The three waited briefly at the mansion's entrance before five helicopters landed nearby. A group of well-equipped soldiers disembarked from the helicopters. They were responsible for handling the aftermath.
Enrico was the team leader.
Since Clive's resignation, the BSAA had come under U.S. control. Now, the BSAA reported directly to the United States government.
"Are you alright? I heard you encountered Wesker," Enrico said.
"We're fine, but it's a shame he got away," Chris replied with regret.
Enrico patted Chris on the shoulder and reassured him. "Don't worry, he won't escape. We'll keep a close eye on his movements."
He then looked at Javier and said, "By the way, the President wants to see you."
Javier looked slightly surprised.
Ever since Ashley was rescued, the President had been ignoring him and favoring Leon instead. Now he actually wanted to see him?
(What important matter could this be?)
"The President's computer at the White House was recently hacked. Secretary of Defense Wilson recommended your assistance, and the President also requested Leon's return."
Javier nodded at the news. It was surprising that Wilson would recommend him.
At that moment, a helicopter was already waiting for Javier.
He boarded it and flew toward Washington. Sitting inside, Javier thought that Wilson surely had another motive for doing this. Wilson had close ties to the Tricell Corporation, while Javier belonged to Azure Dragon, Tricell's arch-enemy. He couldn't imagine what Wilson might be planning.
The helicopter soon reached Washington and landed on the White House helipad. Javier got off, and Wilson was already waiting for him. Jason stood just behind him.
As soon as Javier stepped out of the helicopter, Wilson approached with a smile.
"Welcome, Mr. Lee. I apologize for the inconvenience again."
Javier replied, "Mr. Secretary, you're too kind. Thank you for the recommendation."
The two entered the White House chatting and laughing, while Jason followed them with a serious expression. The three arrived at a room.
"Please wait here a moment. The President is working. I'll see you later," Wilson said, then left.
Aside from Javier and Jason, there was one other person in the room.
"Hello, I'm Patrick, an agent from the Intelligence Department."
Javier smiled. "Nice to meet you. I'm Javier Lee."
Patrick sat across from him.
"I've heard of you. The President's daughter talks about you often. I think you're the one who saved Ashley, not Leon. I don't know why the President holds that guy in such high regard."
Javier gave a slight smile, and at that moment, Jason approached.
"It's a pleasure to work with you, Mr. Jason," Patrick said with a grin.
Jason remained seated in silence, saying nothing. He didn't seem to appreciate the title.
"Hello, everyone!"
A beautiful Eastern woman in professional attire walked in.
Patrick glanced at her and said, "You must be the fourth agent. The last one hasn't arrived yet."
The woman sat next to Javier and said, "I'm Shen Mei, a computer specialist from the Intelligence Department. Has Leon arrived yet?"
"Are you talking about that lucky guy?" Patrick asked with disdain.
Shen Mei responded, "Leon isn't just lucky. He's solved dozens of major cases and saved the President's daughter."
Patrick wanted to argue, but Jason stood up and said, "In my opinion, doing our job requires more than luck — it takes real skill."
Javier silently observed the three arguing.
"You're Javier Lee, right? Nice to meet you," Shen Mei said, looking at him and extending her hand.
Javier shook it. Just as he was about to say something, the President's assistant entered.
"The President would like to see you now. Please follow me," he said, then turned and left.
The four stood up and followed him toward the President's office. Along the way, they passed several suited agents stationed in the hallway. As they walked, the assistant explained what had happened.
"Someone accessed the President's computer without authorization and attempted to steal some classified documents related to him," he said as they left the office.
Once the four entered, Wilson and the President were already inside. Upon seeing them, they gestured for them to take a seat.
"Mr. President, one person is still missing. I brought the rest," the assistant said.
The President nodded.
"Let's get to the point."
The assistant continued,
"We received an alert yesterday that a server had been hacked. It contained Pentagon military secrets and other highly classified files. Normally, presidential authorization is required to access it, but for some reason, that step was bypassed."
Patrick looked stunned.
"Why would such sensitive information be placed on an accessible server? Is there a traitor?"
The assistant replied,
"We reviewed all surveillance footage and found no suspicious individuals. That's why we need to catch this person within 24 hours."
"That rules out many suspects," Patrick said with a smile.
"We should start by reviewing the surveillance footage," Shen Mei suggested.
"That would be a waste of time. We don't have enough of it," Patrick replied.
"I have a few suggestions. Russia has been conducting cyber warfare against us, endangering the government, the military, and the general public. The internet is just their first stage," Wilson added.
"Wilson, blind accusations will only make things worse. We don't have any evidence," the President interrupted.
Wilson always tried to use situations like these to start a war, but the President never gave him the opportunity.
"Thousands of people enter and exit the White House daily, including government employees, their families, and even the gardener outside could be a suspect," the assistant said helplessly.
While everyone was still talking, the room's lights suddenly went out. Everyone became tense, and the agents outside immediately rushed in to protect the President.
"What's going on?" the President asked.
"I don't know. We'll check the situation. The rest of you, protect the President."
Jason drew his pistol and looked at Patrick and Javier.
The two followed Jason out into the hallway, where several people were panicking.
"Don't panic! Everyone return to your offices and lock your doors," Jason instructed as he moved forward.
The three pushed through the crowd and exited.
"Let's split up and search," Jason said, scanning the corridors.
Javier chose the left hallway and walked down it.
The darkness didn't affect him at all.
---
(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."