Chapter 45

One morning began as usual.

Suddenly, a blackout swept over Seoul.

It was a phenomenon accompanied by widespread electronic device failure and localized communication outages.

The cause was quickly identified.

A self-sustaining magnetic sphere had appeared in the middle of Gangnam.

Once feared like a Steel Tower, this Object had caused severe damage to the Korean Peninsula.

But not anymore.

Now that its handling methods were well-known, the magnetic sphere no longer inspired terror.

Its characteristics and containment protocols were widely understood, allowing agents equipped with specialized gear to isolate it swiftly.

However, the failed containment of the magnetic sphere hinted at another incident.

An Object exposition suffered an Object leakage accident!

The news spread rapidly.

Footage from the expo revealed a horrifying scene—Objects densely packed together, struggling to break free.

This suggested that most Objects on display had escaped their isolation units.

Given that the expo aimed to showcase high-risk Objects under safe containment, massive casualties were anticipated.

“Who on earth planned this expo?”

“How could someone exhibit an Object like the Gray Reaper? There must be clear accountability and punishment.”

“We should lock up whoever thought it was a good idea to display ‘[The Thief Who Cannot Be Stolen]’. That’s premeditated murder!”

“[The Thief Who Cannot Be Stolen] is an Object so dangerous it’s under special government supervision. What were they thinking bringing it here for public display?”

TV panelists unanimously demanded punishment for those responsible.

Initially, experts estimated a 90% likelihood that everyone inside the expo had perished.

Strangely, many highly dangerous Objects were included in the exhibition.

Thankfully, drone footage confirmed minimal fatalities.

Disturbingly, small gray reaper-like Objects were seen wandering around pools of blood near victims.

Additionally, all individuals within the expo appeared to be asleep, adding further mystery.

What exactly was happening inside?

Yet, the government response was limited to military lockdown of the expo area.

Despite public outcry, their explanation remained consistent:

“It’s currently unsafe to deploy troops.”

“The density of Objects around the expo perimeter is too high, and some cannot be neutralized with conventional weapons.”

“Since there are no additional casualties at the moment, rushing in could cause greater harm. We’ll proceed cautiously.”

“After securing a complete list of Objects on display, we’ll prepare thoroughly before entering.”

Though seemingly reasonable, their response felt evasive.

***

In front of a quiet courthouse, an upright old man walked confidently.

Oh Muryong, the recently acquitted Association President.

His trial had been a media sensation but now interest had shifted elsewhere.

To the high-risk Objects at the expo.

To the containment failure.

To the Gangnam power outage.

And to the sluggish military response.

These pressing issues overshadowed Oh Muryong’s case.

As he boarded a prepared vehicle, it sped off immediately.

“Elder, you’re truly remarkable. With all this commotion, your trial won’t even make headlines.”

“Too few victims.”

Tsk, tsk. Clucking his tongue, Oh Muryong spoke.

“Keep dragging this out. More blood needs to flow.”

“Isn’t enough attention already drawn? Do we need more delays?”

“…”

“Yes, understood.”

The middle-aged man, though perplexed, maintained composure under Oh Muryong’s cold gaze and nodded stoically.

***

With a creak, a broken tree reset itself as if rewinding time.

An extraordinary regenerative Object disguised as a tree.

“Humans must overcome the tree’s nightmare.”

This condition was already known, yet grinding the tree into splinters proved ineffective.

Ordinary means couldn’t destroy it, leaving cryptic hints behind, while easily destructible Objects offered straightforward clues.

“Cutting off the head and body will kill it!”

Such obvious “hints” made destruction inevitable.

Thus, overcoming the Golden Tree’s nightmare wasn’t straightforward.

Dousing nearby people with water or kicking them yielded no results.

Instead, the attached Golden Reaper grew furious and lunged at me.

Clatter clatter.

I petted the tiny fists pounding against me until its anger subsided.

Fortunately, the Golden Reaper quickly calmed down and returned to its post.

Pondering deeply, I wandered through the expo.

How can humans overcome the tree’s nightmare?

Should I sleep too?

Time wasn’t abundant.

Night turned to dawn.

The countdown for the one-day-only Golden Reaper continued.

Best to resolve this before its protection expires.

‘!’

Far from the tree, I stumbled upon a shocking murder scene.

‘No!!! No!!!’

Silent screams erupted.

A corpse lay shredded, barely recognizable.

Of course.

The Tyrannosaurus rex tried eating a human and got torn apart by the Golden Reaper.

Heartbroken, I moved on.

***

Walking throughout the expo yielded no breakthroughs for destroying the tree.

Waiting for someone to naturally overcome the nightmare seemed equally unlikely.

[Humans must overcome the tree’s nightmare.]

Touching the Golden Tree pulsed with force—an energy trying to lull humans to sleep.

Though targeted at humans, it bounced off me, an Object.

If I resisted, could I enter its dreamworld as a former human and shatter it?

Deciding to test this theory, I embraced the pulse.

Instantly, darkness enveloped my vision, and consciousness faded.

Zzz

***

Though dismantled due to public backlash, insiders knew the Central Research Institute was necessary.

A facility capable of containing ghosting-capable Objects.

A place to safely isolate dangerous Objects without risk.

Corruption and mistrust marred its reputation, but its importance remained undeniable.

“Agui concealment exposed.”

“Employee death cover-ups.”

“Cause of Songpa District collapse.”

Still, reviving the Central Research Institute outright was politically impossible.

So they chose secrecy.

Rebuild it quietly.

And thus, an offer reached me—a proposal to serve as Deputy Director of this new covert institute.

Me, locked away in prison simply for heading the previous Central Research Institute.

“Strange. Very strange.”

Why resurrect the institute only to recruit me secretly?

Certainly not necessary enough to extract me from jail.

Nevertheless, I accepted and stood here now.

Before the new Central Research Institute.

In my hand, an appointment letter.

Not for me, but to appoint someone else as Director.

A man who died thirty years ago during the Agui incident.

By summoning an Object resembling this man, the institute would be complete.

Bang.

The stamp echoed loudly.

Thereby sealing the man’s fate—to sit in the Director’s office endlessly filling out meaningless paperwork.

Entering the office, however, brought surprise.

“!”

The room was empty.

The Director was gone.

Ah, now it makes sense.

Why the Deputy Director position was offered to me.

The Director appointment failed.

“Hahahaha!”

Laughter bubbled uncontrollably.

Wiping tears from the corners of my mouth.

“That man has returned.”

Perhaps because I am his son, a familiar premonition lingered.

Though I spent my life hating him, laughter still came naturally.

Maybe those who approached me expected a different outcome with his son as Deputy Director.

But their hopes were dashed.

So what happens now?