Upon successfully solving the puzzle, Javier, Rebecca, and Billy gain access to an emergency passage on the side of the conference room. It's a long corridor, but its walls are adorned with various framed paintings, a testament to Marcus's unique artistic taste.
The corridor is not empty, as a few zombies—likely former Umbrella employees—lurk within. Javier quickly puts them down with a few shotgun blasts, feeling a mix of pity and annoyance at the inconvenience.
The passage leads directly to Marcus's office. Pushing open the door, they find themselves in a room with a medieval-style decor, complete with vintage furniture and a massive, man-sized chessboard on the floor. The game is a work of art, a display of Marcus's ego and a clear puzzle for anyone who enters.
Rebecca, seeing the giant chess set, can't help but wonder aloud if Marcus was a big fan of the game.
"It's not about being a fan," Javier replies, pointing out the obvious. "This is a trap. Any genius would know that a virus researcher wouldn't have time to play with a giant chess set. Look at the pieces; they're the size of boulders. How much effort would it take to move them?"
Javier tries to push one of the pieces and barely moves it. He notes that a sick old man like Marcus wouldn't have the strength or the time for such a hobby. Billy agrees, pointing out that even a well-trained marine like himself would rather rest than play such a strenuous game.
Javier studies the board, noting the position of the pieces: three white pieces (two knights and a king) and two black pieces (a queen and a pawn). The white king is cornered, protected by his knights, while the black queen and pawn watch from a distance. It's a puzzle, a moment of suspense where the victor is yet to be determined.
"Billy, Rebecca, you two stay at the desk and tell me where to move the pieces. I'll move them," Javier instructs. "The desk's chessboard is probably a control panel for the one on the floor. I'll handle the puzzle because I'm more equipped to deal with any traps."
He figures that since he's already a side character, it's better for him to take the risk. His superior gear and quick reflexes also make him better suited to handle danger.
Rebecca and Billy agree. Javier begins to follow their instructions, pushing the heavy pieces. As he moves the pieces into position, he decides to move the black pawn out of the way, a momentary act of carelessness.
As soon as he moves the pawn, a clicking sound echoes from the chessboard. A black pipe ejects from the space where the pawn was, releasing a cloud of green gas.
"Rebecca, Billy! It's a trap! It's poison gas! Cover your mouths and noses and don't breathe it in!" Javier yells to his companions.