Chapter 122

A Hungry Ghost opened its massive maw, and a brilliant light poured into its interior.

It was a signal that there was no longer any external danger, and the Hungry Ghost’s protection had come to an end.

The Golden Reapers playing in the Ball Pit were the first to rush out with wide-open arms.

The Golden Reapers spread their arms wide and grinned from ear to ear.

Bathed in the golden sunlight, the Reapers shone even brighter and looked genuinely delighted.

As James followed the Golden Reapers outside, warm sunlight greeted him.

Bright sunlight beamed down, and a refreshing breeze blew across the open sky.

The sticky black liquid that had loomed heavy and ominous was now gone, replaced by a serene blue sky, signaling a return to normalcy and peace.

But as James lowered his gaze, he saw the devastation of Gwanak-gu turned into ruins.

Gwanak-gu, which had been sacrificed to the black liquid, was gradually revealing its form as the level of the liquid receded.

Exposed skeletal concrete structures bore witness to the disaster.

It would probably take a very long time to restore Gwanak-gu.

But since the Giant Jellyfish appeared to be destroyed, the area where humans could survive had expanded somewhat.

Helicopter sounds began echoing over the ruins as the city’s high-rise chaos faded away.

The helicopters landed in succession on the ruins and disgorged numerous soldiers from the Association.

Among the soldiers, reporters equipped with protective gear also descended onto the ruins.

While the soldiers checked the safety of the ruins, the reporters slowly approached James.

James straightened his clothes as he watched the approaching reporters.

They must have many questions.

And once they learn the full story of this incident, they’ll realize how special the Gray Reaper is.

Hmm…

When James pressed the Hungry Ghost ball in his hand, a unique sound erupted.

This Hungry Ghost ball was proof of what James experienced in Gwanak-gu and a fragment of cherished memories.

Thinking about storing the Hungry Ghost ball in his display case, James walked toward the reporters.

Still, where did the Gray Reaper go?

And the White Hungry Ghost and the Golden Reapers disappeared too.

***

Were they waiting outside Gwanak-gu all this time? As soon as the Giant Jellyfish was dealt with, countless helicopters approached.

Annoying.

Seeing the reporters swarming closer, he quickly slipped into a crevice in the ruins.

Now that the incident is over, it’s time to head back to Sehee Research Institute.

Stretching his arms above his head with a yawn, he noticed the Blue Reaper sending him a string message.

[Mom! Follow me!]

[There’s something I want to show you!]

Despite saying this, the Blue Reaper seemed nervous and fidgety, clearly uneasy.

He’s usually shy, but this seems even worse than usual.

Clomp clomp.

Gliding smoothly through the air on a broomstick, the Blue Reaper led the way while James followed at a leisurely pace.

Climbing the ruins like a mountain, step by step.

Higher and higher climbed the Blue Reaper.

If only I had flight powers, I wouldn’t have to climb like this…

Finally reaching an elevated ruin with an unobstructed view.

From this high ground, one could overlook the transformed landscape of Gwanak-gu.

The absence of towering skyscrapers created a surprisingly open vista, making the chest feel lighter.

The clear blue sky contrasted beautifully with the scarred scenery below, illuminated by the sun shining upon the ruins.

A cool breeze added charm to the scene.

Did you bring me here just to show me this?

Looking around for the Blue Reaper to pat him on the head, he found that the Blue Reaper had vanished.

Tiptap tip tap.

Suddenly, the Golden Reapers burst forth, pushing him forcefully from behind.

Huh?

Caught off guard by the unexpected attack from the Golden Reapers, James began falling off the ruins.

Above, the Golden Reapers giggled mischievously.

Below lay a pool of black liquid trapped between the ruins.

You tricksters!

Before hitting the black liquid, James teleported himself to the Mini Reaper Garden.

Hehe.

You’re still 100 years too early to fool me.

Escaping the trap set by the Golden and Blue Reapers, James stepped onto the ground in the Mini Reaper Garden.

Escape successful!

Smiling confidently after avoiding the trap, the ground beneath him suddenly collapsed.

Plop.

It was a hot chocolate-filled pit crafted by the Golden Reapers.

Trapped up to my neck in this pit, the Golden Reapers started pounding my head with marshmallow hammers, grinning victoriously.

With every strike of the marshmallow hammer, the emotions of the Golden Reapers flowed into me.

They were venting frustrations about all the pranks I’ve pulled so far.

Especially prominent were feelings of injustice: “You lied about helping us catch the jellyfish” and “You promised not to prank us again.”

Enjoying the act of venting, the Golden Reapers laughed happily as they swung their marshmallow hammers.

Have I been tormenting them too much lately…?

Just as I thought, “At least the Blue Reaper isn’t here,” the Blue Reaper hiding among the snacks slowly approached.

Closing his eyes tightly, the Blue Reaper struck with a marshmallow hammer.

Ah…

Even you, Blue Reaper…?

***

Thud thud.

In the dark, sticky underground, the crisp sound of polished dress shoes echoed.

A man in a neatly tailored suit whose face was indistinct descended the stairs slowly.

Clatter clatter.

Though his face was unclear and his impression vague, numerous lamps floated around him, asserting his presence.

Anyone who saw this man might not remember his face, but one thing would stick in their minds:

‘The Man of the Lamp.’

The private room once used by the director of Trinity Research Institute No. 3 was now in disarray, corroded and collapsed by black slime.

The Man of the Lamp entered the ruined room, picked up an ‘extremely old-looking lamp’ in the corner,

and when he tapped its surface, the old lamp transformed into a pristine, clean new one.

Placing the lamp prominently in the center of the room, the man smiled meaningfully and slowly exited.

***

With the moon and stars rising, the Golden Reapers asleep under the deep night sky.

But Sehee Research Institute remained awake during sleepless nights.

On such a night, I was gazing at the sky in the backyard of Sehee Research Institute.

Although the events in Gwanak-gu kept the Association personnel busy and Sehee Research Institute seemed hectic, it didn’t concern me much.

That’s the advantage of an object-oriented life—being detached from worldly affairs.

Enjoying the rights of civilization without fulfilling all the obligations!

I continued looking up at the sky, hoping for a new moon to appear.

Three moons floated gently in the sky.

The large moon, the blue moon, the red moon.

But no sign of a fourth moon appeared despite my wait.

Since the Giant Jellyfish was called the “Pearl of the Night,” I assumed another moon would appear, but I guess not?

True, it wasn’t rainbow-colored.

Still, I did gain something from this Trinity Research Institute trip.

First, a big emergency food supply Hungry Ghost.

Additionally, I successfully acquired two more abilities.

Though I eliminated quite a few objects at Trinity Research Institute, the harvest was smaller than expected.

Perhaps because the objects were contaminated, or maybe Trinity prefers muscular physical-type objects?

Among the gained abilities, Tentacle Summoning seemed somewhat useful.

The ability to create tentacles from shadows. Compared to the Jellyfish’s summoning, it was limited to one small tentacle, but it was sturdy and strong.

Still, it’s usable.

I summoned a single tentacle from the shadows and sat atop it.

Concentrating above my head, a faint glow began emanating from my hair, which now lit up like the lantern of a Hungry Ghost.

Swish swish.

Under my will, the hair danced gracefully.

The ability to highlight specific parts of my hair with light and move them accordingly.

I thought destroying the Hungry Ghost would grant me the ability to summon it, but why did I get this instead?

The origin of the White Hungry Ghost feels even more mysterious now.

***

Deep into the night, the Object Association investigation team members were still bustling about.

Their main focus was the site where Trinity Research Institute No. 3 once stood.

Though it appeared completely demolished, much of the underground facility remained intact, providing potential evidence for this situation.

Equipped with powerful headlights and protective suits, the association agents ventured deeper into the underground labyrinth and discovered an unusual room.

Though utterly trashed, a strangely clean and undamaged gas lamp rested in the center of the room.

“There’s something suspicious here. It’s a gas lamp.”

When the leading soldier signaled, the following researchers carefully sealed and retrieved the lamp.

At that moment, a voice whispered faintly in the researcher’s mind.

[Let’s make a contract. I’ll give you knowledge of objects.]

It was a sweet, entrancing voice.

[!– Slider main container –]