"What?!"
The instructor's voice suddenly rose several octaves, filled with shock and disbelief. His stern expression became even more intense as his eyes locked on the report in his hand.
"Containment breach of SCP-096?"
Even the hardened instructor of the elite Nine-Tailed Fox squad—the one who had dealt with countless anomalies and near-apocalyptic incidents—seemed visibly shaken.
The moment the term "SCP-096" echoed across the room, audiences watching from the Marvel Universe fell silent with curiosity and unease. Whispers broke out across various locations.
"Who exactly is this SCP-096?"
"Why does it terrify even elite personnel?"
In the next moment, as if in response to the rising tension, a man in a pristine white lab coat walked forward and handed a thick document to James. The crowd leaned in closer, eager to learn more about the entity that seemed to inspire such dread.
At last, the screen lit up with a new entry.
Project Name: Shy Guy
Item #: SCP-096
Object Class: Euclid
Nick Fury narrowed his one eye at the screen, his brows furrowing in deep thought. "Euclid, huh?" he muttered under his breath. "Another classification… different from Keter this time."
He didn't fully understand the difference, but the ominous presentation of the information didn't bode well. All he knew was that none of the classifications sounded good.
Special Containment Procedures:
SCP-096 must be contained in a 5m x 5m x 5m airtight steel cube at all times. The cell must be inspected weekly for cracks or holes. No surveillance cameras or optical devices of any kind are allowed within SCP-096's chamber. Personnel are to rely solely on pressure sensors and laser-based detection systems to confirm SCP-096's presence. The creation of images—photographs, videos, or even artistic renderings—is strictly forbidden.
Reading this, Nick Fury's frown deepened. "No images allowed? What kind of anomaly needs that level of secrecy?" he asked aloud.
All around him, the members of S.H.I.E.L.D., as well as audiences from across the multiverse, stared in confusion and anticipation.
"Isn't this a bit... overkill?" Natasha Romanoff murmured. "What does it do that even looking at it is banned?"
But soon, the details emerged.
Description:
SCP-096 is a humanoid entity, standing approximately 2.38 meters tall. Its body appears to lack sufficient muscle mass and seems to be in a constant state of malnourishment. Its arms are unusually long, each measuring around 1.5 meters. The creature's skin is pale, almost translucent, with no hair visible anywhere on its body.
Its jaw is capable of opening four times wider than that of an average human. Apart from its pigmentless eyes and disproportionate features, SCP-096's face is relatively human-like. It is unclear whether it possesses functional vision, and testing has revealed no signs of higher cognitive processes. SCP-096 is not believed to be intelligent.
The moment this description appeared, many people involuntarily conjured up terrifying images of the creature in their minds. Pale skin, gaping jaw, grotesque proportions—it was the stuff of nightmares.
A few visibly flinched.
Even the normally stoic Natasha scowled in disgust. "That thing's disgusting. Why would anyone want to mess with it?"
Despite its horrifying appearance, however, the next line caused a brief flicker of relief:
SCP-096 is normally docile.
Sensors indicate that it spends most of its time pacing along the east wall of its cell.
But the relief was short-lived.
However, if any individual views SCP-096's face—whether directly, through video footage, or even a photograph—it will immediately enter a state of emotional distress.
Nick Fury's expression darkened.
"No way…" he whispered. Then the realization struck him.
"Wait. So... just seeing its face triggers it?"
The screen continued:
Approximately one to two minutes after the face is viewed, SCP-096 will begin moving toward the viewer (now designated SCP-096-1), no matter their distance or location.
No barrier, object, or environment has been found that can stop SCP-096 once it begins its pursuit.
Upon reaching SCP-096-1, the subject will be terminated, and [DATA EXPUNGED]. In 100% of cases, no trace of SCP-096-1 remains.
Gasps erupted across every viewing location.
Nick Fury's gaze locked on the screen. "It can't be stopped," he said in a low voice. "Not by walls. Not by time. Not by distance."
His thoughts raced. If even a photograph or pixelated image could trigger it, then—
Another segment appeared on the screen:
Addendum:
The Foundation has made multiple attempts to terminate or neutralize SCP-096, all of which have failed. Even when [DATA EXPUNGED] or banished to space, SCP-096 is still able to reappear and terminate any subject who viewed its face.
That's when Nick Fury truly understood the danger.
His pupils shrank.
He turned his gaze toward the sky, where the exposure screen—the mysterious system broadcasting people's "past lives"—still hovered above the planet.
A terrifying thought struck him.
"If 096's face ever appears on that exposure screen… wouldn't that mean… everyone on Earth will see it?"
A cold silence followed his words. Then came a collective inhale—sharp and terrified.
Hissss~
The chilling thought rippled through every viewer on Earth and beyond.
Kamar-Taj.
The sorcerers, including apprentices and masters alike, fell silent.
All eyes turned to the Ancient One. Normally serene and wise, even she seemed visibly shaken. Her brows knit together as she stared at the screen, her mind running through every spell, every protective charm she knew.
But even with the powers of the multiverse at her command, she could not guarantee safety from such an entity.
"If that thing ever appears on Earth..." she said slowly, "...it would be catastrophic."
Wakanda.
T'Challa, standing beside his father, turned urgently.
"Father, give the order," he said, anxiety lacing his voice. "Shut down all exposure feeds. We cannot let our people risk seeing that thing."
His father didn't argue.
The tension was too real.
And now, the world finally understood.
They finally understood why, after James was chosen for the exposure system, a global warning had been issued for the very first time.
They finally understood why the system—normally indifferent and cold—had felt the need to warn all viewers.
This wasn't just a curiosity from a previous life.
It was a threat.
A threat to every living being.
"Everyone, calm down!" Maria Hill's voice echoed through S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, cutting through the panic like a blade. "We still don't know the extent of the threat. Let's not assume the worst."
A technician piped up. "Even if 096 appears, how would it cross dimensions? Wouldn't it need access to our world first?"
"That's a good point," someone murmured. "It's dangerous, but... can it actually get here?"
Future Foundation Building.
Peter Parker—better known as Spider-Man—stared at the screen, his heart racing. His fingers fidgeted nervously as he looked at James, who stood confidently with his arms crossed.
"James," Peter asked, voice trembling, "that thing... if it shows up here, what happens to us? What if someone sees it?"
James didn't look worried in the slightest.
He smiled faintly, as if amused.
"Relax. It won't happen," he said coolly.
Peter blinked. "What do you mean?"
James looked up at the exposure system, then back down with a knowing smile.
"Trust me. It won't dare."
Peter was stunned.
Something about James' calm demeanor settled his nerves. He didn't understand why—but he believed him.
Still, a question lingered in the air.
Was it that SCP-096 didn't dare appear on the screen...
Or was it that the exposure system itself didn't dare reveal SCP-096's face?
And perhaps...
That was the most terrifying thing of all.
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