The Observatory's headquarters sat deep in the Arctic—a fiercely guarded secret. It remained sealed year-round, with almost no one free to come or go.

As its name implied, the Observatory monitored certain anomalies. Long ago, it bore a legendary title: SCP Foundation.

It housed countless bizarre artifacts. Their sheer strangeness demanded the Arctic base.

The island Tran had visited earlier? A branch station. Transporting those strange dinosaurs to the Arctic proved impossible.

Top talents from every nation ran the Observatory. Not just several SS Rank Superpower holders—experts from every scientific field gathered here. They studied items that defied this world's laws.

News of the White Emperor Kingdom creating soldiers with the Destruction Force reached them too. Now, in a conference room, they debated countermeasures—just like the Soul Hunters had before.

Alex held semi-high rank. His S Rank Superpower meant little here, but he was a top energy-field expert. That’s why he’d been sent to inspect the dinosaur island.

He sat among other leaders now.

"Director, the White Emperor Kingdom unlocking this stone’s power is vital for us!" An old man—clearly a research fanatic—slammed the table. "We must permit their actions! Negotiate to share Destruction Force utilization methods!"

"Mantela! What nonsense!" Alex shot back. "They’re enhancing humans with unknown energy, causing permanent harm. Unacceptable! We must crusade against them first. Only then study this force. Mishandle it, and humanity ends!"

"Coward!" Mantela snapped. "No sacrifice, no progress! Losing a few test subjects could elevate all mankind. Perfectly reasonable!"

They bickered fiercely. Over a dozen others watched silently around the table.

"Enough!" A steady voice cut through. Alex and Mantela fell silent, sitting obediently as if they’d never argued.

"This anomalous energy is our top priority," the speaker continued calmly. Burly and slow-moving, his eyes gleamed with sharp intelligence. Kelda, the Observatory’s director. "Such potent, promising power might be humanity’s evolutionary key."

"The White Emperor Kingdom broke treaties," Kelda admitted. "But they mastered the Destruction Force. For that alone, the Observatory must protect them."

Mantela shot Alex a smug, triumphant glance.

"However," Kelda added, "my vote alone doesn’t decide. Let’s ballot."

Tension filled the room. Kelda’s vote counted double; others, single. Protect or crusade against the White Emperor Kingdom? The vote was pointless. Every researcher here lived among strange artifacts—minds warped by obsession. Only Alex, who still mingled with the outside world, voted to crusade. All others chose protection.

"Clear decision," Kelda announced. "We support the White Emperor Kingdom. Contact them now. Secure their Destruction Force methods. I’ll soon declare our stance to the Superpower Association and Soul Hunters. Meeting adjourned."

Alex stared at their fanatical faces. A deep helplessness washed over him.

...

Next morning at 8 AM, Tran snored deeply under his blankets. Ada yanked him upright—but he stayed lost in dreams.

"Tran! Wake up! School registration today?!" Ada yelled.

"Huh? Registration?" Tran jolted awake, blinking dazedly around the hotel room. Ada held him aloft. "Sis Ada... you know what time I crashed last night. Young people need sleep!"

"You cheeky brat! Am I not young? Why am I up early?" Ada tossed him back onto the bed and flung clothes at him.

Tran caught them, muttering as he dressed, "I don’t even know your age..."

A swift beating followed.

...

In the hotel restaurant, Ford, Yubin, and other Soul Hunters ate breakfast. They’d stayed to investigate residual energy traces.

Ford spotted Ada dragging Tran downstairs. "Tran! One day apart, and you’ve caused chaos. What happened to your face?"

Tran’s face was a disaster—bruised purple and swollen, hair wild. He looked like a disheveled girl fresh from a brothel.

"He sleepwalks. Bumped into things. Right, Tran?" Ada glared. Tran instantly wilted. "Yeah... sleepwalking. I crash into stuff at night."

"Haha, get that treated!" Ford chuckled, though his eyes held doubt. "Breakfast’s ready. Come eat."

"Yes, teacher. Tran, with me." Ada grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the buffet.

Yubin watched silently, teeth grinding. He’d never seen Ada this affectionate with any guy.

They ate quietly. No mention of last night—just casual chatter. Near the end, a waiter approached.

"Excuse me. Someone outside requests entry. Please confirm." He held up an image device.

The screen showed a man in a black trench coat and huge sunglasses—straight out of *The Matrix*.

Alex. The Observatory’s semi-high official.