Chereads / Anomaly Story / Chapter 42 - Chapter 41 - Black Lake [1]

Chapter 42 - Chapter 41 - Black Lake [1]

(POV - Graham Vickers)

Graham Vickers, one of the directors of the organization that protects humanity from beings that completely defy logic and human understanding, possessed, given his position, extensive knowledge about the secrets and global operations of the organization. Of course, this wasn't exactly new information, as most people working in the organization had some notion of it.

However, Graham held information that many did not, such as knowledge about anomalies that had previously been captured and cataloged. Thanks to his position, he was able to create justifications and reasons to keep some of these anomalies out of the public eye. One of them was a particularly intriguing anomalous object.

In a way, the anomaly was harmless. Several tests had demonstrated that it was an inanimate object, devoid of any will or thought. In short, it was just a tool. However, this simple anomaly had a distinguishing feature that made it truly unique.

The anomaly resembled an old typewriter, and like an ordinary typewriter, it could be used for writing. However, once a piece of paper was placed on it, the machine began to write by itself, without any assistance. Many studies had been conducted on this machine, but no other functionality beyond this had been found.

However, Graham was the first to discover its true functionality, although it was by accident. One day, Graham decided to write on the machine without placing any paper, just out of curiosity to see if anything would happen. However, as soon as he did, the typewriter suddenly started writing by itself again.

An old, worn piece of paper mysteriously appeared where there should have been nothing. The moment Graham picked it up, his life and all his goals changed completely.

Graham lost his family to an unknown anomaly when he was younger. Since then, he had been trying to understand these anomalies but had actually become obsessed with their anomalous powers and how they could break patterns once thought impossible.

Graham wanted to know what existed beyond death and believed that his family had died for a greater purpose. As the sole survivor, he had a blind conviction that he had a mission to fulfill.

Graham knew that one day he would achieve what he had been seeking for so long. To him, it didn't matter what he had to sacrifice or how inhumane it might seem; he would continue until he reached his grand objective.

Graham was brought back to reality by the distinctive ring of his phone. Stopping in the middle of the long corridor of the facility, he answered it, bringing it to his ear. He didn't say a word, but soon a voice sounded from the other end of the line.

"Hey, little director, just calling to let you know that the plan was a complete success. The lead researcher really turned a blind eye while I walked right past her, hehe"

Upon hearing the man's words from the other side, Graham raised an eyebrow but maintained his calm, composed, and imposing expression.

"You called me just to say that? From the start, the plan had no flaws. Emily is smart, but when we overload her mind with multiple situations, her actions become confused. She ends up making trivial mistakes she would normally avoid, like not carefully checking a new employee"

The voice on the other end of the line laughed again, in a tone that overflowed with happiness, mixed with a hint of madness. Even Graham felt uncomfortable hearing the man.

"Funny to hear that from you. But putting that aside, we'll soon be starting the next phase of the plan. I confirmed that "she" is who we're looking for. We need to bring her to our side, but first, we must get her away from the facility. I assume you've already thought about how to do that, right, Director Graham Vickers?"

***

(POV – Protagonist)

My week after last week's tests, to be honest, hasn't changed as much as I imagined, considering everything I demonstrated to them. Well, if I had to highlight any change, I guess I would mention the drastic reduction in the number of scientists who used to visit me periodically—almost as if I were some kind of rare specimen or something.

Other than that, nothing really changed. Emily and Laura continue to visit me and bring things that, to be honest, I never use, like dolls. However, they almost always bring snacks for me. Besides that, my outings using my shadow movement abilities continue as usual.

I thought they would remove any light sources from my room, but it seems they still don't quite understand how my ability works. In fact, they have increased the lighting quite a bit around here. The problem is that this ends up having the opposite effect, as with so much furniture, the bright light just creates more shadows in the environment.

Going back to the issue of still needing to sneak out, I coincidentally discovered the reason why my usual visits from various scientists have been cut back. Apparently, they've finally given me a risk classification, something called Obscurium. The name sounds like it's from a work of fiction, but apparently, this classification limits who can visit me.

I haven't heard much about the other classifications, but it seems there are three more above mine. I wonder if there's a classification for beings with divine powers or something like that. I mean, there must be some anomaly out there so powerful that they can't contain it, right?

Anyway, continuing with the updates: I gained a new power after absorbing the colors from that skeletal wolf. Just like it, I can now coat my body in a bone armor. I haven't tested the durability of these bones yet, but considering the wolf was the original user of the ability, I can probably withstand most attacks with little to no damage.

Although it's obvious, I've avoided using this ability near other people, especially the scientists. I think it's wise to keep some tricks up my sleeve, but the main reason is that I simply don't see the need to use it. This ability seems purely defensive, and besides protecting me, it doesn't offer any form of attack.

Considering that the wolf, the former owner of this ability, was already a weapon in itself, it probably didn't need to develop it for attacking. And honestly, I don't know if I could enhance an ability beyond what the original wielder did. At least until now, in the time I've used my abilities, no change has occurred.