The nature of SCP-096 is extremely unusual. Brit and the others instinctively felt a chill down their spines, and the viewers in the stream were also shocked by Brit's analysis. The chat was filled with intense discussions.
Because of this surge in attention, SCP-096 quickly went viral in the gaming community, it was rapid compared to SCP-173 by players. Both SCP entities possess highly distinctive traits. One must be constantly watched to prevent it from moving, while the other, in complete contrast, becomes hostile only when observed. These opposing conditions surprised and fascinated players.
This also reignited player enthusiasm, prompting more people to challenge the games in hopes of discovering new, bizarre entities. At this point, many players who play "Foundation Breach" aren't just aiming for early access slots; they are genuinely enjoying the gameplay itself, immersed in the shock, suspense, and fear brought by each discovery. Even if some players get scared senseless, the adrenaline that follows is incredibly addictive.
"Alright, we've got a good understanding of 096 now. Get ready, we're trying again," Brit said, clapping his hands as his initial shock faded.
Kiwo and the rest nodded. Thanks to Brit's deduction, their next run should go more smoothly. There's only one rule: "Don't look at 096's face!" Keep that in mind, and beating the game becomes much more manageable.
"We must avoid waking the Many Winged Angel again, or we'll be forced to retreat," Kiwo said, recalling that overwhelming entity with unease.
Vale nodded right away, "That damn angel pokes people with its feathers, feels like a thousand needles stabbing you. No way I'm going through that again!"
Just the thought of being engulfed in white feathers made Vale break into a cold sweat. Still, that wasn't even the worst of it. Vale vividly remembered another Foundation entity, one that left a lasting trauma. A strange, shadowy humanoid figure that pushed him to the brink of madness. Its movements were erratic, its form barely perceptible, and every encounter with it gnawed at his sanity. That cursed entity? The Cowbell. Yes, just a cowbell, but ringing it brought horrors he could never forget.
Vale swore to himself: he'd rather die than trigger it again. And yet, looking back… the fear and thrill were weirdly satisfying.
"We'll keep an eye out for the Many Winged Angel. But I've got more experience now," Brit said confidently. "As long as there are no surprises, we'll be fine."
He glanced at the chat, "It's already early evening, hours have passed since the last supervisor stream. I wonder if anyone else has cleared the level yet…"
The moment Brit brought it up, Kiwo and the others tensed up.
"Let's go already! I need to get that early access spot!"
"Come on, start the game!"
"If we don't clear this today, I'm not sleeping!"
Brit nodded. "I really want that qualification too, but I'm not too hopeful. My guess? The top 20 should be announced by tonight." He waved a hand. "In any case, let's give it our all. Let's begin!"
At night, in a small apartment, Andrew sat in front of his computer and a mug of hot water steamed beside him. The monitor displayed the stream of Brit and the other streamer on the platform. Seeing their failed attempt didn't surprise Andrew, after all, SCP-096 was notoriously difficult. Without knowing its specific triggers, anyone would fall for it.
"I'm guessing maybe 30 players will manage to clear it tonight…" He took a sip, moved his mouse, and checked the Game Platform.
As of now, three teams worldwide have reportedly beaten the game. Besides the leading team, the other two were from overseas. Neither of them had shared their method publicly, probably to avoid others copying it, or to monetize the secret. Either way, it had nothing to do with Andrew. He only cared about the top 20 players.
"Emotion Points are enough. I can release a new game whenever I want…" Andrew opened his system panel.
[ Emotion Value: 103.52million ]
It is over 100 million, and still climbing. He now had enough to unlock the project: "SCP: 5K or SCP: Pandemic."
"No rush. I'll wait for all 20 slots to be filled, then release it along with the pre-order announcement." He rubbed his chin, grinning.
Earlier that afternoon, he had finally registered his company. When the first payment came through, he'd start building an office. It was the first step toward his virtual universe. Of course, for now, he was the company's only member.
But that didn't matter; he'd already received several messages from creators like "The Sonozaki Twins" hoping to join his Production Team. He replied to them already, just needed to schedule a proper meeting. And with enough money? Good employees wouldn't be hard to find.
"The company's done, now I just need all 20 preemptive slots filled…" He took another drink, completely at ease. Back on his monitor, Brit and the others were regrouping for another game run.
As for the company name that he registered? It flashed through his mind once again. Simple. Mysterious. Maybe a little confusing to outsiders, but meaningful to him. The name?
[ O5 Council ]