[Anomaly File](1)
(Disclaimer: I suddenly felt like writing this, so it's an extra update. Skip it if you're not interested; it has nothing to do with the main story. If there are any issues, feel free to point them out and I'll immediately apologize and make changes.)
Number: 001
Classification: ammunition-type anomaly
Danger level: E (no direct lethality observed so far; easily causes cognitive distortion)
File status: archived, ongoing updates (last updated: after observations of the [Escape Room] Instance concluded)
I. Appearance and physical characteristics: observation records
1. Basic form:
The main body is an irregular, white, cloud-like floating mass, approximately 1.2–3.5 meters in diameter (it can adjust its own volume).
A variable number of white, translucent tentacles extend from its surface. The tentacles are 0.3–1.5 meters long, soft in texture, and have no obvious skeletal structure.
No tendency to actively attack with its main body has been observed so far.
2. Transformation ability:
It can alter its own size and shape at will, preferentially transforming into inanimate objects with "visual appeal." Typical disguises include a glowing jade pendant, an exquisite cloud-shaped ornament, and a white crystal.
Multiple rounds of observation have confirmed that this individual cannot change its predominantly white coloration, nor can it imitate the forms or behavioral traits of any living creature, including humans and animals.
After transforming, its mobility declines significantly. It remains mostly stationary or drifts slowly and cannot actively pursue targets.
3. Physical characteristics:
Its physical structure is loose, and its resistance to impact is weak: when struck by energy of moderate intensity or higher, it breaks into several irregular white fragments (5–20 cm³ per fragment).
The white fragments are capable of converging on their own. Without outside interference, they reassemble into the complete form within 10–30 minutes.
Once reassembly is complete, its floating speed and the frequency of its tentacle movements decrease significantly, indicating a weakened state.
Additional speculation: repeated high-intensity energy impacts may put it into a temporary dormant state. This hypothesis has not yet been experimentally verified, and further observations are needed to provide supporting data.
4. Visual effects:
Uncontaminated individuals who look directly at 001's main body for more than three seconds experience persistent dizziness and blurred vision. These symptoms subside on their own within 5–10 minutes of looking away; their duration is positively correlated with the length of direct exposure.
II. Analysis of core ability mechanisms
1. Energy collection method:
This individual's core energy source is "positive emotions that other individuals experience because of it." Confirmed effective emotions include hope, fondness, and pleasant surprise;
It converts such positive emotions into a specialized energy carrier called a "Seed," which serves as the core "ammunition" for subsequent use of its abilities.
Additional speculation: 001 seems to quickly lose interest in individuals who have already provided it with energy. It is speculated that the amount of energy 001 can absorb from a single individual is limited.
2. Ability characteristics:
001 activates its ability by "implanting a Seed."
A "Seed" is an intangible, immaterial energy carrier with no physical form. It can be actively controlled by 001 and implanted in a target. The entire implantation process leaves no obvious traces of physical contact, and the target cannot detect it through conventional senses.
Once a target has been implanted with a "Seed," 001 controls the target's vision. No signs of a Seed becoming ineffective have been observed so far.
Additional speculation: the content of the illusions it creates appears to be highly organized. On this basis, 001 is presumed to possess intelligence at least equal to that of a normal human.
3. Ability limitations:
Each time 001 releases an Illusion Seed and controls a target's vision, its energy is noticeably depleted. It must induce new positive emotions to replenish it and cannot use its ability without an energy reserve.
4. Typical inducement behavior:
001 preferentially transforms into "an inanimate object of special value" and uses a weak Illusion to enhance its apparent "rarity," enticing passing individuals to pick it up;
When a target picks it up and experiences the positive emotion of thinking "this object is extraordinary," that constitutes one successful energy collection.