Sam rummaged through the archives, his eyes and hands sweeping over rows of filing cabinets, shelves stacked with boxes, and loose papers scattered about. He moved methodically, pulling out drawers and leafing through their contents, carefully inspecting each document he found. His eyes, still stinging slightly from the contact lenses, scanned the text with renewed clarity.
For about half an hour, Sam worked tirelessly, sorting through piles of yellowed papers and brittle folders. The room was filled with the soft rustle of paper and the occasional creak of the building settling.
Finally, his persistence paid off. Sam came across three documents that stood out from the rest.
CONFIDENTIAL REPORT
Project Dawn: Initial Findings
Date: [REDACTED]
Classification Level: [REDACTED]
Facility Code: X-004
Subject: The Corruptor (Shadow Parasite)
Purpose: Investigation and weaponization of an unidentified biological entity.
Summary:This document outlines the primary objectives and initial findings of the underground research facility, designated as X-23. The facility's primary focus is the investigation, containment, and potential weaponization of a biological entity referred to as "The Corruptor," or more commonly, the Shadow Parasite.
Background:
The Corruptor is an unknown entity that made its first known appearance in [REDACTED]. It is characterized by its lack of a physical body, existing in a state that can be described as shadow-like, though it is not purely a shadow. The entity's origins are currently unknown. By the time the Corruptor's presence was identified, approximately 10% of the global population had already been infected. The rapid spread of infection suggests a highly contagious mechanism, the specifics of which are still under investigation.
Infection Characteristics:
1. Susceptibility:Individuals with weak wills are more prone to infection. This suggests a psychological component to the Corruptor's method of selecting hosts.
2. Ocular Manifestation: Infected individuals exhibit completely white eyes, devoid of pupils. This transformation is a definitive marker of infection.
3. Neck Marking:A distinctive pentagram mark appears on the back of the infected individual's neck. The purpose and origin of this mark remain unknown.
4. Behavioral Changes:Infected individuals display extreme aggression towards any sentient beings, particularly humans. Upon sighting a sentient creature or human, the infected will immediately engage in an attack with the intent to kill.
Initial Outbreak:
The first recorded instances of the Corruptor's influence were detected in [REDACTED]. By this point, infection rates had escalated to critical levels, causing widespread panic and significant loss of life. Early efforts to contain the outbreaks were unsuccessful, largely due to the aggressive nature of the infected and the rapid transmission of the Corruptor.
Ethical Considerations:The nature of this research necessitates actions that may be deemed ethically contentious. However, given the global threat posed by the Corruptor, such measures are considered essential for the survival and security of the human population.
End of Report
Note: This document is intended for authorized personnel only. Unauthorized access or dissemination of this information is strictly prohibited and will be subject to severe penalties under [REDACTED] regulations.
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
As Sam finished reading the report, he felt a wave of shock wash over him. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the documents in disbelief. The detailed account of the Corruptor, its devastating effects, and the grim purpose of the facility painted a picture of a world that had once faced an unimaginable threat. His mind raced as he tried to process the information, a mix of horror and fascination filling his thoughts.
'This planet... it was once like Earth,' he thought.
"Sigh... A civilization, advanced enough to have secret facilities, facing a global catastrophe. My gut feeling was right all along."
"I'm not crazy," he muttered to himself, his voice echoing softly in the dimly lit archives.
"This proves it. There was life here, intelligent life, and they faced horrors we can't even imagine." He looked back at the report, his thoughts drifting to the scientists and researchers who had worked in the facility.
What had they experienced? How had they coped with the desperate measures they had been forced to take?
Shaking his head, Sam decided to move onto the next documents.
CONFIDENTIAL REPORT
Subject: The "Player" System
Date: [REDACTED]
Classification Level: [REDACTED]
SecretFacility Code: X-004
Subject: The "Player" System and Its Impact on Human Advancement
Purpose: Analysis of the supernatural abilities granted to humans, known as the "Player" system.
Summary: This document provides an overview of the "Player" system, a supernatural phenomenon that has significantly influenced the advancement of human civilization on this planet. Though detailed information is limited, the document outlines the essential characteristics and implications of this system.
Background: Approximately 50 years ago, a phenomenon referred to as the "System" appeared, throwing them into a trial it called "Tutorial," granting all humans the ability to "level up" akin to characters in video games. This system bestowed upon humanity various supernatural abilities, categorized under different classes and statistics.
The term "Player" system was adopted because it most accurately describes the abilities' resemblance to those found in video games, where individuals can improve their skills, gain experience, and choose specific roles or classes.
Player Characteristics:
1.Supernatural Abilities: Humans can gain experience and "level up," enhancing their abilities and attributes.
2.Class System: Individuals are assigned specific classes that determine their skill sets and roles. These classes include, but are not limited to, warriors, caster, rogue, archer and healer.
3.Statistical Attributes: Each individual possesses and can improve the following statistics:
•Strength: Physical power and combat prowess.
•Agility: Speed and dexterity.Endurance: Stamina and resilience.
•Intelligence: Cognitive ability and spellcasting efficiency.
•Wisdom: Decision-making and understanding of the system.
•Sense: Perception and awareness of surroundings.
•Will: Mental fortitude and resistance to psychological attacks.
Conclusion:The "Player" system has been a pivotal factor in the rapid advancement of human civilization on this planet. The ability to level up and enhance various attributes has allowed humanity to overcome challenges and achieve feats that would otherwise be impossible. Further research is required to fully understand the origins and mechanisms of the system, as well as its long-term implications.
End of Report
Note: This document is intended for authorized personnel only. Unauthorized access or dissemination of this information is strictly prohibited and will be subject to severe penalties under [REDACTED] regulations.
"How many other universes or worlds have civilizations like Earth that are granted these abilities by the 'system'?" Sam mused aloud, shaking his head in disbelief.
"And what does that mean for us? For Earth?"
Sam had been granted the ability by the system only about a week ago. He was still new to it, still trying to understand what it meant and how it worked.
"Is this a good thing or a bad thing?" he muttered to himself, pacing the room.
"Earth has been chosen, maybe. But why?"
The documents provided no clear answers, only more questions. He thought back to his own experiences over the past week. The newfound abilities had felt empowering, but they were also bewildering.
Despite the uncertainty, there was no turning back. The system had already started to change things on Earth, and Sam knew he had to be ready for whatever came next. He had to learn more, understand more, and maybe, just maybe, find a way to ensure that humanity could handle the challenges ahead.
"One week," he said softly, staring at the documents.
"It's only been one week for me, and there's so much I don't know. But I have to keep going. For me and myself."
After a moment of deep reflection, Sam took a deep breath and steadied himself. He had learned so much already, but he knew there was one more document to examine. With cautious anticipation, he reached for the third and final document in the small pile he had collected.