My head was filled with dozens of thoughts about "why" and "how," and most importantly—what to do now. Some people from an unknown organization were watching me, calling me a "Green Type," even if they weren't sure it was me…
And some woman considers me dangerous. That means they definitely know something!
"Alright, stay calm, just stay calm…" I muttered.
Then I remembered their words about searching the entire apartment once I leave for classes. There shouldn't be any cameras here yet, since they simply didn't have the time to install them.
The panic slowly faded. Not that I was suppressing it with some kind of "iron" will, because I clearly don't have that, but still, about an hour had passed since I heard all of that and ran back home, so the fear was gradually loosening its grip.
Maybe I could… talk to them? They wouldn't just start shooting me on sight, right?
Or would they?..
And what would I even tell them? That I eavesdropped on them and now want to know what they want from me? I think that would only make them more suspicious. Maybe… pull out some kind of hitman or assassin? But what are the chances he wouldn't just kill me immediately?
"Damn…" I sat down on the bed.
I thought I had enough time to slowly learn more about my powers, discover interesting items from games, anime, movies, and, well, become… stronger? More prepared? And now there's some organization that already knows about me, and I have no idea what exactly they know or what they want.
"Alright… let the spy games begin…" My gaze fell on the laptop, specifically on The Sims. My character there already has level six in the Secret Agent career, and soon I'll be able to get the "Database Computer," which, according to the description, has access to the files of every person in the world… I hope that's true. I remembered the name Andrew L, born in 1980, and I know he's married, so… I think I can find him through that computer and learn more about what's going on.
Once a plan formed in my head, it immediately became easier. After all, I don't know anything yet, and it's too early to panic. No one is trying to eliminate me… maybe there's some kind of "underground world" where powerful people trade abilities or just measure strength and wealth.
And just in case, I decided to get something that would help me escape. What if their agents aren't ordinary people either, but some kind of magically enhanced operatives, and my powers mean nothing to them?
Better safe than sorry.
So I turned on… Rick and Morty. Specifically, season six, episode six, where they encounter a race of super-intelligent dinosaurs who demonstrate their portal weapon. That scene came to mind recently—I couldn't think of a better option…
It allows the user to travel between different universes, dimensions, realities. There's also Rick's portal gun, but there's something unclear about the Central Finite Curve, meaning part of the multiverse is restricted to Rick, and that portal guns only work within it… I've watched Rick and Morty and even checked the wiki, and to be safe, it's better to get this version of the portal device, since it's definitely not tied to the Citadel's restrictions.
"I'm holding a device capable of opening portals to other realities… worlds… universes," I said quietly, holding the small gadget in my hand. I immediately placed it into my Piggy Bank, shrank it, and slipped it into my pocket.
Just in case.
There's an irrational fear of… the future. I mean… I've lived safely my entire life, and I really don't want to leave that sheltered environment. I mean, right now I could just leave, and there's no way this S.C.P. would find me in another universe, but…
That "but" is what stops me. Fear… I think it's fear. It's unpleasant to admit, even to myself, that I'm simply afraid… afraid of being alone, afraid of strange people watching me, and afraid of a possible future where I'll have to confront them or negotiate with them.
By noon, I managed to reach the required level in the Secret Agent career and bought the needed computer in the game, placing it on my character's desk. Then, almost out of habit, I pushed my hand into the screen and pulled out what looked like a vintage computer. It had an oval screen, and two antennas sticking out from the top. The keyboard and mouse seemed to be attached to it.
Clearing space on my desk, I placed the retrieved computer there. As soon as I pressed the spacebar, a small icon of a searching figure in a hat and glasses lit up in the center of the screen, followed by a message:
"Welcome, Agent! You have been granted access to the Database of all people in the world! Use it wisely and complete your mission in the best possible way!"
"Thanks… I guess," I muttered and studied the interface, which resembled Windows XP. In the center was the main search bar where I could enter a Sim's name, and additional fields opened up where I could input many different parameters… and there were a lot of them.
I entered Andrew L's name, his year of birth, then his wife's name, which was also listed, and his current place of residence. A profile window immediately appeared with the person I needed, including a photo—it was definitely the man I had seen.
The description of his activity was extensive, as if I had obtained a file from the FBI or CIA, or some similar secret organization. But what caught my attention were the words…
"…employed in S.C.P. as a field agent. Currently holds Level 2 clearance, which grants direct access to basic information regarding anomalous objects or entities under containment. A total of twenty-five successful operations… was hospitalized… new mission involving surveillance of a possible 'Green Type' or Reality Sculptor, Victor…"
"Reality Sculptor?" I whispered, reading the lines. Then I switched to Andrew's current superior, who was highlighted by the computer—Mary Bellstone.
The more I read, the more I realized that the world isn't that simple. There are various "anomalous objects" under the control of S.C.P., which, as it turns out, is a global secret organization protecting humanity… and they don't hesitate to erase memories or eliminate dozens to save thousands.
Some of these anomalies are outright absurd! A living sculpture, spontaneously appearing old people and children, locations that kill through photographs, demigods, and, damn it, a sleeping Jormungandr beneath the ocean and underground that could wake up at any moment and cause an apocalypse! Or a miniature "Earth" inside a man's body?
"Absurd…" I said, reading more and more… and for all I know, even the bottle of water on my desk could be an anomaly.
But now I understand more. I'm an anomaly too… the ability to pull things from "unreality" is quite impressive. I'd even say dangerous for the entire planet. I haven't tried to pull out anything truly catastrophic yet, but… I did pull out a device capable of opening portals to other realities, dimensions, and universes. And for some reason, I have no doubt that it works.
Now I at least understand S.C.P. and their main goal of protecting humanity… and I kind of respect that, if we ignore the fact that right now they see me as just another anomalous object. But if they learn about my abilities, maybe they won't lock me in a lab… maybe… though it's unlikely they'd give me free access to games, movies, and shows. I wouldn't give that to someone with my abilities unless under strict supervision.
"Son, you're still here? You didn't even go outside today," my mom said, entering my room. Thankfully, I had already hidden the computer in the Piggy Bank, and I just tossed my new laptop onto the bed.
"I need to prepare for projects," I smiled, then stood up and hugged her.
"Oh, what's with all the hugs?" she asked with a chuckle.
"Mom… would you ever want to… leave? Go somewhere?"
"Hm? You don't like it here? Son, I understand you… it's hard leaving your homeland for another place, hard to find friends and…"
"Mom, I… I mean, if you had a choice? Anywhere?"
"Oh." She looked at me thoughtfully. "Maybe. But you know our finances aren't great…"
"Yeah, just thinking out loud. You love those romance novels, right?"
"Alright, what's going on?" she frowned, as if somehow sensing my mood. "You didn't get involved with any gangs, did you?"
"No, no! I just… want to know what your dream life would be like. You always wanted a daughter too."
"And you wouldn't mind having a little sister? Though I think I'm a bit past that age." Her smile grew slightly strained.
Mom loves romance novels, all those princes and "happily ever after" stories… I don't really believe in that.
Though… maybe I actually can create a 'happily ever after.'