(What I witnessed that day... it wasnât a dream!)
Emily was referring to the moment when she was nearly captured by
. After the small anomaly eliminated her, Emily, already quite exhausted, watched as the little anomaly "sank" into the ground while holding what she discovered to be the main body of
. At that moment, however, she dismissed the vision as a mere hallucination.
Even Laura, who was also present at the time, claimed she didnât see anything because she was lying down and relieved to have escaped with her life from that situation. Personally, she didnât blame her for thatâafter all, she had acted the same way back then.
Now, however, things were different. Emily was witnessing firsthand the anomaly using a new powerâor rather, the same power it had used after defeating
on a previous occasion. Yet, Emily couldnât understand how or why that happened.
The power was, in some ways, similar to
âsâor maybe it was even the same power. But what exactly did that mean? The only conclusion Emily could reach was that the little anomaly could learn new anomalous abilities. But if that were really true, how was it doing that?
"This is new. I donât remember seeing this ability mentioned in the report you sent, and by your reaction, it seems like itâs the first time youâve seen it use it too"
Emily didnât know if she should feel lucky that Graham mistook her expression of disbelief for surprise. Either way, how exactly was she supposed to respond to that question? While it was true that it was the first time it had used that ability, it wasnât like Emily had never seen it before. At that moment, though, she thought she was going through some kind of post-traumatic hallucinationâshe was sure of it.
âYes, up until now, we didnât have any reports or recordings of it using that abilityâ
Emily completely ignored Grahamâs looks as she responded, focusing all her attention on her clipboard, where she was recording the new discoveries about the little anomaly.
â⦠classify its risk as Obscuriumâ
Emilyâs hands stopped writing as soon as her ears caught Grahamâs words. Slowly, she turned her gaze to him, thinking she must have heard wrong. However, what she saw was Grahamâs firm expression, a clear indication that he wouldnât repeat his words.
From the organizationâs point of view, Obscurium was classified as medium riskâneither extremely dangerous nor completely harmless. However, for Emily, there werenât enough reasons to categorize the anomaly that way.
âDirector Graham, are you sure that classification is the most appropriate? So far, the anomaly hasnât shown any aggressive behavior towards humans. Wouldnât it be more appropriate to classify it as Luminis, at least for now?â
As she awaited Grahamâs response, Emily squeezed the clipboard tightly. When his eyes turned to her, an inexplicable discomfort washed over her. To make matters worse, Grahamâs lips moved strangely, as if he were trying to suppress a smile. While she already found his behavior peculiar, at that moment, it seemed even more out of the ordinary.
âChief Researcher Emily Parker, do you really believe that, even after witnessing the anomaly killing the
with your own eyes? You know it had the same danger classification weâre assigning to this new anomaly, right? Considering its anomalous abilities and its unpredictable natureâsince we donât know when it might turn against usâthe most appropriate classification would be Aetheris. However, I donât think thatâs necessary⦠at least not for nowâ
For a moment, Emily recalled the classifications assigned to anomalies after being studied and cataloged. These categories ranged from the most peaceful, which often didnât even need to be contained, to the most dangerous, with significant global risk. Although rare and almost extinct, some anomalies were cataloged as impossible to contain, thus receiving their own classifications.
Anomalies considered harmless. They can be studied openly, and their containment is minimal, as they do not pose significant risks.
These are anomalies that require more resources to be completely contained or for which containment is not always feasible. Generally, it is because the anomaly is insufficiently understood or fundamentally unpredictable.
These are anomalies that are excessively difficult to contain consistently or reliably, with containment procedures often being extensive and complex. The organization often fails to contain these anomalies well due to not having a solid understanding of them, or due to a lack of technology to properly contain or combat them. An Aetheris anomaly does not mean that the anomaly is dangerous, only that it is very difficult to contain.
These are anomalies that cannot be contained, which must imminently violate containment or some other similar scenario. These anomalies are often associated with end-of-world threats.
These are anomalies that the organization uses to contain or counteract other anomalies or anomalous phenomena. Even the existence of Special class objects is classified to the highest levels of the organization, and their locations, functions, and current statuses are known by few employees of the organization.
Emily couldnât find words to refute Grahamâs statements, as he was just following procedures. Even in light of the little anomalyâs capabilities, she couldnât think of a more appropriate classification. In the end, Emily just nodded, returning to her usual professional expression.
âUnderstood, Director. From today on, we will classify it as Obscuriumâ
In the end, Emily considered this the lesser of two evils. After all, there were much harsher classifications that would impose far greater restrictions than what she faced now. At least concerning Obscurium, almost nothing would change in how the anomaly was currently treated.
September 8
Chief Researcher, Emily Parker
During new tests with the entity, it demonstrated impressive physical strength and agility. Whenever the [Skull Wolf] approached to capture it, it would disappear and reappear about a meter in front of him. Additionally, a new anomalous power, similar to that of [Shadow], was confirmed. More tests are needed to determine the differences between their powers.
Obscurium.
None.