Virus Classification
Group: Group VI (Reverse Transcribing)
Family: Retroviridae
Genus: Unknown
Title
Prototype Virus
The Prototype virus was an experimental virus strain based on the Progenitor virus. It was developed by Ozwell E. Spencer and the Umbrella Corporation for use in the Wesker Project. It has no official name and is generally dubbed "Prototype virus" or "Experimental virus".
History
Developed by Ozwell E. Spencer to serve as the selection process for the Wesker Project in an effort to filter out the more "special" of the Wesker children, this experimental virus was administered to each and every Wesker child through numerous means; some took it on the recommendation of a friend, some as part of regular medical treatment, and others by force. The successful adaption of the virus would give the host superhuman strength, speed and agility at a genetic level, traits normally attributed to a successful adaptation of the Progenitor virus. Unfortunately for Spencer, the process was ultimately erratic, and most of the Wesker children were killed in the process. One of the only remaining survivors was Albert Wesker, who later betrayed Spencer and the Umbrella Corporation. 1
Albert Wesker's sample was provided to him through his long-time friend and rival William Birkin. Whether Birkin was actually aware of the virus' true origins is unknown, as Birkin himself wrote that it was from a "mutation stock." This may be true to some extent in that the virus is a mutant variant of the Progenitor virus, similar to the TYPE-A and TYPE-B variants administered to Jessica Trevor and her daughter, Lisa Trevor. Wesker injected the virus into himself during the mansion incident.
Initially, the virus was stated to be a modified strain of the t-virus developed by Birkin-- an obvious farce. It is unknown whether this was part of a conspiracy instigated by both Umbrella and Birkin, or if Birkin himself had no idea. 2 The only other surviving Wesker child with the virus is believed to be Alex Wesker. Unlike Albert however, it is not known if Alex gained superhuman capabilities. 3 4
Attributes
There are no radical visible physical changes exhibited by a fully adapted subject. The only visible change in adaptable subjects is the shape and color of their eyes, which become slitted orange-yellow, and glow red when expressing emotions such as anger and rage, or when exerting energy. If adapted perfectly, the virus completely recombines the host's cells, strengthening the body and enhancing muscle power and neural reflexes, granting super strength, speed, agility and other biological and genetic improvements such as an enhanced metabolism and higher-density mitochondria. The virus exhibits an astounding regeneration capability, and virtually no conventional weapon (including explosives and rockets) can damage the host; however, the virus presents no defense against fire although burns, like all other wounds, heal quickly with no tissue scarring.
In other cases, the virus simply revives the subject with no physical or biological changes thereafter. The virus is mostly lethal to those not adaptable, and will kill the subject sometime following injection with no chance of revival. 5