You turn slowly, moving away from the symbols. There, standing at the edge of the clearing, is a figure that challenges everything you thought you knew about reality. Tall and thin, with white fur that seems to glow in the twilight, the being adjusts its wire-rimmed glasses with a scholarly air. In one hand, it holds what appears to be a modified piece of advanced technology – something that resembles a Starlink terminal but covered in the same symbols that adorn the watchtower.

“I've been watching your research, Emma,” the creature says, its articulation perfect. “Your theories about the electromagnetic anomalies… they're closer to the truth than you realize.” It turns to Jake, “And your geological surveys have been quite thorough, though you've only scratched the surface of what these mountains hide.”

Both you and Emma stand frozen, academics' minds racing to categorize what you're seeing. The being – SethSquatch, as you'll come to know him – takes a step forward, his movement graceful despite his imposing height.

What do you do?

Choice 4A: Ask about the symbols and their connection to the electromagnetic readings

Choice 4B: Question how he knows your names and research