57 Blood Orchid

Gazing at the starry sky, that's the direction of the research vessel, unseen in space, where most individuals are basking in solar radiation.

"I never expected so many things to emerge in this world..."

McCarran, likely the arms company linked to special forces. Whoever dreams of world domination must have a hole in their head. Isn't it better to stay in the shadows and rake in profits?

Hawke seems to be the special forces commander.

Most surprising is a company called WH Weihe Ventures. Strictly speaking, it's relatively small at this banquet and deals in medicine. However, due to Krypton Technology's rise, the stock market has fluctuated, creating an unfavorable situation. They're eager to find a new profit angle.

"Blood Orchid? Could this thing be useful to me?"

Indeed, WH is the company from the wild python disaster. They aim to develop the blood orchid, extract a chemical substance to breach the Hayflick limit, surpass human lifespan, and extend life.

Regardless, this world likely conceals many unknowns. While not a threat to him, exploring might uncover interesting secrets.

"Mousse, have S1 assemble a team."

"Understood, Commander."

With Mousse at the helm, normal operations pose no problem. His goal is to investigate this mystical substance—what's the secret? Can it grow more than just blood orchids? Could there be other fantastical species?

"Why do these anacondas grow enormous after consuming blood orchids? Aren't they challenging enough?"

"Commander, the first team is ready for your instructions." S1 brings ten individuals to the manor.

Compared to their initial emergence from Resident Evil, everyone has seen significant improvement, resembling Kryptonians more closely.

"Alright, let's go."

...

Blood orchids have appeared in modern society before. Some brought out samples, but research was limited due to scarcity. Recently, expeditions have ventured into the rainforest seeking these plants.

The blood orchid blooms every seven years, with only a three-week flowering period. The next collection opportunity would be seven years away. In a martial arts world, this would draw many skilled practitioners.

"Any updates?"

S1's hand, holding sunglasses, paused.

"Commander, an expedition team recently entered the jungle, including Weihe's people. They seem to be headed for the blood orchid as well."

Varion nodded. If Weihe's people were there, it must be for the blood orchid. Since they knew about it, it was best to expedite the process.

"Let's go in!"

A boat slowly navigated the rainforest water system, plunging into its depths. The choice to avoid a helicopter or plane was deliberate—accidents are common in the rainforest, especially during the rainy season.

Clad in a sleek black battle suit, armed with a futuristic firearm on his back, a special alloy long knife hanging from his waist, and sunglasses connected to the mousse for each person, the commander was fully equipped.

"Commander, there were fluctuations in the rainforest just now."

He took the tablet, scanning the location. The satellite technology of this era left much to be desired; perhaps he should consider deploying some of his own satellites.

"This location, upstream of the river."

The WH Weihe team was quick to respond, and the recent disturbance was likely an explosion. Combined with his memories, it seemed the protagonist's party had encountered a torrent, leading their ship to sink under a waterfall. The captain had contacted another ship for help, but unfortunately, the giant snake in the area had a hearty meal.

"Fast forward."

Abandoning the boat, the group didn't touch the ground, opting to fly close to it instead. Their feet didn't land; it seemed more like sliding on the ground, moving at an incredible speed.

"What's wrong?" The leading S1 stopped.

"Commander, there are traces here. It should be the giant python mentioned in the intelligence."

Huge slip marks overwhelmed the surrounding vegetation, with residues like mud and water. Judging by the traces, this snake was at least as thick as an adult's waist, if not more.

"Keep going."

It was becoming increasingly intriguing. The sheer size of these giant pythons couldn't be achieved in a short time. Even with the assistance of blood orchids, it would take considerable time to reach such proportions.

But why weren't they expanding their territories?

Awareness of territory? No, what he believed more was that these giant pythons knew the benefits of blood orchids. Blood orchids might even be addictive, or leaving them could be fatal.

"Wait, look there."

At the swamp's edge, everyone halted. Eleven pairs of eyes fixed on the lake, where a massive python swam. Its dark scale armor lurked in the water, virtually invisible to ordinary observers.

"Is this the python? Is it waiting for us to get into the water?"

Varion found the scene rather fascinating. This creature displayed intelligence, not merely relying on instinct. It understood how to use favorable terrain to its advantage.

"It's truly enormous. Let's take it down."

The team and Varion's party descended onto the lake. Several pairs of eyes observed the giant python swimming downstream beneath their feet. They didn't rush into action; this creature was truly cunning and hadn't attacked them yet.

"A perfect hunter, perhaps already at the top of the food chain in this rainforest."

"Commander, are we going to take it down or let it go?"

"Just collect some samples."

S1 raised the Gauss rifle and aimed it at the roaming python. A massive spray of water erupted as red blood tainted the lake bottom, carrying turbid silt with it.

"Bring it up."

The python's corpse was lifted by the commander's telekinetic ability and floated in the air. His scrutinizing gaze explored the massive body, seemingly no different from an ordinary python. Was it a genetic or blood-related anomaly that caused them to grow so large?

"Well... the structure of the snake head is interesting. Take a sample."

He could see the inside of the python through its body. While the internal structure seemed similar to ordinary pythons, the head structure appeared slightly larger. This area likely played a crucial role in governing their intelligence.

.....

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