The sound of footsteps echoed through the metallic corridor. Emergency lights cast a red mist over the wreckage, revealing a collapsing laboratory. The group moved cautiously. The silence was broken only by the distant hum of failing machines and tense breathing.
Erick led the way, senses sharpened, every muscle on alert. He was beginning to recognize his fighting style: agile, direct—but still rough. He moved too much by instinct. In this world, that could be deadly.
"There's blood on the floor," he said, kneeling down. "Fresh. Something passed through here. Big."
Claire held Sherry tightly, her eyes constantly scanning. "Birkin?"
"Or worse," Erick replied, rising to his feet.
Leon stepped closer. "We should head to the storage sector. Might be a working elevator there."
The group moved in tight formation. Erick focused his enhanced hearing, picking up faint sounds ahead. Claws scraping metal. Something was watching.
He raised a fist, signaling the group to stop.
Suddenly, a creature dropped from the ceiling with a deafening screech — a Licker.
Its tongue lashed toward Claire. Erick jumped and yanked her back just in time, feeling the wind tear past his face.
"Cover!" he shouted.
Leon fired twice, drawing the creature's attention. Claire quickly loaded and shot as well. The Licker dashed across the wall, heading straight for Leon.
Erick ran along the flank, reflexes kicking in. He slid across the floor, appeared behind the creature, and slashed its hind tendons. The Licker shrieked and stumbled.
Leon broke free and fired at point-blank range. Claire aimed for its exposed skull. Erick spun, delivered a kick to its side, then slashed again.
The creature trembled… and fell.
Sherry was shaking, hiding behind Claire. She rushed to the girl and embraced her tightly.
Erick approached silently, placing a hand on Claire's shoulder. She looked at him with teary eyes but smiled.
"Thank you… You were amazing."
"We're in this together," he replied.
Leon reloaded. "We need to get out before more show up."
Click, click… click.
Someone approached.
At the end of the corridor, a woman appeared in a crimson trench coat, perfect posture, calm expression. Sunglasses. High heels. Ada Wong.
Leon took a step forward. "You?"
Ada raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "We meet again."
Erick studied her quickly. Instincts flared. She wasn't trustworthy — everything about her was too calculated.
"Alone?" he asked.
"For now."
Claire kept Sherry close. "We've never heard of John."
"Pity," Ada said, giving a subtle glance toward the girl.
"If you want to live, stay close—but don't get in the way," Erick said flatly.
Ada smiled lightly and followed.
As the group moved on, Claire walked beside Erick.
"You don't like her."
"She knows too much. And says too little."
Claire chuckled softly. "Fair point."
Erick noticed Claire was starting to grow closer. There was something in her gaze — concern, warmth. And he… he was trying to keep some distance. But it was getting harder.
They advanced through the corridors, unaware that something was watching them. Something pulsating, mutated. Birkin.
His eyes fixed on Erick with strange fascination. A human... different. Interesting.
Behind him, another shadow stirred. Something even more dangerous....