Chapter 152

Some distance away from the Spirit Barrier, at a quiet military airport, James welcomed us after what felt like an incredibly long time.

When we left James City, he looked utterly exhausted, but now that gaunt appearance had significantly faded.

James seemed momentarily surprised upon seeing me standing on two legs in a wobbly posture while scrunching up my face, wearing a puffy Hungry Ghost suit. He quickly shifted his gaze and spoke to Yerin.

“First things first, I must express my gratitude. I just received a call about our secretary being hospitalized with serious injuries at a Korean hospital. There’s no doubt your help made this possible. Thank you ever so much.”

Yerin waved her hand dismissively as she replied.

“Not at all. If anything, I owe my survival to the secretary’s driving skills.”

James then suggested we sit down for a chat and guided us further inside the airport.

True to its military nature, the facility was simple and desolate, but there were signs of some conveniences prepared for us.

James led us into a lounge area created by temporarily enclosing part of the hangar with walls, guiding us towards comfy chairs.

On the table lay various snacks, most of which happened to be my favorites.

Mmm…

I hastily sat down, hugged a large pudding container, and began slowly scooping it out.

Following me, James sat in an awkward pose, picked up a snack from the table, and started the conversation.

“I feel rather embarrassed recommending that tourist spot when the Spirit Barrier ended up collapsing like that. Object-related issues are always unpredictable.”

Yerin shook her head while munching on a small jelly.

“How could James have foreseen something like this?”

“Still, I can’t help but ask—do you know anything about what happened? What went down exactly?”

“I’m not quite sure myself. I woke up to find the barrier ablaze… The Reaper might know, but there’s no way to ask.”

Yerin glanced back at the back of my head as I mindlessly ate pudding.

“When I woke up, the sky was painted red, and the Reaper had vanished. The Spirit Barrier was already blazing fiercely. Then the secretary arrived, urging a quick escape, so we hastily left the hotel.”

“And after colliding with something, I was flung off the motorcycle, but luckily the Reaper showed up just in time to save both me and the secretary. That’s all I know.”

As Yerin described it, even I thought it was a truly perilous situation.

What if I had delayed recovering my strength any longer?

Something truly terrible might have happened.

“It seems we’ll have to wait for the investigation results. The Object Association currently suspects this is related to the recent surge in ‘Object Drug’ incidents.”

James continued speaking while looking at Yerin, who sat uncomfortably.

“You seem to be in decent condition, but your posture looks painful. Are you injured anywhere?”

“Yes, I think I broke a rib when I was flung off the motorcycle, but it feels better now. I believe the Blue Reaper must’ve done something. Once we return to Korea, I should probably get a thorough check-up.”

“So, you’re planning to return to Korea, I see.”

In response to James’ calm question, Yerin answered.

“I guess I should go back. My body isn’t in great shape, and the Reaper seems to want to return as well.”

Surprised by Yerin’s unexpected answer, I lifted my head from the pudding container and looked at her.

Given Yerin’s usual personality, I expected her to suggest another trip somewhere, but perhaps her physical condition isn’t as good as it seems?

Even so, she doesn’t look bad enough to need immediate transfer to Sehee Research Institute via the Mini Reaper Garden.

After hearing Yerin’s words, James briefly glanced at my face.

“?”

Then he turned back to Yerin and said,

“If you’re returning, you’ll take my private jet again.”

“Really? Awesome!”

Delighted by James’ reply, Yerin grabbed my hand and shook it excitedly.

“We’ll get to ride the private jet together again!”

Yerin, smiling broadly at the prospect of flying together.

I was secretly considering teleporting back alone, but I guess that won’t work now…

Knock knock.

A soft knocking sound echoed on the wooden door.

“It seems the plane is ready.”

Standing up, James added,

“Until next time, then. I’m planning to build a James Tower in Korea, so we’ll meet again soon.”

Yerin stood up, lifting me who was still eating pudding.

“Let’s go home.”

Yerin’s low voice resonated softly in my ear.

Thus concluded our arduous journey through America, filled with Strong Objects.

***

Though the Mini Reaper Garden always exudes a bright and cozy atmosphere without nights, if there were such a thing as night, it would probably be right now.

The Mini Reapers, having helped people near the Spirit Barrier in the city, began returning to the garden.

Gathering in the center of the garden, the Golden Reapers exchanged tales of their exploits, boasting about the people they met.

Sad stories of humans passing away, heroic tales of saving lives, and joyful narratives of receiving kindness.

Sharing sorrows diminished them, while sharing joys doubled them.

All that remained were the diverse stories of 100 different humans.

The Golden Reapers always appeared delighted and entertained whenever they talked about people.

Hop hop!

The Golden Reapers happily exchanged laughter and camaraderie.

Suddenly, some of the Golden Reapers noticed something and directed their gazes upward.

A black, spherical object floating in mid-air.

Curious, one of the Golden Reapers stared intently, wondering,

What on earth is that?

Is it a plaything prepared by Mom?

Looking up at the sky, the Golden Reapers then glanced at each other.

In the softly glowing heart of the Mini Reaper Garden, a silent resolution passed among them, and the Golden Reapers dispersed to start building something.

Tunk tunk!

The Golden Reapers scattered in cute little steps, tearing marshmallows into brick-like squares.

They began stacking them beneath the round object.

Hard stick-shaped cookies became pillars, and thin biscuits formed the floors.

Numerous Golden Reapers joyfully worked together like playing with clay, quickly constructing a towering structure.

A tower tall enough to reach the orb.

Once completed, the most curious and brave Golden Reaper began climbing the tower carefully.

Other Golden Reapers watched anxiously from below.

With every step onto the marshmallow bricks, the Golden Reaper drew closer to the black orb.

The candy-built tower swayed precariously but, thanks to the Golden Reaper’s innate balance, the ascent continued.

Zing!

Reaching the top of the wobbling candy tower, the Golden Reaper spread its arms wide, smiling brightly.

It was a pose symbolizing the joy of reaching the summit.

Watching from below, the other Golden Reapers jumped joyfully, celebrating their companion’s success.

Smiling at the sight, the Golden Reaper dived off the tower with determination.

The target: the orb floating in mid-air!

Surrendering to gravity, the Golden Reaper braced for impact with the orb.

However, contrary to expectations, the seemingly hard orb gently enveloped the Golden Reaper.

Once past the boundary, the Golden Reaper found itself in a desolate space.

Endless ruins of corrupted Objects.

Land tainted by black liquid.

And sprawled on the ground, a massive, hollow Something.

Walking cautiously through this strange yet familiar environment, the Golden Reaper discovered a fragment broken off from the colossal Something.

The fragment melted and transformed into the exact likeness of the Golden Reaper.

From its feelers to its tiny feet, it mirrored the Golden Reaper perfectly.

The only differences were its black skin and white charcoal flames.

Tilting its head at the identical Black Reaper, the Golden Reaper mimicked the action, turning its head.

Lifting an arm prompted the same reaction; jumping elicited an identical leap.

Finding it amusing, the Golden Reaper extended a hand with a cheerful smile.

Grasping hands with the mirror-like Black Reaper, the Golden Reaper laughed heartily.

“New younger sibling?”

Despite feeling somewhat different, it gave off a sibling-like vibe.

The Golden Reaper was overwhelmingly happy and joyful about gaining a new sibling.

Influenced by these emotions, the Black Reaper’s white flames gradually turned yellow, revealing a faint smile.

Unbeknownst to the Gray Reaper, another child was born somewhere unknown.

***

Late evening at Sehee Research Institute.

The Cute Puppy trudged wearily, sitting down dejectedly in front of its doghouse after playing endlessly with the tireless Golden Reapers.

A special treat awaited in its food bowl, served once a month.

Eating the kibble, the puppy gazed wistfully at the ceiling.

Thoughts of happier times when it enjoyed far superior meals daily.

Memories of everyone around serving solely for its happiness.

But those joyful days had passed, leaving behind only traces that saddened the Cute Puppy.

“Only you remain…”

Placing its paw on the giant gold-plated doghouse, the puppy lamented.

Tap.

Something felt off.

Too light.

Overcome by a sudden dreadful suspicion, the puppy clawed furiously at the doghouse.

And thus, the cruel truth was revealed.

The gold plating peeled off, exposing the gray plastic underneath.

“No!”

Faced with this harsh reality, the Cute Puppy collapsed in despair, tears streaming down its face.