I've read some comments, so I'll address them all at once: You say it's too dark? The thing is, even with how I'm writing it now, there are moral guardians complaining about why I don't create an O5 Council and bring in more people. They say an SCP Foundation controlled by one person is bad, that it will go out of control. They mean I should tell the heads of various countries about the manifestation system, let them control the system together, create the SCP Foundation, maintain world peace, and share the golden finger. If I wrote it that way, wouldn't you all find it toxic?!
They also say containment objects can't be used, that they're too dangerous, and that SCP Foundation personnel must be informed. I don't even have the Foundation's real staff yet; the protagonist is still a lone commander with just an empty base! Where would the employees come from?
Some moral guardians even say I'm slaughtering people, that I shouldn't kill, only use memory wipes. Given the initial situation, not killing people, being in Gotham City, in the lawless Slums, not being a little ruthless and thick-skinned, not being able to casually use containment objects, not killing people, having to use memory wipes... The key is, the protagonist doesn't even know how to do that yet; he doesn't have that ability.
I'm having a hard time... If I write it ideally, you're not satisfied. If I write it darker, those moral guardians aren't satisfied and will complain. They never consider the protagonist's current strength, location, or influence. They just demand that all the principles and policies of the original, full-strength SCP Foundation be met... Moral guardians are truly terrifying!
So I can only compromise. I'll put the principles out there first to make those moral guardians more comfortable. The early development period will be a bit dark, and in the mid-to-late stages, once he has power and becomes a powerful force comparable to S.H.I.E.L.D., then we can talk about other things.
Moreover, my model is already temporarily being tested: space-time distorters intrude, and while the protagonist's SCP Foundation develops, it will reduce the impact of the space-time distorters on this world and find and contain them.
This is already a big change, a lot has been modified... Originally, this book was meant to be a 'flying furnace' type. The first few chapters were in that style, including the synopsis. The plan was to summon SCP containment objects to show off in front of the local people, influence more people, gain manifestation points, and then summon more SCP containment objects. During this period, it could even be considered summoning for the sake of summoning, a 'flying furnace' approach... You should know what kind I mean, for the sake of 'being cool'...
That certainly couldn't be done here, so I had to make major changes. I can only say I'm trying my best to meet the demands of various readers. DC, Marvel, SCP—there are fans for all three, it's difficult! In the future, I won't look at the Q browser comment section; those freeloading readers are a real headache!
I myself don't like do-gooders, I don't like meddling, and I pursue equivalent exchange... Also, regarding the recent major renovation of the Bru District, if you saw your own home was very dirty, wouldn't you want to clean it up? Your own territory, you definitely want to make it better... Please think of it that way.
In short!! There are a thousand SCP Foundations in a thousand people's minds. This is the SCP Foundation Wang Ya is creating in the Marvel DC world, not the original SCP Foundation!
This book is more like a cultivation/base-building story. The protagonist starts from nothing, step by step creating the SCP Foundation and building it up, eventually becoming a massive force spanning multiple universes...
Of course, containment and protection are the guiding principles...
P.S.: It's not like the SCP Foundation starts at max level. I really don't understand what those moral guardians are thinking!
Task Triggered - Hope]
[Due to your perception of the extremely poor environment and social conditions in Bru District, you have decided to change them, determined to make Bru District completely new!]
[Reward: One random SCP containment item draw]
[Progress: 15%]
...
[Main Quest Three: Purge]
[Time has slowly passed, SCP Foundation Technology Co., Ltd. has completed its renovations and has initially made a name for itself, but some troubles have already appeared. Your subordinates are almost completely wiped out, Hank District has been occupied by others. Set things right, purge the evildoers, and bring Hank District back under the influence of the SCP Foundation.]
[Reward: SCP Containment Item: SCP-173]
Wang Ya stood on the top floor of the SCP Building, which had been renovated several times, looking out the window and pondering. Although he had triggered a task, it was a long-term one. What Wang Ya noticed was the main quest.
The reward was no longer a random draw, but a finished product, and it was SCP-173 The Sculpture (The Original).
What gave Wang Ya a headache was this containment item; he didn't know how to arrange it. What if he completed the main quest and claimed the reward!
Should he open an exhibition and put SCP-173, the little peanut, on display? Wang Ya imagined the scene.
It was simply unbearable to look at!
No, he had to arrange it properly, or worst-case scenario, he wouldn't claim it, temporarily not completing the main quest.
SCP-173 was really difficult to deal with. Although it wouldn't harm him as the source of SCPs, when it materialized, it seemed he could only keep it in his room.
But every morning when he woke up, what if he opened his eyes to see SCP-173 standing by his bed, staring intently at him, its hands subtly aimed at his neck? That scene would be anything but beautiful.
Sometimes the biggest fright isn't that it's going to kill you, but that it's on its way to killing you, yet doesn't, the root of painful torment!
But putting it anywhere else wasn't safe either—
It seemed a special containment facility needed to be built. That underground base could also be put to use, and Wang Ya also felt a shortage of manpower.
He had to quickly initiate the true SCP Foundation creation plan.
Perhaps this time, it would be an excellent test!
Wang Ya made a decision in his heart.
However, he was still hesitating about the choice of candidates for the test.
...
My name is Teddy, and I'm probably in my forties this year. It was another muddled day, just like the weather in Bru District today—gloomy and dim, seemingly reflecting the lifeless light in his eyes.
This street was his home. Looking around, there were many people like him living in the dim alleyways.
With a tattered overcoat picked up from who knows where, and a dirty grey cloth spread on the ground, Teddy had luckily found some dry grass and damp, messy cotton two days ago, which he used to pad his beloved home so he could sleep a little more comfortably.
Thinking that others could only be accompanied by the cold ground, while he could already sleep relatively warmly at night, a rare sense of superiority emerged in his heart.
It was getting dark, which meant they had to quickly warm up their so-called homes so they could be more comfortable during the cold night. Although his stomach was rumbling with hunger, Teddy could only silently endure it.
The night was long, but Teddy would survive another day tonight. As time passed, he gradually fell asleep.
They were the lowest of the low, and the most hopeless people...
It seemed like the starless night, equally dark, equally thick and suffocating... Oh, night!
Teddy was woken by a noisy commotion, accompanied by a distinct gunshot. This instantly startled him awake, and he felt the noisy clamor gradually subside.
"What's going on!"
Teddy's eyes adjusted to the daylight, and he saw what had happened.
Seven or eight burly men in black suits and sunglasses, most importantly, holding guns. It was one of them, an old Black man who seemed to be the leader, who had fired the shot, quieting the many noisy homeless people.
No one dared to defy death; even they didn't want to die just like that. Better to live a miserable life than to die well.
Teddy quickly learned the ins and outs of the matter. These seemingly formidable men in expensive suits actually wanted them to dismantle all their homes, clear them out, and clean their respective small areas, putting everything into the garbage trucks that had already arrived.
What was this, were they trying to drive them away? Were they not even giving them their last chance to survive?
And this was their only home! Teddy's anger was mostly due to the thought that he might never again be so lucky as to find such good cotton. Although he had starved last night, he had slept very soundly.
"Disagree..."
"Disagree..."
"Get out of here..."
The homeless people roared in anger. In their understanding, these seemingly formidable men were probably trying to drive them away and then occupy their former places. As for what use it would be, they didn't care and wouldn't think about it.
Bang!
Old Hans didn't understand why Wizard was interested in these pieces of trash, but it didn't prevent him from working for the great and benevolent Wizard. He was serving Wizard again and resolved to be Wizard's loyal soldier for the rest of his life.
Since I, Hans, have taken on this responsibility, I must do it well and not betray Wizard's trust.
Old but strong, he would not be worse than the other street managers in Bru District; on the contrary, he would perform even better. Although he encountered a small problem now, he knew what these fellows were thinking.
The piercing gunshot once again brought the crowd to a sudden silence. Old Hans walked over and said calmly.
"Now, listen to me. Whoever cleans up their sleeping area first, this franklin, is his!"
Old Hans reluctantly pulled a franklin out of his in my arms, and in front of the many homeless people, under the gaze of many eager and greedy eyes, he kissed the franklin's print.
He also showed the homeless people the banknote in his hand, letting them look closely.
"After you've cleaned up, and we've inspected and approved, you'll receive a soft bread that you've never eaten in your life, enough to fill you up!"
Old Hans clapped his hands with a smile. Behind him, a suited tough guy pushed over a cart filled with white soft bread, and a rich milky aroma wafted over, driving the hungry homeless people almost to madness. If it weren't for the dark muzzles of the guns in the hands of the suited tough guys pointed at them, they would have rushed over long ago.
"So, what are you waiting for!"
As soon as Old Hans finished speaking, the homeless people swarmed back to their so-called precious homes, dismantled them without hesitation, and then frantically carried their homes to the garbage truck and threw them in.
Teddy had never hated his home so much. Why were there so many things? Faster, even faster!
White bread and franklin, he wanted them, he wanted them all, moving at the fastest speed of his life...
Two days passed.
Bru District had undergone a massive transformation. At least, the streets were no longer filled with disgusting excrement and piles of garbage, and the homeless people who used to lie on the streets had disappeared. Compared to how it was before, Bru District was completely revitalized.
Yes, indeed, only the word 'revitalized' could describe it.
Under franklin's initiative, those homeless people were now busy dismantling and renovating dilapidated, abandoned houses. They didn't need any supervision; once they were told that these were houses they were building for themselves to live in, they worked harder than anyone. Even after being informed they'd have to pay a mortgage each month, they worked on the houses with almost fanatical devotion, even making them bigger and taller.
This situation caused the task progress to jump from 15% to 35%, which was quite fast.
While the issue of the homeless was easily resolved, the problem of the garbage piles and scavengers was a bit troublesome, but only a minor one. It just required time to solve.
However, Wang Ya himself had been given a very long deadline for this task, so there was no rush.
...
In the open space below the SCP Building, sunlight shone on the water of the fountain, which resembled a children's playground. Water droplets reflected various colored lights, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
But at this moment, the open space was already filled. There were at least three rows of people, all iron-blooded tough guys in suits. Landon Fury and some key senior executives of the Landon Family were also present.
The Landon Family was now almost entirely bound to the SCP Foundation.
However, both Landon Fury and the core members of the Landon Family knew that they had not yet entered Wizard's true circle of trust.
For instance, the purpose of the underground base had never been finalized, and the existence of such a magical item capable of teleporting to the underground base proved that Wizard valued that place immensely.
The Landon Family members were all very anxious. If they couldn't gain Wizard's trust, then the extraordinary items they secretly longed for, the legendary magic potions—such as methods to extend life or become healthy—would be unobtainable.
Legendary mysterious Wizards were said to possess various strange yet miraculous elixirs.
Landon Fury had already received a magical item as a gift, while they had nothing, which indicated that they were even less trusted by Wizard than Landon Fury.
Yes, indeed, they believed that a magical item could not possibly be sold so cheaply; it should have been several times more expensive.
It must have been a gift from Wizard. They desperately wanted to know what Landon Fury had done to earn this reward from Wizard.
(Wang Ya: Did I really sell it too cheaply?)
"Alright! Gentlemen, this emergency assembly is for an urgent matter. SCP Technology Co., Ltd. has been fully established, but the departmental divisions are not yet perfect. General Manager Landon Fury will be responsible for meticulously allocating the other departments and various positions!"
Wang Ya cleared his throat and said.
"Thank you to Mr. Wang Ya, the President of SCP Technology Co., Ltd., for his trust and support. I will diligently manage the company, develop business, create more technological products, and bring more revenue to the company, living up to your trust!"
Landon Fury's face was adorned with a brilliant smile, like a blooming chrysanthemum. He stepped forward and bowed deeply to Wang Ya. This was indeed a joyous occasion, signifying a greater degree of trust in Wizard's heart. Although he still hadn't entered the true SCP Foundation, known only to Wizard, he remained hopeful, as this was a significant step forward, wasn't it!
"But next, I have an important announcement to make, and it concerns all of you!"
Wang Ya looked at the three rows of about thirty tough guys in suits. White and black people made up the majority, with two or three Asians. He nodded with satisfaction. These were the elites of the Landon Group, currently seconded to be the security force of SCP Technology Co., Ltd. But Wang Ya now intended to select the elite of the elites, choosing five individuals to form a special preparatory team.
This team would serve as the preparatory armed personnel for the true SCP Foundation.
They would need to undergo a series of assessments before Wang Ya would decide if they were qualified to join.
Additionally, Landon Fury's arrangement, besides being the General Manager of SCP Technology Co., Ltd., also included his recruitment into the true SCP Foundation, with a provisional rank of C-level reserve. Finally, after completing the assessment with the five members soon to be selected, if deemed qualified, he would formally enter the true SCP Foundation.
As for the content of the assessment, Wang Ya already had his choices.
"I will select five of the most outstanding among you to join a preparatory team directly led by me. You must be the most excellent in terms of physical fitness, willpower, and spirit to enter..."
Wang Ya looked at them sternly: "And this team has a very important mission; you will see a different world!"
"I think you should have already heard rumors, but I will now show you what you will encounter if you join the preparatory team I lead."
"That is a world of different heavens and earth, where you will have the opportunity to encounter people or things that you cannot comprehend!"
Wang Ya's lips curved into a meaningful smile.
All the tough guys in suits either looked thoughtful or still gazed at Wang Ya with confusion.
They did have some understanding; a few had even experienced Wang Ya's methods firsthand. The fountain was one such example – a mysterious and unfathomable Wizard possessing unimaginable, terrifying power.
Those few tough guys who had experienced it still remembered it vividly and had almost come to worship Wang Ya.
Whoosh!
An RPG was fired from the roof of the SCP Building by the ruthless Jiedun—no, it should be said, by the cat-loving Jiedun, with Orange Cat perched on his head, shouldering the launcher, and firing towards Wang Ya.
"No... Wizard, be careful..."
Landon Fury naturally recognized the sound and immediately shouted in alarm, trying to push Wang Ya away.
This situation was unforeseen by everyone, including Landon Fury himself, so the sudden turn of events stunned everyone.
"Everyone, calm down! No need to worry!"
Wang Ya's words seemed to possess magic, calming everyone down. He extended his hand, and the ability from Terror Elder was unleashed.
As the fiery projectile rapidly approached and touched Wang Ya's palm, a blackness appeared, then quickly spread, corrupting, rusting, and then collapsing. Almost instantly, the light and heat of the impending explosion seemed to extinguish all kinetic energy... a complete shutdown!!
Everyone's eyes widened, and their mouths hung open as if they could swallow a fist!
This was truly the power of magic, the power of a Wizard, the legendary dark magic... This was the thought that ran through everyone's minds!
"So, do you understand the significance of this five-person team?"
Wang Ya casually clapped his hands, speaking calmly, yet leaving an indelible impression on everyone present!
The eyes of the thirty men were filled with fanaticism and shock. Of course, they knew the significance; it was...
The thirty big men's eyes were filled with fanaticism and shock. They, of course, knew the significance of this five-person team: it meant being able to access transcendent power, just like Wizard, a different world entirely from the ordinary person's worldview.
Today, they actually witnessed the legendary magic. Wizard's power was truly terrifying; he could instantly extinguish the light and heat generated by an explosion, making all fire and explosion damage vanish into thin air.
If such power were applied to a person, what would happen? They were about to find out, because Wizard was preparing to select five of the strongest warriors from their thirty men to form a special action team. Although this action team was only a reserve, it was enough to make these suit-clad tough guys yearn for it.
Because Wizard had said that if this five-person team could pass his assessment, they would join the true SCP Foundation. The current SCP Technology Co., Ltd. and SCP Foundation were merely superficial entities; there was a true SCP Foundation operating in the shadows, a force solely controlled and led by Wizard.
Only true elites could enter it.
Of course, this news was delivered to them today. From today onwards, they were no longer security personnel of SCP Technology Co., Ltd., but would enter a short-term competitive selection to choose the strongest five.
Other people would take over their work!
Wang Ya formally announced, "From now on, the competitive selection begins. It will last for three days, and the strongest five will be chosen. The remaining individuals will serve as the special operations unit of the SCP Technology Foundation, but will also have the opportunity to participate in the next round of elections for the five-person reserve team."
Landon Fury and several executives from various departments of SCP Technology Co., Ltd. applauded.
Celebrating this moment!
...
[To help you understand the structure, I've clearly expressed it in three nested layers!]
The following is a hypothetical dramatic presentation!
[S.H.I.E.L.D.: Is the SCP containment object related to your company?
SCP Technology Co., Ltd.: We are just a conscientious enterprise that researches technological welfare for the common people, pays taxes, and provides employment opportunities!
Light: SCP Technology Foundation: We are just a fundraising center, a financial operations center, helping various scientists and projects in the industry facing difficulties by providing financial assistance and obtaining a small amount of related benefits. It has nothing to do with us! (Plotting to gather talented scientists and armed personnel. After several assessments, those who pass become members of the dark, true SCP Foundation!)
Dark: SCP Foundation: I am just a non-existent entity!]
...
Time is both worthless and the most valuable thing.
It was a quiet night, unlike the usual dim and deep night sky. Tonight, there was a half-moon and sparse stars dotting the night.
This was rare in Gotham City, with its severe pollution!
Bru District had undergone a massive transformation. Under the division of SCP Technology Co., Ltd., it was divided into nine alleys. Currently, the SCP Building, which is the location of SCP Technology Co., Ltd., is in the fifth alley. The other alleys are undergoing daily, fervent renovation and reconstruction, with both the environment and sanitation being greatly improved.
The entrance and exit of the first alley connected Bru District and Hank District, forming the interface between the two areas. On the Hank District side, there were three or four Baseball Boys members on lookout, yawning and smoking.
It was a tough job, but there was no choice; it was their turn to stand guard tonight, wary of a possible attack or sneak attack from the SCP Technology Foundation on the Bru District side.
However, they didn't think the other side had the guts. Although they looked intimidating, having built a large building and undertaking the bustling renovation of Bru District, they showed no signs of attacking their gang, which had occupied their territory.
Suddenly, they felt that the SCP Technology Foundation was nothing special. The measures currently being implemented, in their view, were a prime example of people with more money than sense. Let them build; the better they built, the more everything would belong to the Baseball Boys when they attacked.
However, they still had to be wary of those dozens of big guys in black suits. From their physique and overall quality, they were extraordinary.
"Oh, when will this day end? Having to come here and stand guard occasionally, enduring the cold weather at night, it's really uncomfortable!"
A Baseball Boys gang member complained, then took another drag from his low-quality tobacco, beginning to puff out smoke.
"Who isn't? I don't know what the boss is thinking. That SCP Technology Foundation is completely messing around. What kind of gang would help those utterly worthless lower-class people build houses, even doing cleaning? It's hilarious. And they tell us to watch carefully and report any abnormalities in time. As I see it, how would that SCP Technology Foundation dare... hahaha..."
Another Baseball Boys member said, unable to hold back a laugh, as he took the match offered to him.
With a faint flame, he also lit a cigarette.
"I just don't know when the boss will go and attack the SCP Technology Foundation. Guarding like this every day is driving me crazy. Those wild boar and stray dog bastards even bragged that they're going to drink the most expensive rum tonight. Damn it!"
Yet another Baseball Boys member gestured for them to hand over the match. Watching them puff out smoke, he, addicted to nicotine, also wanted a cigarette.
"Who knows! How could we possibly understand what the boss is thinking!"
The person replied casually.
The Baseball Boys member who asked for the match received something and then, without lifting his head, lit a low-quality cigarette.
"Thanks!"
Accompanying the faint flame, a shadow seemed to flash in the darkness under the light.
"Ah... what..."
"Didn't you hand me the match? I'm lighting a cigarette!"
"But the matches are all used up. I lit the last one!"
The three Baseball Boys members were instantly startled, warily looking around in the darkness.
"Damn it, if it wasn't you who gave it to me, then who did!"
The person said, somewhat panicked, even the cigarette in his mouth trembling.
"Who the hell knows, but something's very wrong!"
Click!
They disengaged the safeties on their pistols, then, by the moonlight, warily searched their surroundings.
"Excuse me! The matches are used up, can I have them back?"
A hoarse, indifferent voice appeared behind them. The person who had just used the match to light his cigarette was terrified to find a hand patting his shoulder.
A burly figure emerged from the darkness...
My name is Number One. I successfully stood out from thirty candidates. From now on, during missions, I will only be known as Number One.
Numbers One to Five are the names of our Special Reserve Team members.
We are commissioned by Wizard to complete the assessment tasks he issues. There are three assessments in total, and they have already completed one: becoming members of the Special Reserve Team. The next is the second assessment: eliminating all members of the Baseball Boys, a gang occupying the Hank Area. They must accomplish this using only the five of them, working alone.
This is to prove their individual combat capabilities. The only weapon support they are given is one pistol, one combat dagger, and one tactical weapon. They choose the tactical weapon themselves: whether it's a flashbang, a smoke grenade, or a hand grenade.
The choices of Numbers One to Five differ, but what is beyond doubt is that this assessment must be a success; failure is not an option.
Because this is also their first mission as the Special Reserve Team, they absolutely cannot betray Wizard's trust, and it is also a ticket to enter that world.
To cooperate with each other, they underwent unimaginable painful training. Whether in willpower or individual combat ability, they are the elite of the elite. Most importantly, they must also have the ability to make calm judgments, always remaining calm and rational in any situation.
This is the most crucial point, as this point alone eliminated half of the people, and they are the five strongest among those remaining.
Number One emerged from the darkness, expressionlessly looking at the Baseball Boys member who had taken his match and not returned it. The next moment, a cold flash of light appeared in the darkness, and the tactical dagger directly slit the man's throat. Blood splattered out, some even staining his face.
"You... you..."
The man clutched his throat and fell unwillingly.
This sudden scene stunned the other two. Their dark muzzles immediately pointed at Number One. However, Number One was already well-trained, almost to the point of a passive muscle reaction. Feeling the stimulation of danger, his pupils contracted, and he stomped his foot, disappearing into the darkness.
"Damn it, who is that? How did he suddenly appear?"
"He actually killed one of us directly. He doesn't seem to have a gun. We need to be careful, then kill him."
There are differences between gangs. As the Baseball Boys, who are even stronger than the Hank Gang and even the Iron Blood Gang, their members are also quite fierce and well-trained.
All of this is thanks to the Baseball Boys' boss, who has always maintained strict demands.
Just like now, even though one person has already died, killed by Number One, it was only because they were careless. But they would never be afraid of someone who had no firearms in their hand.
Because they had guns and could easily kill the opponent.
"You sneaky bastard, you can't escape now. You killed one of us. No matter where you go, we will find you, then torture you brutally and kill you."
One of them said fiercely, trying to put psychological pressure on Number One with words.
After all, Number One was now hidden in the darkness, and the two of them couldn't locate him. It was very possible that Number One would rush out from some dark corner and attack them. Even with guns, they would be very passive, so they wanted Number One to actively expose a weakness.
Unfortunately, their plan was doomed to fail. Rationality is what the Special Reserve Team values most. Number One could now calmly assess the situation and would not make emotional or judgmental errors for any reason.
Number One slowly lowered his breathing and presence. The darkness tonight was not very pronounced, as the moonlight allowed for vague outlines to be seen, which caused him a slight inconvenience.
He didn't intend to directly use the pistol from his pant leg to deal with these two guys, but instead chose to use his close-quarters combat skills, rationally eliminating the remaining two people.
Clang!
A sound suddenly came from a corner, quickly followed by the sound of a gun hitting that spot.
The two Baseball Boys members started cursing. It turned out to be a feint by Number One, a deliberately created sound.
But luckily, only one person was shooting over there; the other remained constantly vigilant.
This was a method taught to them by the Baseball Boys' boss; their daily training involved these things.
This shows that the Baseball Boys' boss is no ordinary person and must have another identity, not just the leader of a gang within this Slums.
However, none of this mattered to Number One. He was absolutely confident he could deal with these two people, so now he could begin.
Number One cautiously emerged from the darkness, his hand fumbling for the hilt of his tactical dagger. A hint of excitement appeared on his expressionless face, as this was his first mission after all.
...
Not only was Number One carrying out a mission, but other Special Reserve Team members were also on their tasks.
Number One's temporary responsibility was to clear out various small corners, potential Baseball Boys members, informants, and hidden ambushes.
The other members were responsible for going to the Baseball Boys' temporary base camp in the Hank Area, which was the former stronghold of the New Hank Gang.
That location had already been garrisoned by three different gangs, and all within a short month.
Every member of the Special Reserve Team is the elite of the elite. Tonight was the Baseball Boys' carnival party; almost every gang occasionally throws a carnival party to relax the tense minds of its members.
The Baseball Boys' boss doesn't regularly station himself in the Hank Area; he is more often in his original territory. Currently stationed in the Hank Area is likely the Baseball Boys' second-in-command, Bloody David!
Rumor has it he has solid muscles, a strong body, and extensive combat experience. He seems to have once been a veteran on the battlefield. After retiring, he joined the Baseball Boys, known for his ruthless killing, especially his incredibly accurate marksmanship.
This was a brightly lit, three-story renovated building...
The clinking of glasses rose and fell, and there seemed to be faint shouts, sounds of gambling, finger-guessing games, and brawling.
Most of the Baseball Boys members were here, enjoying tonight's carnival party. Drinking rum and embracing foreign girls—this is what most gang members pursue, of course, with plenty of cash in hand.
But they were completely unaware that danger was gradually approaching...
[I used voice typing for this chapter! It feels strange, and I was embarrassed while reading it aloud! Oh my god! Typing by hand is more comfortable!]
Hey, Big Cat! Aren't you supposed to be guarding the door? How did you get in here?"
Under the warm lights, the members of the Baseball Boys were all flushed from drinking, their faces red from alcohol. One of the crew with a buzz cut chugged a large mouthful of rum and then noticed Big Cat, who was supposed to be guarding the door, had appeared inside the room. He said in surprise.
However, Big Cat, as he called him, completely ignored him and walked step by step, very stiffly, as if he were a marionette.
The Baseball Boys gang members were all drunk and didn't notice this unusual situation. They were completely relaxed, assuming Big Cat didn't want to endure the cold wind anymore and just wanted to come in for a few more drinks.
Immediately, someone joked, "What's wrong, Big Cat? Couldn't you hold it in? I know you're craving a drink. Come on, come over and have a couple. I'll play this with you."
The speaker was a middle-aged white man with many tattoos, including on his face. He pulled out a dice cup and spoke to Big Cat, who stood motionless.
"What's wrong, Big Cat? Why are you suddenly ignoring everyone? Hurry up and come over, have a few drinks with your brothers. Sigh, even though the boss sent you to guard the door, you shouldn't be sulking like this, should you? Come on, have a few drinks."
The man stood up, holding a glass of wine, seemingly wanting to offer Big Cat a toast. However, perhaps he had drunk too much; his mental state was very poor, and he swayed as he walked. Half of the wine that had filled his glass had already spilled.
This scene immediately made several other gang members laugh.
"Oh, Jones, you're really no good! You're swaying just walking. It seems your alcohol tolerance is as small as your courage."
The others teased him, making Jones's face flush red, his blood rushing up. He seemed about to retort, immediately turning around, but he used too much force and stumbled.
This scene made the dozen or so gang members on this floor burst into laughter, their laughter so piercing that Jones's face turned as red as a shrimp, all the way to his ears.
"You're full of it! My courage, Jones, is not small, and my alcohol tolerance is shockingly great, definitely better than all of yours. If you don't believe me, come and compete."
Jones picked himself up from the ground, saying unwillingly. However, the smiles on the faces of the other gang members clearly showed they didn't take Jones's words seriously.
For a time, the atmosphere on this floor became even livelier. Everyone laughed heartily, occasionally taking a large gulp of rum. Only one person was a complete exception, seeming out of place in this atmosphere.
That was Big Cat, who had come in from outside the door. Even though they were all drunk, seeing Big Cat standing motionless in the same spot, not having moved since he entered, made them slightly surprised.
What's wrong with this guy? Why isn't he coming over to drink with them?
Usually, didn't this guy love to drink? He was practically unhappy without alcohol and could drink more than any of them.
What's wrong today? Has he changed his personality?
Jones sobered up slightly and remembered what he was supposed to do earlier. He quickly refilled a glass of wine. This time, he seemed to want to prove that he wasn't drunk at all, holding the glass of wine and walking seriously towards Big Cat.
"Come on, Big Cat, drink with me! It's your favorite special rum. If you don't drink it, you're definitely disrespecting me. How about we see who can drink more tonight?"
Jones said with a smile, getting closer and closer to Big Cat. Then he handed over the rum in his hand.
However, to Jones's surprise, Big Cat didn't take it. Instead, he remained stiffly in place, head bowed. Even if Jones was slow, he noticed something was wrong and watched Big Cat's every move curiously.
"Hey, what's wrong with you, kid? I tell you to drink, and you don't. You're getting a temper, not even taking my drink."
Jones still didn't take it seriously, laughing and scolding. He suddenly noticed something behind Big Cat, which piqued his curiosity. Even if the world looked blurry to him, it didn't stop him from being curious to see what was behind Big Cat.
He slowly walked towards Big Cat's back. The others continued to drink on their own, as nothing was more precious than the rum in their hands; it was the source of happiness.
Suddenly, just as he was about to see what was behind Big Cat, Big Cat's sturdy, massive body suddenly collapsed, falling onto him and, due to its weight, pinning him to the ground.
Just as he was about to complain, a bright silver-white light flashed in his vision. It was another burly figure, looking at him expressionlessly, a tactical dagger in its hand directly slashing across his throat.
"You..."
Pfft, red and white matter spurted out. Jones clutched his neck, trying to say something, but he couldn't. His throat had been cut open, and his windpipe was shattered. He could only make a leaky, broken sound like a damaged air pump. Soon, he died unwillingly.
This scene made many gang members slow to react for two or three seconds. Alcohol numbed their brains. Just as they were about to pull out their guns and aim at these uninvited guests, Number Two had already pulled out his pistol and aimed at a gang member who was about to fire a bullet, shooting directly.
Bang!
The suppressed pistol accurately blew out the center of the opponent's forehead. The lifeless body collapsed, dead beyond dead!
"Enemy! Everyone, quickly be on guard! Tell the boss to send reinforcements!"
A quick-witted gang member prepared to run upstairs to warn the Baseball Boys members on the upper floor.
Unfortunately, the idea was good, but reality was harsh. A bullet directly hit the back of his head, taking his life.
This was Number Three's shot. Besides Number One, who was outside dealing with the stragglers, the remaining four members of the Special Reserve Team had come to this three-story expanded building. Their second assessment mission this time was to eliminate all Baseball Boys members occupying the Bru District and reclaim the territory belonging to the SCP Technology Foundation.
"Proceed according to the plan."
The three Special Reserve Team members began their slaughter on the first floor, using the most rational methods to determine the quickest and most convenient way to deal with these guys!
Soon, blood flowed everywhere. After the last gang member was killed by Number Two, this floor was covered with bodies. The three collectively set their sights on the upstairs, where David, the second-in-command of the Baseball Boys, was resting on the third floor.
Number Five was responsible for dealing with the enemies on the second floor. Compared to the first floor, there were far fewer people on the second floor, mostly those with some status.
Number Five climbed outside the second-story window of a three-story building, a tactical dagger clutched in his teeth by the hilt. His gaze slowly penetrated the gap in the window, revealing four or five people chatting and drinking, with a few provocatively dressed women lounging in their arms.
There was no emotional fluctuation in Number Five's eyes, only a fleeting look of contemplation. One hand gripped the window frame to support his body and prevent a fall, while the other tossed a flashbang inside. Soon, amidst startled cries, the flashbang took effect.
Accompanied by the imitation of an unknown bird's cry, Number Five shattered the window and burst in. The dark muzzles of their guns immediately targeted the panicked four, who began to shoot. One shot, two shots, three shots—their marksmanship, honed by long training, had reached an 80% success rate. In such a confined indoor space, an 80% success rate meant almost no possibility of missing, especially with the targets in a state of panic, giving them even less chance to defend against the bullets.
Four bodies lay on the floor, blood slowly seeping into the planks. There were also two women who seemed to have no combat capabilities. A flicker of hesitation crossed Number Five's eyes, but then he decisively fired. However, he didn't shoot at the two women, but rather fired two shots in the direction of the stairs leading up.
These movements were already very loud, having long put the people upstairs on high alert. When they came down to investigate, they discovered the scene and immediately aimed their pistols at Number Five, ready to fire. Unfortunately, Number Five was a step ahead, firing first and hitting the opponent between the eyebrows. The body fell.
"You two, leave! Pretend you were never here."
Number Five said in a cold voice, his indifferent gaze fixed on the two women, who were trembling with fear.
With Number Five's permission, the two women fled in a panic.
The three members of the Special Reserve Team ascended from the lower floor. Their final target was the third floor, Bloody David, the second-in-command of the Baseball Boys.
He was on the third floor, but they didn't know his condition or how many people were on that floor.
However, based on the ratio of people on the first and second floors, the number of people around Bloody David on the third floor certainly wouldn't be many, but they would probably be vastly different from the people on the two lower floors, at least in terms of combat quality.
The four raised their guard, showing no intention of relaxing. The only way to the third floor was the staircase, but those upstairs must have already discovered the situation below. At least the entrance and exit would definitely be heavily guarded, and who knew how many gun muzzles would be aimed at the staircase, waiting for them to come up before opening fire directly.
Although things had become a bit troublesome, the four still had countermeasures forming in their minds. Soon, a somewhat risky method was proposed by Number Three, and everyone nodded in agreement, deciding to implement it!
...
A day passed, and as the sun rose, a terrifying piece of news spread throughout the entire Hank District: for some unknown reason, all the members of the Baseball Boys had been annihilated, mysteriously killed by certain individuals last night.
This news was undoubtedly a bolt from the blue, shocking the surrounding gangs. The Baseball Boys' members were not to be underestimated. Who could have wiped out at least half of the Baseball Boys' members so silently? But no matter what, the leader of the Baseball Boys was definitely going to go crazy, because it was rumored that even Bloody David, the second-in-command of the Baseball Boys, had died that night.
It was known that Bloody David was like a brother to Sonic, the leader of the Baseball Boys. With him dead, Sonic would definitely not let it go.
While this news was still fermenting, Wang Ya had already received a system notification that the mission concerning the Baseball Boys was complete and SCP-173 could be extracted at any time. But this put Wang Ya in a difficult position: where to put SCP-173 once extracted? The containment chamber arranged for his subordinates to build was not yet finished; it would take at least five days for the initial repairs to be completed.
Indeed, Wang Ya hadn't considered this, mainly because he hadn't expected to get a finished SCP containment object, and such a troublesome one as SCP-173, the Little Peanut.
[Main Mission Three: Purge]
[Time slowly passes, the SCP Technology Foundation has been repaired and has initially made a name for itself in the outside world. However, some troubles have already appeared. Your subordinates are almost completely annihilated, and the Hank District has been occupied by others. Set things right, purge the evildoers, and bring the Hank District back under the influence of the SCP Foundation's power.]
[Reward: SCP Containment Object: SCP-173]
[Status: Completed (SCP-173: Extractable)]
Although it showed as extractable, Wang Ya dared not extract it at all. How to house it was a huge problem. He himself wouldn't mind, but it would be hard to say for others when facing SCP-173. Perhaps by keeping their eyes open and staring at it, they could remain safe, but Wang Ya felt that at least a dozen cervical spine-snapping sounds would echo daily within the SCP Technology Foundation.
"Old craft! Sports rehabilitation therapist, specializing in cervical spondylosis, a master of cervical interspace repositioning!"
Wang Ya imagined the scene; if SCP-173 were also wearing a white coat... no, no, no... that was truly too stimulating a dark joke.
If that were the case, Wang Ya would rather hold an exhibition for SCP-173!!!
After much thought, Wang Ya decided not to extract SCP-173 for now. He needed to wait a bit longer for the containment chamber to be completed.
It was also time for Wang Ya to consider this aspect of the problem. That other underground base would be a very good site for building various types of containment chambers.
Not only did SCP-173 need to be properly arranged, but there were also the visitors from other space-times, the space-time distorters. Containing and imprisoning them would certainly require special rooms.
He had Landon Fury use the power of the Landon Group to investigate the whereabouts of that space-time distorter. No matter what, as long as the person was in Gotham City, there would definitely be some incongruity, and a careful search would still be able to find some clues.
Unfortunately, several days had passed, and Landon Fury still had no news. It seemed that the space-time distorter was hidden very deeply.
"Even if I don't claim the mission reward, the main mission won't refresh, but I still have to try out my inner thoughts!"
Wang Ya's expression was very serious as he looked at himself in the half-length mirror in the room. What he wanted to do was test the rules of the Manifestation System.
Regarding mission triggers and the like, whether they could be interfered with by human intervention.
However, Wang Ya largely believed that mission triggers could be interfered with by himself, because it was Wang Ya's own most genuine inner thoughts at the time that led to the triggered missions, and this had been the case for several triggered missions.
This was centered around Wang Ya. What Wang Ya truly felt and thought in his heart, that's why the mission triggered.
But the main mission was different. Wang Ya was considering whether it was the Manifestation System's mysterious arrangement, or a main mission that appeared based on the development of events.
If it was the former, Wang Ya felt that he was probably a tool, but if it was the latter, Wang Ya could relax a little. The difference lay in whether he could indirectly, through external forces, influence the change of the main mission.
Wang Ya's eyes were incredibly deep. "Landon Fury, don't disappoint me!"
Wang Ya: "I feel like the system is out to get me. I'm starting to get paranoid. What should I do? Am I a tool? I need to outsmart the air!"
Gotham City's nights are always so stifling, like a fish out of water on the shore, that gradually approaching sense of suffocation, yet every now and then, a trickle of water comes, allowing it to survive and breathe, but that trickle of water is so small, it cannot bring itself back into the water.
Qiao Na is a resident of the Diamond District and a student at J. J. Carmody High School. It's already 9:30 PM, but she still hasn't returned home. The reason, of course, is due to a prank by a classmate that caused her to be home so late.
Qiao Na walked on the road; there was no one left in the school area. As for the school gate being locked, that was no problem for her at all. She easily slipped out through a gap in the school fence, after all, she is very small, isn't she?
"If I meet Louis again tomorrow, I'm definitely going to give him two hard slaps. Oh, sh*t, damn it."
Qiao Na said, feeling a bit sullen. It was entirely his fault, yet he was blaming her. They had originally agreed to stay at school a bit later for an exciting and adventurous exploration, but he unexpectedly tricked her and ran out of school, leaving her waiting bitterly inside, thinking he would come back soon.
It wasn't until Qiao Na saw the message note in the door crack that she read this passage:
"Oh, my dear Qiao Na, forgive my unannounced departure—no, no, no, I should say my abrupt departure. Can you guess why I did this? You'll have to figure that out yourself. Who told you to eat my expensive snack? My mom specially bought it for me from abroad, and I didn't even get a bite before you ate it all. Well, those are all just excuses. It's just that during the last exam, you snitched to the teacher, which made me very unhappy. For this, please allow me to get a little revenge on you. Taste the feeling of loneliness and fear, Qiao Na… Your dear Louis!"
This was a very cold joke, and Qiao Na was extremely annoyed. She hadn't snitched during the last exam at all. Who was misunderstanding her? Or was someone trying to sow discord between her and Louis?
Several annoying female faces flashed through Qiao Na's mind. Who could it be? Could it be that woman, Selena? Was she deliberately trying to sow discord between herself and Louis?
This was probably another conflict between women, or perhaps due to jealousy.
Which young girl isn't in love? Qiao Na also liked a boy named Louis.
Although she was very angry, Qiao Na couldn't do anything but explain to Louis tomorrow. Walking on the leafy path through the woods, this was a shortcut that led to her home faster. It was already so late, no matter when she returned, she would definitely be scolded. The difference would be between a light scolding and a severe beating.
Qiao Na chose the former; her dad didn't hold back. She still remembered the last time she was beaten for something; her backside felt like a burning red shrimp, searing with pain, almost to the point where she couldn't sit down.
Even at school, some people would make fun of her, saying, "Oh, Qiao Na, did you learn Chinese kung fu somewhere? Have you been to that Chinese kung fu dojo on the corner? Did you learn any nunchaku or anything like that?"
Qiao Na didn't want to endure those bastards' taunts.
The shortcut Qiao Na took was through Grant Park. Usually, at this time, there would still be some people who enjoyed strolling and chatting in the park, but due to recent events, fewer and fewer people were out at night. Even her dad had told her to come home early after school every time.
Going home so late today would definitely result in a beating.
It was all that guy Louis's fault.
Speaking of Louis, he had gone home half an hour before her. He should be home by now.
Their homes weren't very far apart; they could be considered childhood sweethearts.
A cold wind blew, making Qiao Na shiver. It was really cold tonight, especially in the park. The wind rustling through the trees made an eerie sound.
Qiao Na suddenly noticed with surprise that there were so many red balloons in the park. She had walked through this park yesterday and hadn't seen any of these balloons. What was going on? Hadn't the sanitation workers noticed them?
From Qiao Na's perspective, many red balloons were piled and hung among the branches of the green trees in the park, with white strings dangling down due to gravity.
Qiao Na didn't pay it any mind, thinking it was just someone's prank. But after Qiao Na walked past this path, the red balloons suddenly rotated, revealing some scribbled drawings on them. It was the likeness of a human face, and the drawn eyes on the face eerily moved, staring at Qiao Na's retreating figure.
In this scene, it appeared very strange, even a bit more terrifying than some scenes in horror movies.
However, Qiao Na didn't notice this. She was eager to get home quickly, hoping to receive less of a beating from her strict father.
"What's going on today? Why haven't I left this park after so long?"
Qiao Na suddenly felt a bit confused. She had walked through this park countless times before, and by this time, she should have already left. Yet, she was still on the tree-lined path in the park, treading on pebbles. Yes, that's right, this was the most famous pebble path in this park, where many people used to stroll.
Suddenly, Qiao Na's pupils changed. She actually saw Louis's clothes hanging in the nearby bushes. What was going on? How could Louis's clothes be here? Hadn't he already gone home?
Qiao Na took down Louis's clothes and found them to be very damaged, as if torn apart by something that had pierced through them.
Qiao Na's confusion grew. Faintly, she seemed to hear a familiar voice calling out, coming from nearby, very persistent.
"Hey! Qiao Na… help me… Qiao Na…"
The more she listened to the voice, the more familiar it became. Finally, she recognized the owner of the voice: it was Louis! What had happened to him? Why was he calling for help? Hadn't he gone home? Why was he here?
Completely baffled, Qiao Na had no other choice but to go find Louis, following the direction of the voice.
Qiao Na followed the sound and finally located its source in a storm drain in Grant Park, where water usually flowed in.
The sound was coming from inside, and Qiao Na looked hesitantly at the dark drain.
"Louis, is that you? Are you in there?"
Qiao Na asked tentatively.
Soon, she received a response; a man's voice indeed came from within.
"Yes, it's me, I'm Louis, Qiao Na, quickly save me, I'm stuck in here and can't get out."
The voice was very anxious and panicked, seemingly unable to remain calm due to the darkness of the drain.
But Qiao Na felt something was off. Why would Louis be in the storm drain? Hadn't he gone home? And even earlier than her.
She tentatively asked, "Can you let me see your face?"
"No, no, Qiao Na, my hand is stuck, I can't see you. You have to come a little closer for me to see you."
"Please! Qiao Na, save me, I beg you!"
Louis's voice was so real and urgent that Qiao Na became increasingly convinced.
Although that eerie feeling lingered in Qiao Na's heart, her concern for her childhood friend ultimately overcame that hint of worry.
So Qiao Na gradually approached the dark crevice of the storm drain. The crevice wasn't very large, but it seemed just big enough for a seven or eight-year-old child to fall into. Of course, some slender girls could also fall in.
However, Qiao Na paid no attention to this. She leaned closer, wanting to see if Louis was really inside, and repeatedly emphasized, "Louis, are you there? I'm coming closer. I'm Qiao Na, let me see your face."
As Qiao Na drew closer, aided by the faint light, she could seemingly make out a pair of weak eyes appearing inside the storm drain. They were Louis's, filled with exhaustion and panic; he was truly trapped in there.
But how did this happen? How did Louis get into such a small crevice?
And this simply didn't make sense! Hadn't Louis gone home?
Qiao Na didn't notice that behind her, many red balloons had gradually appeared from who knows where. These red balloons were gently blown by a mysterious breeze, slowly drifting over.
Strangely, these balloons didn't fly directly into the sky; instead, they remained in place, swaying with the wind.
Now that she had confirmed it was Louis in the storm drain, Qiao Na prepared to rescue him, but for a while, she didn't know what to do and couldn't come up with a good plan.
Louis was still anxiously urging, "Qiao Na, save me, quickly save me, I'm in so much pain, my hand is stuck."
"I know, Louis, stop bothering me, I'm thinking of a way!"
But what useful solution could a high school girl come up with? This was a park, and it was already almost half past ten. Even if people hadn't been out for walks recently due to some events, by this time, you should have already gone home, let alone with the gang issues causing many people to go home earlier and not go out.
Qiao Na was now in a difficult situation, pacing back and forth, completely at a loss for what to do and unable to come up with a useful solution!
Right, call the police. That's the only way.
Qiao Na searched all over herself but found that she hadn't brought her phone. She remembered, she had forgotten to take her phone.
Damn it, what should I do? The only solution was lost just like that.
"Louis, where's your phone? Do you still have your phone?"
Qiao Na shouted into the storm drain.
"Qiao Na, I still have my phone, and it has power, I can make calls."
Louis gave Qiao Na a clear answer, which finally made Qiao Na breathe a sigh of relief. It was good that hope wasn't completely lost; there was still a way, there was still a way.
"Louis, quickly call the police station. Only the police station can get you out now."
"No, my hand is stuck and injured, and my other hand is also weak, I can't even dial the number."
Louis said weakly and pleaded with Qiao Na, "Qiao Na, come a little closer. I'll hand you my phone, you make the call. I really don't have the strength to press the keys to make a call."
Qiao Na walked over without any hesitation: "Okay, Louis, give me your phone, I'll make the call."
Since the storm drain was at ground level, Qiao Na had to squat down and lean in to look.
It was pitch black inside, with only Louis's eyes still bright. But now there was another bright spot: the light from the phone screen. Louis seemed to be handing the phone to Qiao Na, but he was too far from the exit to reach her. Qiao Na had to squat down even further, reaching her hand into the storm drain, trying to take the phone.
But it was still a little too far, she couldn't reach it at all. Qiao Na had no choice but to squat even lower, almost pressing her body to the ground, and reaching her hand forcefully into the storm drain, trying to grab the phone.
Finally, she grabbed it, but it wasn't her grabbing the phone; another pair of hands grabbed her hand, and those hands were very strong, cold, and had a rough, abrasive feel.
Whose hands could these be? These were definitely not Louis's hands. Qiao Na suddenly became terrified, because that hand began to pull with great force, trying to drag her into the storm drain.
Qiao Na struggled with all her might, but thankfully, although her body was also thin, she could barely resist the pulling force of that hand, because her other hand was braced against the edge of the outside steps!
"No, no, who are you? Let go of me quickly, you're not Louis, where's Louis?"
"No, I am Louis, your beloved Louis, Qiao Na!"
A deep voice, carrying a hint of a triumphant laugh, spoke. The hands that had grabbed Qiao Na extended more arms, all grabbing Qiao Na's hand, trying to completely drag her into the storm drain.
And by the light, Qiao Na finally saw clearly what was inside!
It was a clown in a red and white costume, with a hideous face, pure white paint, and yellow pupils, bringing a fear that Qiao Na would never forget in her life.
This was a monster; it actually had countless arms, and it had even killed Louis. That was clearly Louis's head; his body had long been eaten clean.
"Yes, yes, this is the fear. I am the clown, Dancing Clown. Be afraid, I will eat all the children of Gotham City, one by one!"
Yes, yes, this is the fear! I am the Clown, Pennywise the Dancing Clown! Be afraid, children of Gotham City, I will eat you all, one by one!"
Pennywise received such delicious fear for the first time, and it was truly intoxicating!
He was almost immersed in it, and even the human head in his hand unnaturally dropped into the sewer, only to be picked up again by a limb he conjured!
Pennywise seemed to recall the first time he tasted fear, the terrified expressions of those children, their unparalleled fear of him, their screams and roars—everything was so delightful.
Now, as if that scene was replaying, Pennywise couldn't help but take a deep breath.
Endless fear attacked Qiao Na's heart. She hadn't expected Louis to die, and to die so horribly, eaten by this monster. Now, it had set its sights on her, using Louis to trick her.
This was a terrifying monster!
Amidst her fear, Qiao Na found a surge of strength from somewhere. Taking advantage of Pennywise's less concentrated attention, she forcefully pulled out her arm, breaking free from Pennywise's grasp.
Qiao Na's scream echoed throughout the night. She was going mad. She ran frantically, continuously, just wanting to get away from that dark sewer. It had become a nightmare in her life, not only Pennywise, that terrifying Clown monster, but also Louis's death which had dealt her a huge blow. The hateful Clown had made sure she saw Louis's head clearly, from the terrified expression on his face to the smallest details, all so vivid...
She escaped Pennywise, which seemed to be her luck, or perhaps Pennywise had allowed it on purpose.
Qiao Na ran wildly in the park, not wanting to stop for a moment. Suddenly, a dense cluster of red balloons floated from somewhere ahead. A gust of wind blew through the red balloons, and they abruptly turned, revealing faces painted with red dye. Whether it was Qiao Na's imagination or not, she noticed those faces were smiling at her.
This was too bizarre. Why were so many strange things happening tonight?
Qiao Na was very scared, very scared, her heart felt like it was about to burst. Just then, those red balloons suddenly exploded one after another.
A low voice, as if Qiao Na could never escape it, rang out—it was the voice of that terrifying Clown.
"Run, Qiao Na, run! You will never escape my grasp. I am the Clown, Pennywise the Dancing Clown! I will be your eternal nightmare, and Gotham City's inescapable nightmare…"
The figure of the Clown, and that ferocious face she could never forget, suddenly flashed through Qiao Na's mind. The yellow pupils and greedy eyes made Qiao Na tremble.
…
One day later, Grant Park.
Two police cars arrived at the park entrance, and seven or eight Officers got out. They conducted a thorough search inside and outside the park, but seemed to find nothing of significance.
The person in charge of this mission was a middle-aged black man named Willis. He had the nickname "Desperate Sanlang" because he approached his work with more seriousness and dedication than anyone else, which also made him a thorn in the side of various gangs.
But Willis was not afraid in the slightest; his heart was filled only with hatred and rage. He would not tolerate any evil, unfair, or unjust matters.
Because his entire family had been destroyed by those gangs, a person with nothing to lose is terrifying. And such a person, filled with rage and conviction, is even more terrifying.
"Captain Willis, we didn't find anything useful, nor did we find any strange Clown."
An Officer came to report to Willis!
This answer made Willis frown; it was clearly not the answer he wanted.
It turned out that earlier this morning, they received an emergency call from a girl named Qiao Na. She reported that there was a terrifying Dancing Clown named Pennywise in Grant Park, claiming he had killed her childhood sweetheart, a high school student named Louis, who was also her classmate.
The little girl's expression and words definitely weren't lying; everything she said was true. This made Willis wonder if a perverted Clown was lurking in Grant Park—a second Clown? This was certainly not a good joke.
Willis's face was grim, as if he had thought of something—that thing he least wanted to mention, or remember, which had become his greatest nightmare and the source of his conviction?
In any case, Gotham City only needed one Clown, no, it should be said that no Clowns should appear in Gotham City; all Clowns must be eliminated.
"The little girl described the events of last night in detail this morning. I could tell she was very frightened, but she still clearly explained the whole story."
Willis said seriously, "We've searched Grant Park, but there's one place we haven't searched yet, and that's the sewer!"
"Search! We must get to the bottom of this today. I also spoke with the parents of the child named Louis, and Louis indeed didn't come home last night. Perhaps there really is a Clown who murdered that boy and has been lurking in Grant Park, carrying out killings!"
Willis's voice was resolute, but the Officer nearby hesitated, saying, "I just feel this is a bit too far-fetched. A Clown, Pennywise, who only appears at night, specifically eats children, and is a monster hiding in the sewer, with yellow eyes, a face painted white, and a receding hairline. Oh, are you sure this isn't a fairy tale?"
"Compared to all that, I think you should obey my orders. Go and check the sewer immediately. Also, remind everyone to be careful, switch off the safety on your pistols, and prepare your searchlights. The environment in the sewer is not like up here. If there really is some perverted Clown suddenly attacking us, we might not even have time to react. We must strive for zero casualties!"
Willis thought a lot and considered everything very thoroughly!
The Officer went to notify the others but grumbled under his breath, "This is simply impossible. A Clown that can transform countless arms, limbs like a spider-grasshopper—it's completely far-fetched! And he said there were red balloons everywhere, why didn't I see any red balloons? Captain Willis is really something, why make us do such boring things!"
Not far from where these Officers were searching, in a sewer, a red balloon suddenly floated up. With a smiling face painted in white, it was very eye-catching. Under the gaze of a curious child, it slowly drifted over. The child couldn't help but curiously reach out and grasp the white string of the red balloon.
Oh, Peter, where did you get that red balloon?
This was probably a couple who had been watching the police search. They turned around to find their child holding a red balloon, not knowing how he got it.
"Mom, this balloon floated up from below, and it even has a face on it..."
The child said innocently, his parents didn't pay much attention, just patted his head, and the family left. The child still held the red balloon, just missing Willis who had turned around.
There were seven Officers, six men and one Officer. Two Officers were left to continue searching Grant Park, while the rest entered the sewers.
Willis led the way. He was certain the little girl wasn't lying. He chose to believe her. Regardless, they had to go into the sewers today and search thoroughly to see if they could find any clues.
That mysterious pervert hiding in the sewers, Willis hoped he wouldn't be caught by him, otherwise Willis would make him pay dearly for his crimes.
The environment inside the sewers was very damp and had an unpleasant smell, causing everyone to frown. An Officer turned on a searchlight, and the bright beam instantly illuminated the darkness of the sewers.
"None of us know the situation inside these sewers. For now, we won't split up. We'll walk and search together. Even if we do split, the distance between us shouldn't exceed 10 meters. If anyone finds anything, they must report it immediately."
Willis said, then imagined the entire sewer structure in his mind. According to the girl, the mysterious red-clothed clown was in a ditch not far from where they entered the sewer. Normally, when it rained or there was water flow, it would flow into the sewer from there.
There was a lot of space down there, and it was indeed possible for someone to hide.
Having identified the most suspicious area, all the Officers followed Willis's footsteps towards the ditch.
Although the sewers were very complex, even getting into the ditch required navigating many paths. However, Willis was already very familiar with these sewers; he had done a lot of research for this, obtaining a map of the sewer lines for this part of Gotham City.
Squeak!
A sound of rats came, making everyone feel both tense and relaxed. A burly white Officer in the team stomped hard on a rat that suddenly emerged from a nearby drainage channel, finding it disgusting and filthy.
"Alright, everyone, don't be so jumpy. That clown named Pennywise is very likely a serial killer. I've checked all the surveillance footage near the sewer exits and confirmed that no one has entered Gotham through the sewer exits."
Willis's eyes were as sharp as an eagle's. He was determined to catch that clown named Pennywise; that psychopathic killer was their prey.
"So, it's highly probable that the clown is still in these sewers and hasn't left."
"Officers, keep your spirits up, and be careful. I hope there are no casualties."
"Yes, sir."
The group was full of energy, all eager to find that psychopathic killer, because the boy named Louis had indeed gone missing. Surveillance footage confirmed he had entered Grant Park and had not come out since.
The search in the park outside was not without results; many fragments of Louis's clothes and traces of his movements were found.
A psychopathic killer, suspected of murdering a student. If they caught that guy and confirmed the murder, it would be a shot in the arm for the Gotham City Police Department, something that could be published in the Gotham Daily.
Compared to the glory it would bring, Willis was more inclined to bring the murderer to justice.
Soon, everyone arrived at the ditch. There was indeed a lot of space, enough to accommodate four or five people easily, and one could also observe the outside through the gap.
Drip, drip, drip!
Willis and his Officers searched cautiously, their pistols already off safety.
"Sir, look at this, I have a major discovery!"
An Officer found something during his search.
As the searchlight illuminated, light filled the entire space, dispelling all the darkness.
Willis looked at the spot the Officer mentioned, and indeed, there was a box the size of a washbasin.
What could be inside? Could it have been left by the murderer?
For some reason, Willis had a premonition that there might be a major clue hidden inside.
"Connie, open it and see what's inside. Be careful."
Willis said, his pistol aimed at the box. He would fire if anything seemed wrong.
The Officer decisively smashed open the box with the baton on her waist, and a blond human head rolled out, causing everyone's faces to change dramatically, and Willis's heart to burn with rage.
Although it was dirty and messy, Willis recognized it at a glance as the student named Louis. His parents had shown him a photo, so he couldn't be mistaken.
He didn't expect him to actually be murdered, and brutally decapitated. This was truly vicious. Such a killer, such a pervert, truly deserved to die!
Willis's face was grim. Louis's death was confirmed, but the psychopathic killer had not been found, which was undoubtedly a major blow to everyone.
"Wait, damn it, that head moved!"
An Officer shrieked, seemingly having seen something incredible that defied her understanding.
"What's going on? Why are you shouting? Quiet down!"
"No, sir, look at that head!"
Crack, crack!
A horrible sound, like chalk scraping, was heard. Louis's head, which had rolled onto the ground, strangely flipped over and opened its eyes. Especially in the eyes, there was no white at all, only a terrifying black that made people panic.
A strange smile appeared at the corner of Louis's mouth, followed by seven or eight spider-like limbs extending from various parts of Louis's head. His tightly closed mouth suddenly opened, revealing sharp, spider-like fangs.
Willis watched this scene in horror. What was this, a human head spider? Why would such a thing appear?
The scene unfolding before them shocked everyone; a severed head, incredibly, grew spider-like legs, came to life, and blinked at them.
This was truly a crazy thing!
"Shit, it's talking, it's actually talking, this thing can talk!"
The Officer named Connie pointed a trembling finger at the head-spider creature.
"Greetings to you, the great Dancing Clown salutes you. I am Pennywise, and Gotham City will welcome my fear. Hahahahaha…"
The head-spider's mouth opened and closed, uttering a low, deep voice, yet the atmosphere was incredibly eerie.
"What kind of monster are you? But no matter what you are, I won't let you succeed. Gotham City doesn't need any clowns, nor does it need you monsters to bring any fear. You will all be swept into the sewers and thoroughly eliminated."
Willis wasn't afraid of it at all. His sense of justice upheld his ideals; he possessed an unwavering spirit and fearless courage.
The head-spider's eerie expression changed slightly, most noticeably the smile on its face, which gradually froze, as if Willis's words had made it feel threatened.
Pennywise knew that this man would likely be her greatest opponent in the future. Among the five people present, only he showed no trace of fear; in fact, Pennywise could feel the disgusting justice emanating from this annoying black man.
This fearless justice even affected her fear power. Danger, the greatest danger, was him; the threat had to be eliminated in its infancy.
Pennywise controlled the head-spider, sending it charging towards Willis. Its six spider legs were incredibly swift and quick, appearing before Willis in the blink of an eye, fangs bared, ready to bite.
"I won't let you succeed."
Willis's resolute gaze remained unchanged. He dodged the head-spider's bite with a sideward roll, then raised his handgun and fired at the head-spider.
Bang!
Willis fired decisively, but unfortunately, he missed. The head-spider was extremely agile.
Since the attack on Willis failed, the head-spider turned its attention to the others. Click, click, click—the grating sound was the head-spider moving, caused by its joints.
"No! He's coming for me, he's coming for me!"
An Officer fled in a panic, unable to face a monster like the head-spider, as it was beyond his comprehension.
A look of disgust appeared on the head-spider's face. Indeed, only the fear of children was so delicious; the fear of adults was so dirty and repulsive.
But he had to admit, he desperately needed fear now, and even if it was hard to swallow, he could only force himself to consume it.
Fear was his source of power; the more fear he had, the stronger he would become.
"No, you can't run. You must face him, shoot him."
Willis shouted at his subordinate.
Unfortunately, it was useless. The Officer continued to flee frantically, but human legs could not outrun the head-spider. He was soon caught, then bitten on the neck by the head-spider, and died instantly.
Spider fangs are poisonous, and even though it was a head-spider, it was still a spider, and the same applied.
Bang, bang, bang!
The Officers collectively opened fire on the head-spider, but its speed was truly too fast. It managed to dodge every shot, which instead hit the walls or the ground.
"It's no use, it's no use. Fear me; you will all die here today!"
Pennywise shrieked.
Willis, however, was brave and fearless. Since bullets couldn't hit the opponent, he would defeat it with close-quarters combat. He drew his police baton and charged forward bravely, confronting the head-spider.
Pennywise was incredibly vexed. It was him again, this person again. Why was there not a single trace of fear? Humans should all have fear, so why did this person specifically lack it?
He couldn't understand, only feeling that it was extremely troublesome, as if this person was naturally his bane.
"No matter what kind of monster you are, Pennywise, I will bring you to justice!"
The head-spider charged again, and Willis bravely met its advance…
…
Behind the SCP Building, on a plaza platform, Wang Ya was speaking to the five members of the Special Reserve Team.
"You have passed two of the three assessments, and there is one last, most difficult one. I will inform you of the specific assessment time then. For now, you can begin your short day of vacation and relax well…"
After Wang Ya finished speaking, he nodded to them and returned to his room in the SCP Building.
On the table was a cup of hot milk, one of the few Western drinks Wang Ya enjoyed, valued for its original taste!
The matter he had been looking forward to had already been entrusted to Landon Fury and should now be implemented.
Regarding the construction process of the containment facility, Wang Ya had very strict requirements, after all, it was for containing our Sports Rehabilitation Specialist SCP-173; this could not be taken lightly.
It would take about one or two more days to construct a room that could temporarily house SCP-173. As for the space-time distorter, Wang Ya was still considering how to arrange it and what kind of containment room to build, as he didn't know what the entity truly was, and so far, it had not revealed more information.
This was something that greatly troubled Wang Ya!
As its influence on the world deepened, the likelihood of space-time distortion increased. Perhaps even if Wang Ya didn't materialize SCP containment objects, there would be a continuous stream of space-time distorters appearing.
But even if it was contained, the space-time distortion already caused was a foregone conclusion. Once more people became aware of it, and things slowly fermented, the world itself would naturally amplify the effects of space-time distortion.
If not contained in time, the space-time distortion would magnify, and batches of space-time distorters would turn Gotham City and New York City upside down… He seemed to be able to imagine that scene.
Like Pandora's Box, once opened, it could never be closed again.
It could very likely lead to the destruction of the world!
If a Zerg swarm appeared, Wang Ya couldn't even imagine that scene…
For this, Wang Ya could only try his best to find and contain and protect those space-time distorters.
However, Wang Ya's manifestation points were also related to influence. Once an SCP containment object appeared in the world, even if not subsequently materialized, it would still affect the world. Wang Ya could only strive for a moderate manifestation, and the development of the SCP Foundation was also like this.
To develop it rationally and moderately, to contain and protect, and to minimize the impact on the world, that way, the arrival of space-time distortion would be slower.
But the premise of all this was to possess the ability to protect oneself; first protect oneself, then protect others.
Wang Ya was a person who severely lacked a sense of security, stating that he would only feel at ease once he possessed strength comparable to that of the Ancient One and Odin.
Wang Ya: Manifesting a 682 feels a bit unsafe. Should I add a Scarlet King?
Two days later, surprising news reached Wang Ya: two clowns had appeared in Gotham City.
Landon Fury naturally discovered this unusual occurrence and informed Wang Ya.
"This is rather interesting. I'm almost certain this extra clown is related to the space-time distorter."
Soon, Wang Ya received more information.
"So that's it. Pennywise the Dancing Clown, an alien from Derry, arrived in Gotham City through a space-time distortion."
Wang Ya took a sip of the hot milk on the table and began to ponder how to deal with this space-time distorter. He knew a bit about Pennywise the Dancing Clown; he was an alien creature from the movie It, who fed on fear and particularly enjoyed eating children, being unable to resist their fear. A notable point was that he intensely disliked adults but possessed the ability to alter their memories.
Therefore, for dozens or even hundreds of years in Derry, he was never discovered by adults; only children knew of his existence, and even if they told adults, Pennywise would alter their memories.
His true form was a spider-like monster, or perhaps a grasshopper-like monster, seemingly a combination of both, possessing slight characteristics of each. As he fed on fear, he naturally possessed extraordinary powers.
However, Pennywise was relatively easy to deal with if one knew the method; even an unarmed child could defeat him.
He fed on fear, and fear was his source of power, but it was also his weakness.
One only needed to face him fearlessly and bravely, clearly recognizing in their mind that the Dancing Clown was not powerful. This would then affect the Dancing Clown, making him believe he was not powerful either. As the power of fear continuously drained, he would weaken, and eventually, even a three-year-old child could easily defeat him.
But achieving this was not easy. Once Pennywise the Dancing Clown possessed the power of fear, he could use all sorts of abilities, making him very troublesome.
Wang Ya also had to consider more than just this. The containment facility for Pennywise also needed to be put on the agenda as soon as possible. How it was to be built had to ensure Pennywise could be completely contained and unable to escape; this was the most important point.
Wang Ya decided to complete these preparations within three days. Now, he had to consider dealing with the surrounding troubles, those annoying gangs that kept sending spies into Hank District, investigating something, causing minor nuisances.
They were probably going to attack in the next few days, but Pennywise's matter was also a top priority and had to be resolved quickly to prevent the influence of the space-time distortion from growing larger.
The only thing that could be considered good news was the cleanup of Bru District, including the rubbish heap, which was being handled quite well. Within this month, all problems would likely be resolved, and Bru District would be completely revitalized.
Wang Ya finished all the remaining milk and let out a burp. It was still eight in the morning, and he had already woken up diligently and busily, working hard on his complex tasks. How industrious he was!
It was also time to first resolve the most urgent matter at hand, which was the placement of SCP-173. The containment facility had already been built, but Wang Ya truly had no confidence if it could really hold SCP-173. After all, he didn't have the resources, and the hasty construction over the past few days could only result in that appearance.
However, Wang Ya thought it should work!
After all, SCP-173 was so cute and well-behaved; once inside, it surely wouldn't just come out casually or cause any destruction.
The precondition was that no ignorant person should go inside or engage in a staring contest with SCP-173, of course, standing outside while SCP-173 was inside.
If anyone actually dared to do that, Wang Ya thought that person would be responsible for cleaning SCP-173's containment facility from then on.
D-class personnel needed to be supplemented, and armed personnel, as well as other personnel like scientists and researchers, also needed to be supplemented. Wang Ya felt completely destitute, like a lone commander.
However, the unique nature of the SCP Foundation meant that recruiting new members took a relatively long time, requiring careful assessment in terms of professionalism and other aspects. Most importantly, rationality was needed.
Wang Ya provisionally set the SCP Foundation's philosophy as keeping the world as stable and peaceful as possible, preventing supernatural events from harming the lives of ordinary people. The space-time distorter had to be contained, both to protect others and to protect the contained object.
Regarding the various crises in Marvel and DC, and even super crises threatening the entire planet, Wang Ya would not believe that those superheroes could completely resolve them. No, it should be said that they could adequately look after the civilians who needed help.
Newspapers in Gotham City were full of stories of civilian families harmed because of Batman, but these were all suppressed and hidden. After all, Gotham City needed a hero in the night, and the damage and impact caused during that time needed to be temporarily suppressed.
Wang Ya believed that individualistic heroes were the least reliable, but he had to admit that sometimes they were also the most reliable. This was full of complexity and randomness!
But more often, they were unreliable, because most superheroes lacked strict rationality, and their minds and wills constantly wavered. Except for a few superheroes with firm beliefs and unwavering decisiveness, most posed great potential danger.
Otherwise, Batman of the Justice League would not have recorded the weaknesses and countermeasures for every superhero.
Of course, it was ironic that even Batman himself was a superhero with some flaws, not having achieved the purest completeness in the rationality he upheld.
However, everyone has flaws and weaknesses; that is something Wang Ya could not deny. If a person had no flaws or weaknesses, Wang Ya could not imagine if they would still be a person. Perhaps only robots, only artificial intelligence, could completely achieve this without rational flaws.
Leaving other matters aside for now, the issue of SCP-173's placement had to be completed as soon as possible before moving on to the next problem.
Wang Ya got up and left the SCP Building, arriving in front of the fountain, and called five members of the Special Reserve Team.
Without any hesitation, like dumplings dropping into water, everyone jumped into the fountain. As space and time shifted, their lost consciousness gradually returned, and the blurry images before their eyes gradually became clear. They had arrived at the location of the underground base.