Chapter 5: Chapter 5: Lady in Red
Azizah felt the tension in the air as she walked through the underground parking lot with Leon and Marvin. The group of surviving officers was resting in the secured area, but her mind was on edge. She knew this wasn't a safe haven—it was only a matter of time before something went wrong. And then, she saw her.
A woman stepped out of the shadows, her presence commanding and enigmatic. She wore a sleek red dress under a trench coat, and her sharp eyes scanned the room like she owned it. Azizah's heart skipped a beat. She'd recognize that figure anywhere: Ada Wong.
Leon immediately stepped forward, his police instincts kicking in. "Who are you? This is a restricted area."
The woman's expression didn't falter. "Ada Wong. FBI." She held up a badge briefly before slipping it back into her coat. "I'm here investigating the pharmaceutical company Umbrella. I need access to this area for my investigation."
Azizah's lips twitched into a faint smile. Oh, Ada. FBI? Nice cover, but I know exactly who you are. She restrained herself from fangirling. Ada Wong was one of her favorite characters in the Resident Evil games—smart, mysterious, and always ten steps ahead.
Leon, however, wasn't convinced. "We're in the middle of a crisis. How do we know you're really FBI?"
Azizah decided to step in, placing a hand on Leon's shoulder. "Leon, calm down. If she's FBI, she's on our side. Let's hear her out."
Ada glanced at Azizah, her gaze lingering for a second longer than necessary. It was almost as if she was assessing her, trying to figure out if Azizah was a threat or an ally.
"I'm investigating Umbrella's illegal bioweapons research," Ada explained smoothly. "The outbreak here in Raccoon City is connected to their experiments. If I can get to their labs, I can find the evidence I need to shut them down."
Azizah kept her face neutral, but inside, she was screaming. I know you're not FBI, Ada. You're here for your own agenda. But I'll play along for now.
Leon, still skeptical but visibly trusting Azizah's judgment, nodded reluctantly. "Alright. But if you're FBI, you'll help us get out of here, right?"
Ada gave a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Of course."
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A New Objective
As the group discussed their next steps, Azizah's system chimed again.
---
System Update:
Objective Update:
Officers Remaining: 13
Bonus Survivors Found: 1
Challenge Progress: 90%
New Challenge: Work with Ada Wong to secure an escape route.
Bonus Reward: 1 Additional Gacha Spin
---
Azizah bit her lip to suppress a grin. She hadn't expected the system to involve Ada, but it was a welcome twist. If anyone could navigate the chaos of Raccoon City, it was her.
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The Escape Plan
Ada examined the map Marvin had laid out on a nearby crate. Her finger traced a route through the sewers. "This will take us to Umbrella's lab. From there, we can find a way out of the city."
Marvin frowned. "The sewers? That's a death trap."
"Do you have a better idea?" Ada countered, her tone icy.
Azizah stepped in to diffuse the tension. "Marvin, she's right. The streets are overrun. The sewers are risky, but it's our best shot."
Marvin sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright. But we'll need to split up. Small teams move faster."
Ada nodded approvingly. "Smart. I'll lead one team through the lab. You," she gestured to Azizah and Leon, "come with me. The rest stay here and hold the fort until we clear the way."
Azizah suppressed a laugh. Oh, Ada. Always taking charge.
---
Into the Depths
The journey through the sewers was as grim as Azizah had expected. The air was thick with the stench of decay, and the faint sounds of groans and growls echoed through the tunnels. Azizah kept her baton ready, her senses on high alert.
Leon walked ahead, his flashlight cutting through the darkness. Ada followed closely, her movements as graceful as ever, while Azizah brought up the rear.
"So, Officer Lockhart," Ada said casually, breaking the silence. "You seem… different from the others."
Azizah glanced at her, trying to read her expression. Was that suspicion or curiosity? "Different how?"
Ada's lips curved into a faint smile. "You're calm. Focused. Like you've seen this all before."
Azizah shrugged, keeping her tone light. "Just trying to stay alive."
And keep my knowledge of the game to myself, she added silently.
---
As they moved deeper into the sewers, the growls grew louder. Azizah's system chimed again.
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Warning: Hostile Entity Detected
Entity: G-Type Mutant
Prepare for Combat
---
Azizah tensed, her heart pounding. She remembered this part of the game all too well. The G-Type Mutants were grotesque, monstrous creatures with incredible strength. Taking one down was no small feat.
"We've got company," she warned, gripping her baton tightly.
A guttural roar echoed through the tunnel, and a massive figure emerged from the shadows. Its deformed body was covered in pulsating tumors, and its grotesque, misshapen arm ended in a deadly claw.
Leon raised his gun. "What the hell is that?!"
"A B.O.W.," Ada said calmly, drawing her weapon. "Bioweapon. Stay sharp."
Azizah stepped forward, her mind racing. This was her chance to prove herself. She activated her enhanced reflexes, her body moving with a speed and precision that felt almost unnatural.
"Leon, cover me!" she shouted, launching into a Spinning Bird Kick. Her attack connected, staggering the creature. Ada fired several precise shots, aiming for its weak points.
The fight was brutal, but with their combined efforts, they managed to bring the mutant down. Azizah stood over its lifeless body, breathing heavily.
"Impressive," Ada remarked, her tone neutral but her eyes sharp. "You're full of surprises, Officer Lockhart."
Azizah smirked, wiping sweat from her brow. "Just doing my job."
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To Be Continued...