Chapter 222

Everything was scattering like sand at the end of this adventure.

The moment I realized the sky itself had turned to sand and was collapsing, it hit me.

“Ahhh, this was all an illusionary trial.”

I began to understand what “the Eye” had shown me about the destruction condition.

It wasn’t about destroying the Labyrinth Object but breaking through the illusion itself.

“[Dies in this world.]” That must mean escaping the illusion through death.

With that realization, my consciousness buried deep within the illusion started surfacing, allowing me to break free.

When I awoke from this dream, I found myself surrounded by a towering whirlpool reaching as high as the heavens and crumbling building ruins at its center.

Naturally, I thought I was either in one of those spaces filled with flowing sand where cracks had opened or inside one of the cubic rooms of the Labyrinth.

But what greeted me were the Whirlpool, Ruins…and the Black Reapers.

The Black Reapers were clinging all over my stomach, sound asleep.

They must’ve broken through the whirlpool to help me while I was trapped in the illusion.

Judging by their weakened state—dim flames flickering faintly and shapes melting slightly—they must’ve had quite the tough time.

“Hmph, you worked hard, huh?”

After lifting each struggling Black Reaper and feeding them plenty of firewood before petting them, a strange thought popped into my mind.

“If the Black Reapers hadn’t come, would I have died peacefully in the illusion long ago?”

A cold, logical, and very intelligent thought worthy of me.

Hmm.

I picked up the now-bloated Black Reapers who’d eaten too much firewood and began burying them in the sand.

Hehe.

Watching their heads pop out of the sand like plant sprouts was oddly amusing.

All the stress from overcoming the trial washed away.

Their reactions upon waking up will surely be entertaining.

Leaving that joy for later, I began exploring the Ruins.

The wind howled so fiercely it drowned out every other sound.

The lack of sunlight made the darkness so thick even a normal human might lose all sense of direction.

Though an environment harsh enough to hinder most humans, it posed no problem for me with glowing eyes.

The Ruins stretched wide, though almost nothing remained due to complete erosion.

From the scale alone, it seemed like this used to be some massive Castle-like Building.

Amidst all the decay, there was one spot that retained its shape relatively well.

Despite being cracked and faded, losing all its former grandeur, the form of a Giant Throne persisted amidst the sandy Ruins on a solid stone floor.

Yellowed and splintered, yet somehow still sturdy compared to everything else, the floor beneath the throne led toward it via massive pillars.

It felt like the audience chamber of a king.

On top of the throne sat a Skeleton dressed in tattered robes, nailed down with enormous rocks at every joint.

Each bone was meticulously pinned, preventing any movement—a horrifying sight even for someone not directly involved.

Resting on the skeleton’s hand glowed a radiant Light Ring.

This old man likely used the Light Ring to create the Labyrinth and trials.

While unclear why he did this, it must’ve been important enough to nail himself down.

Still, I lightly wished he’d achieved whatever he desired through my success.

***

I slowly ascended the nine steps leading to the throne and placed my hand on the Halo.

Instantly, light erupted from the Halo, consuming reality around me.

As if unseen hands rewound time within the Ruins, transformations unfolded.

The crumbling, yellowed floor transformed into gleaming marble, proudly reflecting the returning sunlight.

The weathered columns reborn white regained their lost majesty.

The absent ceiling reappeared in all its colorful glory.

Shattered red fabric once again flowed like crimson silk rivers between the pillars.

This red cloth converged toward the center of the Ruins, culminating at the faded Giant Throne.

Upon touching the throne, it regained its former grandeur, radiating authority.

Simultaneously, the silent king atop the throne began opening his eyes.

Flesh and sinew wrapped around the eroded bones, and a splendid crown descended onto the resurrected ruler’s forehead.

The reborn king settled back into the restored throne, slowly gazing down at me.

“Illusion!”

Had I not gone through the trial, I might’ve mistaken this for real time reversal—an incredibly convincing hallucination!

Eye-level Illusion!

Thinking about it, I hadn’t destroyed the object creating the Labyrinth, only shattered the illusion.

Was this old man on the throne the Object?

Illusions don’t work when you know they’re illusions!

Just as I prepared to call forth the Halo to nullify all abilities with confidence, a deeply cracked voice echoed.

“You’ve finally arrived, Challenger.”

His tone carried no hostility, only accomplishment and relief.

Seeing no intent to fight, I stayed put as the old man continued speaking.

“Challenger, may I ask one question before you hand over the Divine Eye?”

“…”

Since I couldn’t speak anyway, I remained silent, prompting the old man to send telepathic waves.

[No need to speak. We can communicate through thoughts.]

Somehow sensing my reluctance, he proceeded regardless.

[Imagine two people wishing to kill each other.]

[One has noble intentions and valid reasons for their wish.]

[The other acts purely out of anger and jealousy.]

[If you were to grant their wish, what would you do?]

Hearing this, I immediately thought:

“Why should I care about such trivial matters?”

Even if I could grant wishes, I’d simply ‘ignore’ them.

Of course, keeping this to myself, I imagined a more diplomatic response suitable for elders when suddenly his voice rang out.

[Correct answer.]

Without sending telepathic waves to Mini Reapers, the old man smiled contentedly as if hearing my response.

[That is the kind of deity we desire.]

At that moment, the old man turned to sand and collapsed, shattering all illusions.

“?!”

Why is he doing this now?!

***

“Mom, I need your help.”

A single cry of will reached all Mini Reapers worldwide.

Not even the Golden Reaper searching Seoul for the Attached Human was an exception.

Hearing this plea, the Golden Reaper paused mid-task, extending a helping log of firewood toward Mom.

Though carrying something unbearably heavy, burning her body like fire, she felt proud helping Mom despite eventually blacking out from the pain.

Curling up on the floor, the sleeping Golden Reaper dreamed happily, giggling softly while pretending to eat.

Awakening soon after, rubbing sleepy eyes, the Golden Reaper rose.

Stretching tiny arms wide, yawning widely!

Still groggy, the Golden Reaper looked around…then gasped, eyes widening.

“!”

Where am I?!

I was walking through Seoul alleys just moments ago but now find myself in a strange place.

Disinfectant scents filled the air, the surroundings starkly white and clean.

Though unfamiliar, the Golden Reaper recognized somewhere similar.

“Sehee Research Institute?”

This place resembled one of Sehee Research Institute’s Object Isolation Rooms.

“?!”

Confused, drawing a question mark in the air, a person wearing a white lab coat like a Sehee Research Institute Researcher appeared.

“Haha! If I successfully isolate the Golden Reaper, I’ll finally have my own proper research institute!”

Her twisted smile unnerved anyone normally, but seeing her, the Golden Reaper extended both arms.

“Hug me!”

Loving humans unconditionally, the Golden Reaper bounced happily, giggling for a hug.