Faro returned to his normal form. I watched the scene unfold with equal parts fear and astonishment. “What the hell is he?” I thought. Suddenly, I heard his voice:

— “D-4347, I know you're there...”

My eyes widened in shock and fear. Holding my rifle tightly, I stepped out from behind the corner.

— “You... You killed them like it was nothing! What are you?!” I shouted.

He smiled — that same familiar smile, though now it felt more unsettling.

— “Maybe I’ll tell you... but you’d have to do something for me,” he said calmly.

— “And what would that be?” I asked, cautiously.

— “Nothing major. Just a small favor. You help me, and I’ll answer your questions.”

— “Tempting… I guess.”

— “Isn’t it?” he asked, extending his hand toward me.

— “So? Do we have a deal?” he added.

I hesitated for a moment, but in the end… why not? Maybe I’d finally get some real answers. I sighed and said:

— “Deal.”

I reluctantly shook his hand. As soon as we made contact, a burst of violet flame flared between our palms — and disappeared as quickly as it had come.

— “W-what was that?!” I asked, pulling my hand back.

— “A seal. To make sure you don’t try to back out. Now go back to your containment cell. No one will notice you — and soon there will be chaos because of what just happened. You’ll find everything you need waiting for you.”

With those words, he vanished, leaving me alone.

I returned to my room. Strangely, the door was wide open — but as soon as I stepped across the threshold, it slammed shut behind me with a heavy, echoing thud.

There was a small stack of papers on the desk. I walked over and sat down in the chair, beginning to read. The first thing I saw was the header:

Entry Date: September 17, 2011
Object Description: FARO
Object Number: 0-####

Appearance: Humanoid male, appearing 30–35 years old. Wears a black, elegant suit with a violet tie. The outfit appears to be a part of his body. Possesses short, brown hair. Estimated height: 191 cm. Upright posture and pale, Central European complexion. Country of origin: Unknown. Carries a metallic staff with a violet crystal levitating at the top in the shape of a sphere.

Abilities: Teleportation across short and long distances. Use of some form of power or skillset.
(Access to full list of abilities requires Level 4 clearance or higher.)

Special Information:
The entity shows no aggression unless provoked. It has full access to all Foundation sites and rooms without the need for clearance.
(Details require Level 4 clearance or higher.)

Entry Update:
Date: February 24, 2012
As of today, Object 0-#### known as “Faro” is assigned the role of Level 3 Doctor. Information regarding this change has been distributed to all authorized personnel.

I flipped through a few more pages… until I came across a profile — mine.

Entry Date: May 13, 2024
Object Description: D-4347

Appearance: Medium-length black hair, blue eyes, and a scar over the left eye. Height: 187 cm. Age: 28.

General Entry:
D-4347 survived a gas-based termination attempt — an event that should not have been possible. Subject appears to possess extremely high-level regenerative abilities that prevent death. As of today, D-4347 is officially classified as an anomalous object. Securing and studying this entity is a top priority.
(Further information requires Level 4 clearance.)

I finished reading. My heart was pounding harder and harder. “Anomalous? Me?” I thought, staring at the documents in disbelief.