Chapter 155

The Black Reapers, who had been sobbing uncontrollably, seemed to have cried their fill. Now, they were giggling and rolling around near me with bright smiles on their faces.

They kept rolling over, looking at my face, shouting ‘Mommy!’ with renewed vigor, then continuing to roll around.

As they grew more accustomed to rolling around near me, they started clinging to me even more intensely.

They pulled on my hair, stuck to my cheeks, and even chewed on their antennae like there was no tomorrow.

It felt like the Golden Reapers had multiplied in number.

When I picked up one of the Black Reapers into my palm, it opened its mouth wide and grinned at me.

Though it looked just like a Golden Reaper, there was definitely something different about it.

Their teeth are sharp!

Upon inspecting inside its mouth, I noticed tiny, adorable shark-like teeth lined neatly within.

The Black Reaper, having sensed my finger inside its mouth, tilted its head curiously with a “Huh?” expression before licking my finger playfully with its tongue.

Its tiny tongue barely tickled.

While watching the cheerful Black Reapers roll around, I stood up and conveyed my intent.

“Let’s go meet the other Mini Reapers!”

At that, all the Black Reapers sprang to their feet in unison.

Perhaps because their numbers matched those of the Golden Reapers, their movement carried an impressive presence.

Tub-tub-tub!

Let’s go!

With me leading the way, they began following me step by step.

And with a jump, we headed toward the boundary of the Black Sphere!

Landing softly on the Marshmallow Floor and turning back, I watched as Black Reapers tumbled out of the Black Sphere like water flowing, scattering across the Mini Reaper Garden.

Bouncing like splashing water droplets, the Black Reapers rolled and spread throughout the garden.

The Golden Reapers, who had been waiting for my return, beamed brightly upon seeing the new additions and rushed over to greet the Black Reapers.

Thus began the Tub Party.

From all directions, Mini Reapers jumped around, holding hands and dancing—a delightful festival!

With twice as many reaper-like figures present, the party was twice as chaotic.

In the center of the party stood a mysterious transparent flamingo, blazing instead of a campfire, while the Marshmallow Hungry Ghosts and Jelly Pigs nestled in the arms of the Reapers, being nibbled bit by bit.

Lying beside the warm flamingo fire, I lazily munched on a Hungry Ghost while gazing up at the sky.

What sin could this flamingo have committed to deserve becoming a bonfire under the watchful eye of its own dedicated Golden Reaper?

Lost in random thoughts, my eyes drifted toward the Black Sphere still floating above.

I had successfully brought out all the Black Reapers from inside, but deep within it lay a corpse—an inefficient one, sprawled lifelessly.

Would removing the corpse make the sphere disappear?

That fleeting thought crossed my mind, but soon I realized it didn’t matter much.

Thinking of it as the ‘Tapioca Pearl Sun’ of the Mini Reaper Garden gave it a certain charm, after all.

Yerin should be waking up soon; time to head back and enjoy some pudding.

I waved goodbye to the Mini Reapers with a temporary farewell.

The Golden and Black Reapers smiled warmly and reciprocated the wave.

Mini Reapers really do look better when they’re laughing than crying.

***

Right next to Songpa District, which had completely collapsed due to a sinkhole, stood Gangnam District.

Once quite subdued due to rumors of Hungry Ghosts and countless Objects hiding within the sinkhole, Gangnam District now bustled once again as a vibrant and busy heart of Seoul.

On the outskirts of this lively Gangnam District stood Trinity Research Institute No. 1, occupying a massive research complex all by itself.

Despite its vast grounds and expansive parking lot, the institute exuded an eerie silence, shrouding it in mystery.

Its strict prohibition against outsiders only heightened the contrast between the bustling city and the tranquil research facility.

A towering wall separating the city and the research complex further emphasized this stark difference in atmosphere.

Deep within the secluded confines of Trinity Research Institute No. 1, secret experiments continued.

Experiments involving the ‘Black Liquid’ created by Trinity Research Institute No. 3.

This liquid, infamous for destroying Gwanak-gu and transforming people into monsters, was strictly forbidden—but not to the Director of the 1st Research Institute.

“Hmm… Fascinating. Truly an impressive substance.”

On the screen the director observed, an Armadillo made entirely of gemstones writhed in agony, screaming as it dissolved in black goo.

As the gemstone Armadillo melted away, Deputy Director frowned and questioned,

“Why is this called ‘Evolution Liquid,’ exactly?”

Standing beside the director, the deputy expressed his doubts.

“Shouldn’t this rather be considered poison for Objects?”

Another experiment played on the deputy’s screen.

A ‘Black Gemstone Armadillo,’ seemingly surviving the liquid, got shot by pistol rounds, exploding violently.

Though the wounds regenerated quickly, the once-invincible gemstone Armadillo now appeared significantly weaker.

The deputy continued, puzzled,

“It induces complete destruction of Objects with nearly 90% probability, and surviving entities seem to degrade.”

The director nodded in agreement.

“That’s precisely why it’s so intriguing! With objects humanity cannot handle filling our world, a liquid capable of eliminating 90% of them—it’s revolutionary!”

Simultaneously, the armadillo on-screen finally succumbed, dissolving into nothingness.

“Moreover, survivors weaken physically. Their limited regeneration pales in comparison to the impenetrable strength we’ve seen.”

The director spoke excitedly, envisioning an era where all Objects could be eradicated.

However, the deputy voiced concerns with a slightly worried tone.

“But we know too little about this ‘Evolution Liquid.’ More research is necessary.”

“Yes, yes! Research is needed. This liquid will become the landmark leading us to immortality.”

“Huh?”

Surprised by the unfamiliar concept, the deputy repeated,

“Immortality?”

“You need to know now. The other power of ‘Evolution Liquid’—reviving the dead.”

The director’s cryptic expression sent a chill down the deputy’s spine.

***

Warm and fluffy.

James’ private aircraft was comfortable, but Sehee Research Institute truly takes the crown.

Returning here a few days ago, yet it never feels monotonous or uncomfortable—just pure relaxation.

Lying stretched out in my isolation room at Sehee Research Institute felt akin to heaven.

Around me, Golden Reapers and Black Reapers lounged on the bed, mirroring my posture.

This marked the first excursion outside the garden for the Black Reapers.

Their behavior closely resembled Golden Reapers’, though they preferred staying indoors and resisted leaving the garden, making it quite a challenge to bring them out.

On the table sat a large container of ‘Gray Reaper Pudding,’ wherein Golden and Black Reapers burrowed like ants, munching away steadily.

[News: Russia has designated parts of Siberia as restricted zones.]

The TV played softly in the background, reporting news from Russia.

Apparently, areas overrun with unmanageable Objects had been closed off, likely remnants moved to Siberia previously.

Lying comfortably in bed while watching TV, a loud voice suddenly echoed.

“Reaper! Reaper! Reaper! Reaper! You’re back!”

It was Yerin, stepping out of James’ aircraft and heading straight to the hospital.

She took longer than expected—was she sick?

“Hello, Golden Reaper!”

Yerin burst into the isolation room with a bright smile, greeting me and the Golden Reaper.

Overwhelmed by joy, the Golden Reapers greeted her warmly with broad smiles.

“!”

Seeing the Golden Reapers playing with the Black Reapers, Yerin initially startled but quickly grinned and greeted them too.

“Wow, Black Reaper! Hello, Black Reaper!”

Unlike the Golden Reapers, the Black Reapers did not reciprocate her greetings.

Instead, they bared their sharp teeth and glared menacingly.

Startled by the silent growls of the Black Reapers, Yerin hesitated, taking cautious steps backward.

The Golden Reapers, shocked by the Black Reapers’ actions, scolded them sharply.

The Black Reapers, ready to pounce and tear, turned pitiful after being scolded, looking toward me for guidance.

But attacking Yerin was unacceptable, so I firmly shook my head.

Piiik.

In response, the Black Reapers let out baby bird-like cries, melting into slimes and collapsing dejectedly.

Since ignoring bad behavior works best, I ignored their sad forms.

Who knew Black Reapers could vocalize? They can do things I can’t….

Still visibly shaken from the Mini Reaper threat, Yerin cautiously entered the isolation room, attempting to touch the slime-like Black Reapers.

Yet, like magnets repelling each other, they reshaped themselves, ensuring her hand never made contact.

“Hmph, Reaper. They hate me…”

Yerin’s sadness permeated the isolation room.

It felt like the sorrow of a hundred victims’ families gathered at a bomb site.

How could anyone endure such grievance?

Yerin’s emotional richness should endear her to any Mini Reaper—why the dislike?

Lifting a Black Reaper, I conveyed my question.

“Why do you dislike her so much?”

The Black Reaper tilted its head in confusion before relaying its answer.

“Traitor!”

A menacing sentiment contrasting sharply with its cheerful demeanor.