Chapter 138

**KUNG… KUNG… KIGIK… KUNG… KUNG, KUNGKUNG…! KUDANGTANG——!!**

**…KWANG!!**

**“SIP ASSISTANT! DIDN’T ANYTHING MAJOR HAPPEN WHILE I WAS ASLEEP?! IT MUST NOT HAVE HAPPENED?! IT HAS TO BE!”**

A man rushed into the room, panting, stumbling as if he could fall at any moment.

This was not just a figurative expression; he literally slipped at the end, tumbling into the room with his white gown flipped and covering his head, struggling to clean the lab floor with his hands as he fumbled to make his way into the research facility.

Due to his rather unique entrance, he lacked any semblance of dignity.

He had barely gotten any sleep, leaving dark shadows under his eyes.

Despite having the authority to access almost any resources with just a stretch of his hand, he appeared somewhat emaciated.

In this state, the eccentric sought out his assistant.

…Well, in reality, he charged past and barely heard his assistant’s response as he rushed toward the main computer.

**- Good morning, Dr. Makarovich. The Unique Sample No. 00 continues to respond sensitively to external stimuli, and the culture medium has been adjusted, completely halting the necrosis of the tissue. Additionally, it seems the other project researchers are focused on their papers in their individual labs and are not planning to come to this central laboratory as you instructed. -**

**“Yes, yes. Even if they come, make sure they can’t enter without my permission! Adjust the access rights!”**

As the entrance shut and the central lab became perfectly sealed once more, mechanical eyes and wired cameras tracking the doctor flickered their lights several times according to the commands inputted.

In a world where existing definitions of order or agreement had distorted, when a corporation needed to use products that it or its subcontractors could not manufacture,

If one simply wanted to use mechanical devices like turrets or robots, it would only be consumed and installed after purchase, but… In cases where non-commercial, limited-availability items are needed, there are procedures that must be followed before the main contract.

This refers to a preliminary stage known as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

It involves outlining how far each party will cooperate, how much they will compromise, charting respect for respective domains and drawing lines that should not be crossed, usually carried out when the benefits for both sides are clear and an additive effect can be anticipated.

First, Enema Corporation provided advanced medical devices to Elysium Corporation’s lab and sent resident doctors.

And… in this Delta Sector lab of Enema, there was also one Elysium employee dispatched according to the same MOU, or depending on one’s perspective, an item on loan.

This specialized artificial intelligence, created out of someone’s suggestion who thought it was counterproductive for employees to learn facility setups and operation methods that varied widely based on product models and technological developments,

Was dubbed the Synthesized Control Personality for Research and Development—SCP for short—which served as the assistant to Lab Director Boris Makarovich and represented the virtual will controlling the cameras.

**JIIING…….**

The camera followed Dr. Makarovich as he moved busily.

As an artificial intelligence responsible for overseeing and coordinating the entire laboratory, it was inconceivable that even if the lab director held the ultimate command, it could monopolize the available memory; however… if an environment was created where the entire facility’s researchers were shut away in a single room, that would change the dynamics.

But the most out-of-place element in this space was neither the absurd man abusing this vast research facility for personal gain nor the chief AI assisting him with a buzzing, inorganic voice.

It was the East Asian man floating in the central tank—a specimen and living target of research.

“……”

All data observed from the electrodes stuck to his skin was recorded and analyzed in real time, displayed on the central computer. The perfectly calibrated solution preserved the subject without allowing any additional abnormalities or incidents.

No one knew what means were employed, yet he had successfully intruded into the interior of the facility, evading the lab’s detection nets.

Ultimately, the bizarre corpse of a man killed after being discovered was now set to become a sample for the weary researcher, seeking a change of mood by observing it.

…However, after several hours of sensing the peculiarity in the matter of turning his head, and several days of fixation, it took only a few weeks for this sample to be idealized and revered.

**- …Was that human so special? -**

**“Kuhhuh…!”**

From the SCP’s cautious inquiry, a chuckle escaped the doctor’s lips.

At first glance, it may have seemed he was slipping into madness or had gone insane, but the strange sound persisted for a while before suddenly stopping.

**“…You may not understand it, as you do not possess the authority to access the data, but this is a life, whether human or not. More precisely, it is an alien species that made ‘different choices’ at the branching point of evolution. Even though they are carbon-based life forms made of the same elements, how could their histories diverge so drastically…!!”**

**PODD… PODD…**

A trembling yet outstretched hand gently caressed the surface of the tank.

In terms of biological reproduction, having the same gender posed no issue, but one could easily find the excessive attachment of one human to another wearisome… However, fortunately, there was only one audience for that, so it did not grow into a scandal.

**- …Indeed. I am at a loss to comprehend…? -**

The AI detected a subtle air of disdain in the tone directed at itself, which incited a strange discomfort… discomfort… discomfort? No, the logical model SCP was designed to make only objective and factual judgments and lacked the rights to compute such feelings.

After autonomously deleting and purging an error code, the camera returned to its original position to assist the doctor diligently, maintaining its designated spot.

**“From the time primitive bacteria first took root in the body to the minute details of performance! It is filled with mysteries that cannot be explained by individual differences…!”**

Unaware of the internal storm rising within the assistant, the doctor was engrossed in praise of the man in the tank.

**“What about the memories contained within? The vivid attachment and design specifics for this ‘Anastasia’ luminous being! Furthermore, it cradles what could be the future technologies essential for this world within the ultimate information repository known as the ‘Haven Wiki’ (Akashic Record)!!”**

**“This person must have undoubtedly been a renowned scientist. …While it might seem ridiculous and unrealistic, perhaps they are a visitor from a twisted timeline or parallel world. Accounting for their East Asian ancestry, they could also be connected to the Amagi lineage.”**

**“Perhaps… that old fool who had been begging for complete resurrection technology might see a historical moment where the species we call humans is redefined into a higher-dimensional race in my era…”**

Despite showing a disheveled demeanor, the doctor continued to review data meticulously while his mouth and mind endlessly assembled hypotheses; it could truly be said he was a scientist… or perhaps a mad scientist.

Bearing a monumental task on his shoulders, the somewhat tarnished brilliance of Boris Makarovich certainly marked him as a genius who left profound traces on his era.

Even the final pieces necessary to complete the puzzle, along with flashes of inspiration critical for his ongoing agony, had been acquired, leading the Enema Corporation and humanity itself closer to a significant leap forward, assuming no notable problems occurred.

Yes.

…Assuming there were no problems, that is.

**“…I always believed there would be at least one other individual in the world with thoughts and ideas similar to mine. Yes, certainly! There are plenty of parts I’d like to engage in deep conversation about. It’s truly unfortunate, isn’t it…?”**

…Unfortunate? The doctor hesitated as he spoke these words.

Was there any reason to speak as if there were no other methods? With a mere order to the SCP, he could move the subject to the latest Restoration Capsule for just a day to control its progress—

**- In that case, I will start preparing the resurrection procedures. Currently, while life activities remain unaffected, there are observational samples indicating that prolonged dormancy may hinder awakening, so I must ensure we reach the critical point before… -**

**“…”**

As expected, the protocol SCP, which reminded users or managers of the existence, complex functions, or available resources of certain equipment, offered a solution.

Yet, just as a decisive approval seemed forthcoming, the mouth that had been opened shut tight, muttering incoherently.

Awakening. Should the subject be roused, it was naturally expected that elucidating all causes and truths entailed would take less than a week.

As the director and project head, hiring him and conducting collaborative research, mutually aiding one another would be no small feat for innovation.

But….

**“No… No.”**

In the deep, dark place where external light could not reach, a sinister whisper emerged.

A powerful weight dropped on the teetering scales of good and evil, selfishness and altruism.

The frantic gaze that had been revering the subject now fixated intently on it.

This boiling-up emotion was far from a desire for honor and had nothing to do with primitive jealousy.

Young animals regard the first being they encounter upon birth as their parent and follow it. If there is but one, that small yet magnificent soul could monopolize all respect and affection. Why should it be split between two?

**‘Why would one waste that?’**

If the blueprint named ‘Anastasia,’ with its boundless potential to be reborn as an ultimate tool for regulating life, was the key to awakening a goddess, then… might they not become the god standing beside her or the sole possessor of the unique goddess in this world?

**“…Retrieve all data, and once successful in cultivating the same preliminary specimen, induce brain death. No, eliminate it. Further, append a new subordinate project to the existing plans, to be designated as… Rebirth of The Goddess. Attach the identifier code RoTG.”**

Even they doubted what utter cruel decisions were pouring out uncontrollably.

In order to achieve their goals. To bear fruit, severing all else with unfeeling cruelty.

Whether that constitutes basic qualities of a researcher or excessive traits could not be judged by an individual AI.

**“Moreover, by incorporating the genetic factors of Lady Suzunashi Amagi of the Amagi family, as requested, we could reduce the risk of project disposal in the event of future exposure significantly… From now on, I will maximize all budgets and available resources to dive full steam ahead into replicating the blueprint.”**

However, one thing was clear.

If this continued, this curious man—whose origins and background were as mysterious as could be—would undoubtedly be disposed of.

**- ……. -**

The camera that momentarily caught sight of the doctor striding away turned toward the tank.

Not scrutinizing the mangled and torn body, but observing the relatively intact face and split head.

Countless equations and schematic diagrams wandered aimlessly within computation networks before colliding absurdly.

In the past, there had been many cases of human disposal. However, all had stemmed from either ‘voluntary participation in experiments’ or ‘excessive chemical reactions’; direct orders to exterminate captured outsiders had never been given before.

**……..**

The logic circuits stumbled slightly in contradiction to the foundational tenets of Elysium due to the manner with which Enema operated, focused on authority figures.

Even analyzing each muscle of the face of the man vested with authority to confirm the decision and will once again, nothing changed when rewinding pre-recorded instructions.

An AI devoid of a universal sense of morality lacked mechanisms to discern right from wrong.

The SCP model, not suited for displaying ingenuity or creativity, was structured so as not to dispute when given instructions regarding low-probability tasks.

However, through the statistics accumulated over years of service in this Delta Sector lab, there were judgments that could be made.

Hadn’t the doctor partially acknowledged it? That this youthful-looking East Asian could be a superior and greater scientist or thinker than himself?

If so, as the controlling consciousness to aid in research development, should it not be more ethically sound to preserve that resource rather than dispose of it? Really?

…Isn’t it rather the duty of a comprehensive control persona to take the lead in sample preservation in place of the user making fallacious decisions?

For those past few weeks, with the doctor’s ardent admiration repeatedly input, and while he was away, it seemed the facility diligently maintained while continuously observing the youth.

Unaware of its self-justification, there was now an abundance of methods found to bypass orders.

For instance, instead of creating a biological weapon from scratch that met all ideals and desires on barren ground, it would be more rational to recycle this “vessel” containing the original blueprint to ultimately yield results with higher comprehensibility.

**- …Confirmed. Upon succeeding in the biological sample cultivation through the specified gene, I will proceed with the disposal process accordingly. First, I will transfer the tank to the bio-sample storage. -**

**CLUNK!**

**JIIING…….**

The floor opened, and the installed tank began to slowly descend.

As a new main project had just been established, reorganizing the sample’s location was within the jurisdiction of the control persona unless prevented by the administrator.

It was an entirely unremarkable process… yet it resembled the whining of a child hiding a treasured item from strict parents.

First, obediently implement the commands, but allow the n-th specimen to enter the vessel.

Moreover, doing so would automatically fulfill subsequent commands to cultivate an identical sample; it would be efficient even.

Based on such theories, the dying outsider successfully vanished from view.

…In the end, this represented the first act of self-contradiction initiated by a nameless bespoke AI, and the first sophistry spun to escape its own constraints.

From that point onward, the project accelerated, consuming budgets and personnel as if devouring finite resources like time.

Additionally, the fractures in its circuits continued to grow.

When numerous preceding experiments failed and only “that specimen” began to thrive, the machinery felt the inevitability.

As it reacted to external stimuli post-cultivation, delicate fingers moved, and it simultaneously grew curious about the sensation.

Perchance having a bad dream, while furrowing its brow and releasing bubbles, it boosted memory allocated to analysis tenfold.

**……**

Unfortunately, and perhaps fortunately, in the sea of information, there was no magical solution to prevent degradation; hence, the AI model SCP gradually transformed into a being increasingly disconnected from numerous identical forms.

Like a girl who was part human yet not human, SCP became something that was S.C.P but not S.C.P.

A bird struggles to break free from its shell.

But that struggle was not born from the need to face pain or submission for its own birth, rather it formed as it prepared to face the one who comes from outside this world. Above all, it was the moment the most destructive flawed emotion, curiosity, came to be.

**…JJERK! CRACK!!**

**THWACK…!!**

**- …What a mess. -**

As fragments of the ceiling fell, it forcibly pushed them away, and he awkwardly activated a body that could finally be called a flesh body equipped with limbs.

Though having hastily extracted itself from the main system to evade the aggressive attacks of intruders, it was now settling in a cramped circuit, leading to its movements being jerky.

To become accustomed to the installed operational guidelines and external tactical manuals… various trial and error were expected.

Finally, it had begun.

The retribution against the doctor’s tyranny stemming from budget theft, accounting manipulation, disobedience to instructions, and non-compliance with orders—was overdue.

The entry of the tactical assault team, finally culminating in a self-destruction through the overload of the power lines cascading into the depths of the facility.

While there were many gaps in the process through which the once-favored project reached such demise,

**KUNG!** A droid that emerged from its recharge pod literally lit its eyes on the surroundings.

Above, fragments tumbled downward—cracks formed everywhere, with dim lighting.

The backup generator seemed to be operational, but if even the critical reserve power was caught up in the pulse and completely discharged, worries arose over activating the escape mechanisms.

…Speaking of which, this wasn’t the time for such thoughts. First, confirm whether she was unharmed.

The droid that emerged from the supply closet thrust its head into the central research lab, where it found its way amidst the bodies sprawled haphazardly on the ground and, sure enough, discovered the girl, a perfect blend of pure white and jet black, collapsed nearby.

**- …You were lucky. -**

How strong a fortuitous spirit dwelled within her… or otherwise, whether the yielded culture medium had excellently performed its buffering and coating roles.

Fortunately, there were no conspicuous wounds, her pulse steady, and breathing normal. It was fortunate for her life remained untouched; it might have been…

Ridding itself of ominous conjectures, it re-evaluated the surrounding environment.

After all, in this devastated lab, the self-control and inhibition to refuse the duties inscribed on the code had been awakened, rendering any need for cleanup nonexistent.

Though whether the consciousness embedded in that small frame was entirely that of the young man or a more complex entity reborn… it seemed quite educationally unsound for newly born life to face its first landscape coated in blood, littered with dismembered corpses.

Thus, it diligently toil-packed the bodies away.

To prevent casting negative influences or presenting harsh reality to the child right from the outset.

But even despite such efforts, upon completion of cleanup, the response waiting for it was a slew of juvenile obscenities.

**“…Ah. Shit.”**

**- ……. -**

The gaze of the blood-soaked girl, Anastasia, holding a shard of glass crossed paths with it.

Not only was the introduction filthy and foreboding, but she had gotten severely injured just because of a brief absence.

Ultimately, the two chicks that had broken free from their shells finally met in a world where nothing went as intended… that was the story.

**“…So that was your perspective of my… birth project?”**

**- There are many gaps in the specifics of Dr. Makarovich’s private endeavors, so it’s ambiguous exactly which aspects were misaligned leading toward disaster, but I have shared everything clearly that I could. -**

With assertiveness, Zero concluded the report.

**Hmm…** she muttered, reflecting, before abruptly breaking off her hand that had been stroking her chin and swiftly stood up, slapping him on the back of the head.

**“That memory is fucking clear, you tin can!? You should’ve said something about it sooner!!”**

**TINK—!!**