(PS: This chapter contains vital information that affects the story's worldbuilding please read carefully.)
The Next Morning
At dawn, hundreds of freshmen gathered on the school's athletic field. A stern-looking, muscular man stood before them with a powerful voice that immediately demanded attention.
"Good morning, everyone. I'm Sergeant Tyler Young, your tactical instructor. I assume you all learned yesterday what lurks in Forbidden Zone Number Two. To ensure your survival, you'll undergo a month of intense physical and combat training."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.
"Now, everyone. Ten laps around the field. Go!"
A chorus of groans erupted across the crowd. Some students muttered complaints under their breath, but no one dared defy the order. Deep down, they all knew this training could mean the difference between life and death. Without it, their weak bodies wouldn't last a single day inside Zone Two.
Vincent Fox, however, remained calm.
Compared to his daily ten-kilometer run, ten laps around a field were nothing. As others gasped for air and collapsed one by one, Vincent pretended to be tired and joined them on the grass.
No need to reveal his strength just yet.
By midday, the morning drills ended. After a short rest, Sergeant Young ordered them through additional physical routines. The entire morning was a whirlwind of pain, sweat, and sore muscles.
Afternoon Lecture
After lunch, the students gathered in the lecture hall. Professor Charles Joe stood at the front of the class, expression solemn.
"Today," he began, "I'll explain your mission options for Forbidden Zone Number Two."
He tapped on the screen behind him. Three bullet points appeared.
"Once you enter Zone Two, you will choose from one of three mission paths:
Option One: Eliminate all infected mutated creatures, including zombies.
Option Two: Rescue as many survivors as possible.
Option Three: Eradicate the virus and save the world."
The classroom stirred with whispers. Before anyone could speak, Professor Joe raised a hand.
"You may only choose one mission. Although Option Three offers the greatest reward, including a chance to receive a random new ability, I strongly advise against it."
His gaze turned sharp.
"Zone Two is a world on the brink. Civilization has collapsed. Mutated beasts roam freely. Communications are gone. Survivors are few. You'll only have thirty days inside. Trying to save such a world is beyond foolish. Failure means being trapped there permanently."
He paused before adding, "Our government has sent elite special forces to attempt Option Three. Every single operation ended in failure. Losses were severe. If even they couldn't succeed, what chance do you think you have?"
The hall fell silent.
Professor Joe's voice grew heavier.
"Option Three is widely acknowledged as a suicide mission. So when the time comes, do not let ambition cloud your judgment. Choose wisely. Choose survival."
Vincent sat at his desk, outwardly composed. But inside, his heart was racing.
He never expected the mission structure to match the Resident Evil storyline so perfectly.
Everything the professor said made sense. For ordinary people, Option Three was certain death.
But he wasn't ordinary.
Vincent had lived through this story before. He knew the Resident Evil world inside and out. In the original movie timeline, Alice Abernathy had succeeded. She had released the airborne T-Virus vaccine, curing every infected being and saving the planet.
And now, Vincent had that knowledge. He alone knew what needed to be done. The path to saving the world was real. The vaccine existed.
His eyes lit up with a fire no one else could see.
While others panicked at the thought of failure, Vincent was already preparing for victory.
He closed his eyes and whispered to himself, the words clear and steady.
"Option Three."