Chapter 370

Although the audience had no way of knowing what that book actually was for the moment, they quickly recognized its classification.

—A dictionary.

Every human, back when they were a human cub, had been tormented by a dictionary to some degree.

They had even heard legends of some kid from another family who memorized an entire dictionary, even reciting it backward.

Now, this move by Dr. Gears was truly—a bit cheeky.

"I didn't expect that thick-browed, big-eyed guy Dr. Gears would actually have so many devious thoughts."

"Let's use *Advanced Mathematics*, *Linear Algebra*, and *Partial Differential Equations* to impersonate the next 'spellbook'."

"Forget it, those are too hard. *Mathematical Methods for Physics* or *Real Analysis* would be more appropriate."

"No, can you guys act like human beings?"

"Ah, why? The rain I once endured, no current student should be allowed to miss it. Even if they have an umbrella, I'll tear it apart!"

Immediately after, the scene switched.

In a long, narrow corridor, the lights were dim.

Dr. Kondraki dragged his body, leaning against the wall, moving with difficulty.

He was very exhausted, and his forehead was covered in sweat.

From time to time, he would lean against the wall to rest for a moment, then struggle again, using every ounce of his strength to move forward step by step.

Strange noises came from afar; the sound of metal friction and bearing pumps grew closer.

And so.

Dr. Kondraki stopped, leaned against the wall, slid down wearily, and sat on the ground, his chest heaving rapidly.

A few seconds later.

A walking apparatus appeared from the corner not far away.

It was a bipedal spherical mech with two mechanical arms, its chassis exposing quite a few components.

It was far from refined; instead, it was very crude.

At the center of the sphere was its cockpit, with no additional protection.

8:25.

【Kain Pathos Crow discovers Dr. Kondraki.】

Subsequently, a new file was made public.

【SCP: "Egg Walker"】

【Item #: SCP-244-ARC】

【Danger Level: Euclid】

【Item Description:】

【"SCP-244-ARC" is a large, spherical, bipedal device, 1.35 meters tall. The upper part of the sphere is missing and features some form of cockpit.】

【"SCP-244-ARC" possesses two arms suitable for grasping, with the exterior of the chassis exposing patches of clockwork mechanisms, pipes, cables, and hydraulic systems.】

【It has demonstrated a large number of attachments and functions, already recorded are:】

【A large. 50 caliber minigun that fires hundreds of rounds, with an unknown source of ammunition;】

【A large television capable of receiving any channel on Earth, while also receiving some channels that cannot be spatially located or do not belong to this time;】

【...】】

【Special Containment Procedures:】

【Currently, nothing is needed, but this thing needs to be closely monitored. If possible, take it from under Kain Pathos Crow's "claws" and register it for further research and experimentation.】

【"Under the claws"? What does this mean?】

"Maybe Professor Kain underwent some modifications, uh... or perhaps he has some rather special physical structure, just like Dr. Clef having three eyes."

"Could Professor Kain be some kind of animal? After all, this mech is a bit too small; it's hard to imagine how an adult male could stay inside."

Welt Yang thought so too.

The size of "SCP-244-ARC" was really a bit small, just like a toy for children.

On the entire "Astral Express," except for Pom-Pom, no one else's size would fit it.

Just as the audience was puzzled, the camera turned to the cockpit of "SCP-244-ARC," allowing the audience to see the pilot's true face.

There, a golden retriever sat quietly, its black eyes round, wearing a pair of black-rimmed glasses and a formal suit.

This scene was a bit beyond everyone's expectations.

"?"

"Professor Kain... is a dog?"

"From this point of view, the Foundation doesn't seem to have racial prejudice? Even non-humans can attain relatively high positions within the Foundation."

"Wow, a dog in a suit!"

Dr. Kondraki didn't feel surprised, just asked weakly:

"Professor Kain?"

【Name: Kain Pathos Crow】

【Security Clearance: Indeterminate. Generally Level 4 personnel.】

【Background: Kain was born in 19██ in ████, and graduated from ██████ University in 19██ with honors in biochemistry, advanced robotics, and psychology. Later that same year, the Foundation began contact with him. Since then, he has written numerous research reports for a large number of SCPs.】

【His most outstanding contribution is 【DATA EXPUNGED】, during which he turned into a dog.】

【Since then, he has avoided execution at least four times, even in situations where execution was mandatory, each time being spared due to high-level orders or by demonstrating very precious (and irreplaceable) knowledge. This situation has directly led to him being under continuous surveillance and prohibited from having any unmonitored or long-term contact with the outside world.】

【He has become an important librarian within the Foundation, responsible for the daily maintenance and updating of the library's collection.】

"Woof?"

Professor Kain let out a dog bark subconsciously, his tongue lolling out like a pink flag.

But he immediately overcame his biological instincts, pulled back his tongue, and spoke:

"Awooo woof woof awooo."

【Dr. Kondraki, you are quite heavily injured. Wait a moment, I will treat you now.】

Professor Kain said very seriously, his two dog paws fumbling inside the cockpit. Under Dr. Kondraki's puzzled gaze, he continued:

"Woof woof awooo woof woof."

【It might be a bit big, bear with it.】

Dr. Kondraki said "Hmm": "What are you saying?"

As soon as his question was asked, the right arm of "SCP-244-ARC" began to transform, and a syringe appeared in the mechanical palm.

It was very thick, very big, and very long.

He looked at that syringe, his heart skipped a beat, and the fear even overwhelmed his survival instinct.

Something this big... would kill someone, right?

"Professor Kain, I think..."

Dr. Kondraki felt some regret and tried to escape, but his body at this moment wasn't functioning well and couldn't act according to his will.

He moved one step, and with a "thwack," the syringe was thrust straight into his left arm.

Anyone who didn't know would think Professor Kain had some grudge against this poor man and was carrying out a death sentence.

A lethal injection.