The announcement of the system still echoed in everyone's minds.
[Hologram: Final Containment Report]
Containment: Successful.
Participant: Zestial.
Participation Level: A+.
Scientific Research Level: C+.
Damage caused by the anomaly: Significant.
Reward granted: Skill – Instant Death (weakened version).
---
The silence that followed was almost heavier than the screams of the demons slaughtered by SCP-173.
Adam: "Instant Death? What, like killing someone instantly?"
Lucifer: "Adam, don't rush to conclusions. Maybe that ability he received just has an intimidating name, but I don't believe the Foundation is powerful enough to manipulate the concept of death itself."
Seraphine: "You're right, it would be impossible for the Foundation—composed only of humans, I think—to possess a power equal to that of the angels who took part in the creation of the world, and thus of the concept of death itself, but…"
Vaggie: "But nothing guarantees that this ability isn't related to the conceptual level of death. Certainly, the Foundation hasn't shown great feats yet. The anomaly that appeared was merely a game for an Overlord, even though it isn't one of the most powerful entities in our world. But it would be stupid to reject the hypothesis that the Foundation actually possesses that kind of power."
Alastor (laughing): "My dear, I must say I appreciate your way of reasoning, but according to your theory, doesn't that mean that Zestial has received an ability that is, at best, just a decoration in the eyes of the Foundation—even if it's weakened?"
Mammon: "I don't understand your reasoning. Given the results of the containment, one could easily say Zestial deserved a significant skill. True, this SCP wasn't very dangerous, but what tells us the Foundation itself could handle it and didn't need our help? Maybe all that talk was just to invite us to capture those SCPs for them… Ah, damn, I see where you were going with this."
Charlie: "See what?"
Mammon: "If the Foundation possesses this kind of ability—like manipulating death itself—they could have simply killed that SCP instantly. That would prove Alastor's theory: maybe this SCP wasn't dangerous for the Foundation, and they gave Zestial this ability only because they have far stronger ones. And don't forget, this SCP's containment procedure listed it as Euclid class. Nothing proves that's the highest level of danger."
Belphegor: "Yawn uh… nothing says that… falls asleep"
Husk: "Yo, what's wrong with her?"
Beelzebub: "Forget it, she's always like that. Anyway, if the Foundation really has powers beyond the concepts of life and death, it means they harbor SCPs of immeasurable level."
Asmodeus: "I need a good fuck."
Mammon: "With your damn little imp?"
Asmodeus: "Go to hell…"
While arguments and theories about the Foundation were spreading through the chat, Zestial was examining the characteristics of his skill. At first, he had thought of keeping its description to himself, but seeing where the conversation was heading, he had to calm everyone down—by showing whether this ability was just bluff, or if its name really meant what it said. Zestial already knew the answer, but he wanted to ease the tension.
Zestial: "Calm down, please. I think I have something that will settle the debate."
---
Everyone's attention focused on Zestial, still motionless, his multiple eyes fixed on something invisible to the naked eyes of the spectators watching him through the hologram. He waved his hand, and in place of Zestial appeared a new description on the hologram:
[Instant Death] (Weakened)
Description:
This skill allows the user to instantly kill any individual either by thought (if the user thinks the target must die) or by speech (by pronouncing the word 'die'), causing both physical and spiritual death of the target. The user doesn't need to locate the target in time or space (it ignores distance and chronology). It's enough to designate the individual.
Drawback:
The ability only works on individuals weaker than the user. If the target is stronger, there is a 50% chance the skill will work on the target, and a 50% chance it will backfire on the user, killing them instead. This condition applies regardless of the difference in power (even if the target is a galaxy and the user is an ant, the 50/50 chance remains). If the target's power is equal to the user's, the skill kills the target.
Finally, the screen displayed one last message before disappearing:
[SCP Foundation – Note]
The next anomaly will appear in three days. Until then, please take appropriate measures.
A murmur of anxiety spread through the global chat.
Mammon: "Wait, wait… is this for real? He can kill anyone… just by thinking it?"
Satan: "…Theoretically, yes. But given the drawbacks, the ability loses some of its usefulness. He could already kill someone weaker than him without that power—this just lets him kill annoying insects without dirtying his hands. But in a fight against a superior being, like some of us here in the chat, he'd be taking a deadly gamble. This skill is useful only as a last resort in a fight you're sure to lose… I don't even want to imagine the description of the unweakened version."
Lucifer: "No matter the limits. Even weakened, this power is an anomaly in itself. And the fact that the Foundation could bestow it proves they possess a system equal or superior to the mightiest entities among us… maybe even to the Father Himself… No, impossible."
---
Later…
In the heavens, Émile frowned.
Émile: "Sera… do you understand what this implies?"
Sera already knew. The Instant Death skill had exceeded her expectations. She hadn't thought it would be so powerful, so versatile. Certainly, many entities could manipulate concepts—like the Ars Goetia, such as their leader Paimon. That ancient demon could manipulate space, but that didn't make him dangerous to Sera, or to Émile, or to any higher being in their world who could do far more than manipulate space.
But the fact that the Foundation had granted such a power—even a weakened one—to a mere Overlord, a sinner only slightly stronger than the average, was like a state giving a nuclear bomb to a baby… while still having weapons capable of destroying the observable universe.
Sera prayed to God that the Foundation didn't possess even more outrageous things, though she knew that was only a pious wish.
Sera (hesitant): "…Yes. If the Foundation is capable of manipulating the laws of our reality to distribute powers this strong to mere demons… then it will provoke a revolt from Hell itself once they realize they can obtain new abilities."
Unfortunately, the theory that the Foundation came from another world had already been tested by Sera. She had sent angels to every corner of the Earth, and there was no trace of the Foundation anywhere.
Adam: "Then we just have to obtain their powers before they do." grits teeth "If those filthy sinners gain powers that dangerous, it would be a crisis for Heaven."
Sera was anxious. She sent a communiqué across the heavens to reassure the population, telling them everything would be fine. She prepared for a meeting of the oldest and most powerful angels of Paradise, hoping that Metatron had already informed God of the situation—or that He was already aware.
---
Meanwhile, some Overlords were already gathering to talk. Vox, Valentino, and Velvette exchanged words in private.
Vox: "If the Foundation can grant abilities, then we have to find a way to get on their good side."
Velvette: "Hmm… That way we could rule the world and dethrone all those fossils. But tell me, Vox, do you really think we're the only ones thinking that way? It'll be hard to achieve your goal." scrolls on her phone
Vox: "Don't worry, I've made preparations."
Valentino: "I wonder if they have abilities related to sex… That could boost the vice market. We could make even more money."
Velvette and Vox: "…Oh dear, maybe, maybe." friendly smile
---
The Council of the Seven Deadly Sins
Satan: "The situation is serious. This Foundation might disrupt the balance of our world. The images broadcast throughout Hell have already pushed a large part of the population—especially the sinners—to revolt. Fortunately, we calmed them down by reminding them of their place… but the fact that they now know a power this strong can be granted so easily means they'll try to capture SCPs to obtain them."
Asmodeus: "I think it would be wise to seek His Majesty's counsel."
Satan: "His Majesty is me, understood? Lucifer has decided to leave the council, and he doesn't even take his role as king seriously. So, as the most powerful one here, I am the leader. With the Foundation's power, I could dethrone that depressed duck of a king and reign as Hell's rightful sovereign."
Beelzebub: "Enough, Satan. For millennia we've heard you say you're superior to His Majesty, and now you say you want to overthrow him using power of doubtful origin. This isn't the first time you've talked about dethroning him, but we always thought that was just an expression of your anger. This time, it's not a game. We must make His Majesty listen to reason, and all seven of us—not six—must take the necessary measures."
(The other Sins nod in agreement, except for Belphegor, who's asleep.)
Satan: "What nonsense are you spouting? Do I need to remind you that Lucifer abandoned his throne to rot in his castle? We're the ones who reorganized Hell. Who was there to help each of you, hmm? Was it that duck king crying again over his ex-wife? No—it was me! I am the true ruler of Hell! I am Hell itself! Lucifer is nothing more than a pathetic angel cast out for his foolishness—and look where that's led him! Even here, in his so-called kingdom, he's incompetent! So I will rule! I will reign! And if you're not with me, you're against me!"
Lucifer (entering): "I see I've become the subject of discussion."
Your Majesty.
The five other Sins knelt before Lucifer (though Belphegor was more lying on the floor than kneeling), except for Satan, who glared at him with hatred. Lucifer sat on his throne—the highest in the council chamber.
Lucifer: "Satan, know that I do not hold a grudge against you."
Satan: "????"
The other Sins were about to speak, but Lucifer cut them off.
Lucifer: "You don't need to pretend. I can feel your emotions. He's right—I abandoned you after the dissolution of our circus troupe, realizing our efforts were in vain and that sinners could never be redeemed. (For those who didn't know, yes—Lucifer and the other Deadly Sins once formed a circus troupe that performed throughout Hell. The reasons for its disbandment remain unknown.) I feel resentment within you, but there's no need to hide it. Still, I thank you for not hating me… except—" turns to Satan "—you. I want you to listen to me, not as your king, but as an old friend. Will you listen?"
Satan decided it wasn't the right time to fight for power—perhaps later, once all this nonsense was over. Lucifer's words had somewhat calmed him, so he sat down.
Lucifer: "After weighing the pros and cons, I've decided that we will establish, in every circle of Hell under our responsibility, a curfew from the moment a new anomaly appears. We must also erase, from all platforms—social networks or 666 News—the hologram footage of SCP-173 or any anomaly that may appear, to prevent the population from seeing what's happening. For that, I'm counting on you, Leviathan… Do you all agree?"
Mammon: "I agree, but we could also tax those who break the curfew."
Asmodeus: "No problem. My descendants and citizens will know how to keep themselves busy, if you know what I mean." (If you didn't get it—his descendants are succubi and incubi 💀)
Beelzebub: "Alright, I have no objection."
Leviathan: "It's within our power, and we have no objections." (It wasn't officially validated, but Leviathan is considered the greatest influencer in infernal social media, and even the creator of it—at least according to what I've seen and the theories.)
Belphegor: wakes up "Yawn… scratches eyes… still sleepy… Okay…" falls back asleep
Beelzebub and Asmodeus wanted to laugh but restrained themselves—Lucifer too, in fact. Belphegor's personality had been missed, but he had to stay serious. He turned his gaze toward Satan.
Satan: "Hmph. I hate when my descendants show laziness… but I accept your idea."
(His descendants are the imps—and the way he treats them, well… dictatorship is a joke compared to it.)
Lucifer: "Thank you deeply for trusting me again."
Lucifer had read Satan's heart. The latter had decided not to betray him—unless Lucifer disappointed him again, or showed weakness before him.