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Chapter 97 - Chapter 97: The Eternal Crimson King Is Frightened — The Ultimate Version of the Highest Security Authority!

In Appendix 1 of the file, something strange appeared—an entry that had previously been deleted during the ritual preparation stage.

[Item 4: One live male domestic chicken, recommended to be caged to prevent accidents when entering SCP-2317-Prime (referred to as "the chicken").]

At this point, no one was paying attention to why a chicken was required. It didn't matter. The ritual itself was already too bizarre and horrifying.

What seized everyone's attention were just a few short lines within the ceremony instructions—simple words, yet packed with dread:

[3. After completing one circumambulation of SCP-2317-AG, the Master of Ceremonies shall sprinkle holy water on the assistant from head to toe, while reciting the passage: "Seven Seals, Seven Rings, Seven Thrones for the Scarlet King."]

[4. The Master of Ceremonies then retreats to a safe location, uses the obsidian knife to kill the chicken as a sacrifice, pours the blood into the bowl of holy water, and shakes the mixture thoroughly.]

[6. The assistant approaches the central stone in the circle and pours the blood-holy water mixture over the salt and sand, while reciting: "Blood for the old gods, holy water for the new king."]

The Observer Dimension — Deepest Part of the Universe

The moment the name "Crimson King" was mentioned, Observer Uatu froze.

His pupils constricted sharply, almost to a singular point.

In his long life, Uatu had witnessed the rise and fall of countless civilizations, seen ancient entities, powerful cosmic forces, and unimaginable threats. But this name…

Crimson King?

He had never heard of it.

And yet, just reading the words sent a wave of primal fear through him—an instinctual terror embedded not in the mind, but in the soul.

It was as though a thousand civilizations had screamed in unison inside his head.

This being wasn't of cosmic balance or celestial order. It was a creature of distortion, a memory of a lost and chaotic world, an echo from an ancient void.

The Crimson King wasn't just a god.

He was the essence of hatred toward modern existence. A force born not from love or belief, but from disgust—disgust at life, humanity, and everything we built.

"No!" Uatu whispered in horror. "I mustn't think further. His name alone… pollutes the mind…"

He staggered back from the projection screen. Panic danced in his eyes.

"The Crimson King… can't be defined. Mortals have no framework to describe Him."

His usual curiosity had been completely replaced by fear. Real, shivering, existential fear.

Then, finally regaining some clarity, Uatu clenched his teeth.

"No… that's impossible. The Crimson King cannot be imprisoned. He doesn't need to descend—his mere presence would collapse reality."

So what was SCP-2317?

What was its connection to this so-called King?

The Multiverse — Temple of Eternity

In a far corner of existence, a whisper echoed through the Temple of Eternity.

"The Crimson King..."

Even Eternity, the embodiment of the entire Marvel multiverse—the physical manifestation of time, space, and life—shuddered.

As a being born from the Big Bang itself, Eternity had access to every cosmic event and timeline. But the name "Crimson King" yielded nothing.

Nothing at all.

It was as if the Crimson King had blocked even Eternity's perception.

And for the first time since the dawn of creation, Eternity felt fear.

Back on Earth — Global Reaction

The Marvel Universe's audience exploded into chaos.

"WTF?! Is this thing actually a god?!"

"My whole soul trembles just thinking about that name!"

"Now I get why the system issued that early warning. This is beyond horror…"

"How the hell is something like this contained?!"

"The Foundation… they're more terrifying than the gods themselves."

Inside S.H.I.E.L.D.

Every agent stared at the screen, frozen in horror. The name had taken root in their minds like a cursed seed.

"Deep Red…"

SMACK!

Nick Fury didn't hesitate to slap the agent who spoke. His voice was harsh and cold.

"Idiot. Do you not understand? Some beings… can be summoned just by being spoken aloud."

The agent, pale and drenched in sweat, nodded quickly. Around him, others swallowed nervously.

"It shouldn't be possible…" murmured Maria Hill, Fury's assistant. "He… shouldn't exist in our universe."

She was right.

The gods of this universe—like the Celestials or Eternity—followed rules. They were cosmic regulators, not harbingers of madness.

If the Crimson King truly walked this world, everything would have already ended.

Nick Fury narrowed his eyes, thinking hard.

The Crimson King was likely real… and unspeakably powerful.

But could he really be the one imprisoned within SCP-2317?

It didn't make sense.

No deity of such immense power would allow themselves to be chained—especially not by a ritual involving chickens and salt.

Then more lines appeared on the screen:

[Addendum 2317-2: Historical Notes]

SCP-2317 was first discovered in 1922, by [DATA EXPUNGED]. Moved to Temporary Containment Area-17.

Relocated to Containment Area-179 in 1982, where it remains.

At the time of discovery: 4 of 7 chains were broken.

The breaking of the 5th chain caused a [DATA EXPUNGED] event in our world.

The 6th chain breaking led to further [DATA EXPUNGED] catastrophes.

Two million confirmed dead.

Nick Fury froze.

Two million?

From a single chain breaking?

He slowly stood up, breathing heavy.

"…This isn't containment. This is a ticking time bomb."

A deep realization spread across every S.H.I.E.L.D. agent in the room.

Each broken chain unleashed a global catastrophe. Earthquakes, floods, nuclear failure—it didn't matter. The outcome was the same.

Death on a mass scale.

Only one chain remained.

And if it broke…

Fury's trembling eyes scanned the final paragraph of the document.

[Procedure 220-Kayla Basas must be continued until an effective method of repairing the chains is discovered.]

[The breaking of the final chain (SCP-2317-G) is projected to result in an XK-class end-of-the-world scenario.]

[Everything possible must be done to ensure successful execution of the procedure.]

A haunting silence fell across the entire Marvel world.

Even the bravest hearts felt cold dread settle in.

"Two million died from the last chain?"

"There's only one left...!"

"We're ants. Just ants beneath the foot of a sleeping giant."

Kamar-Taj

Natasha's voice shook. "There's… still one chain…"

"No," Nick Fury cut her off grimly.

He turned to the group and said, "Even if that last chain never breaks… don't forget what it's holding back."

He clenched his fists and whispered:

"A 200-kilometer-tall entity — SCP-2317-K."

Everyone in the room went silent.

If just a piece of the ritual's containment failed and millions died…

What would happen if the creature broke free entirely?

Stark Industries

Tony Stark sat with a trembling hand holding a glass of whiskey. The ice clinked inside, matching his shaken nerves.

"How… how the hell did they contain something like that?"

"This isn't about containment," said Colonel Rhodes, stepping forward. "The Foundation didn't build the chains. They found them."

Tony's eyes widened in shock.

Rhodes continued, "When they discovered SCP-2317, it was already sealed. The wooden door was just the entrance. The seven pillars and chains were already in place."

Tony muttered, "That means… the one who built those chains—that's the real key."

He sat upright, hope flickering in his eyes. "Whoever forged those chains could do it again! We just need to find them!"

But Rhodes shook his head solemnly.

"If that were possible… those six chains would've never broken in the first place."

Future Tech Building

Peter Parker stared at the end of the Level 4 document. His expression was complicated—part fear, part awe.

"Is that it?" he asked. "Is that… all?"

James, who had been quiet all this time, shrugged. "That's all that was visible with Level 4 clearance."

Peter frowned. "But… you must have seen more later, right?"

James grinned faintly, his tone casual. "Relax. It's not over yet. You'll get your answers."

Peter leaned in. "Wait. What does that mean?"

Then suddenly—footsteps.

Da, da, da…

From within the screen, a familiar voice echoed:

"We meet again, High-Level Researcher James."

A cold and commanding tone—it was the voice of the Supervisor.

She appeared, her eyes sharp and calculating, watching James like a hawk.

"Why are you so interested in SCP-2317?" she asked.

James looked up, unfazed. "I just wanted to see it."

A small smirk touched the Supervisor's lips.

"And what if I told you… I could show you something only visible to those with the highest level of clearance?"

TO BE CONTINUED…

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