Luo Shu led SCP-096 down to Sublevel -5, his mind racing.
How was it tracking him?
Even under Perceptual Shroud, the Shy Guy stayed within two meters, matching his steps.
This implied SCP-096 had some resistance to anti-memetics—a terrifying thought.
Would SCP-055's influence even work?
The Blind Pursuit
Inside SCP-055's unit, Luo Shu let his Sensory Void lapse, switching to Unobservability.
The Shy Guy froze, its hollow eyes glazed.
"096, why'd you come to Site-19?" Luo Shu probed.
"Someone saw my face," it droned. "I must kill him."
"And now?"
"I… can't feel him. Confused."
Success.
But when Luo Shu asked if it would resume the hunt if the effect faded, SCP-096 growled:
"Kill. Always kill."
Time for Plan B.
Luo Shu activated Persuasion:
"It wasn't his fault. 'God' tricked him. Let it go."
Before SCP-096 could respond, SCP-055 interrupted, its voice laced with static:
"SCP-343 is J█X█J█S█D█G█L█Y█. You must X█X█T█!"
Though the words blurred, the fear in its tone was clear.
SCP-343 was part of this world's deepest secrets.
And SCP-055 knew.
The Director's Revelation
Meanwhile, in the Site Director's office:
The infrared feed showed SCP-096 vanishing at Sublevel -4's stairwell—just like the "D-class intruder" during SCP-173's breach.
"We're missing something," the Director muttered. "Something about Sublevel -5."
Big Beard Jack scratched his head. "Like what?"
"Like why we never question what's down there."
A chill settled over the room.