Chapter 59: The Pact with Rebecca

Zhang Fan's face betrayed a trace of bewilderment. He couldn't fathom the depths of a girl's heart. Was it that love rendered young girls blind? He pondered whether he should delve into the study of female psychology to better understand these mysteries.

"Yes, I've thought it through completely!" Rebecca's expression was resolute, devoid of any hesitation.

"Alright then," Zhang Fan said, wasting no time. He proceeded to form a divine pact with Rebecca. Post-pact, Rebecca's attribute panel materialized before Zhang Fan's eyes:

Name: Rebecca Chambers

Race: Human

Rank: Intermediate Divine Servant

Innate Talents: Mastery in Swordsmanship, Mastery in Medicine

Skills: None

Equipment: None

Dual talents, impressive. Rebecca's potential was undoubtedly promising, and her attainment of the Intermediate Divine Servant rank upon forming the pact hinted at her potential as a significant ally in Zhang Fan's future endeavors.

After forming the pact with Rebecca, Zhang Fan himself received an unexpected boon: Rebecca's talent in Medicine, albeit categorized as a hidden passive skill. Though its effects weren't as potent as Rebecca's direct talent, it was still a substantial improvement compared to the hidden skill of Domestic Expertise he received from his pact with Little Tear. Every time he thought of this domestic skill, he couldn't help but feel a comic frustration – his future was not destined to be that of a mere househusband.

Since the pact, Rebecca seemed increasingly attached to Zhang Fan, a development that both Jill and Zhi Dai found quite astonishing. However, as Zhang Fan hadn't disclosed his pact abilities to them, they could only harbor their questions in silence, not daring to directly ask Rebecca why she was so clingy towards Zhang Fan.

In the days that followed, the S.T.A.R.S. team experienced an unusual lull in activity. This inexplicable quietness cast a shadow of perplexity over the team members. Captain Enrico's report submission seemed to have vanished without a trace, and the explosions at the mansion and the old factory went unmentioned. What exactly was happening? The S.T.A.R.S. members couldn't help but feel unease creeping into their hearts.

"We can't keep waiting like this! If we continue to wait, when will there be an end to this?" During a team meeting, Chris was the first to voice his opinion. Every time they sought the Chief's advice, he would only suggest waiting longer. But waiting indefinitely meant letting the situation fizzle out into nothingness.

Following the integration of the S.T.A.R.S. teams under Captain Enrico, with the original Captain Wesker having faked his death and fled, the teams combined due to insufficient members in Team A. The merger went smoothly, as the members of S.T.A.R.S. were already well-acquainted with each other.

"I think we should take some action," Foster concurred with Chris's opinion.

"Don't be ridiculous! What can we few do?" Brad, the original pilot from Team A, was skeptical of any proactive measures. He had fled the scene during the initial encounter out of fear. If not for his valuable repair and piloting skills, the team would have expelled him long ago.

"Your fear doesn't mean everyone else feels the same!" Barry retorted disdainfully. Brad attempted a rebuttal but shrank back in the face of Barry's formidable presence.

As for Barry, Zhang Fan learned from Rebecca about his actions during the mansion incident. This forthright and robust man had been blackmailed by Wesker into betraying S.T.A.R.S. due to his family being held hostage. Fortunately, he eventually came to his senses and returned to the fold, much to everyone's genuine relief.

"I think I can contact a friend in the FBI and request their intervention in this case. It might help us investigate both Raccoon City and Chief Brian's background," Chris suggested after a moment's thought.

"I have an idea too, but I'm not sure if you all would be willing to hear it," Zhang Fan interjected. The course of events had changed, and he couldn't guarantee if the T-Virus outbreak would escalate. What would they do if the virus spread globally? How would they protect their teammates and loved ones?

"Speak your mind, Zhang Fan. Hesitation isn't befitting of a man," Captain Enrico

encouraged, his hearty laughter filling the room. Despite his inability to fully grasp Zhang Fan's enigmatic nature, he was certain of one thing - Zhang Fan would never harm the team.

"It's evident that Chief Brian is in collusion with the Umbrella Corporation. In fact, not just the Chief, but the Mayor as well. They're merely pawns in Umbrella's grand scheme. Let's not forget Raccoon City's isolated location, surrounded by mountains and dense forests. Without the financial backing of a corporation like Umbrella, who would bother coming to such a remote place?" Zhang Fan explained, his tone laced with solemnity.

"What exactly are you trying to say, Zhang?" Jill questioned, confused by Zhang Fan's mention of well-known facts.

"It's simple. Raccoon City has become Umbrella's testing ground. Soon, a biohazard outbreak will engulf the city. The chances of preventing this disaster are virtually non-existent. As far as I know, the T-Virus has already contaminated Raccoon City's water supply. Many are infected carriers, just waiting for the virus to activate," Zhang Fan stated gravely. He had inquired about the possibility of averting the disaster but was told by the system that the biohazard in Raccoon City was inevitable.

"What! Are you serious, Zhang?" Everyone was shocked and stood up in alarm. Were they supposed to just watch Raccoon City's demise?

"That's not even the main issue. The real problem lies in the possibility of a global T-Virus outbreak. Have you considered the consequences of such a pandemic?" Zhang Fan spread his hands, eliciting a collective gasp from the room. A global biohazard would be akin to an apocalypse.

"Senior Zhang Fan, could the T-Virus really cause a worldwide outbreak? What about my parents and other family members?" Rebecca grabbed Zhang Fan's arm anxiously. Although she was prepared to leave this world with Zhang Fan, the safety of her family was a matter of utmost concern.

"Rebecca, the outbreak is indeed likely. If the virus isn't contained, the entire world could plunge into chaos," Zhang Fan confirmed solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation.

The room fell silent as everyone grappled with the dire reality. The once unimaginable prospect of a worldwide biohazard was now a looming threat, casting a pall over their future. As they sat there, each lost in their thoughts, the weight of responsibility and uncertainty weighed heavily on their shoulders.