Loshu had been pondering a crucial question:
What does SCP-035 want?
Its ultimate goal might be unclear, but one thing was certain—it was obsessed with finding a powerful, permanent host.
SCP-173's body was durable, teleport-capable, and nearly indestructible.
But was it the best option?
No.
There were stronger candidates.
SCP-682, the indestructible reptile.
SCP-4715, the demon born from war.
If Loshu could convince 035 that something better awaited it, maybe it would let go of 173 willingly.
He took a deep breath and addressed the masked statue.
"Hey, buddy. Remember SCP-4715? The demon?"
The mask's grin twitched. "Of course. I've... dreamed of it."
(Good. It's interested.)
Loshu leaned in, lowering his voice. "Well, guess what? It's coming for you."
The mask froze. "...What?"
"It sent me to tell you—wait for it. It's on its way."
(Total lie. But 035 doesn't know that.)
The statue's concrete fingers clenched. "When?"
"Soon. Very soon." Loshu smirked. "In fact, today's earthquake? That was it breaking containment to reach you."
(Might as well sell the story.)
The mask shuddered with excitement. "Then... I must prepare!"
Loshu pressed further. "Yeah, but—demons hate filth. And right now? You're wearing garbage."
He gestured at SCP-173's cracked, acid-eaten form.
The mask hesitated.
(Come on, buy it...)
Then—
"You're right. This body... is beneath me."
With a squelch, the mask peeled itself off 173's face and thudded to the ground.
(Holy shit. It worked.)
Jack, still dazed from Loshu's earlier Persuasion effect, blinked. "Wait... so we're working for the demon now?"
(Oh for—)
Loshu facepalmed. "No, you idiot! I was lying!"
The mask shrieked from the floor.
"LIAR! TRAITOR! I'LL SKIN YOU ALIVE—"
Loshu kicked it into the containment unit and slammed the door.
"Yeah, yeah. Cry about it."
Aftermath
Back in the Director's office, the man stared at Loshu like he'd grown a second head.
"You... talked it out of 173?"
Loshu shrugged. "Turns out, even ancient evil masks have standards."
The Director rubbed his temples. "And the demon story?"
"Pure fiction. But..." Loshu hesitated. "I think someone actually did help 035 escape. That earthquake wasn't natural."
The Director's face darkened. "You're saying we have a mole?"
(Or something worse.)
Loshu's Encyclopedia buzzed.
[New Milestone Unlocked: Master Manipulator]
[Tier: 1]
[Effects: 1. Enhanced persuasion against anomalies. 2. 10% chance to implant false memories in targets.]
(Nice.)
Jack, finally snapping out of his daze, groaned. "Next time, warn me before you mind-control me, okay?"
Loshu grinned. "No promises."