Javier turned and took a glance. He recognized the man immediately—Frederic Downing. Originally a researcher for Umbrella, he had later joined the Wilpharma Company.
Just like Morpheus, Frederic was also trying to make extra cash by selling viruses to terrorists.
Realizing this, Javier understood exactly where he was now. Wasn't this the beginning of Resident Evil: Degeneration?
Looks like his honeymoon with Claire was about to be ruined.
A zombie outbreak was about to happen at the airport, and there was a good chance Frederic was behind it. But Javier had no proof. If he moved now, Claire might start to doubt him.
"I think the asylum let all its patients loose. The world's gone completely insane," Frederic said with a grin. Claire chuckled as well.
"You're not wrong. What Congressman Davis brought to Harvardville isn't just a research project on air chambers—it's more like a traveling circus," she replied.
After exchanging a few more words with Claire, Frederic checked his watch. "I can't stay any longer. It was a pleasure talking to you. I wish you all a great time—goodbye," he said and walked away.
The three of them sat down on nearby chairs, looking bored. Rani glanced at the people passing by. Suddenly, she pointed forward.
"Claire, it's the villain we saw on TV!"
Claire and Javier looked up at the same time.
Davis hadn't expected to be recognized. Panic crossed his face as he glared at Rani. At that moment, a reporter waiting nearby rushed toward him with a microphone.
Davis's bodyguards quickly blocked the press. As they attempted to leave, a protester in a zombie mask suddenly stepped into their path, shuffling forward like an undead creature.
Two bodyguards shielded Davis. Claire wanted to go check, but Javier stopped her.
"What's going on here? Whether someone told you to dress like that or it was your own idea, get out of here now," Davis said angrily.
"Something might happen soon. Please take care of Rani," Javier told Claire. She nodded and hugged Rani tightly.
Right then, airport security tackled the zombie-masked protester. Just when things seemed under control, another figure approached Davis.
A police officer tried to intercept the man. But as he grabbed his shoulder, the man raised his head—revealing a zombie's face—and bit into the officer's neck.
The crowd screamed in horror and scattered. A bodyguard fired a shot, dropping the zombie, but the officer had already been fatally bitten.
Javier narrowed his eyes. These bodyguards had never faced zombies before—they didn't even know a headshot was the only way to kill them.
As expected, the zombie got back up moments later. The bodyguard panicked.
"Get out of there—now!" Claire shouted.
But it was already too late. The officer on the ground had reanimated and bit into the bodyguard's leg. Screaming, the guard opened fire.
Another guard tried to help but was tackled by a sudden wave of zombies. They pinned him down and tore into him with teeth and claws.
Davis screamed in fear and fell to the ground. His secretary abandoned him and ran for her life. The airport was quickly descending into chaos as terrified civilians ran in every direction.
One reporter was still live-streaming the situation. He didn't even notice a zombie approaching from behind—until it was almost too late. Panicking, he fled.
Javier drew a pistol from his holster and handed it to Claire. Then he took out another, aimed, and shot the zombie about to attack the reporter.
The reporter looked at Javier with gratitude before running toward him.
"Let's get out of here now. There are too many people—if we don't move, we're screwed," Javier warned.
The group rushed toward an exit. Davis grabbed Claire's sleeve.
"Please, get me out of here! I'll pay anything!"
Javier wasn't keen on helping the man, but Claire's kind heart wouldn't let her say no. She pulled Davis along with them.
Just as they neared the exit, a flaming airplane crashed into the terminal.
The explosion split the terminal in half, blocking the only exit. Javier and the others were trapped. The plane's door opened—not with survivors, but with zombies pouring out.
"This can't be happening…" Claire murmured in disbelief. It all reminded her too much of Raccoon City.
Zombies now filled the hall. There were no other survivors.
Javier grabbed Claire's hand, snapping her out of it.
"Let's move. There are too many of them—I can't guarantee everyone's safety."
If it had been only Claire and Rani, he'd have already escaped. But Davis, the reporter, and several other survivors were following him.
They sprinted out of the hall and up the stairs. An airport staff member led them to the innermost VIP lounge where they could hide.
"Damn it! How could this happen? I'm calling the army to rescue me!" Davis shouted once inside, while the others ignored him.
Javier looked around. The VIP lounge was safe—for now. But they were trapped. The room was deep within the upper floor, and the rest of the building was overrun. Escape wasn't possible unless someone came to rescue them.
Javier turned to Davis. This guy might still be useful.
The government wouldn't bother rescuing a few civilians. But a congressman? That was different.
Javier grinned. Davis sensed something and looked up—only to find Javier watching him with a cold expression.
He suddenly had a bad feeling. The others were armed. Davis didn't dare say a word.
Javier stepped closer and pointed to the phone next to him.
"Senator Davis, now's the time for you to prove your identity."
---
(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."