Ding! Congratulations. You have acquired 360 million Cadian Shock Troops, including the fallen warlords and legendary commanders from planet Cadia—Warhammer 40,000 universe."

"Ding! You have also obtained full terrestrial military equipment, adapted for these troops—including primary combat units and support divisions."

"Ding! You have acquired Archmagos Dominus Belisarius Cawl, along with Adeptus Mechanicus forces from the golden era to the fall of Cadia."

"Ding! Congratulations. You now possess Ursarkar E. Creed (Lord Castellan). The system has stolen him from Trazyn the Infinite's living artifact collection. Creed is now under your command."

"Ding! You have obtained the Cadia High Command roster:

Jarran Kell (Colour Sergeant)

Conskavan Raik (Logistar-General)

Audaria Zabine (Supreme Commissar)

Marus Porelska

Ignitio Barathus (Colonel)

Marda Hellsker (Major)

Ravura (Sergeant)

Lek (Corporal)

Dakaj, Suvane

Elite Kasrkin units: Servantus Glave, Okkun, Stitcher Kristan, Sergeant Veskaj, Luzal, and others still loyal to the Cadia Stands doctrine."

---

"Ding! Hidden mission activated:

The Host is tasked with founding a Transdimensional Empire. Initial target: Dominate 60% of the global population (Resident Evil Universe, Year 1998) within one year.

If successful, the entire population of Cadia—military and civilian—will be resurrected. If failed... please proceed to die."

---

> System Note:

Perfect T-Virus allows integration without side effects.

Detox serum is effective if applied within two hours of exposure.

---

Reuel clicked his tongue. "Damn it, system… saving 3.6 billion people? Are you insane?"

"Host, you possess Archmagos Dominus Belisarius Cawl. While you currently lack an interstellar fleet, with Adeptus Mechanicus at your side, anything can be built from scratch."

Reuel narrowed his eyes. "The T-Virus... can it be cured?"

"Yes. If treated within two hours of infection. After that, the serum becomes ineffective. But with Cawl, further development is certainly within reach."

"Host is advised to cease conversation. A nuclear bomb has been launched. Although you've undergone genetic fusion with the power of the Emperor of Mankind, your current strength is not even 1% of the true potential. You will still die. Should that happen... the system will seek a new host."

Reuel hissed, "You're a real bastard, system."

---

At that moment, Professor Ashford spoke weakly, "Give me... a pistol."

Reuel looked at him for a moment, understanding the request behind his eyes. Without a word, he discreetly handed him a handgun.

"A-Angie…" the professor's voice trembled, "…from now on, you'll go with this big brother. He'll protect you. Listen, sweetheart... obey him, okay?"

Angie clung to her father, sobbing. "I don't wanna leave you, Daddy... I don't want to!"

Jill and Alice stood nearby, their eyes red.

---

Reuel gave instructions, his voice sharp and urgent. "James, Sergeant Thorne, prep the aircraft. We're leaving immediately. A nuclear blast is inbound."

"Understood, Lord of Terra," Thorne replied solemnly.

Professor Ashford pushed Angie toward Reuel. "Go. Take her."

Reuel lifted Angie into his arms, then handed her to Alice, who received the child silently, her face filled with sorrow.

"Professor," said Reuel, glancing at Thomas's limp body. "He's all yours."

---

The roar of engines came from above.

Six helicopters landed on the rooftop—two Apache gunships, one Black Hawk, and three troop transports.

Everyone boarded quickly. Angie kept crying out for her father, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"DADDY!! DADDDDYYYY!!"

---

Reuel issued the order. "Follow the route given by the Red Queen. Our destination: Salt Lake City. 800 kilometers from here."

"Understood, Lord of Terra."

The aircraft took off.

From the sky, Reuel saw Professor Ashford raise the pistol. Several bullets were fired into Thomas's body… then one final shot to his own head.

Reuel closed his eyes for a moment. Silent.

---

Dawn broke on the horizon. In the distance, a blinding light streaked down from the sky. In a single flash, Raccoon City was engulfed in a nuclear firestorm.

No one said a word.

But everyone knew—the city was gon