On a cozy noon with gentle sunlight streaming down, the courtyard of the Trinity Research Institute featured a small pool that resembled a downsized version of the Yangcheon-gu lake.
The Golden Reapers were gathered around this tranquil yet lively pool.
Though silent, their joyful expressions exuded an invisible cacophony of cheerful laughter.
Seoah, while tidying up documents in the Deputy Director’s Office, often took breaks to stroll along the glass corridor overlooking the courtyard and watch the scene unfold.
The splashing sounds of the Golden Reapers playing in the water and the mini hydras spurting water into the sky created a harmonious symphony.
Watching the Golden Reapers frolic in the water and the hydras launching streams high into the air was visually and audibly satisfying.
“Aww, they’re so cute!”
“Where are the Gray Reapers? I wanted to see them too!”
Visitors wearing guest passes marveled at the sight of the Golden Reapers.
This glass corridor was specially designed for institute tours, which had become much busier lately since the Yangcheon-gu Lake Incident.
The influx of visitors had grown so much that the institute could now consider independence from government subsidies – a privilege usually reserved for wealthy research facilities.
Director Lee Sehee had been in exceptionally good spirits lately thanks to the surplus profits.
Tap tap.
A sound echoed through the corridor as some Golden Reapers pressed against the glass walls.
Turning around, Seoah saw several Golden Reapers curiously sticking to the one-way mirrors, their cheeks squished into amusing shapes.
Their adorable, curious faces combined with the bright sunlight made onlookers whip out their cameras to capture the moment.
Click.
Even Seoah pulled out her phone from her lab coat pocket to take a picture of the pancake-like cheeks.
Refreshed by the cuteness, she returned to the Deputy Director’s Office with lighter steps.
***
In the observation room filled with advanced equipment and monitors, James and members of the American Object Association focused intently on data transmitted from a camera launched into the sky to investigate the mysterious ‘mini moons’.
This ‘Mini Moon Observation Project’ began after learning that the ‘red moon’ wasn’t visible from space stations.
Among the screens and blinking consoles, a team of astronomers and object specialists analyzed the real-time data.
“We’ve passed the 100km mark. No red or blue moons detected.”
The previously silent observation room buzzed with quiet discussions and more detailed investigations.
“Global-scale hologram? Illusion? More realistic than sudden appearances of mass, but still absurdly object-like behavior.”
Feeling defeated, James quietly exited the room, only to be stopped in the hallway.
“James, wait.”
Thinking it was time to leave, James turned with a puzzled look.
“Considering visiting Korea again? And taking Artifact Number 0? Dangerous country you should avoid, no?”
“Dangerous. Extremely. But I have to go.”
Shaking a thin report from his bag, James continued seriously.
“The Predestined End.”
“You’ve read this report, right?”
James referred to the aptly named document predicting humanity’s downfall based on various data points.
And this report had never been wrong.
Humanity was slowly heading towards extinction.
Putting the report back, James said:
“To avoid this fate, we must try everything. Especially the Gray Reaper – the only way to stop ‘The Predestined End’. Definitely.”
“…Be careful, James.”
“Yeah, I’ll be back safe. Wait for me.”
With a casual wave, James departed.
***
In the Comfortable Isolation Room, the familiar TV commercial jingle provided energetic background noise.
“Lovely Reaper, open wide.”
Lying cozily under soft blankets, Yerin fed her a peeled tangerine.
The warm blanket and slightly chaotic TV sounds created a pleasant contrast.
The vibrant orange added stimulation to the calm atmosphere.
Juicy segments woke up dulled senses – a delightful snack indeed.
Ah, home is best.
Though the ‘Blue Moon Adventure’ at Yangcheon-gu Lake was fun, adventures always come with excitement and fatigue.
Beautiful scenery and hydra water parks – the exciting side.
Worrying about removing the blue moon – the exhausting side.
Still, nothing beats the peaceful isolation room.
Oddly, the desire to go out and play soon arose.
“Ah, that’s right.”
Rifling through her bag, Yerin pulled out neatly packaged documents labeled [Temporary Object Loan/Transfer Application].
“Trinity Research Institute wants to borrow you for a week. Obviously not going, right?”
Not interested.
Central Research Institute seems boring.
Indicating disinterest, she turned away from the report.
“Figured as much. Stay here with Sehee Research Institute then!”
Yerin pressed her cheek against hers affectionately.
A faint unpleasant smell emanated from Yerin’s body.
That sinister odor from the desert and lake.
Snatching the document revealed an even stronger stench.
Could Trinity be behind this?
“Reaper, you want to go?”
Yerin looked slightly sad.
“I’ll tell Unnie Sehee you’re interested.”
With a very sorrowful face, Yerin packed away the documents.
But can’t ignore potentially harmful entities.
***
At the edge of Gwanak-gu where urban and suburban features blended, the imposing building of Trinity Research Institute No. 3 stood proudly.
Living up to its reputation as Korea’s top research facility, the architecture boldly asserted its presence.
Inside, amidst the subtle hum of precise air conditioning and faint petroleum scents, the Director of Research Institute No. 3 calmly listened to a report.
“Sehee Research Institute has accepted our request. We’ll begin transfer next week.”
“Good. Was worried they’d refuse.”
Satisfied, the female director in a lab coat flipped through the presented materials.
“Preparations seem impeccable. Very good.”
Finishing the report, the director questioned:
“This prediction seems quite plausible. What do you think?”
“Can’t be 100% sure, but worth trying.”
After pondering, the director concluded:
“Alright. Proceed as you suggested.”
Placing the report on the desk, the director left.
On the last page was written:
[Analysis of Gray Reaper Weaknesses]
[Object is highly friendly towards humans. Placing humans nearby may restrict actions.]
[Operation One: Recruiting general public into the facility may prove effective for Gray Reaper removal.]
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