Chapter 298

In the mountains under a blue sky, there was a serene valley with crystal-clear water trickling gently.

Clean pebbles sparkled along the sunlit stream, creating cheerful sounds with every step taken on them.

Into this picturesque valley slowly walked a man.

Perched atop his head, gripping his hair, sat the Black Reaper.

The man, marveling at nature’s beauty, looked up at the Black Reaper and said:

“The water is so clear! The pebbles are sparkling, the air is fresh! This place is truly amazing, isn’t it?”

Peeeeeep!

As if responding, the Black Reaper emitted a clear sound.

It seemed the Black Reaper also approved of the location, causing the man to smile warmly.

He set down his backpack and began setting up a tent with the Black Reaper.

With the Black Reaper transforming into a hammer, the man swung lightly.

Like sinking into soft earth, the stake easily embedded itself into the hard ground.

This happened as the Black Reaper synchronized its movements with the man’s swings.

The Black Reaper Hammer applied just the right amount of force even with light swings.

And by firmly gripping the man’s hand, it ensured no accidental drops.

Even if swung incorrectly towards his own hand, the Black Reaper turned squishy to prevent injury.

The golden eyes on the hammerhead were quite adorable.

Plus, besides becoming a hammer, it could transform into gloves and various tools, making additional gear unnecessary.

The only downside was the occasional playful licks from its tiny tongue when bored—otherwise, it was perfect.

“Thank you.”

Holding the resting Black Reaper in his arms, who was rolling around on a portable table, the man gently petted it.

The man felt endlessly grateful to the Black Reaper.

After all, without the Black Reaper, he wouldn’t be doing his current job—traveling through scenic nature while camping and recording videos.

30 years after Objects appeared.

Camping, which inevitably required venturing into remote areas, had become an extinct hobby due to the dangers of encountering Objects, which were as perilous as wild tigers.

But thanks to the Black Reaper, the man could explore freely.

Though small, about the size of a palm, the Black Reaper possessed immense power capable of swiftly defeating most Objects.

Omff.

The Black Reaper, now munching on snacks nestled in the man’s arms, suddenly stiffened, leaping onto his hand as if sensing something.

Confused by the sudden change, the man soon realized the message and began scanning the surroundings.

Grrrrr.

Following the Black Reaper’s gaze upward, numerous tigers emerged from the dense forest shadows.

Not again, another tiger pack.

Having recently encountered one at Gwanak Mountain, he faced yet another tiger pack.

A serious expression crossed the man’s face as he noticed recent strange phenomena in the forests.

The overgrowth and increased sightings of rarely seen animals like deer and even tigers puzzled him.

Strangely, these animals exhibited unusual behaviors, such as tigers forming packs.

Recently, he’d even spotted a mysterious large bird with iridescent feathers scattering light.

‘Seems I should postpone camping until the forest returns to normal.’

Though the Black Reaper, who loved camping, might feel a bit down, it couldn’t be helped.

***

In the courtyard of Sehee Research Institute, where the sorrowful cries of White Hungry Ghosts resonated sweetly.

Heeeng Heeeng.

I sliced a White Hungry Ghost into potato wedge shapes and roasted it slowly over a campfire, savoring its screams.

This was the ghost that mocked me earlier.

Lately, oddly bloated White Hungry Ghosts have been appearing frequently, and I’ve personally confirmed their enlarged livers by slicing them open.

Unfortunately, their bellies contained only marshmallows instead of livers.

I was somewhat disappointed since White Hungry Ghost liver dishes are supposed to be delicious.

As I tormented the ghosts, the Mini Reapers in the courtyard began turning their heads toward the entrance.

I sensed someone approaching the courtyard.

It was Yerin, two humans, and an Object.

“That Golden Triceratops Statue is enormous.”

“I don’t see any connection between Triceratops and Sehee Research Institute.”

The Orange Crowned Reaper and its Attached Human, along with the Purple Blindfolded Reaper and its Attached Human.

“Brother!”

Seeing the unique siblings after so long, the Golden Reapers greeted the Orange Crowned Reaper and Purple Blindfolded Reaper with great excitement.

Some Golden Reapers rushed toward the human-shaped Object.

Upon closer inspection, that Object was the Roll Cake Human I had resurrected.

Hugging the gathered Golden Reapers, the Roll Cake Human glanced around and, noticing no one was watching, began feeding them its detached fingers.

Omff.

“Is it tasty?” asked the Roll Cake Human, to which the Golden Reapers nodded.

It was a slightly unsettling scene.

Could the Roll Cake Human also be afflicted with the same condition as the Hungry Ghost Reaper, desiring to eat its own fingers?

Recalling the Hungry Ghost Reaper, I turned my gaze toward Yerin.

Yerin, a girl I’d met in the Free City Alliance, was chatting with Cheong.

“Why is such a Triceratops Golden Statue displayed here? It’s not a dinosaur research institute, right?”

“I’m not entirely sure either. Usually, Director Sehee secretly imports these absurdly expensive items.”

Standing beside Yerin and looking up at Cheong, I couldn’t help but admire her.

“Not as impressive as Yerin, but she has considerable firewood potential. Looks like she’s improved compared to before.”

When Yerin and Cheong stood together, an overwhelming amount of firewood energy flowed toward me.

Placing Cheong on the left and Yerin on the right seems like a good idea.

Nom nom.

While I was ogling Cheong, the Orange Crowned Reaper charged at me head-on.

Its sharp crown jabbed straight at my eye!

“Ahh, Traitor 2 activated!”

Pointing at the attacking Orange Crowned Reaper, I called for help from the Mini Reapers, but none came to assist.

Instead, they cheered for the Orange Crowned Reaper as if it were justified.

“Bad children!”

The Mini Reapers’ rebellion had begun.

***

In a clearing deep within the lush jungle, a helicopter descended slowly.

James stepped out of the chopper and moved into a tent under the guidance of employees from James Research Institute.

Inside was a large birdcage standing at least three meters tall, housing an unidentified bird radiating a gentle glow.

“Indeed, it’s worthy of being called a phoenix.”

Though legendary birds like this existed only in pictures, James insisted on confirming it in person.

‘With this, we surely have sufficient justification to remove the Green Moon.’

James carefully reviewed the data provided by the researcher.

[At least 300 tigers sighted in South Korea.]

[Himalayan dragon hiding in the mountain range.]

[Mythical phoenix traveling across East Asia.]

[Resurrection of extinct animals.]

[Unusual proliferation of forests.]

All abnormal phenomena occurring after the appearance of the Green Moon.

Now, the only problem left for James was one.

Sending the Gray Reaper to James Space Station.

James began listing possible methods in his notebook.

[Broadcast that the space station has been occupied by Objects.]

Given the current lack of internal observation and high likelihood of no survivors, there’s little to attract the Gray Reaper’s attention.

[Spread false information that a Tyranno Festival is happening at James Space Station.]

There’s a risk the Gray Reaper harbors resentment. Too dangerous.

Despite considering many options, each carried certain issues.

‘I don’t know what to do.’

As James pondered, the Golden Reaper approached with a paper.

It was the design blueprint for the Golden-Mecha-Tyranno Armor.

***

James Space Station floating lonely in outer space.

Alone amidst darkness and silence, the woman clutched the communication console microphone as if it were her last hope.

“Anyone, please. Help me. Please….”

Sinister sounds grew louder, inching closer to her.

Sssssshhh. Sssssshhh.

Like something crawling closer.

Her heart raced with fear.

Terrified, she held her breath, praying whatever it was would pass by.

But the sound drew nearer.

All sorts of horrifying scenarios flashed through her mind.

An Object that devours humans? Or hallucinations caused by mental pollution?

Surrounded by darkness, she could hear nothing but her own heartbeat and those eerie sounds.

The noise was almost upon her.

Paralyzed with fear, she fumbled around desperately for anything usable as a weapon.

But there was nothing.

Frozen in place, she resigned herself to her fate.

The creeping sound stopped right in front of her.

Endless silence.

Opening her eyes felt like inviting a monstrous creature to swallow her whole.

But nothing happened despite her prolonged wait.

Slowly, she opened her eyes.

Then it revealed itself….

“Meeep!”

There, glowing faintly from its eyes, was a small lifeform about the size of a human head.

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