Chapter 158

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A Black Agent entered the room, and as he did, a soft moonlight illuminated the living room.

The only light in the room came from the thick blackout curtains, allowing a silver glow to seep through, creating an air of mystery amidst the deep darkness.

In the middle of the faint moonlight stood a Blonde Girl. Her golden hair sparkled under the pale moonlight, standing out even more against the silver haze.

Under the gentle moonlight, the Blonde Girl tilted her head up, gazing at the moon.

Her figure seemed almost ethereal, as if she might dissolve into the light at any moment.

As if trying to hold onto the girl’s fading presence, the Black Agent approached her slowly and spoke.

“Young Miss.”

His strong yet gentle voice broke the silence, echoing softly throughout the room.

“Ah, Ahjussi has arrived.”

The girl turned to the Black Agent with a bright smile, lighting up the dimly curtained room like the sun breaking through clouds.

Looking up at the sky again, she said softly, “It’s such a beautiful day today. The sky is perfectly clear without a single cloud.”

There was a hint of longing in her voice as she spoke beyond mere weather.

Standing beside her, the Black Agent noticed that the girl had extended her small, delicate hand toward the moon.

Strangely, her palm appeared slightly transparent.

Transparent like red acrylic.

“Miss, your hand?”

“Ahh, this? It happens when I’m exposed to moonlight lately. Though I don’t know why, it doesn’t feel like something bad.”

‘This is puzzling.’

The Black Agent thought while looking at the girl’s face.

Despite his continuous study of Objects, there were still so many unknowns.

Their resurrection despite being surely dead.

The nature of the red moon and its connection to the girl.

And now, her body becoming transparent.

Though filled with mysteries, they could only proceed cautiously along what they knew.

The Black Agent cleared his throat to deliver the news the girl had been waiting for.

“Miss, it seems the Detective may have found a way for us to walk under the sun.”

“Really? Let’s go right away!”

Her reaction was immediate.

With a radiant smile that lit up the space, the girl grabbed the Black Agent’s hand eagerly.

Their destination was Odaesan, a dangerous area far from the city where Objects roamed freely without societal protection.

The Black Agent began gathering necessary equipment around the room.

The girl followed him, helping with the preparations.

Having quickly finished their preparations, they set off on their journey to Odaesan.

***

Lying in the isolation room, I quietly observed the Golden Reapers working.

Wearing aprons, the Golden Reapers busily made puddings.

Watching the Golden Rabbit Reapers make puddings was like observing a miniature kitchen, quite delightful.

Though ‘Gray Reaper Pudding’ supply was stable and no longer needed to be made, the Golden Reapers continued their work at the pudding factory.

Perhaps out of personal preference, Golden Reapers tended to share homemade puddings with Attached Humans.

Like offering handmade chocolates as gifts?

Mini Reapers are a bit hard to understand.

After finishing their work, the Golden Reapers holding their share of puddings happily dispersed.

They looked like office workers heading home after a long day.

I picked up one floating pudding enveloped in rings and took a bite.

Mmm…

This rabbit pudding really is delicious.

Even though they’re all James puddings made by the worker Golden Reapers, these taste better somehow.

Maybe because I see how hard they work…

Is this the taste of the bourgeoisie?

While lounging in bed eating pudding with a Golden Reaper, suddenly they grabbed my pinky finger with excitement.

“?”

Looking at me curiously, the Golden Reaper started hopping around excitedly, trying to say something.

Judging from their enthusiasm, it seemed to be about some location, but I couldn’t figure out which one.

Was there a place in Sehee Research Institute I didn’t know about?

Tubang Tubang.

Following the ghosting Golden Reaper who led the way, we walked down a long basement staircase to arrive at a newly built underground facility.

Who would’ve thought such a place existed in Sehee Research Institute?

Most noticeable was the giant Golden Statue in the center.

Though golden, its expression was far too dull to belong to a Golden Reaper – it seemed to represent me.

Upon arrival, the Golden Reaper hopped around joyfully.

Though the basement contained nothing but the solitary Golden Statue, the Golden Reaper was ecstatic.

Seeing many Golden Reapers gathered around the statue, running in circles, it appeared to be quite a famous spot among them.

It’s enormous!

Looking up at the Golden Statue caused neck strain, it was that tall, and it gleamed as if maintained daily.

All those ‘Gray Reaper’ goods profits…

Must have gone entirely into building this statue.

Is this madness characteristic of Sehee?

Yerin wouldn’t have the authority to divert the budget, and Seoah wouldn’t waste research funds like this.

Sehee seems normal, yet occasionally does strange things…

Seeing my own massive Golden Statue gave me mixed feelings.

It felt somewhat pleasant but also peculiar.

Though I don’t understand why Golden Reapers love Golden Statues so much, considering Black Reapers have similar inclinations, they might enjoy it too.

Summoning a Mini Reaper Garden, I called Black Reapers to this spot.

However, instead of showing interest, the Black Reapers appeared anxious.

They kept looking around nervously, as if expecting an attack.

To calm the nervous Black Reaper, I placed it on my palm and gently stroked it while asking,

“Why?”

But the Black Reaper didn’t respond, instead guiding me to the Golden Statue and pointing at the panel attached to it, asking what the text said.

Right, Mini Reapers can read emotions but not words or writing.

Should I teach them Korean later?

While thinking about this, I looked at the panel which had simple writing.

[Gray Reaper Golden Statue]

Informing that my name was written on it, the Black Reaper was surprised, opening wide eyes and staring at me.

“Name?”

Gently petting the overly anxious Black Reaper to reassure it,

“It’s fine. There’s no problem.”

Looking around, Black Reapers had gathered around me, worried expressions on their faces.

“Is it okay to call by name?”

“Is it okay to write the name?”

The Black Reapers melted like slime, trembling with incomprehensible anxiety.

What’s in a name?

Sitting down, I gathered the Black Reapers into my arms and conveyed,

“It’s fine. Don’t worry so much.”

After comforting them for quite some time, the Black Reapers returned to their Mini Reaper forms and happily smiled.

Phew, parenting is tough.

The Black Reapers joined the Golden Reapers’ ranks, happily looking at the Golden Statue.

Seeing the giant statue surrounded by happy little figures reminded me of primitive religious rituals.

***

Long after the last embers, spewing black smoke, had gone out, near the Spirit Barrier city ruins.

Strange flames began rising again in what seemed to be a quieting city ruin.

“What a mess.”

James observed the mysterious flames burning unaffected by the wind in the city ruins.

“This place is beyond repair, it seems.”

A friend from the Object Association agreed with James’s statement.

“Who would’ve thought so much ‘burning drug’ causing mental pollution would be buried underground?”

Even wearing protective suits, it smelled oddly appetizing.

“By the way, I read your report, and it was ridiculous.”

The friend from the Object Association shook the report given by James.

The title of the report was [Gray Reaper Observation Report].

Inside were detailed records and analyses of the Gray Reaper’s activities in America.

Physical invulnerability and ghosting abilities were confirmed facts, reiterated here.

Additionally, numerous abilities were densely documented.

“Such diverse capabilities, yet none properly reported. Is it wise to leave ‘Gray Reaper’ management solely to Sehee Research Institute?”

“Well, in my opinion, no one but Sehee Research Institute can handle it. Other institutes would only bring catastrophe.”

Though his reasoning was loose, James seriously supported Sehee Research Institute.

“The most surprising part is this.”

An urgently added section at the end of the report.

[Gray Reaper lacks vocal cords but understands Korean at a native level.]

[Understands English vocabulary partially.]

[Communication through text or gestures appears possible.]

The friend pointed at the end of the report with his finger.

“Why designate this final part as top secret? If communication is possible with the Object, shouldn’t we explore its potential?”

“Because the Gray Reaper seems to not want its communicative ability known.”

James quietly added, “I even considered removing it entirely from the report.”

“Maintaining our current relationship with the Gray Reaper is most important. If you get back to the Association, please emphasize this strongly.”

“Yeah, sure. Keeping this situation where we indirectly benefit from an Object like the Gray Reaper is crucial.”

Amidst the heavy mental pollution in the ruins, two men formed a secret pact regarding the Gray Reaper.

A promise to maintain the status quo.

Near Odaesan, where dense fog covered everything, making it impossible to see even a step ahead.

Employees from Trinity Research Institute No. 1 gradually appeared, bundled up completely.

Behind them lay large containers emitting a petroleum-like odor.

“Be careful. This fog is an Object.”

Through the radio, the Deputy Director’s voice reached the employees’ ears.

In the thick fog, Cloud Fish swam abundantly, creating a mystical scene.

However, the Trinity Researchers paid no attention to the scenery, continuing their march toward their destination.

Looking up at the sky covered in dense fog, the Deputy Director saw a mysterious red moon shining brightly above.

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