[Torment Sloth has manifested across various forms of non-live media, including films, television, magazines, and, in certain cases, personal videos and images.]
[It generally appears in the background of such media. In one incident in North Carolina, Torment Sloth appeared in a local television broadcast, prompting the relocation of over 4,000 individuals to Site-116.]
[The anomalous properties of the image persist only when it contains red and green coloration. Therefore, individuals with deuteranopia or other types of color blindness are unaffected by the Torment Sloth.]
[Torment Sloth is believed to be memetic in nature. Its effects intensify with the number of affected individuals. Additionally, the frequency of its appearances increases based on the number of surviving victims. Following the execution of Protocol-XXJ9, reports of its manifestation have significantly decreased.]
[Protocol-XXJ9 involves using web-filter A03G32 to monitor and scan all online visual media for the presence of Torment Sloth. Upon detection, a containment response team is immediately dispatched.]
[Personnel are assigned to monitor online and televised broadcasts to confirm appearances. If found, the retrieval unit is mobilized. Anyone exposed to the Torment Sloth image for more than five seconds will receive Class-C amnestics and be temporarily relocated to Site-116. Due to the nature of the anomaly, it is recommended that researchers with deuteranopia be prioritized for handling Torment Sloth cases.]
[Testing shows that Torment Sloth does not affect the majority of viewers, including many with color blindness. Only approximately 40% of exposed individuals are impacted. This percentage is directly influenced by the number of surviving victims.]
[Once affected, victims rely solely on muscle memory to perform actions. Their reaction times slow dramatically. They become passive, compliant, and able to respond to basic questions and follow instructions—but show no emotion.]
[Despite appearing conscious, these individuals have no control over their actions during this period.]
[During the 150-second lucid intervals, victims become extremely agitated and frightened.]
[They may act irrationally during these moments. Many report full memories of their unconscious states but are unable to understand or influence their own actions. Upon regaining awareness, most experience extreme fear of remaining in that condition permanently.]
[Several affected individuals have claimed to see Torment Sloth while their bodies acted on autopilot. They lost all perception of reality during these periods. Upon regaining awareness, they are considered unstable and must be treated immediately. No contact with them should occur during that time.]
[Those relocated to Site-116 often exhibit a disturbing affinity for Torment Sloth. Artistic works, sculptures, and literature referencing the creature frequently appear in their quarters, seemingly created unconsciously. These objects are traded among patients during leisure periods. All such items are to be confiscated and incinerated. Creators or imitators of Torment Sloth imagery are to be executed.]
[Foundation personnel have been researching Torment Sloth for years, attempting to uncover how it appears in visual media, how it spreads, and whether it exists as a physical entity.]
[Unfortunately, even after years of study, the origin of Torment Sloth remains unknown. Researchers are forced to rely on reactive containment: constantly scanning video platforms and deleting any footage where it appears. This has caused numerous complications.]
[Still, compared to the danger of mass exposure, these are minor issues.]
[Whether exposure to Torment Sloth can ever be cured remains unknown.]
Upon reading this, everyone had something to say:
Mordo: This is a curse! Some kind of accursed entity that spreads through video media!
Tony Stark: I think it's more like a virus.
Rhodey: Come on, Tony. A computer virus can't infect people.
Tony Stark: You say that now, but who knows what kind of computer viruses exist in other universes? Maybe they can infect people.
Bruce Wayne: This is dangerously serious. In a world driven by technology and networks, with people watching short videos everywhere, this thing could infect billions. It's a global crisis waiting to happen!
Dorami: But isn't that strange? If it's that dangerous, why are there only a few thousand victims?
Dan Moroboshi: The video explained—it's probabilistic. The more victims there are, the higher the infection rate and frequency. Fewer victims means lower spread.
Diana: I think this Torment Sloth must be some kind of demon from another dimension, feeding on people's minds until it gathers enough power to physically manifest.
Ancient One: I agree. That's exactly what it sounds like.
Mei Terumi: I don't really get this "media" or "network" thing, but I doubt this would affect our world much—we don't have those.
Garp: Yeah, in our world, we watch stuff using Den Den Mushi. Probably not the same transmission medium.
Piccolo: But here's the real question: if this thing actually shows up, how do you contain it? Monitor every video?
Tony Stark: That might be the only viable method.
As the debate continued, the video resumed.
[The following segment shows the treatment of a Torment Sloth victim. Viewer discretion is advised.]
The screen transitioned to a video feed: a table with two people seated.
On the left was an older man in a white lab coat, his chest badge reading "Dr. Chung."
On the right sat a patient.
Several armed security personnel stood in the room with assault rifles.
[Dr. Chung: Hello, David. If you can answer a few questions, it will help us treat you. Are you ready?]
[Patient-0866: I—I don't know. Just make it quick.]
[Dr. Chung: Since time is limited, could you describe what happened while you were… under its influence?]
[Patient-0866: O-Okay… I guess it's like this. Imagine sitting in a car—your arms and legs are tied. You can't move. You can't even feel your body. The worst part? You can't hold a single thought for more than five seconds. It's… hell.]
[Patient-0866 takes a deep breath and stretches.]
[Dr. Chung: Are you okay? We can stop and continue tomorrow.]
[Patient-0866: No, it's fine… I just want to enjoy being in control for a bit longer. When you're stuck like that, locked in your own head… all you want to do is scream. But you can't. For hours, you try. To move a finger, your leg, say anything. Nothing works. You can't even control your own breathing. Then come the hallucinations… that sloth. I just…]
(End of Chapter)
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