That was to be expected.
Arthur glanced at the clerk's corpse that had been hollowed out.
If this weren't the City, probably no one would agree to such a bloody and absurd experiment.
"People cannot rid themselves of the Plague on their own…" SCP-049 said softly. "That's why we exist…"
"I can see you haven't rested at all today."
Only then did Arthur truly admire SCP-049's professionalism in dismembering human bodies.
"Of course. Rest is irresponsible to the patients."
SCP-049 suddenly stood up and asked Arthur, "Doctor, would you like to see my research results?"
"..."
Arthur didn't respond, but SCP-049 took his silence as agreement.
"Of course, if that is the case, that would be for the best…"
It reached into its black square bag and took out several bottles containing viscous liquid.
"Every step of science requires the joint efforts of researchers…"
This can hardly be called science…
Arthur remained silent, watching as the doctor used a manual pump and copper tubes to inject the liquid into the corpse.
Immediately afterward, SCP-049 began grabbing the scattered, blood-soaked organs and stuffing them back into the body—without regard for whether they were placed correctly.
This was a long "surgery."
When it was finally complete, the corpse rapidly began to swell.
Not only that, body parts that clearly did not belong to this clerk inexplicably grew from its flesh.
"Roar…"
A beast-like growl escaped from the porous body. Its joints twisted as its bloated form slowly rose to its feet.
It was no longer recognizable as human.
Even Arthur's pupils trembled at the sight.
"It is powerful! And no longer afflicted with the Plague!"
SCP-049 stood before the monster, its immense joy tempered by the composure of a true scientist.
"Of course, I admit my treatment still has flaws… but it is very close…"
The creature began oozing an unknown pus.
A strong, foul stench filled the room, accompanied by an intensely uncomfortable sensation.
Arthur stood up, gripping his Decisive Heart.
Only now did he fully understand why the Foundation had prohibited SCP-049 from conducting experiments.
God knew what kind of monstrosity this thing's research could create.
And as he stared at the grotesque figure, Arthur couldn't help but associate it with a dangerous ALEPH-class Abnormality—Mountain of Smiling Bodies.
If such things were mass-produced, it would spell disaster.
"Sorry, 049. We agreed that some experimental results must be destroyed."
"If that is your request, of course," SCP-049 nodded.
"Doctor, you are one of the few who truly understand me…"
A sharp rod suddenly appeared in its hand.
Arthur didn't even see the movement—by the time he reacted, the black rod had already pierced through SCP-049-2's body and embedded itself in the containment room wall.
In the next instant, the powerful monster collapsed effortlessly at SCP-049's feet.
The doctor showed no disappointment. For its current work, it didn't require an "assistant" to be competent.
"Experimental results are satisfactory. Basic physiological functions can still be maintained…"
SCP-049 calmly picked up its pen and notebook and continued recording.
Work completed. PE-BOX energy collected: 20/20. Work result — Excellent.
The gate behind him began to open.
"049, I have other work to attend to. I'll be leaving now…"
Arthur took several steps back. The stench made him feel slightly nauseous.
"Hm…"
SCP-049 didn't look up, continuing to write—but then seemed to recall something.
Its bird-beak mask lifted slightly as it addressed Arthur again.
"Doctor, my experiments have reached a bottleneck… I desperately need real patients—especially those from your facility."
"The people here, under the torment of the Plague, seem to have developed new symptoms… I find this most intriguing…"
"It would be best if you could provide patients who are still barely alive and relatively vigorous…"
"..."
Arthur didn't reply. Walking toward the entrance, he simply closed the gate.
Perhaps…
If it were Lobotomy Corporation, such a request might actually be approved—it could significantly increase endorphin production.
But experimenting on innocent living people crossed Arthur's red line.
What's more…
Arthur recalled SCP-049's experimental results.
That intense sense of discomfort…
Regarding SCP-049's research, he had a very bad premonition.
Though SCP-049 genuinely sought to free humanity from what it called the "Plague,"
The method—and the outcome—
Was that truly something humanity would want?