章 6: Chapter 6: Unlikely Allies

The sewers seemed endless, a labyrinth of decay and danger. Azizah, Leon, and Ada pressed forward, their steps echoing against the damp, concrete walls. Azizah couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking straight into another storm.

As they rounded a corner, faint voices reached their ears. Leon raised his flashlight, illuminating a figure standing near a row of iron bars—a man in a police uniform. Beside him, in a dimly lit cell, stood another man gripping the bars tightly.

Azizah's breath hitched. She recognized both of them instantly. The officer was Kevin Ryman, a name known to Resident Evil fans from Resident Evil Outbreak. The man in the cell was Ben Bertolucci, the opportunistic journalist from Resident Evil 2. This unexpected crossover sent a thrill through her.

Leon lowered his weapon slightly, calling out, "Hey! What's going on here?"

Kevin turned, his expression wary. His uniform was torn, and his face was streaked with grime, but he still carried himself with the air of a seasoned officer. "Who are you?"

"Leon Kennedy," Leon replied. "RPD. And you?"

"Kevin Ryman," the officer answered, his voice tense. "I got separated from my team. Found this guy locked up down here." He gestured to Ben.

"Let me out!" Ben's voice was sharp, desperate. "You don't understand what's happening! I can help!"

Azizah frowned, her memories of the game flashing through her mind. Ben Bertolucci had information about Umbrella's involvement in the outbreak, but his motives were always self-serving. Letting him out was a gamble.

Ada stepped forward, her calm demeanor unshaken. "What kind of help could a journalist possibly offer?"

Ben's eyes darted to her, then to the group. "I have evidence. Proof that Umbrella caused this mess. You let me out, and I'll show you."

"Or he'll run the first chance he gets," Azizah muttered under her breath, loud enough for Ada to hear. The corner of Ada's mouth twitched in amusement.

Kevin hesitated, his hand hovering over the cell's lock. "I don't know. He's been ranting about conspiracies since I found him."

Leon looked at Azizah, silently asking for her input. She stepped forward, addressing Kevin directly. "If he has information about Umbrella, we need to hear it. But we don't take chances. If we let him out, he stays under close watch. Agreed?"

Kevin studied her for a moment before nodding. "Alright. But if he tries anything, it's on you."

With a heavy sigh, Kevin unlocked the cell. Ben stepped out cautiously, his eyes darting between the group members. "You won't regret this," he said, though his tone did little to inspire confidence.

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Tensions Rising

The group moved deeper into the sewers, now with Kevin and Ben in tow. The atmosphere was tense. Kevin kept glancing at Ada, clearly suspicious of her FBI claim. Azizah couldn't blame him; she knew Ada's true identity, but revealing that wasn't an option.

"Kevin," Leon said, breaking the silence. "You've been down here longer than us. Any idea how bad it is up top?"

Kevin shook his head, his expression grim. "Bad. Streets are swarming with those things. Most of the station's overrun. I barely made it down here."

Azizah clenched her fists. She knew Kevin was one of the few officers who survived the initial outbreak in the station, but his fate afterward was uncertain. If her challenge from the system extended to him, she had to ensure he made it out alive.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Ben's voice. "If we're heading to Umbrella's lab, you'll need me. I know the layout."

Ada raised an eyebrow. "Convenient. What else do you know?"

Ben smirked, but there was no humor in it. "Enough to get us killed if we're not careful."

"Helpful," Azizah muttered sarcastically.

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System Update

As they paused to rest in a slightly drier section of the sewers, the system chimed in Azizah's mind.

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Objective Update:

Officers Remaining: 14

Bonus Survivors Found: 3 (Kevin Ryman, Ben Bertolucci, and Rita Phillips)

Challenge Progress: 95%

Reward: 3 Gacha Spins + Bonus Spin for Additional Survivors Found

---

Azizah's heart raced. She was so close to completing the challenge. If she could get everyone out alive, the reward would be well worth the risk.

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The Turning Point

The group's respite was short-lived. A low growl echoed through the tunnel, sending chills down their spines. Azizah's system chimed again, a stark warning flashing across her vision.

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Warning: Hostile Entity Detected

Entity: G (William Birkin – Stage 2)

Prepare for Combat

---

Azizah's blood ran cold. She knew what was coming. The sound of heavy footsteps grew louder, accompanied by an animalistic roar. A monstrous figure emerged from the darkness, its mutated body grotesque and powerful. William Birkin, or what was left of him, stood before them.

"What the hell is that?!" Kevin shouted, raising his gun.

"Birkin," Ada said calmly, though her eyes were sharp. "He's the reason for all of this."

Azizah stepped forward, her baton in hand. "Stay together. We take him down as a team."

Leon nodded, his jaw set. "Let's do this."

The battle was chaotic. Birkin's massive claws tore through the air as the group dodged and countered. Azizah used her enhanced reflexes and Chun-Li's skills to land quick, devastating strikes, while Leon and Kevin provided covering fire. Ada moved with precision, her shots aimed at Birkin's vulnerable points.

Ben, to no one's surprise, cowered behind a crate.

Azizah's system provided her with real-time updates, highlighting weak spots on Birkin's body. She directed the group, coordinating their attacks. The fight was grueling, but their teamwork paid off. With a final, thunderous roar, Birkin collapsed, his mutated form slumping to the ground.

Everyone was breathing heavily, the adrenaline still coursing through their veins. Azizah turned to the group, her voice firm. "We move now. This isn't over."

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To Be Continued…