Chapter 14

A man in a yellow suit flipped through the thick file handed over by his junior while saying,

“Whoa~ Looks like we’ve gathered all the data we need. Judging from this file, it seems like submitting this is practically the end of the job, right? Was it really necessary for me to come here?”

The junior hesitated before replying,

“To be honest, the investigation itself is complete. We didn’t directly observe the Hungry Ghost, but we know where it is. However, the containment is so tight that there’s no way out. Especially this Central Research Institute—it’s like they’ve sealed every possible exit. Even tried breaking the windows to escape, but they won’t shatter.”

The junior sighed and continued,

“I was planning to wait until the lockdown lifts, but the atmosphere feels off. It’s exactly like the pattern when the ‘Hungry Ghost’ breaks loose during our previous investigations. The researchers are avoiding roaming around, everyone’s gathered in the central meeting room, and external access is completely restricted. It gives me goosebumps, you know?”

“That does sound ominous. From what I see in these documents, the Gray Reaper escaped, and there’s even a murder case that looks like it was caused by the Reaper.”

Whistling the CM Song of Central Research Institute, the man added,

“They call it ‘The safest national research institute with zero casualties,’ but now that there’s been a murder, it’s quite the scandal. Time to bring up the Hungry Ghost topic.”

The man chuckled softly and added,

“You did well calling me. If we had waited for the lockdown to lift, we might have unleashed the Hungry Ghost in the entire facility. Then? Both you and this file would end up inside its stomach.”

“So let’s get out of here quickly!”

With an eager expression, the junior urged to leave, but the man shook his head helplessly,

“As much as I want to go back, it’s impossible. My cane can teleport me anywhere, but it can only be used once every three days. So, we’ll have to stay here for another three days before we can leave.”

“Then let’s pray the Hungry Ghost doesn’t show up within the next three days.”

***

“Huh? What happened then?”

At that moment, a small cat mewed cutely.

Though the isolation room was empty, lying on my back on the cool floor with a cute kitten resting on my belly made the situation not so bad.

Initially, I entered the isolation room just to tease the trapped cat, but after getting pummeled by its “nya-nya punches,” I realized something interesting: physical contact allowed us to communicate!

So, I placed the kitten on my belly and listened to its adventurous tales. Its warm body and soft fur were comforting, and petting it helped pass the time effortlessly.

Maybe because the isolation room was so well-sealed that outside noise barely reached us, listening to the kitten’s cries felt like being miles away from the chaos of the research institute.

Although… it could also be due to the Pygmy Butterfly murder case that followed. Afterward, the Central Research Institute became extremely hectic. Researchers disappeared, employees scurried around looking for me, and occasionally, they even used pudding as bait. What do they even write about me at Sehee Research Institute?!

Since there was no mention of black butterflies, it seemed they assumed I was responsible, without conducting a proper investigation.

The victim clearly mentioned seeing a butterfly before dying, yet…

More butterflies fluttered through the hallways than before, and though unclear how they choose their targets, it was inevitable that another butterfly attack would happen soon.

It was also strange that the researchers had vanished. Were they hiding somewhere safe, given their high value?

Despite feeling content lying here, it was time to explore the facility. I was curious about the butterflies’ origin, plus there was an unsettling vibe throughout the institute.

After informing the kitten that “I’m leaving now,” I picked it up gently in both hands and stood up. It mewed adorably, asking to come along.

Unfortunately, I lacked the ability to spirit it away with me. Bringing it along might trap it in the “Time Gap” or some other bizarre section of the institute.

“I’ll come back for you if I get the chance.” With this light promise, I left the kitten in its isolation room.

Walking into the hallway, I noticed the isolation room I had occupied was now nicely furnished—like the ones at Sehee Research Institute. A big bed, TV, game console, fridge, snacks—all awaited me.

Though tempted to relax, curiosity got the better of me, so I decided to explore first and rest later.

The Central Research Institute was vast, housing numerous isolated objects. Unlike Sehee Research Institute, which usually kept me as the sole test subject before transferring objects here, many remained mysterious without proper explanations.

As I wandered, marveling at strange animals, plants, and objects, one isolation room caught my eye.

Inside, a blue lizard the size of a human palm was clapping and playing piano with its two hind legs.

Mesmerized, I entered the room. Watching it play complex pieces with acrobatic footwork was mesmerizing. When its legs weren’t enough, it multiplied itself seamlessly to continue the melody.

Had this been Sehee Research Institute, I’d probably ask Yerin to place one in my cell…

Lost in admiration, I vowed to eventually bring this lizard and the kitten back to Sehee Research Institute.

Continuing my search for the source of the butterflies, I stumbled upon something suspicious near the logistics warehouse of the Central Research Institute—a duo acting strangely.

One was a regular employee; the other, a man in a yellow suit.

What stood out was the man’s appearance and attire, which clashed with the standard uniforms worn by staff. Moreover, he carried multiple objects—his monocle, cane, pocket watch—all classified as dangerous artifacts.

“Hold on. There’s an object ahead.”

The man stopped the woman and stared straight at me. Yet, instead of screaming “Gray Reaper!” as people usually do, he referred to me vaguely as an “object.”

Did that monocle reveal something? Intrigued, I stared at the sweating man intensely.

***

Suddenly alarmed by ominous text appearing before me, I warned my junior,

“Hold on. There’s an object ahead.”

The texts displayed were chilling:

[Feeds on human sorrow.]

[Thrives on human grief.]

[Draws power from human suffering.]

[Knows the fastest way to kill its target.]

These were partial descriptions shown through the monocle, indicating that the entity was indeed incorporeal, like a ghost.

Throughout my career as a detective, I’d encountered countless objects, but never one so malevolent and menacing. This felt like something straight out of folklore—a demonic, evil lifeform designed purely to harm humans.

Judging from its intangible form, association with death, and sinister abilities, identifying it wasn’t difficult.

“The thing in front of us must be the Gray Reaper. Be careful, junior. From what I see now, it’s twice as dangerous as reported.”

I always thought the accusations involving the Gray Reaper were mostly false charges. Could my judgment have been wrong this time?

Has my sharp mind finally rusted? I distinctly believed this was fear-induced misinformation!