Chapter 70: The Safest Base in the World

In the pouring rain, Sandra’s group exchanged glances but ultimately lacked the courage to breach the terrifying tentacles of the colossal octopus and enter the SCP research institute. Taking deep breaths, Gerran and the others devised a plan. They retreated several steps before pulling out smoke grenades from their gear and launching them far into the SCP base.

The smoke generated by these grenades was non-toxic but caused visual interference and intense sensory irritation, leading to tears and sneezing. If the SCP Foundation were currently under full control of the Hermit Union members, such a smoke grenade would undoubtedly attract their attention.

However, unexpectedly, as soon as the smoke bomb was thrown inside, the massive octopus enveloping the buildings flailed its tentacles and actually sent the smoke grenade back. With a bang, it precisely collided with someone’s head.

Out of the five individuals who had barely survived, one unfortunate soul met his demise instantly, his skull cracking like an exploding watermelon amidst the spreading dense smoke.

“Fuck!” Shocked, Sandra inadvertently sat down in the accumulated water, his thin hands trembling uncontrollably. In that split second, it was just narrowly avoided that he would have met death.

The unfortunate fellow next to him had already collapsed into the pooling water, with disgusting brain matter and blood splattering not only half of his body but also diffusing within the dirty flow.

“Bloody hell.”

Gerran, gasping heavily, fumbled for the cigarette stubs in his pocket with shaking hands. There were indeed only stubs left, which he purposely kept. Now, he stuffed one entire stub into his mouth; the lingering taste of smoke provided some comfort amidst his fear.

“What do we do now?” Sandra, still shaken, asked tremulously.

“We wait.” There was no other option.

Fortunately, they didn’t have to wait too long. After approximately fifteen minutes, from inside their vehicle, they spotted a Gothic-style girl slowly emerging, holding an ornate white lace umbrella.

As she reached the building entrance, she lifted her hand through the curtain of rain, gesturing towards the nearby car.

“Let’s approach them?” Sandra and her group shivered from the cold; they couldn’t delay any longer either. After some discussion, the remaining four cautiously stepped out of the vehicle.

As they slowly made their way over, Sandra and Gerran wisely held up their respective playing cards high. They had already exhausted the three-time protection offered by these cards, but as tokens of trust, they kept them close at all times.

Vena, bored, kicked at the puddles on the ground. Once the newcomers were only about four or five steps away, she smiled and said, “Ah, it’s you. What brings you here? Still planning to provide friendly support for our Hermit Union?”

Sandra and Gerran choked momentarily, looking somewhat awkward. ”…No… we were hoping… we might need assistance…”

“I won’t help without something in return. This cursed spiritual tide hasn’t let up yet, and the endless rain is utterly tiresome. You’d better leave quickly, or I’ll kill you.” Vena pulled off a demon puppet hanging from her dress, which immediately emitted a sinister cackle.

Terrified, Sandra and her companions took several steps back. If not for their mercenary training, they likely would have fled right then.

“All right, Vena.”

Just as Sandra and her group feared it was over for them, a slightly aged voice echoed from nearby. They then saw an elderly figure with a severe hunchback, leaning on a cane, slowly approaching.

Sandra quickly recalled what Daniel had mentioned earlier. Only five individuals emerged from the previous Hermit Union meeting, and this old man was definitely not among them. It seemed that this elder must be another license holder who hadn’t been publicly seen before.

“Bai Di, meddling again?” Vena sounded displeased.

Bai Di casually shook his head. “There’s no harm in hearing their intentions. Moreover, the current direction of this world aligns with some principles of our Hermit Union. We have always stood with ordinary people, unlike those truly transcendent beings who remain aloof. There is potential for cooperation between us.”

Most importantly, the next heir to the throne was not someone groomed by the Hermit Union since childhood. He grew up in this world, deeply connected to its affairs, and possesses a kind heart. If we go too far, the new heir may become dissatisfied with us.”

In the Hermit Union, License Holders were akin to kings, with no one able to defy or challenge them. Vena pursed her lips, unable to counter Bai Di’s words, and somewhat disgruntled, turned away and left.

“Please come inside with me.”

Bai Di sighed softly and leisurely headed towards the research institute building. Sandra and the others noticed that this elderly man had a remarkably calm gaze, clearly contrasting with the unpredictable and malevolent nature of the previous Gothic girl they encountered.

The research institute building spanned twenty-four floors. Upon entering, they found that the power supply was functioning normally, and surprisingly, there were even a few people passing through the halls. These ordinary individuals wore work uniforms, appearing relatively unflustered. Instead, when occasionally glancing at the torrential rain outside, expressions of relief could be seen on their faces.

“Have a seat.” Bai Di led them to a lounge area.

Shortly after, a middle-aged woman brought hot water, bread, and other refreshments for Sandra and her companions.

Upon seeing the food, Sandra and her companions stuffed it into their mouths as if possessed. Especially after consuming the hot water, expressions of satisfaction appeared on their faces.

Outside was unbearably cold, but not just due to wind and snow. It was a mysterious substance that directly induced soul-chilling frigidity. This cold not only caused discomfort, but also inflicted irreversible harm on their bodies.

The warm water entering their stomachs, combined with the lounge’s heat, accelerated the circulation of Sandra and her team’s blood flow. A hint of color gradually returned to their pale faces. However, moments later, their initially relaxed expressions changed abruptly, and all four began painfully tearing at themselves.

This continued for about two or three minutes before Sandra and her companions gradually calmed down.

”…Don’t worry… this is a side effect from taking a certain drug.” Gerran nodded apologetically towards Bai Di.

Bai Di frowned and observed them closely. “A drug? Would it be convenient to take a look at it?”

Gerran promptly produced two pills and handed them to Bai Di. “This medication was developed two months ago and named Giant God No. 1. Upon consuming it, for the next eight hours, the skin becomes exceptionally resilient, making it nearly impervious to ordinary knife cuts. Additionally, there is a significant increase in strength.

However, after half an hour, the person rapidly loses weight. Subsequently, they experience body pain and various long-term effects. If taken with sufficient intervals, these side effects can be alleviated somewhat.”

“Quite intriguing.” Bai Di pocketed the two pills. “With the Voracious One absent, we can have him sample this when he returns. If he can determine what causes such severe side effects, perhaps I can help alleviate some of your suffering.”

His words were sincere. In the real world, his mutant ‘bowl’ had fallen into Dead Silence, allowing Bai Di to deeply integrate with it and utilize its abilities to their fullest extent without fear of self-inflicted harm from the mutant’s power.

As a result, his mutant ability was fully developed. Now, apart from the normal ‘demanding’ capability, Bai Di could also demand abstract concepts. For instance, demanding certain qualities or traits from a person. Once he understood the factors causing Sandra and others’ health issues, he could completely demand away these negative aspects.

Duan Wenxuan’s knowledge of mutants far surpassed that of the Fourth World’s local inhabitants, despite their realm being the birthplace of monsters, mutants, and unique items. However, often these items led to the early demise of their users, preventing them from realizing the immense potential and power that could be unlocked if one survived long enough to fully develop them.

Of course, this demanding ability is not without limitations. For example, the mutated octopus they brought in for building protection was a creature born during the spiritual tide, possessing unique characteristics.

According to the Hermit Union’s records, Bai Di knew that in Xuanlan Star’s earlier mystical history, the initial special beings were often endowed with an indescribable aura of ‘destiny’.

In the Southeast Alliance, these initial unique beings often became divine or spirit creatures, while in Western Alliance legends, they transformed into giants, gods, and such.

However, as mysticism faded away, it took a long time before its resurgence. The moment the first spiritual tide erupted, this octopus exhibited its unusual nature, undoubtedly indicating its ‘destiny’.

Initially, Bai Di had directly sought all of the octopus’s internal organs, intending to kill it. But their attempt failed, nearly resulting in defeat at the hands of the octopus.

Fortunately, just then, a massive giant passed by, his eyes lighting up upon seeing the octopus. He planned to stuff it into his mouth and devour it. Consequently, a fierce battle ensued between the giant and the octopus, allowing members of the Hermit Union to escape from the SCP Foundation unscathed.

In the end, the giant managed to tear off four or five robust tentacles from the octopus, but he also suffered extensive skin damage due to the highly corrosive ink sprayed by the octopus. Eventually, finding the octopus too tough for his taste and sensing more food nearby, the giant decided to spare it.

The Hermit Union had stumbled upon an opportunity amidst chaos. After a series of various maneuvers, they discovered that the octopus possessed a certain level of intelligence. Consequently, they attempted to save it.

To their surprise, the effort proved successful. As a gesture of gratitude for the Hermit Union’s life-saving act, the octopus coiled its entire body around the SCP building. Not only did it serve as a natural umbrella, but after its presence, the chill brought by the spiritual tide significantly receded within a radius of forty to fifty meters centered around the building.

Naturally, Gerran and his group couldn’t have anticipated the entanglement between the Hermit Union members and the octopus outside; they were simply astonished that rescue was possible. With lives saved, expressions of heartfelt gratitude poured forth towards Bai Di.

Bai Di casually waved off their thanks.

Soon, Winter arrived. As one of the founders overseeing the SCP operations, he questioned Gerran and his team before unconsciously tapping the table.

”… We provide shelter, and in return, Nade Bezoss and Daniel Pino will invest all available funds into the Hermit Union, along with bringing a large number of technical personnel?”

“Yes,” Sandra responded excitedly, looking at Winter. “We could establish our own secure base centered around the SCP! If the Hermit Union can ensure that the provided sanctuary is significantly safer than the Ark System, numerous individuals would be willing to give everything just to reside within the SCP base!”

This was Nade and Daniel’s true plan—if the Hermit Union truly proved exceptional, they could create a genuine Ark!

“It’s not a bad idea.” Winter seemed genuinely intrigued. Currently, they lacked both researchers and needed additional license holders.

Since its inception, the Hermit Union had rarely reached the full quota of fifty-four license holders. However, with this mysterious spiritual reboot underway, it presented an opportunity for the Hermit Union as well—a crucial time for rapid development.

“You all stay here for a couple of days while I consult with the king. If he agrees, we can proceed with preliminary cooperation,” Winter concluded, ending the discussion with Sandra and her team.