The Consequences Of Defiance

Upon returning to the hotel, Luo Shu prepared to retire for the night as usual.

As he walked down the east corridor of the fifth floor, he encountered the "cleaning lady" once more.

On Foundation-controlled grounds, there were no ordinary janitors. Luo Shu knew she was Site-CN-02's surveillance operative—he saw her nearly every day.

Still, he nodded politely, maintaining a friendly demeanor. After all, they were fellow Chinese—he bore no ill will toward his own people.

But this time, the woman glanced around furtively before whispering, "Mr. He, you really shouldn't stay here."

Luo Shu stiffened. Is she with the Chaos Insurgency?

But no—if they'd recognized him as Luo Shu, they wouldn't address him as "Mr. He." And the Insurgency wouldn't warn him out of kindness.

Keeping his tone neutral, he asked, "Why not?"

The woman patted her chest earnestly. "Speaking from my conscience—this place is outrageously overpriced with terrible service! You seem like a decent man. I can't bear to see you scammed."

How "heartfelt."

This was clearly a ploy to get him to leave. Luo Shu wasn't fooled.

The truth was, Site-CN-02's security director was growing desperate. "He Tu" had already stayed a full week with no signs of checking out.

Profits were secondary—security came first!

With Achilles' Heel now residing at the hotel, the risk of "He Tu" accidentally encountering them had skyrocketed. Containment breaches couldn't be risked—he needed to leave.

But Luo Shu remained unmoved. Smiling, he replied, "Auntie, I appreciate your concern. Money isn't an issue—I enjoy the peace and quiet here."

Defiance had consequences.

While the Foundation wasn't as reckless as the Chaos Insurgency, it remained a paramilitary organization wielding thousands of anomalies. When polite persuasion failed, less civil measures followed.

For stubborn "guests" like "He Tu," a long-term amnestic and forceful relocation to another hotel was likely imminent.

As an ordinary civilian, resisting the Foundation was futile—the powerless always suffered.

Luo Shu understood this perfectly. But he couldn't leave yet.

Site-CN-02 housed dozens of anomalies—he'd documented fewer than ten. There was no way he'd abandon his mission now.

I'll stay as long as possible.

Returning to his room, he slept early.

By 2:00 AM, he awoke and immediately activated Unobservable State, infiltrating Site-CN-02 once more. With the Foundation pressuring him to leave, efficiency was critical.

After traversing his private passageway, he headed straight for Euclid Containment (B3). Tonight marked his first foray into Euclid-class anomalies here.

Then he remembered SCP-CN-982's final warning:

"Do not approach SCP-CN-1451!"

But when he reached B3's junction, three branching paths confronted him.

How the hell am I supposed to know which leads to SCP-CN-1451?

Wasting time searching for directions wasn't an option—he needed to document as many anomalies as possible before the Foundation escalated to forcible removal.

Besides, as the Compendium stated:

"Whether it guides you to heaven or hell depends on you. This anomaly takes no responsibility."

If SCP-CN-982 wouldn't shoulder the blame, why should he obey blindly?

He'd handled Euclid-class before—even several Keters. This was nothing to fear.

Dismissing further hesitation, he turned right and got to work.

1. SCP-CN-724 ("Shennong's Whip")

The first containment unit proved straightforward.

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[Item #: SCP-CN-724]

[Designation: Shennong's Whip]

[Object Class: Euclid]

[Anomalous Property: "Herbalism." Contains the botanical knowledge of Shennong, the Divine Farmer. (To clarify—this refers to Shennong's whip, not any anatomical feature.)"]

Beyond its practical survival applications, the whip itself was sentient. After pleasant negotiations, it joined his growing roster of anomalous allies.

At this stage, Luo Shu no longer expected to reach Anomalous Ally Milestone Tier 3—likely requiring 100 allies. The milestone's true value now lay in daily ability activations.

His strategy was simple:

Sentient anomalies: Befriend for recurring use.

Non-sentient objects: Photograph with SCP-105-B for on-demand access via Picture Passage.

This system ensured near-daily availability for most abilities.

2. SCP-CN-1451 ("Game Boot Stone")

The next unit housed a metallic safe, its exterior an unpainted silver alloy—unlike standard painted models.

Inside rested a blue glass cube containing a miniature mountain range.

Luo Shu recognized it instantly—K2, the world's second-highest peak, which he'd seen just days ago.

W-Class Mnestics confirmed his dread:

This was SCP-CN-1451, the very anomaly SCP-CN-982 had explicitly warned against.

"Game Boot Stone Comprehensive Evaluation Device."

I need to leave. Now.

But as he stepped back, disorientation struck.

When his senses cleared, the room had transformed.

A lavishly embroidered banner now spanned the wall, its text glowing ominously:

"WELCOME TO THE GAME."

I'm screwed.

Defiance had consequences indeed.