The Monster's Room - Chapter 28
Dragged by J, Marie was captivated not by the fierce lust but by the screen that appeared before her eyes like a movie projector. In the darkness, researchers were in a meeting. People dressed in black, clearly poised to attack. Their images were reflected through J’s body, which was uniformly stretched like a mirror.
And what made this possible was:
– I am ready to show you anything. So, Marie.
A magic mirror that can transfer, see, and show anything, reflecting whatever it encounters.
– Become my queen.
It was Spiegel.
Case 8: The Foreseen Disaster
The confusion quickly subsided. It wasn’t so much that Marie was particularly calm but rather that she had encountered so many bizarre events over the past ten days.
Another unusual occurrence. That was all she took it as. She nodded and reached out to touch the magic mirror, Spiegel, but hesitated.
She wondered if writing on J’s pliant body would look like writing on a mirror.
– You can just speak.
“But I can’t hear anything.”
Spiegel replied to Marie’s unintentional comment.
– I can hear your voice.
“What?”
– It’s because you kissed me.
“What? What do you mean?”
Repeating ‘what’ like a fool, Marie was truly baffled. What did a kiss have to do with it? But Spiegel didn’t leave her in a daze.
– We don’t have time, Marie.
“Oh, right. …But why do I have to become a queen?”
– The enemy is coming. I need you to give me power so I can help you.
If it were her old self, she would have eagerly agreed. However, Marie had been through a lot in the Foundation, and she did not let suspicious points pass unnoticed.
“What difference will it make if I become the queen?”
– I will gain power.
“Why?”
– Because my origin is the magic mirror of the queen in Snow White.
One of the researchers’ guesses was correct. The origin of Spiegel was indeed derived from a fairy tale, and its abilities were powerful. However, to fully exert its power, there were conditions.
– Only a queen can draw out my power.
“Is there a specific reason it has to be me?”
– Oh, Marie.
Marie flinched at Spiegel’s enigmatic expression.
Indeed, it wasn’t the time to dawdle. Danger was closing in moment by moment, and spending time solving just one curiosity seemed like a waste.
– Do you know where the power of magic comes from?
“……No.”
– It’s not difficult. Just like in the fairy tale that is my origin. Like the widely known media to you. It’s very simple and powerful.
The reason Marie had to become Spiegel’s queen was revealed by Spiegel.
– Love.
The magic mirror was powerful because it could reflect only the truth and assist the queen.
– Because I love you, only you can be my queen, Marie.
Spiegel answered. It was because it loved the queen.
* * *
It was an unexpected confession, but she couldn’t waste any more time. Marie became Spiegel’s queen with the mindset of making a deal with the devil, and she could hear Spiegel’s voice.
– Look.
Spiegel, which could move and see anything in places where reflections appeared, showed a world with reversed left and right sides.
– See what they’re talking about.
The conversation of the researchers. Project Thaumiel. The experiment. Through Spiegel, Marie could learn a little about what was happening to the researchers and the secrets of the SCPs she managed.
Monsters that control monsters.
These were anomalous entities selected for their purpose but failed. They had been sealed in the F-49 area, a dumping ground, losing even their serial numbers. Researchers attempted to recycle these failed projects that were more harmful than nuclear waste.
And learning this, the opposing force sent a Mobile Task Force.
The goal was the elimination of SCPs.
They were prepared to destroy the base along with the SCPs if necessary……
– So?
‘So, it’s the worst.’
Marie clutched her head. For the first time in a long while, she truly felt how unlucky she was.
Project? Factional struggles within the Foundation? She wasn’t interested in such backstories, and the imminent threat made her mind reel.
“Am I going to die soon?”
– No way
Spiegel, reflecting Marie beyond the hidden world, twinkled. Since Marie became the queen of the magic mirror, it had kept smiling.
– We will act according to what Marie wants.
“……We?”
– At least, J and I will act according to your will, my queen.
Using the awkward title, Spiegel pressed closely against J’s surface. Their faces were now close enough that, despite knowing it was impossible, Marie felt as though she could sense the monster’s breath.
– So, give the order.
Marie, almost entranced, placed her palm against Spiegel’s indicated hand.
– What do you want us to do?
* * *
<<F-49>>
Usually, when the Foundation searched the F-floor, they would find designations like …F-46, F-47, F-50… Most employees didn’t think much of it. It was not uncommon for an entire area to be blown away or temporarily closed due to an SCP going rogue.
However, the F-49 area did exist.
More precisely, it was hidden.
This area, accessible only through a special process by elevator, was open exclusively to the Project Thaumiel team members.
Anyone trying to approach it without permission would have to…
Boom!
…Forge their own path.
