Chapter 136

A tree pulsating with a deep blue glow, and the magnificent Barrier extending endlessly.

As I was distractedly watching the mysterious shards of glass flying around, James’s voice reached my ears.

“We should head back soon. Staying on the Barrier for too long isn’t good.”

Though I felt a bit reluctant, I gently cradled The Reaper in my arms and climbed onto the cart obediently.

If I want to see it again, surely I can come back later, right?

While riding down the passage in the silent hum of the motor-powered cart, James spoke with a faint smile.

“Bet you’ll be surprised when you compare your wristwatch with your phone?”

I pulled out my phone to check, and sure enough, I was quite shocked.

I distinctly remembered adjusting the time at the airport, but there was nearly a two-hour difference.

While resetting my wristwatch to match the phone’s time, I asked:

“Could this phenomenon have something to do with the Barrier we just ascended?”

“You’re sharp. Whether it’s the influence of that tree or the peculiarity of the space where the tree exists, time flows chaotically up on the Barrier.”

The Reaper also seemed intrigued, pausing its endless pudding consumption to lift its head and gaze at James.

Despite wanting to go back for another look, the erratic nature of time left me feeling somewhat uneasy.

“But still, things are relatively stable up there, with time varying by about 50%. Once you cross beyond the tree-filled side of the Barrier, though, problems get serious. Spending even a day inside could result in an immense temporal disparity.”

Curiosity sparked as The Reaper’s antennae began rapidly swaying from side to side.

Surely, even a Reaper wouldn’t sneak past the Barrier without permission, right?

I idly chewed on The Reaper’s antennae while pondering.

***

Under the canopy sky of the Mini Reaper Garden, The Golden Reapers threw a lively party.

Clusters of golden reapers radiated vibrant energy filled with joy and affection.

At the center of these radiant beings stood The Blue Reaper, wearing a large hat.

Its bouncy hopping, twirling spins, and clunky stomps seemed slightly awkward, as if embarrassed under the hat pulled low over its face, cautiously peeking around.

Directly in front of The Blue Reaper, a mini-sized campfire crackled merrily.

The gentle breeze stirred by the energetic movements of The Golden Reapers caused the campfire to dance, casting shadowy silhouettes of the mini reapers’ party.

The campfire emitted a sweet, addictive aroma—like sugary confections.

Everyone appeared to be having a great time except for one contrasting element.

Right in the heart of the flames, a delicately crafted transparent sugar flamingo was slowly burning, illuminating the party.

The Glass Flamingo, having been reincarnated into a sugar form after harming the youngest, now served as a bright source of light while being consumed by fire.

[Shouldn’t it be okay to let it go now…?]

Only The Blue Reaper dared to suggest letting it off the hook, but The Golden Reapers shook their heads cheerfully in refusal.

When it came to Objects, The Golden Reapers were resolute.

***

By the time we descended from the Barrier, it was already evening.

Though I wasn’t hungry, Yerin looked slightly famished.

Thus, we headed toward the dining area located within the research institute to wrap up today’s tour.

In the buffet-style dining hall, James sat down with his plate and said,

“That’s it for today. Starting tomorrow, I’ll show you around the city. Other than being involved with Objects, everyone here leads normal lives, so there’s plenty to enjoy.”

Seeing the jelly-like fruit puddings looking especially appetizing, I piled them onto my plate and took a seat next to Yerin.

Maybe because I’d taken all the puddings, people in the dining hall started glancing our way.

Is it really that surprising?

They’re looking at me like they’ve spotted a parrot helping itself at the buffet.

But among the gazes directed at me, one was particularly intense—and unfriendly.

Having noticed this too, Yerin whispered to James,

“That person is glaring at us so hard. What’s going on?”

“Hmm? Ah, that’s the Vice Mayor. Someone who takes a completely opposite stance to mine regarding Objects.”

James continued cutting his steak with a knife as he explained.

“There are many research facilities in James City competing and developing. Broadly speaking, they fall into two categories.”

James went on casually.

“One group believes humanity must coexist with Objects, while the other insists that coexistence will inevitably lead to destruction and advocates actively excluding Objects.”

“So, James is pro-coexistence, and the Vice Mayor is anti?”

“That’s right. He strongly opposes bringing in Objects like The Gray Reaper, which are difficult to control.”

Can humans really exclude Objects immune to physical laws?

It seems impossible, doesn’t it?

Since it didn’t matter much to me, I lost interest and indulged in pudding and cake continuously.

After finishing her meal, Yerin hugged me and rubbed her cheek against mine.

“I want to see a chubby Reaper. If your belly pops out nicely, you’d look so cute….”

She regretfully patted my perpetually slim stomach.

“?”

Yerin seems to be getting weirder, longing for strange things.

After the meal, James confidently led us to the isolation room.

“Hehe, the new isolation room we prepared is amazing, right? Even The Gray Reaper might want to stay here permanently!”

“Eh, does Sehee Research Institute even deserve such praise? Though we may lack advanced tech, our facilities for Reapers are fully equipped!”

With a small smirk of “Is that so?”, James opened the door to the isolation room.

Upon opening the door, an indoor space so vast it seemed unbelievable stretched before us.

Even though it was just one isolation room, its scale dwarfed the entirety of Sehee Research Institute.

Inside, it resembled a water park.

A restaurant stocked with fresh fruits, puddings, and cookies.

Object-targeted rides that, while dangerous, were spectacular water slides.

At the center, an artificial sea danced with large waves, surrounded by numerous amusement rides.

It looks fun, albeit a bit childish for me.

The Mini Reapers would probably love it more.

Summoning the Mini Reapers beneath my feet.

Unfortunately, The Blue Reaper, uninterested in such active play, did not join.

On the contrary, The Golden Reapers immediately dispersed with excited expressions across the isolation room.

Clunk-clunk.

To honor James’s effort, I moved my steps slightly to give it a try.

***

The water slide was so fast that The Golden Reapers bounced across the water surface like skipping stones.

Even as they splashed through the air, The Golden Reapers wore expressions of pure joy.

Poom!

The geyser erupted with a boiling splash, and the delighted Golden Reapers soared into the air.

While hazardous for humans, these rides clearly thrilled The Golden Reapers.

The Reaper floated on a tube, caught by colossal artificial waves, soaring through the air.

Though expressionless, The Reaper contrasted sharply with The Golden Reapers.

Yet, I could tell—it was enjoying itself immensely!

Expressionless but its legs flailed happily, and its antennae bobbed rhythmically.

“No….”

Anxiety crept in.

Surely, The Reaper isn’t actually leaving for America, is it?

Would I need to immigrate to America too?

The isolation room James introduced was so massive that I couldn’t imagine replicating it.

Overwhelmed by despair, a Golden Reaper hopped onto my shoulder and patted my cheek.

“Are you comforting me? Thanks.”

Cradling the Golden Reaper in my hand, I stroked it.

While The Golden Reaper grinned at me, The Reaper seemed busy surfing the waves.

It looked happier here than anywhere else.

‘The Reaper is having so much fun. It won’t even glance at me.’

As I grew gloomy, several Golden Reapers approached with concerned expressions.

While being petted by The Golden Reapers, I watched The Reaper gleefully playing with a sad expression.

***

The Barrier Pressure Control Room, known as the heart of James City, was typically a place of utmost security and tranquility.

Today, however, it was a scene of urgent chaos.

The control console flashed with emergency warnings, the air thick with tension, and machine alarms underscored the gravity of the situation.

Replacing the absent James, the Vice Mayor of James City stood resolutely beside the main control panel amidst the confusion.

“Everyone, evacuate immediately!”

His firm command cut through the chaos like a lighthouse in a storm.

The Control Room employees hesitated, faces etched with fear and concern.

One technician worriedly addressed the Vice Mayor.

“The escape radius hasn’t been fully calculated yet, and we need personnel to maintain the Barrier.”

“I know that! I’ll handle it. Everyone needs to evacuate.”

This wasn’t just an order; it was the selfless final directive of a man prepared to sacrifice everything.

Realizing his intent, the employees tearfully obeyed and began evacuating.

Alone in the evacuated control room, the Vice Mayor surveyed the surroundings.

The influence from beyond the Barrier had begun to distort the space, tearing and rejoining it unpredictably.

Despite the surrounding chaos, the main console steadfastly continued its calculations.

The Vice Mayor lit a cigarette and placed his hand on the control panel, transmitting his unwavering will to the Object maintaining the Barrier.

Beep.

As the unpleasant sound signaled the computation’s completion, the Vice Mayor nervously input the results with trembling hands.

[Expected damage radius exceeds 30km. Abandon James City within 6 hours.]

The cold, decisive message penned by the Vice Mayor foretold the city’s end.

Even amidst this turmoil, the Vice Mayor maintained his resolve, lighting his cigarette as its smoke curled upward, emphasizing the fractured space.

But amidst the chaos, he remained firmly rooted, his hand steady on the control panel.

As the last bastion defending the city, he worked tirelessly to uphold the Barrier until his body shattered and consciousness faded.

Forever.

Such was the final act of the man who always opposed James.