Although my curiosity was focused on the thing that had taken my shape, it was impossible to ignore the fact that, in just a few seconds, I would be nothing more than a pancake on the ground.
Honestly, I couldn't tell if facing this possibility with such calmness was a good or worrying thing. My "eyes" finally turned to the creature when I noticed some strange movement.
The first thing I noticed when staring at it was that it just kept watching me, motionless, without taking any action. However, suddenly, its body began to release even more of that dark, steaming smoke.
I blinked, confused, tilting my head slightly to the side. In the next moment, the thing dissolved into smoke again and started to encircle me.
I watched the smoke, puzzled by its actions, but the worry of crashing into the ground in just a few seconds kept hammering in my mind. It was then that, at the exact moment this thought crossed my mind, the smoke finally acted.
It moved around me, forming a spiral, before rapidly closing in on my body. In an instant, the smoke transformed into some sort of black cloak that enveloped me completely.
I was completely perplexed by the situation. First, black smoke started following me, then it took my form, and in the end, it turned into a cloak that covered me without even asking for my opinion.
No matter how you looked at it, everything seemed strangely absurd. However, something positive happened: as soon as the cloak covered me, my fall began to slow down. It was as if I were gliding, almost floating.
Finally, my feet touched the ground gently, and I could feel the texture of the grass beneath them. However, the confusion persisted. What exactly had happened? A moment ago, I was falling freely, and suddenly I was saved by dark, steaming smoke, like the one the creature emitted from its body. I looked at myself, evaluating my new appearance from head to toe.
From one angle, I looked vaguely like a reaper from modern stories. However, there was something different — something more sinister. My cloak seemed even more threatening, made entirely of that dark, vibrant smoke, almost as if it were living black embers, pulsing with dark, unsettling energy.
"Lady Angel! Where are you?"
I turned my gaze toward the woods, where Laura's voice came from. Almost at the same time, the black, smoky cloak that enveloped my body dissolved, transforming back into smoke before seeping inside me. I blinked, stunned. It all happened so fast that I didn't even have time to process what had just occurred.
I sighed, though the sound was inaudible since I didn't have vocal cords. I quickly looked toward the lake, which, for some reason, seemed strange since I had defeated that giant monster. Of course, I hadn't defeated the lake — there was still that thin, translucent line extending into the water, no matter where I looked in the woods.
In other words, that giant, octopus-headed creature that emerged from the lake didn't seem to be connected to it at all. This made me question: what exactly is this lake? Slowly approaching the edge, I looked into the water. It was impossible to see my reflection since the surface of the lake was as dark as night. However, something was still visible, as my golden eyes glowed like lanterns in the darkness.
I didn't know why, but somehow, as I stared at the lake, it felt like something was watching me back, coming from the depths. It was the same lake I had once considered impossible to explore to the bottom, as it seemed to expand the deeper you went.
"Lady Angel, if you're near, please follow my voice!"
Laura's voice echoed again through the woods. I glanced once more at the lake before stepping away and heading in the direction of her call. Though some thoughts about the lake still lingered in my mind, honestly, as long as it didn't involve me, I didn't care that much.
***
(POV - Emily Parker)
Emily was lost in her thoughts as she looked at the clipboard in her hands. Although she knew she needed to write a report on what had happened at base 17, she simply didn't know where to begin. The words seemed inadequate to explain everything she had witnessed. Without a doubt, that was the most terrifying experience Emily had ever faced.
Moreover, that creature made of black mist with an octopus head was something Emily knew had emerged from the lake. However, it was the first time she had seen the lake release a creature like that. To Emily, a mere mortal, it seemed the closest thing to a "God" she had ever witnessed.
(And that being, which was more like a god, was defeated by a simple anomaly with the cute appearance of a gelatinous skin... If that thing was something close to a god, then what the hell is this anomaly we're carrying with us right now, inside the jet?)
Emily narrowed her eyes slightly as she observed the anomaly inside the large tank, apparently napping, its chest rising and falling gently. Which, to be honest, was strange, as far as Emily knew, the anomaly didn't have lungs.
However, it was performing several actions that would normally require lungs. In some ways, this anomaly was even more surprising than the mist creature she had seen at base 17.
"I seriously need to rethink my career... It's still hard to believe I work in a place where I'm supposed to consider events like today's as normal. Also, the Obscurium classification seems a bit inadequate for her, considering everything that happened"
"This isn't the first time I've heard something like that, Victor, and I doubt it'll be the last. Besides, what exactly do you mean by that? 'Lady Angel' saved us! We can't just classify her as more dangerous. If we do that, she'll definitely be marked as a target for elimination"
"Look... I'm not ungrateful enough to lead my savior straight to the slaughterhouse. Besides, I'm not suggesting we should rank her any higher... at least not officially. Just between the three of us, I think the Obscurium might not reflect her true strength. I mean, if it were us, do you really think we would've been able to stop that thing that came out of the lake? Ever since I saw that thing rise up, I've been thinking maybe we don't know that lake as well as we thought we did. Whatever that thing is, it's been playing with us this whole time"
Emily listened intently to the conversation between Laura and Victor as several thoughts raced through her mind. Just like Victor had pointed out, Emily also believed Obscurium didn't reflect the true power of the anomaly.
However, putting her at higher levels would make her a target for elimination. Emily wasn't naïve enough to try to destroy the anomaly, especially after being saved by it.
With her elbow resting on her knee and her hand supporting her face, Emily watched the anomaly sleep peacefully. No matter how much she looked, it seemed completely harmless, almost like a child.
However, Emily knew no child could defeat an entity resembling a god. Deep down, she agreed with Victor: Obscurium no longer reflected the true level of that anomaly.
However, it wasn't as if Emily could simply ignore all the times the anomaly had saved her. Moreover, on several occasions, the creature had shown a surprisingly peaceful relationship with humans... even when they subjected it to extreme tests, like putting it in ovens or freezers, trying to make it burn or freeze.
(Haa... Why am I remembering this right now? Did the guilt finally decide to show up or something?)
"Boss! We're not really classifying her as Aetheris, are we?"
Emily lifted her gaze, meeting Laura's pleading eyes. Although Aetheris wasn't exactly the highest classification an anomaly could reach, it was generally considered high enough to justify the possibility of elimination.
Classifications higher than Aetheris were mostly reserved for anomalies that were impossible to destroy and somehow posed a global threat.
"Don't worry about it, Laura. I don't plan on classifying her as Aetheris... at least not for now. I see no need. She's incredibly docile with humans; even when she was shot, she didn't react aggressively. I think we can give her the benefit of the doubt. Besides, I believe I have a more fitting classification in mind. But... haa... those old guys on the council. I don't know if I can convince them, but I'll try"
After sharing her thoughts, Emily smirked, noticing the relief on Laura's face. It was undeniable that Laura had taken on the role of a kind of guardian for the anomaly. Moreover, it was clear that, so far, the anomaly hadn't shown any kind of anomalous mental power—at least, none had been detected. Laura was living proof of that.
Putting those thoughts aside, Emily refocused on the proposal she would present to the council. She already had several plans in place, especially involving Graham. Her expression hardened almost instantly as she thought of him. When she returned, Emily would make sure Graham understood that she wasn't someone to be messed with.
(Wait for me, Graham. I'm going to use everything I have to take you down, you old piece of crap. I hope you like rats, because that's exactly where you're going after I'm done with you)
Thinking about her next steps, Emily remembered something and called Laura and Victor's attention. With a smirk, Emily voiced her thoughts.
"By the way, while we were at Base 17... or rather, before we were almost killed by tentacles, I got permission to transfer the [Angel of Death] to one of the organization's main facilities. Right now, we're on our way there"
Laura and Victor's confused looks made it clear that Emily hadn't explained anything. However, she didn't bother to; at that moment, she was simply savoring the taste of the victory she knew was coming.
***
(POV – Protagonist)
I'll summarize what happened after I blacked out. I may have never mentioned this, but I can "sleep" while staying conscious. In other words, I heard everything that happened on the jet while everyone thought I was completely unconscious. To be honest, I was a bit moved by Emily and Laura... as for Victor, I'd rather not comment. Right now, I don't think my feelings toward him are very positive.
Anyway, what really matters is that we moved to a new place. I overheard this in the conversation between Emily and Laura. From what I gathered, this is one of the main locations of the organization. Before, we were at a base that had a canned food factory as a front. Not that I ever went up or investigated, but the place was generally cramped... and it smelled like canned meat.
Now, the new facility we were at was enormous, with a totally futuristic vibe. Even the room I'm in right now reflects that. It looks simple at first glance, but compared to my old one, it's way bigger... and seriously, it's huge. It would probably take me about 30 seconds to run from one end to the other, and I'm considering the fact that my speed is supernatural.
But putting aside the whole "new home" issue, Emily's been strangely busy these past few days—and when I say days, I mean two, considering the time I was knocked out on the jet. Anyway, I decided to follow Emily, trying to figure out what she was up to. To my surprise, it seems like she's orchestrating the downfall of that clearly suspicious old guy, Graham, or something like that.
You might be wondering if something happened during my escape, but honestly, nothing noteworthy. I mean, I was already used to sneaking out of my room at the old facility, so the guards were somewhat prepared.
However, from the look on some guards' faces when I popped my head out of the wall and stared at them, it's clear I definitely shouldn't have been able to escape my room at this new facility.
From what I gathered, today was supposed to be the day Graham would come to the base to pick up reports on what happened at Base 17 or something like that. Emily also decided that today would be the day she'd put an end to Graham. I have to admit, I don't trust that old guy at all.
From the moment I met him, I noticed that his smile was incredibly fake and forced; I always found him extremely suspicious. Also, the fact that he doesn't seem to have any weaknesses still makes me believe he's more cunning than he seems... although I have no idea who he really is, of course.
That's why I decided to watch from the sidelines to see what would happen. If something went wrong, I could protect Emily and Laura. Of course, Victor and the other guards were also supposed to be close by, waiting for Graham's move... but I won't get into details, I just know those guys haven't been very useful when anomalies come into play.