“Intriguing!”

That was the only word the director uttered after hearing Emily's words. Normally, they would be just common words, but when spoken to Emily—especially when coming from the director—she couldn't shake the feeling that her day wouldn't be as calm as she had imagined.

“I heard the new anomaly has a humanoid form, resembling a little girl about 9 to 10 years old. However, I still haven't received any photos or detailed information about her”

Although the director's words might not have seemed significant to an outside observer, what truly resonated with Emily was: “Why haven't I received any information or photos about the new anomaly yet? Are you hiding something from me?” Emily let out a quiet sigh, resigned.

(Is it already time to panic?)

But in the end, what could Emily do? She really didn’t like Graham’s methods. Although her disposition toward anomalies wasn’t the best—most of the time, she wished they would be destroyed for being dangerous—with Graham, the situation felt a bit different. Behind his superficial smile, Emily sensed that he had other plans for the captured and cataloged anomalies, but she couldn’t figure out what that goal was.

Yet, Emily would not back down. It was true that Graham held a higher position than hers, but that was just on paper; the reality was quite different. In a way, Emily had an authority level equal to, and sometimes even higher than, Graham's. Therefore, she would not yield.

“I apologize for that, Director Graham. Since the anomaly was recently discovered, we are still in the process of cataloging it. We don’t know if it’s friendly or not towards humans, so we cannot invade its personal space without first understanding what we are dealing with”

Emily watched Graham's expression cautiously and was momentarily surprised to notice that there was no change in his demeanor, even after her words. For some reason, she felt like she had walked into a trap. And just as she predicted, Graham’s next words confirmed that suspicion.

“Seriously? That’s strange. From what I’ve heard, she seems to be relatively friendly towards humans”

At that moment, Emily’s earlier thoughts materialized: someone was indeed passing information to Graham without her permission. However, she found herself powerless in the situation; after all, there was nothing wrong with it. At the end of the day, Graham was the director.

“Hmm… it seems we’re facing a little misunderstanding. I know you are extremely professional, Researcher Emily, and I understand you want to be absolutely certain about what you’re dealing with before sending any information. However, don’t forget that we’re a team. In any case, I think I’ll have to check personally to draw my own conclusions”

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

“... Understood, director”

In the end, Emily had no choice but to agree. After all, she still needed to respect the rules of authority that were fundamental to the organization’s cohesion.

“Please, follow me. I will take you to the anomaly”

***

(POV – Protagonist)

My days couldn't be more peaceful and calm. Lately, nothing has happened. I just stay in my room, eating candy and watching TV. By the way, my room is so full of toys now that it's almost possible to swim among them. Honestly, I don’t know why Laura keeps bringing more, since I never play with any of them. Maybe she just wants to make the environment more aesthetic? I really have no idea.

Other than that, I can say I’m very lucky with my current situation. They give me everything I ask for—or gesture for, since I can’t speak. The food is delicious, and I can just sleep all day long. Really, I can’t see anything negative about this. Plus, I can even go out and explore whenever I want now.

By the way, at the moment, I was watching a TV show that really caught my attention. It was a survival reality show on a deserted island, where the participants have to fend for themselves. I was watching, lying on my bed, swinging my feet up and down as I followed the episode.

At that moment, the large glass screen behind me revealed the other side, reminding me of my old room, where I broke the wall to escape. It’s been a while since I left there, so I don’t know if they fixed it. Anyway, even though I was facing away, I could still feel their presence watching from the other side.

There were several scientists, but the only ones I had any connection with were Emily and Laura. Furthermore, for some reason, the two seemed nervous while talking to a man with gray hair, yet with a visibly well-preserved physique.

They appeared to be discussing something, but I couldn't hear what they were saying, as the place was soundproof. Judging by Laura and Emily’s expressions, it was likely not good news. Moreover, the fact that they were right in my room led me to believe that this “something bad” had to do with me in some way.

I pretended not to pay attention, keeping my gaze fixed on the television, but secretly observed their actions and reactions. Minutes of a heated discussion passed until it seemed an agreement was reached. However, Emily and Laura’s expressions showed resignation. I didn’t know exactly what they wanted, but it looked like they had lost.

Moments later, the door to my room opened, and a man entered, holding a gun aimed directly at me. He was alone, and from his clothing, he seemed to be from the organization’s suppression force—or something similar, at least that’s the name that came to my mind. In any case, despite being armed.

His gaze betrayed fear, and he couldn't stop trembling. Slowly, I shifted my gaze from the television to him, and at that very moment, the man stepped back a pace, aiming the gun more precisely, now directly at my head. I was completely bewildered by the situation; after all, what exactly did he expect me to do?.

(Can someone please explain what’s going on here?)