Thus, under the guise of Raymond's mother, Natalia, seeking medical treatment for her son, Sadler disguised himself as a rural doctor and infiltrated the Salazar Family's castle.
He claimed to possess a special remedy that could cure Raymond's congenital deficiency and obtained an opportunity to be alone with Raymond for treatment.
Sadler took this chance to intensely brainwash him, making Raymond mistakenly believe that he was not at fault, but rather the world was. He thought that only by changing the world would no one mock him.
And to change the world, the Plaga parasite, sealed by the Salazar Family for generations beneath the castle, was indispensable. Moreover, the divine artifact of The Illuminados could also help Raymond solve his problems of short stature and stunted development.
Through various demonic incantations and deceptions, the immature Raymond was successfully brainwashed. He instinctively believed his ancestors were wrong for hindering The Illuminados' great endeavor to change the world. Furthermore, how could 'The Illuminados,' such a sacred term, possibly be demonic?
On the contrary, his ancestors were the true devils.
To atone for his ancestors' sins, Raymond agreed to help Sadler unseal the Plaga parasite beneath the castle and use its power to change the world!
Seeing that the time was ripe, Sadler's lips curled into a slight smile. Having achieved his goal, he immediately used the few remaining Plaga parasites in his possession to eliminate the former lord, Diego Salazar, who was Raymond's father, helping Raymond successfully ascend to power.
As the new lord, Raymond immediately began to fulfill his promise. Not only did he break the seal reinforced by the Count of Sealing Demons for generations, allowing the Plaga parasite to see the light of day again,
he also hired a large number of villagers to help with underground excavation near the castle, under the public pretense of 'mining'!
With money to be made and wealth to be gained, the villagers would not refuse.
After a short while longer, the villagers finally discovered the Plaga parasite underground. However, at this point, the Plaga parasite had already turned into fossils. Even Sadler was unsure if the Plaga parasite could be revived.
It wasn't until villagers excavating underground began to show signs of 'madness' that Sadler realized the Plaga parasite still possessed divine power.
It turned out that although the Plaga parasite had turned into fossils, that was actually just its adult form. The true Plaga parasite larvae actually survived as spores.
The fossilized powder of the Plaga parasite was its spore form, much like the Dicrocoelium dendriticum in modern nature.
As fellow parasites, they would parasitize snails, controlling their brains, making the snails walk to sunny, conspicuous places, and gathering entirely on the snails' eye stalks, beginning to wriggle madly. Through sunlight refraction, the vibrant wriggling colors would make them clearly visible to birds circling in the sky, which would then swoop down and eat the snails.
Finally, the Dicrocoelium dendriticum would enter the birds' stomachs, and then, using the birds' widespread flight ability, spread to various places. They would then turn into spores from feces, dropping to the ground, to be accidentally ingested and parasitized by passing snails, repeating the cycle.
Therefore, the spider-like Plaga parasite was merely the adult form that controlled the snail's brain and gathered on its eye stalks, while the powdered spore form of the Plaga parasite was the larva spread in bird droppings. The two were very similar.
Having received confirmation, Sadler began to use the Dominant Plaga parasite, which the family had bred for a long time, to enslave the villagers and lead them to the Island to continue excavating.
He also relied on the Salazar Family's immense wealth to recruit soldiers, preparing for the large-scale construction of the Plaga parasite Kingdom on the Island.
As the lord, Raymond also became interested in the Plaga parasite. Not only did he inject himself with the Dominant Plaga parasite, but he also transformed and experimented on the servants who had served the Salazar Family for generations.
Many servants in the castle became hosts for the Plaga parasite. Now, no one dared to speak ill of Raymond, and no one mocked him for being short. Instead, they were extremely loyal to him, which further convinced Raymond that Sadler's words were correct.
Indeed, as long as the world changed, no one would say he was wrong. Look... the servants were as loyal as dogs. They did whatever he told them to do, never refusing or contradicting him, and they wouldn't even secretly speak ill of him.
Becoming increasingly overbearing, Raymond also modified the Salazar Family's executioner, transforming him into a blind, howling wolf in the underground dungeon at night. The butler and servant Isidro Uriarte Talavera became his most trusted insect right and left hands.
However, Raymond was still not satisfied and gradually began to focus on pregnant women. The Invisible Bug, a new type of monster combining the Plaga parasite and human embryos, was thus born...
But little did Raymond Salazar know that he had already fallen into the abyss—
Chapter Three: Ashley Graham
Autumn 2004—
Under constant pressure from the free people of The United States of America, the United States Government was forced to announce the suspension of all operations under the Umbrella Corporation. Due to the widespread negative news coverage from various media outlets,
the Umbrella Corporation's stock plummeted, leading to its declaration of bankruptcy. The Umbrella Corporation's headquarters ceased operations and was disbanded, and even its various regional bases lost contact.
As the CEO of Umbrella Corporation, Spencer clearly understood that it was currently impossible to suppress the government and public opinion of the entire nation.
Never stand against the people. Instead of fighting to the death, it's better to feign death and flee. Thus, he declared the Umbrella Corporation bankrupt.
Privately, he transferred large sums of money to other companies under his name and took a portion of loyal members to a new Institute base to continue research on biological viruses. Spencer had once acquired unimaginable wealth worldwide.
Therefore, he now felt nothing for money, including the downfall of the Umbrella Corporation.
He now only looked forward to the research of new viruses. If he could achieve eternal evolution, then no matter if it was money or power, he would have the ability to regain them.
Therefore, there was absolutely no need to care...
With the declaration of bankruptcy by the Umbrella Corporation, the Raccoon City virus leak incident finally drew to a close. Without a target for their anger and frustration, the free people of The United States of America gradually began to feel somewhat at a loss.
...
Massachusetts, The United States of America,
University of Massachusetts,
Autumn arrived, another year of harvest. The ginkgo trees beside the teaching building had already shed their yellow leaves, falling and scattering on the ground, forming a beautiful oil painting.
Many students walked shoulder to shoulder in the hallway, friendly and recounting the day's amusing anecdotes, with laughter and lively chatter along the way. These were the tender blossoms of the future of The United States of America.
University...
It was a place that many yearned for.
In the center of these students was a very striking figure, wearing an orange-brown blazer, the standard UMass uniform, over an off-the-shoulder orange turtleneck sweater. The autumn weather was slightly cool, and a red patterned scarf was wrapped around her fair neck.
A dark green checkered JK mini-skirt, with smooth, long legs adorned in 0D sheer black stockings, paired with long leather boots, perfectly accentuated her youthful and sensual charm.
Her slightly curly golden short hair, pretty oval face, youthful freckles, deep eyes with sparkling sapphire blue pupils, along with soft red lips and a gentle smile, made her fashionable and captivating.
Undoubtedly, this was the beautiful scenery of the University of Massachusetts, and the unattainable beauty in the hearts of countless university students, a true young lady, the daughter of the current President of the United States, Graham—Ashley Graham.
However, despite her good looks and popularity among her classmates, due to her identity, Ashley actually had very few close friends, which caused her great distress.
Ever since someone at the university secretly exposed her identity, it had been like this. Within the vast University of Massachusetts, there wasn't even a single female confidante to lean on and confide in, leaving her constantly alone and feeling particularly lonely at this time.
However, the only good thing was perhaps the absence of any campus bullies or harassment. After all, as the daughter of the President of the United States, which short-sighted young man would dare to provoke her?
"Sigh..."
"What a boring day. When I go home, Dad won't be there, and I'm not allowed to go out at night. Being the President's daughter is truly a troublesome identity. What can I do?"
"Continue reading mind-numbing textbooks? Or read childish knight stories? Hoping for a prince to save this princess from a dull life, honestly..."
Looking up at the falling ginkgo leaves, Ashley, the young lady, sighed and muttered to herself.
At this time, smartphones and the internet were not yet widely popularized, and portable entertainment devices like mobile phones and TikTok had not yet launched. As a noble young lady with strict upbringing, Ashley's entertainment options seemed to be limited to reading at home, watching TV, and eating snacks.
Plus, with few friends around, and being refused permission to go out at night because of the dangers of The United States of America after dark, Ashley was gradually growing tired of her boring university life. She looked forward to her upcoming eighteenth birthday, hoping for unexpected and interesting adventures.
However, as Ashley was lost in thought, she had already reached the school gate.
Seeing the black Rolls-Royce parked by the roadside and the butler who had been waiting outside the car for a long time, Ashley sighed helplessly again. It was time to go home.
...
"Grandpa Gray, you really don't have to come so early. It's actually quite nice for me to walk home occasionally."
Looking at the white-haired old man in a suit and tie outside the car, Ashley shook her head and smiled. This was the butler her father had hired, originally an experienced retired soldier who had even served on the battlefield.
In his fifties, though his movements had slowed, he was still capable of holding a gun, just enough to adequately protect Ashley, his daughter.
After all, she was the President's daughter, and unexpected incidents might occur.
Even the President himself usually had seven or eight bodyguards around him, and his daughter Ashley could not be lost. After all, Graham did not want anyone to use his daughter as leverage to threaten him.
Of course, as for why he didn't hire some young and strong bodyguards, there were many factors to consider. For example, young bodyguards might easily form romantic relationships with adolescent girls. There was also the fact that young bodyguards were not as skilled in management as old soldiers, and so on.
In short, as a father, Graham felt that Gray, the retired old soldier, was the most suitable butler and bodyguard. He was methodical in his work, stable in character, and calm in any situation, making him a very suitable candidate.
...
"Miss, if I don't pick you up on time, it will be my dereliction of duty. Madam and Master will scold me when I go back. Of course... most importantly, I don't want my salary deducted, so please get in the car. Madam has already prepared dinner at home and is waiting for you to return."
Looking at the lovely young lady before him, the old soldier Gray smiled slightly and slowly explained, opening the car door and extending his hand in an inviting gesture for Ashley to get in. These were essential manners for high society, which Gray, the old soldier, had awkwardly learned for a long time before getting used to them.
And for Ashley, the old soldier Gray also had a great fondness, treating her like his former granddaughter. It was just a pity... his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter had all died in the Raccoon City nuclear explosion due to the virus leaked by the Umbrella Corporation.
Therefore, he also harbored an intense hatred for the Umbrella Corporation. It wasn't until the Umbrella Corporation completely collapsed recently that the old soldier Gray's mood finally eased a little, as he used to be taciturn and would not joke as he did now.
Seeing this, Ashley smiled slightly and slowly sat down in the back seat of the luxurious Rolls-Royce.
Although her life was bland and uninteresting, she was always very satisfied with her family situation.
Her mother loved her very much. Although her father rarely came home due to his presidential duties and public affairs, he never failed to dote on Ashley, often sending her favorite gifts and trying to make time to see her, which made Ashley very content.
Because Ashley herself knew very well that being born into the family of a high-ranking President meant gaining some things but also losing others. Therefore, she already felt very satisfied.
"Vroom..."
"Boom...!"
The car's engine roared to life.
Glancing at Ashley, who was resting with her eyes closed in the rearview mirror, and seeing no suspicious individuals outside the car window, the old butler Gray returned the pistol from his pocket to the car's storage compartment, gently pressed the accelerator, and turned the steering wheel.
After a slight tremor, the luxurious Rolls-Royce drove smoothly and steadily into the distance. As a bodyguard, butler, and driver, knowing how to drive smoothly was also an art.
However, the old man and the young girl had not driven far before they were spotted by a tall, muscular middle-aged man. He slowly emerged from behind a thick tree, holding a photograph of a golden-haired short-haired girl smiling brightly. Undoubtedly, this was Ashley, the daughter of President Graham.
...
"Kidnapping the President's daughter? That's an interesting and challenging mission. I've always wanted to do something like that," the tall, muscular middle-aged man muttered, staring at the photo and the departing Rolls-Royce.
Then, a sinister smile spread across his lips, which were scarred by a long, narrow cut. He had golden slicked-back hair, a simple, breathable military green vest, camouflage tactical pants, and jungle boots. A short knife and a silenced pistol were strapped to his waist.
Undoubtedly, the person who arrived was Jack Krauser, one of the individuals long listed as deceased on the United States Government and military rosters.
He was a Red Berets special forces soldier who had been declared dead by the United States Government and military after a helicopter accident during a mission. As for why he suddenly reappeared here, the story goes back to two years ago, to Operation Javier in 2002.
During a mission in the Amazon Rainforest, due to an accident, Krauser's left arm was struck by the bone-like venomous stinger of Hilda, the larval aquatic monster, which had been struggling in its dying moments. The spear-like bone stinger was firmly embedded in Krauser's arm.
Due to the rudimentary treatment environment and equipment, Rebecca, the military doctor, did not immediately remove the bone stinger. Instead, she cut it off and used painkillers and anesthetics to alleviate Krauser's severe pain.