Chapter 199

On the rooftop of a fairly tall building in Mapo District.

Bathed in the bright morning sunlight, I was lying on the rooftop railing, watching as a crowd of people gathered below.

Even though I was lying in the sunniest spot, it was still a bit chilly, so I summoned a warm Red Reaper and held it tightly in my arms.

The Red Reaper really is the coziest.

Though slightly uncomfortable, the Red Reaper squirmed inside my arms for a bit but eventually gave up and lay down beside me to bask in the sun.

It’s been three days since I released the Golden Reapers all over Mapo District, and finally, people outside have started to notice the changes. Broadcasters are now being sent here in droves.

Right now, beneath this building, a rather large-scale broadcasting company has sent a reporter to prepare for a live broadcast.

There were researchers wearing big helmets, female reporters, and numerous individuals carrying camera equipment.

This looks kinda fun…

I lifted the Red Reaper and brought it close to my face, poking its cheeks to convey my intentions.

“Shall we go down and take a peek? It’ll be fun if we do it secretly.”

Upon hearing this, the Red Reaper nodded enthusiastically with great excitement.

After leaping off the rooftop, we hid behind some bushes in the park where the broadcasters were clearly visible and began our observation.

“Mommy-and-spy time!”

The Red Reaper seemed delighted just by hiding with me, climbing onto my shoulder and continuously sending joyful vibes.

“I think changing the interview location might be better, right? Right now, Mapo District is too dangerous.”

A researcher with an Object Association badge and a large helmet appeared very anxious, looking around nervously while speaking.

The Helmet Researcher scanned the surroundings tensely, as if they had entered a mountain infested with tigers.

“No, that’s not possible.”

The reporter shook their head, rejecting the researcher’s suggestion.

The reporter then listed several reasons: other broadcasting companies were allowed to enter Mapo District for coverage; why should ours be restricted? Everything had already been arranged beforehand, so there was no reason for refusal. If it were truly that dangerous, the Object Association wouldn’t have granted permission in the first place.

After multiple clashes, the reporter maintained a composed stance while rebutting the researcher’s concerns despite furrowing their brow.

“But…still…”

The researcher hesitated briefly before closing their mouth, seemingly giving up, and quietly waited for the interview to begin.

Just as everyone was setting up for the broadcast, a Golden Reaper suddenly popped out atop the reporter’s shoulder with a cheerful “Poof!”

“Huh?”

And soon, Golden Reapers began appearing around the broadcasting crew members, rushing over and clinging to them one by one.

They were faithfully following my command to stick with each human in Mapo District.

Some clung to pant legs, others to coat pockets, each choosing their preferred spot.

At first, everyone was startled, but realizing how harmless and kind-hearted these creatures were, they gradually warmed up and welcomed them.

“Ah, so this is the famous ‘Golden Reaper’ that’s taken over Mapo District?”

The reporter placed the Golden Reaper that appeared on their shoulder onto their palm and observed it with curiosity, like examining an interesting object.

With an unbiased gaze, treating it like a cute little creature.

As the reporter slowly extended their finger toward the Golden Reaper, it grabbed hold with both tiny hands and smiled brightly.

Startled by the sudden action, the reporter quickly pulled back their finger, as if bitten by a wild animal.

However, the Golden Reaper refused to let go, causing the reporter’s finger to dangle helplessly.

With its eyes tightly shut, the Golden Reaper clung on fiercely, as if declaring, “This finger is mine!” This sight made the reporter chuckle helplessly.

“They’re adorable. Now I understand why the Association has been lukewarm about this—these creatures are completely harmless.”

Like encountering something irresistibly cute, the reporter pressed the Golden Reaper against their cheek with joy and turned to look at the researcher, who took another step back and said:

“Quickly put the Golden Reaper down and step back! Fortunately, if you make your intentions clear, they won’t approach further, so you need to make your intentions clear!”

His voice sounded as if addressing a terrifying alien lifeform.

But the researcher’s frantic reaction proved meaningless, having no effect whatsoever.

The reporter, cameraman, and others couldn’t comprehend the researcher’s behavior and merely looked at him as if he were strange.

“Throw such a sweet ‘Golden Reaper’ to the ground? How sad would this sweet child be?”

Instead, the reporter busied themselves playing with the Golden Reaper, tickling its chin.

Seeing the reporter so captivated by the Golden Reaper, it seemed unlikely that smear articles like those from the old ‘Daily Object’ days would surface.

Thankfully.

***

In a bustling household welcoming the morning, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon filled the air.

In the kitchen, a woman swiftly transferred food onto plates, only for Golden Reapers to lift them effortlessly and carry them briskly to the dining table.

Having completed their mission, the Golden Reapers dashed back into the kitchen with eager, shining eyes, gazing up at the woman.

Amused by their cuteness, the woman chuckled softly and gently stroked the Golden Reaper’s head before handing it a perfectly toasted slice of bread.

The Golden Reaper wore an ecstatic expression, clutching the oversized toast and sitting down to nibble on it delicately with small bites.

Crunch. Crunch.

The sound of chewing toast echoed through the kitchen.

The Golden Reaper giggled happily, enjoying its meal as if it were the most delicious thing ever.

After tidying up, the woman sat at the dining table, turning on the TV to watch the news while enjoying her breakfast.

The TV was airing updates about the current situation in Mapo District.

With countless objects scattered throughout central Seoul, making accurate counts nearly impossible, every news channel seemed to mention the Golden Reapers.

The TV repeated neutrally, parrot-like, that “we must simply observe further.”

‘They’re so cute…’

The woman thought while poking the hamster-like puffed cheeks of the Golden Reaper.

Although the situation in Mapo District warranted concern, the woman, deeply charmed by the Golden Reaper, remained oblivious.

The news showed a reporter and an association-affiliated researcher, whose dynamic seemed odd.

The bizarre researcher in a helmet insisted, “Mapo District is dangerous; evacuate immediately!”

The reporter countered, “Since there have been no casualties or serial murders, isn’t it fine?”

Their discussion devolved into a debate.

Eventually, the reporter ended the interview when the researcher refused to make any ‘pro-Golden Reaper’ statements.

Concluding with a comment that the Objects were dangerous but the Golden Reapers currently spread across Mapo District appeared safe.

Meanwhile, golden antennae sprouted from the reporter’s pocket, fluttering playfully.

***

‘Peaceful.’

Mapo District was peaceful.

The battle with the Yellow Moon Object was limited to the first day, and nothing happened afterward even when the full moon rose.

The ominous glow of the full moon had transformed into something less threatening.

Did the Golden Reapers drive it away?

Bored, I lounged on the rooftop, watching the TV fixed by the Blue Reaper to pass the time.

European Object Association announcements were repeatedly broadcast.

The gist was this:

“Seoul is currently in a highly dangerous state.”

“Objects that seem friendly have always betrayed humanity in the most lethal ways.”

“Don’t trust the Golden Reapers. The more you want to trust them, the more you shouldn’t.”

Due to this announcement, tension began spreading through the previously happy and fluffy atmosphere of Mapo District.

Given the European Object Association’s reputation for cautious statements, their influence was significant.

Domestic broadcasts, previously overwhelmingly positive, started adopting a more cautious tone, with some outright labeling the situation as dangerous.

Within Mapo District, people ignoring the Golden Reapers emerged, and some Golden Reapers, feeling neglected, retreated with melancholic expressions.

Of course, even in hiding, the Golden Reapers continued to protect humans in ghostly forms.

Sixth day today.

Final day tomorrow.

The thought crossed my mind that ending this would leave things far too dull.

***

The room dimly lit only by the glowing TV screen revealed a man lying under his blanket, staring blankly at the TV.

The disorganized one-room apartment.

Believing the European Object Association’s announcement, the man had thrown his assigned Golden Reaper out the window.

The TV continued to broadcast the European Object Association’s warnings.

“Mapo District is dangerous. There’s definitely something wrong. Why doesn’t anyone realize?”

The man muttered to himself, trying to justify his choice.

He compulsively sprayed disinfectant alcohol everywhere—on the floor and his palms—as if erasing any trace of the Golden Reaper.

Suddenly, the TV clicked off.

“What? A power outage?”

As the man reached for his phone in irritation, an eerie yellow light shone from the window.

A silhouette resembling a Golden Reaper clung closely to the window, peering inside.

The usually bright Golden Reaper now emitted a flickering, sinister light, with its skin dripping like molten wax.

“What, what is that!”

Terrified, the man shone his phone flashlight, but the Golden Reaper vanished instantly.

“See? See? I was right. Golden Reapers are dangerous.”

The man turned on the lamp to dispel his fear, flooding the room with bright light.

He began searching the entire apartment for any traces of the Golden Reaper.

Then, the yellow moonlight streaming through the window grew increasingly ominous.