Containing the Tickle Monster

As news of Lei Keming's mother's mental recovery from Dark Erosion Syndrome spread, it became increasingly widespread.

At first, people didn't believe her, but later more and more people sought her out to understand how she managed to do it.

After all, the erosion and distortion occurring on her arm is the best proof.

Although it's not a complete cure, as long as one regains mental and physical sanity, they can become a normal person again.

This is the best outcome for both the family and the patients with Dark Erosion Syndrome.

At first, Lei Keming's mother made excuses to refuse, but as more and more people came, including some who were willing to pay high prices to buy the information.

Lei Keming's mother gradually began to have other thoughts.

That is to profit from the creature that Lei Keming brought back.

Although Lei Keming was unwilling, he agreed under his mother's insistence.

My mother founded her own sect, which she named the Church of Light.

The doctrine brings light to humanity living in darkness, freeing them from suffering in this hellish world.

After curing a patient with Dark Erosion Syndrome using the Tickle Monster while masked.

A group of family members suffering from Dark Erosion Syndrome began to become the most loyal followers of the Church of Light.

As the church continued to expand, others joined the Church of Light.

Moreover, quite a few of those who had come into contact with the Tickle Monster became positive and optimistic, free from any worries or fears.

A life where you don't have to live in constant fear.

Although this feeling only lasts for a short time, it's like the most addictive drug.

Make them unable to stop.

The number of die-hard believers in the Church of Light is increasing, and as a result, more and more people are joining.

It wasn't until the number of people involved grew to over a thousand that the commotion finally attracted the attention of the authorities.

Although there are many churches and sects in the Steam City, the Steam City's leadership also has its own set of management methods.

At least what exists today are sects and churches, and the entities they believe in have records of existence.

From a certain perspective, they would not believe in something that is completely illusory.

These churches and denominations are naturally registered.

Church of Light suddenly appeared out of nowhere in some remote town and that no one had ever heard of was naturally in violation of the rules.

Initially, the authorities simply sent a few people to conduct a basic investigation and allowed the sect to disband on its own.

But those sent out never returned; some even became members of the Church of Light.

Light, joy, happiness—let the world be filled with spiritual pleasure.

Such doctrines began to spread everywhere.

After several contacts with the Church of Light, the authorities finally realized that this sect was far from simple.

What they believed in seemed to be a real existence, and indeed possessed special abilities.

This was Eldritch Beings creature, or some other supernatural object, that they had never documented before.

Although the development of a belief in the Eldritch Beings led to some changes in the course of civilization in the Steam City.

However, the Eldritch Beings investigation and the understanding of various aspects have remained unchanged.

After all, their initial motivation for believing in the Eldritch Beings was to gain greater power so they could survive better in this world.

It's not about having faith for the sake of faith, but about having faith for survival.

The emergence of a completely new and unknown entity immediately put the nerves of the Steam City's leadership on high alert.

The Foundation immediately dispatched a special task force to investigate, while some investigators also went to investigate on their own initiative.

With the strong intervention of official forces, the details of this Church of Light were quickly investigated and clarified.

The Superpower they possess do not originate from anyone else.

Rather, it comes from the being they believe in.

As for what their faith actually is, no one knows except the leader of the Church of Light.

All those who came into contact with objects of faith were in a dark environment where their vision was obscured.

All I know is that it's some kind of soft, slimy creature.

Therefore, it can be inferred that the existence of the Church of Light does not possess a particularly strong offensive capability.

Moreover, it is something that can be controlled by anyone; otherwise, there would be no need to conceal it.

The task force immediately arrested the leader of the Church of Light, Lei Keming, and his mother.

After interrogation, the task force located the hidden the Tickle Monster.

After being examined by the Foundation, it was identified as a supernatural being and could be contained.

Further detailed research is needed after taking the information back.

But just as the task force was about to take them away, the members of the Church of Light went berserk and began to obstruct them, even launching attacks on the task force.

According to the task force's defensive counterattack protocol, the task force will shoot and kill all the cultists present.

To prevent the spread of infectious diseases caused by memetic contamination.

After burning all the corpses, the task force returned to the Foundation's containment facility with the Tickle Monster.

Meanwhile, Lei Keming and his mother were arrested.

He was imprisoned as a member of the D group for disturbing public order and possessing evidence of information about paranormal objects.

Researchers at the Foundation began their investigation, first assigning SCP-999 the designation "The Tickle Monster" based on advice from higher-ups.

Subsequent research revealed the characteristics of the Tickle Monster.

They have no intention of attacking and remain friendly to everyone.

They enjoy playing with humans, especially those who are feeling down.

The Tickle Monster has the ability to absorb negative emotions and bring joy to those who come into contact with it.

Once someone has touched the Tickle Monster, they will become dependent on the mental pleasure it brings.

The Foundation is considering using the Tickle Monster to create a medicine to suppress Dark Erosion Syndrome.

After all, more and more people are suffering from Dark Erosion Syndrome these days.

However, it's too early to know what other mutations will occur after the Tickle Monster absorbs negative emotions, as there's currently too little data to know.

However, this proposal is already under study.

Meanwhile, after the Pestilence Doctor learned of the existence of the Tickle Monster, he suggested that he join the research.

However, the Foundation rejected his application, fearing that his research might cause harm related to the Pestilence and thus affect others.

Furthermore, given the Tickle Monster's ability to soothe any living being, the Foundation plans to do so again after their next encounter with SCP-682, the Hard-to-Destroy Reptile.

Containment was carried out using the Tickle Monster.

Since the Tickle Monster has no offensive capabilities, it is permitted to be contained in a space where it can move freely.

However, they must not leave the containment space, and no one may approach the Tickle Monster except for necessary research.

This is to prevent dependence on mental pleasure, which could lead to extreme actions.