Chapter 45 An Old Secret

SCP-008 and Umbrella Corporation?

45: An Old Secret?

SCP-008 and Umbrella Corporation?

“A very wise choice, Madame Ophelia.” “There’s no need to look at me with such resentment.” “You should trust the Foundation.” “We don’t mistreat those who render meritorious service.” “What you gain will far exceed what you lose.” Ethan’s expression instantly became warm and friendly, completely unlike the oppressive demeanor he’d displayed earlier.

Then he snapped his fingers.

2B immediately understood and brought over a bottle of champagne along with several stemmed glasses.

“We should celebrate this historic moment.” “Madame Ophelia, may our friendship endure for many years to come.” Ophelia accepted the glass expressionlessly.

No matter what happened, the outcome could no longer be changed.

But expecting her to immediately smile and happily accept the possibility that she might spend the rest of her life operating in darkness was asking a bit too much.

Ethan didn’t force the beautiful Grand Duchess to put on a friendly smile either.

They were on the same side now.

As long as both of them understood that, there was no need to obsess over minor formalities.

With obvious reluctance written across her face, Ophelia raised her champagne glass and lightly clinked it against Ethan’s.

Anyone who didn’t know the situation might have thought a wealthy and beautiful heiress had been forced by some powerful nobleman to marry into his household while bringing all of her assets with her.

If one wanted to describe it that way…

Then the dowry Ophelia was bringing was certainly enormous.

She drained the champagne in one go.

A faint flush appeared across her cheeks.

Then, as though she had instantly suppressed all her previous emotions, she quietly asked, “Then what arrangements does the Commander have for the Chaos Insurgency?” Ethan had already thought everything through.

He immediately began explaining in detail.

“First, Madame Ophelia and your adjutant will temporarily stay at a Foundation base for a while.” “Your captured subordinates will be detained at the nearest Foundation facility.” “During this period, the Foundation will provide you with a certain degree of technological support.” “We’ll also establish the Chaos Insurgency’s operational direction going forward.” “Once everything has been arranged, you and your adjutant will be transferred to the same facility where the Chaos Insurgency prisoners are being held.” “And then, Madame…” “There will conveniently be an appropriate opportunity for you to escape.” Ophelia’s eyes narrowed.

Ethan continued, “Of course, during that escape, you’ll also just happen to steal some Foundation classified information and technology.” “After all…” “The Chaos Insurgency of this world is still far too weak.” “At its current level, it isn’t even qualified to serve as a Foundation-affiliated force.” Both Ophelia and Leah fell silent.

The organization they had always taken such pride in…

Wasn’t even considered strong enough to qualify as an affiliated force?

Their expressions became extremely complicated and bitter.

Ethan completely ignored the resentful looks coming from the two beautiful women and continued speaking.

“Madame Ophelia.” “I assume the reason you’ve been able to remain young all these years is related to an anomaly?” So he finally asked about it.

Ophelia had already expected Ethan to bring this up eventually.

She nodded naturally.

“Correct.” “The reason I became long-lived is because the organization conducted related research on an anomaly.” Ethan’s eyes sharpened.

“If I’m not mistaken…” “That anomaly was probably SCP-008, wasn’t it?” Ophelia gave an affirmative hum.

Then, as though recalling events from long ago, she slowly began explaining.

“Strictly speaking, it wasn’t the original SCP-008 anymore.” “It was a mutated strain.” “It originated from an experiment involving SCP-008, the Zombie Plague, and SCP-500, the Panacea.” “A particular SCP-008 strain underwent an unusual mutation and caused a disaster.” “During the subsequent containment operation, a Foundation Mobile Task Force encountered a strange phenomenon.” “That task force, together with the special SCP-008 strain, was transported into this world.” Ethan listened silently.

Ophelia continued, “For reasons no one fully understood, that special SCP-008 strain appeared in a village within the territory of what was then the Second Prussian Empire.” “At the time, an influenza outbreak was also occurring.” “Perhaps because of some strange interaction between the two…” “The strain eventually developed into an unusual mold.” “The Chaos Insurgency of that era obtained the mutated SCP-008 strain.” “We then established a biopharmaceutical company called Umbrella Corporation to research it.” Ethan’s expression gradually became strange.

Ophelia went on, “Using that special SCP-008 strain, we eventually developed an entirely new biological virus.” “It was through that virus that I—and several others from that era—obtained extended lifespans.” Ethan nearly swore out loud inside his head.

He stared at her.

“Don’t tell me…” “You named that virus the T-virus?” Ophelia’s eyes widened.

“Commander…” “How do you know something that classified?” Then she seemed to realize something and gave a self-deprecating smile.

“Of course.” “How could you possibly not know?” Ethan felt his thoughts twitching violently.

He had only made a casual guess.

And it had actually been correct.

Was this some kind of inevitable convergence of worldlines?

The system had previously given him technology and materials from Resident Evil.

And now he discovered that this world’s Chaos Insurgency had actually established an Umbrella Corporation?

On top of that, a mutated SCP-008 strain had somehow led to the birth of the T-virus?

Ethan remembered SCP-008’s characteristics.

The Zombie Plague could only spread through bodily fluids or exposed mucous membranes.

Its fatality rate was one hundred percent.

Meanwhile, SCP-500—the Panacea—could cure virtually any disease.

It could even cure SCP-008 infection.

So through some bizarre chain of accidents…

Those two anomalies had ultimately produced this world’s version of the T-virus?

And Ophelia had even obtained her longevity through it?

Ethan looked at her thoughtfully.

“With the technological capabilities your organization possesses, that kind of longevity can’t possibly come without a price.” “But that’s fine.” “The Foundation can help you solve that problem.” A radiant smile finally appeared across Ophelia’s face.

“I’m very much looking forward to it, Commander.” Ethan nodded.

“That’s a perfectly reasonable request.” “After all…” “Only a leader who can continue serving for a very long time can better contribute to our great cause.” At that moment, the system finally issued a series of notifications.

[Achievement completed: Obtained your first affiliated force.] [Major Side Mission completed: Subjugate this world’s Chaos Insurgency.] [Calculating system rewards…]