Chapter 140

The moment we heard that the evacuation advisory had been lifted, we turned the cart around and headed back toward James City.

“Is the Reaper okay?”

I tried talking to the Golden Reaper perched on my palm, but it just smiled brightly as if it didn’t understand what I was saying, then playfully patted my cheek.

As we retraced our steps, all we could see were collapsed buildings and shattered roads—James City was almost completely devastated.

“This is gonna take a long time to repair…”

While driving the cart, James sighed at the sight of the ruined city, lamenting how many expenses were piling up.

At first glance, none of the damaged structures looked ordinary. Building cross-sections revealed layers in different colors, and beneath the asphalt roads lay numerous metallic cubes embedded deep within.

They must’ve been facilities built for Object containment.

We passed through the half-destroyed city and arrived at the entrance of the Barrier, where people in hazmat suits blocked the way with “No Entry” tape.

In the center of the restricted area stood the remnants of a tall building, cleanly split into two halves. And atop its ruins sat a Reaper, gazing upward toward the sky.

“Reaper!”

Calling out joyfully, the Reaper immediately appeared beside me with a *poof* after glancing down.

Without hesitation, I lifted it up and hugged it tightly, replenishing its soft, fragrant essence.

Squishing its fluffy cheeks, I said, “I missed you, Reaper!”

Its expression seemed puzzled, as if wondering why I would say such a thing when only a few minutes had passed.

***

During their reunion, Gray Reaper and Yerin exchanged pleasantries while James observed the Barrier that had fulfilled its purpose.

Though cracked like an unrepairable glass goblet, the Barrier surrounding James City still maintained its form—almost symbolizing the unwavering resolve of the Vice Mayor.

An employee approached James with news: “[The Vice Mayor has been confirmed alive, but there are suspicions of mental pollution.]”

Inside a temporary isolation facility designed for Object quarantine, James found the Vice Mayor sitting calmly on a chair with eyes closed. Pushing the intercom button, James spoke.

“You managed to survive.”

“Yeah, by some miracle,” replied the Vice Mayor nonchalantly upon opening his eyes.

Despite his calm tone, James noticed a faint hint of madness lurking behind those once rational eyes.

That look doesn’t fit the ever-pragmatic Vice Mayor…

It’s probably this unsettling gaze that led them to suspect mental pollution.

After exchanging brief words, James left the room. Returning to Gray Reaper, he saw Yerin attempting to bite its hair, which floated lazily in the air.

“Looks like we’ll have to reschedule the city tour. It’ll likely take at least six months to fully restore everything.”

“Ahh… Should we just head back to Korea with the Reaper then?”

“If you’re disappointed, you can always check out the research institutes near the Barrier in the Rocky Mountains. There aren’t any civilians around, so it might be easier to get clearance for Gray Reaper.”

Yerin hesitated, cradling Gray Reaper in her arms.

“There’s no rush to decide. Take your time and think about it carefully.”

With that, James guided Yerin and the others onto the cart. “It’s late, so rest at the hotel tonight—we’ll talk more tomorrow.”

However, James did not join them. Instead, he instructed an employee to escort them to a nearby luxury hotel.

“Of course I can’t go. The city’s a mess; the mayor can’t afford to relax right now.”

Watching the cart drive off toward the hotel, James turned and walked back toward the Barrier.

***

Sehee Research Institute Laundry Room.

Unable to use one of the washing machines, I—the director—had to intervene personally. Normally, I wouldn’t need to step in unless it involved something mechanical, but since Reapers were involved, I couldn’t avoid it.

Upon arriving at the rarely visited laundry room, I peered inside the machine and spotted the culprit: a cheerful Golden Reaper.

One Golden Reaper sat happily inside the washer, gazing out through the transparent window as if enjoying itself.

*Ding-dong.*

It tapped lightly against the glass, smiling widely and gesturing for me to start the cycle.

Hmm…

Last time, I watched via internal CCTV footage as someone placed Golden Reapers inside the washer and started it—not realizing they were playing rather than harming them.

Still, I couldn’t bring myself to press the button.

Attempting to open the door and retrieve the Golden Reaper, I was met with resistance—it clung stubbornly to the edges, unwilling to leave.

Its tiny arms trembled from exertion, showing just how much it wanted to stay.

Fine, no force.

Reluctantly, I reached for the essential item carried by every Sehee Research Institute employee: a container of Gray Reaper Pudding.

Shaking the pudding in front of the Golden Reaper, I watched as it reacted like a playful cat chasing a toy.

Peeling back the wrapper and scooping up a small portion, I revealed the pudding’s soft interior.

Almost instantly, the Golden Reaper climbed onto my lap, stretching out its hands eagerly.

Its mouth opened wide like a baby bird’s, chirping softly: “Ah~!”

Such carefree happiness made me feel envious—and inspired to tease it a little.

Whenever the Reaper plays with Golden Reapers, it seems to indulge in similar antics… Maybe this is what it feels like?

Since putting it in the washer would be too cruel, I decided to tease it with the pudding instead.

Holding the spoon just out of reach, I watched as the Golden Reaper lunged forward, only to miss and tumble onto the floor with a soft thud.

How adorable!

Looking up at me with slightly teary eyes, it asked silently: “You’re not going to give it to me?”

“Maybe I won’t!”

Even though it couldn’t speak, its expressions conveyed so much—like a willingness to sacrifice pudding for the sake of humans.

Feeling guilty, I apologized: “Sorry for teasing you!”

Finally relenting, I fed it the pudding.

*Mmmph!*

Its earlier sadness forgotten, the Golden Reaper happily munched away, radiating pure bliss.

Making it happy is always better than causing trouble.

***

Nearby, at a high-end hotel located in the central hub of a satellite city close to James City.

James had generously rented out the entire hotel for us.

Exhausted from the day’s events, Yerin fell asleep almost immediately after lying down on the plush king-sized bed. Surrounding her were several Golden Reapers curled up snugly.

Gazing at Yerin’s peaceful face, surrounded by her beloved Golden Reapers, I eventually turned my attention to the darkened hotel windows.

Through the glass, I could see James Research Institute employees patrolling the perimeter.

It’s time to prepare for departure to the Mini Reaper Garden.

Enough Golden Reapers have been arranged around Yerin for her return trip to America.

Now it’s my turn to play using my newfound abilities.

Hehe~

***

Inside the Mini Reaper Garden stood a single structure.

The Witch’s Candy House, crafted from enchanted treats by the Blue Reapers.

This magical dwelling hovered gracefully between the skies and the Sea of Hot Chocolate.

Currently docked above the hot chocolate sea, the house hosted a gathering of Blue Reapers.

Whispering excitedly, heads bowed together, they exchanged emotions and intentions.

Their topic? Humans.

Stories of how weak yet determined humans tried to save them filled the air.

The Blue Reapers listened enviously, congratulating each other warmly.

Interacting with humans? What an incredible feat!

For shy Blue Reapers, even approaching humans from afar was challenging.

Gradually, these tales grew grander.

“[We… sometimes lie down together and rest!]”

And bolder.

“[And sometimes, I feed them slices of apple directly!]”

Before long, the storyteller became celebrated as the bravest among the Blue Reapers.

Amidst their joyful chatter, a shadow loomed ominously over the candy house—a harbinger of vengeance and unresolved anger.

It was the Gray Reaper, still holding onto the grudge of the Marshmallow Hammer incident.

Unaware of the impending danger, the Blue Reapers continued sharing their cherished human stories.