The following morning, Elena and her team of researchers—Dr. James Milton, Dr. Sofia Hernandez, and two armed security personnel—were briefed on their mission to investigate the Towering Event in the Backrooms. They were equipped with specialized gear designed to protect them from both SCP-4038-1 infection and the unknown dangers of the Backrooms itself.

"We'll be entering through a designated portal here at Site-44," Director Richter explained, pointing to a large, metal door in one corner of the room. "Once inside, you'll have 24 hours before your containment suits begin to malfunction and lose their protective properties." He paused for a moment before continuing.

"We've managed to locate the approximate coordinates of the Towering Event based on our field agent's report," Dr. Hernandez interjected, pulling up a holographic map of the Backrooms that floated in front of her. "It appears that we'll be starting in what we call 'Level 1,' which is characterized by its familiar appearance and relatively low level of danger."

"Remember," Dr. Milton cautioned as they prepared to enter the portal, "the longer you stay within the Backrooms, the more likely it is that you'll encounter higher levels with increased dangers and anomalies." He paused for a moment before adding, "And of course, there's always the risk of SCP-4038 infection."

Elena nodded solemnly as she stepped through the portal with her team. The world around them shifted abruptly—the sterile white walls and fluorescent lights of Site-44 were replaced by a dimly lit corridor lined with worn carpeting and pale yellow walls. The air was stale, heavy with the scent of mold and decay, as they began their descent into the Backrooms.

"We'll be following this corridor for approximately 500 meters before reaching our first checkpoint," Dr. Hernandez announced over her shoulder as she consulted her holographic map once more. "Keep your eyes peeled for any signs of SCP-4038-1 or the Towering Event."

The team moved cautiously through the corridor, their footsteps echoing off the walls as they advanced deeper into the Backrooms. The air grew thicker with each step, and Elena could feel her breath growing shallow as she fought against an overwhelming sense of claustrophobia. She glanced at Dr. Milton, who seemed equally unnerved by their surroundings but maintained a steady pace as they continued down the corridor.

"Do you think we'll find any survivors from the Towering Event?" Elena asked softly, her voice barely audible over the sound of their footsteps and labored breathing. Dr. Milton shook his head slowly before responding in a low whisper: "It's unlikely that anyone would have survived such an event unscathed, especially given SCP-4038's ability to infect its victims so quickly."

As they approached the 500-meter mark, Elena could feel her nerves begin to fray. The air grew thicker still, and she could hear the faint sound of moaning and shuffling coming from down one of the side corridors. She exchanged a worried glance with Dr. Milton before signaling for their security personnel to take up defensive positions as they approached the intersection where they'd find their first checkpoint.

"Stay close," Dr. Hernandez warned as she led them into the intersection, her holographic map glowing brightly in front of her face. "We need to make sure we don't get separated or lost in here." As they rounded the corner, Elena's worst fears were confirmed: a group of infected SCP-4038-1 lay sprawled out on the floor, their elongated tongues writhing and twisting as they searched for new victims.

"Contact!" One of the security personnel shouted as he raised his weapon and opened fire on the infected individuals. The sound of gunfire echoed through the corridor, drowning out Elena's screams as she watched in horror as her teammates fought to protect her from the advancing horde of SCP-4038-1.

In that moment, Elena knew that their mission had taken a deadly turn—the Backrooms were far more dangerous than they'd anticipated, and the true horror of SCP-4038 was just beginning to reveal itself.