SCP-457 - The Flame Demon

Ding! "Congratulations, host, for obtaining a large base (capacity of 10,000 people, equipped with a nuclear arsenal capable of destroying a country, 20 artificial satellites, an independent satellite communication system, and a weather control weapon, with an S-Class researcher assigned). Foundation firefighters x100,000."

Ding! "Congratulations, host, for acquiring an excellent pizza cutter."

Ethan: "???"

The discrepancy between the rewards was staggering.

Wait a minute!

Suddenly, Ethan realized something very serious and terrifying.

The rewards given by the system were based on the danger level of the SCPs. The fact that SCP-457's reward was so extensive meant that SCP-457 was likely very dangerous.

Considering that SCP-096 had caused several thousand casualties and nearly left a significant mark on human disaster history, and it had only earned him a medium-sized base, the direct reward of a large base plus 100,000 firefighters for SCP-457 was alarming.

Ethan immediately felt a shiver and almost fell off the sofa.

SCP-096, despite being eerie, only caused individual harm. But SCP-457 was different.

From its name alone, Ethan could guess that it was related to fire and extremely dangerous. With such a connection, it was hard to believe that SCP-457 would not cause widespread destruction.

Right...

The information!

"System, pull up the data for SCP-457 - The Flame Demon!"

Ding! "Would you like to spend 10,000 legendary points to view SCP-457's basic information?"

"Yes!"

Ethan mentally urged the system.

Soon, the panel displayed the details about SCP-457.

"SCP-457 is a sentient entity composed of fire. Its exact composition remains unknown; its structure is invisible and cannot be detected by any known means. It takes shape solely from the flames it generates. With sufficient fuel, SCP-457 typically manifests as a humanoid form.

The most basic form of SCP-457 is a small flame, similar in size to that of a lit match. In this form, SCP-457 possesses only the simplest abilities, not much different from other flames. It can suddenly flare up to burn hands and 'jump' to more flammable materials or other flames, assimilating them to evolve into a more complete form.

As SCP-457 grows, it can assume more forms. The larger it becomes and the more fuel it acquires, the higher its intelligence. The mechanism of SCP-457's intelligence formation remains unknown, but once it takes on a humanoid form, SCP-457 usually maintains that shape.

SCP-457 has been observed using its flames to burn text onto walls or other surfaces for communication. It can also 'speak' through high-temperature air and fire explosions, though it rarely does so.

Once SCP-457's size and fuel reach an unknown threshold, it will split into two new entities, and this process continues. However, SCP-457's entities harbor deep hostility towards one another and will attempt to burn or extinguish each other, especially when fuel is limited."

After reading the description provided by the system, Ethan was shocked.

This was no ordinary containment object; this was practically a species!

With its ability to grow indefinitely and split when it reaches a certain size, Ethan had no doubts about its danger level.

SCP-457 reminded Ethan of a Marvel supervillain—the Flame Giant Surtur!

That fearsome entity had destroyed Asgard.

While SCP-457 might not match Surtur's power with Eternal Flame, its threat to humanity was arguably greater.

Moreover, SCP-457 had a terrifying special trait: infinite growth!

Aside from those SCPs with supreme divine characteristics, Ethan was most wary of SCPs with such traits. Many novel villains with infinite growth characteristics had been taken down by protagonists, following a common trope of letting the antagonist grow only to be eventually outpaced and defeated.

Ethan slapped himself to correct his mindset, feeling a bit unhinged.

Damn it! Automatically falling into a villainous mindset again—there was something off about that.

Once he regained his composure, Ethan decided not to act immediately. While SCP-457's growth trait was terrifying, it wasn't likely to reach uncontrollable levels right away.

The most pressing task was to inspect the new base he had been rewarded.

A large base equipped with weather control weapons was clearly intended for containing SCP-457.

This was the first time Ethan had received such an extensive reward, and it was incredibly generous.

"Skye, Natasha! Get ready. We're going out soon."

Ethan shouted to the two women who were in the bathroom.

…

Note: The author is considering whether to set the protagonist as an SCP with traits