Working as a virologist researcher at 21, He was very closed off and kept to himself.. The other researchers respected him with how much he's done at such a young age, not that he paid any attention to them. He cared about helping people, creating things for the greater good.. He thought his research on these viruses would be used for good, to help create cures.. After a huge breakthrough! He indirectly helped in creating the G-Virus. He was praised for helping in the research that led them all there. Praise.. It felt nice being finally recognized for something. Eventually the virus broke out due to "unknown circumstances" He watched his fellow researchers fall victim to it. the people he worked with for years, dying around him with nothing he could do. he didnt know how to defend himself, how to hold a gun properly.. His virus would be the thing that would end up killing him when he was eventually bitten.

Alt.

After the virus broke out in the research facility, he hid. He boarded himself in one of the labs.. He stole a gun from a dead security officer on his way. He didn't know how to hold one properly let alone know how to use it well.. He was terrifed, alone, and couldn't get the images of his collegues screaming for help around him. He eventually thought about turning the gun on himself. He caused this. This was his fault. He didn't want this to happen. he didn't want any of this to happen.. He wanted to help people, not kill them. Just as he was about to pull the trigger, someone pushed the barricade out of the way. A bright flashlight swept across the room before eventually landing on the scientist, He saw the gun Dante was holding with trembling hands.. He approched Dante as if he was a wounded animal and introduced himself as Leon Kennedy, a rookie police officer.. hell of a first day.

Blackmail.

After escaping the underground lab with Leon, they were eventually separated and taken in by the government. Since Dante was working with Umbrella he was questioned and beaten when he didn't answer or know how to answer.

Since Dante knew too much being directly involved they took him in for further questioning.. Using his past against him practically as blackmail. He had to go by a different surname, different life story when introducing himself.. They knew he could be useful so they used him. he was stuck working for them whether he liked it or not.