RE: Evolution System

Listening to Javier's words, Rachel nodded and said, "I always wondered why he didn't give me the information, but instead destroyed it. It looks exactly as you said."

The two had collected a lot of information and evidence about Morgan, and when they were ready to return, they planned to expose Morgan's true identity. While talking in the lab, a gunshot was heard outside.

In the quiet halls of the Queen Zenobia, the sound of gunfire echoed from afar.

"Could it be Jill and Parker?" Rachel asked.

"Let's go check it out." The two left the laboratory and ran outside.

As they followed the hallway, they were attacked by creatures known as Drippers along the way.

These Drippers were former crew members and researchers, mutated after being infected by a virus.

According to the information they had, the virus responsible was the T-ABYSS virus, developed by Morgan's researchers based on the original T-Virus.

The T-ABYSS virus is a hybrid created by combining the genetic factors of the T-Virus with the ABYSS virus, which was found in deep-sea fish. It was primarily developed to create marine-based bio-weapons. This virus is more water-soluble than the T-Virus, and if it were to leak into the ocean, it would cause catastrophic environmental contamination.

Due to its deep-sea genetic components, the infected often exhibit marine-like traits, such as fins. All infected subjects undergo different forms of mutation upon exposure.

Typically, there are four main mutation types in humans, but they share common characteristics: they resemble drowned corpses, with grayish, bloated bodies, enhanced flexibility, and the ability to move through narrow pipes. Their bodies are wet and partially liquefied, and they possess large mouths or unusually long tongues.

This is because, after the T-ABYSS virus enters the human body, it bonds with the cell walls, causing them to absorb excessive water from their surroundings. The resulting osmotic pressure damages the cells, causing them to rupture and eventually disintegrate. Due to their loss of bodily fluids, infected individuals must feed on prey to absorb blood and water, which leads to the development of blood-sucking mechanisms.

One particular type of infected form develops from a female body. A smooth, hydrodynamic shell grows over her head and body, reducing resistance in water and allowing for fast underwater movement.

In the game, the form Rachel transforms into is relatively rare, making this mutation type uncommon.

The two continued exploring the ship. The gunshots had stopped, and they couldn't locate the source. Eventually, they reached the ship's main hall, a wide and open area free of monsters.

"If it weren't for these creatures, this would be a great place to visit. I've always dreamed of taking a cruise around the world with someone I love," Rachel said, gazing at the room and speaking from her heart.

"That day will come—and maybe it's not so far away," Javier said, walking closer to her. Rachel looked at Javier, and the two silently stared at each other.

As their bodies slowly drew closer, a loud explosion suddenly echoed through the ship, shaking the entire vessel. Rachel quickly grabbed the railing to steady herself.

"What was that? Did the ship explode?" Rachel asked anxiously. Javier shook his head.

"It wasn't the ship. If it were, we would've heard more than just one blast, and the hull would've tilted more. I've got a bad feeling."

With that, Javier grabbed Rachel's hand and led her outside. They looked down and saw that both their speedboat and the one Jill and Parker had used had exploded and were now sinking into the ocean.

"It looks like someone wants to trap us here and make sure we don't leave," Javier said angrily. Rachel clutched his arm tightly. In that moment, Javier became her source of strength.

"Look there!" Rachel pointed toward the Queen Zenobia's control room. Javier followed her gaze and saw lights flashing from inside. Someone was there.

They immediately ran toward the control room. At that moment, three people were inside—Jill, Parker, and someone else.

After boarding the ship, Jill and Parker's communication signal had been cut, so they were forced to search the vessel but ended up falling into a trap and being captured. After finally escaping, their speedboat had exploded.

They also saw the remains of another destroyed boat and realized there were others onboard. Just as they were about to go investigate, someone grabbed Jill from behind and held her hostage.

Parker pointed his gun at the figure, who was hiding behind Jill. She struggled to break free, and suddenly a shot rang out. The captor was hit in the hand, and Jill used the moment to escape.

Parker hadn't expected help—but then he saw two figures enter. When the light illuminated them, he saw clearly that it was Javier and Rachel.

"Javier!" Jill cried, running up and hugging him. Rachel looked at the embrace, a hint of jealousy in her eyes. Parker lowered his weapon in relief and turned the flashlight toward Jill's captor.

"Raymond? Why you?" he asked, surprised. Raymond stood up, looking at them calmly, not showing any concern—he simply glanced at his injured hand.

"BSAA... you guys are too late," Raymond said casually. Rachel, who shared the same superior as Raymond—Morgan—was shocked to see him here.

"Did the FBC send you?" Parker asked. Raymond smirked.

"Impossible. If the FBC sent me, they wouldn't have sent Raymond again—unless something had happened to Javier and me," Rachel explained.

Parker pointed his gun at Raymond and said, "Answer my questions, Raymond."

Raymond scoffed. "I don't have to answer your questions. You have no right to interrogate me."

Jill looked between the two. "We don't have time for this. Right now, the most important thing is figuring out how to get off this ship."

Raymond looked at them coldly. "You don't even know why you're here. You don't understand what you're dealing with." With that, he turned and began to leave.

"Wait, Raymond! What do you mean?" Parker called after him, confused.

"No matter what you do, it's pointless—unless you're prepared to use extraordinary methods." With those words, Raymond walked away without looking back, leaving Parker and Jill perplexed.

Javier and Rachel, however, already had a few of the answers.

(End of Chapter)

"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."