"Honey, I feel so much better, like my spirit's lifted," Cindy said, clenching her small fist. She didn't know about inner energy techniques, but the Joyful Union method had changed her. As she practiced it more, the benefits grew clearer. For women, staying youthful and beautiful was a dream come true.
"It's because I've been training in a special skill, a mysterious Eastern art. You've heard of it, right? I know it. When we make love, it's part of the training. The more we do it, the prettier you'll get, the younger you'll stay, and the healthier you'll feel. I'm not lying," David said, his face serious, like a slick salesman.
Cindy giggled. "Okay, honey, I believe you."
"Cindy, I'm not a one-woman man, but I'll always treat you right. I'll never abandon you," David said, wrapping his arms around the charming waitress. He wanted her heart, to make her willingly stay as his lover.
"Handle the finances for me. Use whatever money you need, no need to ask," he said, leaning down to kiss her soft lips.
Even though their first time together had been partly forced, Cindy's feelings for David grew complicated. He made her feel good in bed, softening her heart.
"Okay, honey, thank you. I'll do my best, don't worry. No matter how many women you have, I'll support you and never leave," Cindy said.
"I love you, my wife," David said.
"I love you, my husband," Cindy replied.
Their passion flared again, and in the bathroom, they went at it like wildfire. With the Joyful Union technique, it felt incredible, like nothing could stop them.
Feeling refreshed, David was full of energy for the new day. Using his fighting skills, he cleared out Raccoon City's underground gangs in a single day. Now, he ruled the city's criminal underworld. If any outsiders tried to take his territory, they'd face his gun.
At the Raccoon City police station, one cop grumbled, "Damn it, are those Clown Gang idiots crazy? Shooting in broad daylight!"
"Quiet down. Here's your cut. Don't talk about it. For the sake of our lives, some things you don't say, don't ask," a Black officer said, handing over a small bag of cash.
At the front desk, Police Chief Brian held a press conference. "Thanks to our efforts, we've crushed the riots. We won't tolerate any criminal gangs causing chaos in our city. We'll bring safety back to our people. Criminals like those led by Birkin will face justice in court!"
* What a show, * David thought, leaning against a wall, smoking a cigarette. He smirked as he watched Brian boast.
By wiping out the city's gangs, David made it easier to control everything. The police had fewer cases to deal with, which worked for both sides. Small conflicts didn't matter much. It gave the cops something to do, didn't it?
Barry walked over. "You're making big moves. Aren't you worried about trouble?"
"With me in charge, this place won't fall apart. Robert's gun shop will take a hit, though. Can't blame me for that," David said with a shrug, offering Barry a cigarette.
Barry took it, laughing. "Nah, Robert's not that petty. Watch your back, though. Those gang members won't let you off easily."
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," David said.
Just then, Jill walked into the station in her police uniform. Her face glowed, her tall figure radiating charm. David couldn't take his eyes off her.
"Like her? Go after her," Barry said, patting David's shoulder before walking away. For someone who hated crime, Barry's friendliness with a gang leader like David was surprising.
Jill glanced at David but didn't stop to talk. As she'd said before, she wouldn't press charges for what happened between them, but falling for him? No chance.
* No rush with Jill. I've got time, * David thought.
He finished his cigarette and left the station to visit Robert, the gun shop owner who maintained weapons for the police's tactical team. Lately, Robert's business had slowed since Brian gave the contract to a relative.
"Hey, Robert, how's business?" David asked, walking in with a bag and offering a cigarette.
"Not great, just so-so. What brings you here?" Robert replied, neither warm nor cold.
"I need a favor. Know any other gun experts? I want to mass-produce firearms, like automatic rifles and ammo," David said, getting straight to the point.
"You trying to build an army?" Robert asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Nah, I'm getting into arms smuggling. I've got channels, and I'll do it at the border for easy transport. If you know anyone, introduce me. I need cash," David said, not hiding his plan.
"I know some guys. Here are their numbers. But setting up a production line with lathes and all that isn't cheap," Robert warned.
"That's why I'm here. I'll give you twenty thousand upfront to make the trip and set it up. I'll send someone to help. Once it's done, you'll get another thirty thousand," David said, his voice low as he smoked.
"And if I say no?" Robert asked.
"Your daughter Emma's still in middle school. This city's dangerous, and she needs protection. Robert, we go way back. I hate to say it, but you're the only one who can help me. Trust me, I'm preparing for a disaster that could hit us. If I said we might end up living in a hellish nightmare, would you think I'm crazy?" David said, his tone serious, mixing sincerity with a subtle threat.
Robert's eyes flickered. Emma was his daughter, and David's words were a clear warning. "Fine, I'm in. When do we start?"
"Tomorrow. I'll make sure Emma's safe, don't worry. If anything happens to her, Barry can blow my head off," David said, offering a guarantee. He held out his hand.
"Deal," Robert said, shaking it. He needed the money too.
---
Two days later, David left the mayor's office after meeting with Michael. The mayor wanted to run for governor in two years, and that meant building a team and raising funds. Michael would help David make money, but in return, David had to back his campaign. It was a win-win, a temporary alliance.
Michael would give David's gang a free pass for now, as long as they didn't go too far. David showed Michael his income streams, businesses that brought in cash fast without drawing the FBI's attention.
"Gunshots at Raccoon City Medical University! Nearby officers, provide backup now!" a voice crackled over the radio.
David's phone buzzed. An informant told him the tactical rescue team was on the move.
* This is it, * David thought, his eyes lighting up. The Story System chimed in his mind.
```
[System: Story System]
[Goal: Eliminate the eight Players who entered]
[Reward: One store purchase, 1000 points]
[Penalty for failure: Death]
```
"System, can the Players figure out who I am?" David asked.
"Unless you reveal yourself, no one will know. You're an NPC, a local. This task counts toward your mission total," the System replied.
* Four tasks, and I can change roles, * David thought, a wicked grin spreading across his face. Since they couldn't identify him, this was his turf. He could plan something nasty.
* Wait, the medical university? The System doesn't give pointless tasks. The main plot hasn't started yet. The only thing at the university would be Mueller's Reaper Tyrant, * David thought.
He knew *Resident Evil* inside out. There were many Tyrant models, but only two were masterpieces: the Reaper Tyrant, based on a Black subject, and the Sleeper Tyrant, developed on a remote island. The university could only be working on the Reaper Tyrant. But it was still in early development, barely functional. So why were the Players here?
* Doesn't matter. I'll kill them all, * David thought, a spark of bloodlust in his mind.
Outside the university, students had been evacuated. Police were stationed around the perimeter, waiting for the tactical team instead of storming in.
"What's the situation?" David asked, cigarette in his mouth. He'd bribed the Raccoon City police with his new earnings, giving each a share, some more than others. They'd look the other way when needed.
"Captain David, eight suspects are inside, holding students hostage. We're waiting for the tactical team to move in. Our job is to stop any escapes," an officer explained.
Wesker arrived with his team, still wearing sunglasses in broad daylight, acting cool. He gave a quick nod and led his squad inside.
The tactical team hadn't been restructured yet, so the roster was mostly the same, just missing a few members.
Jill glanced at David, gripping her modified handgun as she headed into the school. She really treated him like a stranger now.
* That curvy body, that stunning face, * David thought, feeling himself get hard just watching her.
With the Rain Cloud technique, he could sleep with women endlessly without wearing out his body.
He grabbed his gun. "You guys hold the line. I'm going in to help."
After he left, the officers whispered among themselves. "Isn't that against protocol?"
"Just pretend you didn't see it."
"I heard our payouts are every two weeks. Honestly, Captain David's pretty solid."
"Shh, keep that quiet. The chief said anyone who spills gets taken out."
Money tied them together tightly. Once they were on David's payroll, there was no getting off. Besides, his Clown Gang wasn't doing anything too dirty. They'd rounded up loose criminals and put them to work elsewhere, which actually improved the city's safety. The shadier stuff? That was another story.
David wasn't there to play hero. He was after something valuable.
Doctor Greg Mueller was a top researcher for Umbrella. Only the best became directors, and Mueller was obsessed with creating the perfect Tyrant. After leaving Umbrella, he'd been conducting private experiments in the university's underground lab, funded by certain companies. Success would be huge, but even failure didn't matter to the investors. A few billion was pocket change to them.
* There's got to be T-Virus samples down there. If I can grab one and improve it with points, I'll hit the jackpot, * David thought.
Motivated, he drew his gun and moved carefully into the building. Gunfire echoed ahead, signaling a fight had already started.
Instead of joining the fray, David used the school's layout map to head straight for the medical building's first floor, then down the stairs to the basement.
* No bio-monsters here, so no need to worry, * he thought.
If there were monsters, there'd be no hiding it. Mueller knew that, so while he ran his experiments, he kept security tight.