Chapter 73

A researcher from the Sehee Research Institute arrived at the underground open lot.

A huge man and a woman with a ponytail.

The female researcher from Sehee Research Institute strode up to the Gray Reaper that Junior No. 1 was hugging and grabbed its arm.

Not wanting to let go, Junior No. 1 clung tightly to the Gray Reaper.

Thanks to this, the sleepy-looking Gray Reaper was left dangling in mid-air, held by both arms.

When I gave a hint, Junior No. 1 reluctantly let go with an extremely wistful expression.

Even afterward, Junior No. 1 kept gazing longingly at the Sehee Research Institute researcher who walked out of the lot while still cradling the Gray Reaper.

“Why am I not part of Sehee Research Institute like the seniors?”

A sad mutter reached my ears.

As the Gray Reaper disappeared, the Golden Reapers began to vanish one by one until they were all gone.

Junior No. 1 was consoling themselves by hugging the few remaining Golden Reapers.

In fact, a male researcher from Sehee Research Institute had tried to retrieve the Golden Reapers too.

But some of them clung stubbornly to Junior No. 1 and refused to budge, so those are the ones now in Junior’s embrace.

Instead, the man gave a few warnings—since the Objects have never shown any harmful effects so far, there wasn’t much special instruction.

What was more problematic was the Association personnel’s orders: we were strongly advised not to take the Golden Reapers outside the camp.

“In the end, I can only rely on you guys.”

“You’re not going to disappear, right?”

Junior No. 1 kept talking endlessly to the Golden Reapers who obviously couldn’t understand a word.

If this keeps up, I might have to suggest a mental pollution check for them.

Surprisingly, Junior No. 2, who showed strange attachment to the Golden Reapers, is acting rather calm.

They seemed even more attached than Junior No. 1, but not this time…

Looking at Junior No. 2 now…

Their posture is stiff, and they keep looking around nervously—is something bothering them?

***

Secret research facility belonging to the Association.

Deep within this facility lies a peculiar isolation room.

It’s neither made of steel nor brick or concrete—it’s constructed of a transparent material that barely reflects anything.

So transparent that it seems as if the subject is floating in midair.

Trapped in this invisible prison is a man who once served as the director of the Central Research Institute.

Known also as “The Maker,” he remains as a lifeless corpse inside the isolation chamber.

Around this transparent isolation room are numerous sophisticated surveillance devices.

Not just human observation but CCTV cameras and various other apparatuses monitor the former director continuously.

Infrared, vibration, temperature sensors—every kind of measurement device imaginable is present.

Besides employees monitoring with their eyes and others managing the equipment, soldiers are always on standby.

Within this escape-proof, heavily guarded area, the director opened his eyes.

He quickly realized his situation—without any Objects, isolated in this chamber.

His face contorted in frustration as he noticed the only thing left with him was his infinitely regenerating lab coat.

Bang.

Standing up, he pounded on the transparent wall of the isolation room.

“AAAAAAAHHH!”

Bangbangbang.

No hiding place, no shadows.

There’s no escaping the watchful eyes of the observers.

Sophisticated surveillance gear recorded every blink and breath of the director, while lenses relentlessly focused on capturing every detail of his movements.

“I still… I still have work left to do! For humanity, I have work left to do!”

Pounding on the fingerprint-less walls, the director shouted.

But the watchers remained impassive, showing no reaction.

The observers, valuing silence as a virtue, merely watched the screens intently with almost obsessive focus, their faces obscured by dim lighting.

“The manifestation of the Object succeeded! Just a little more, and the Object will fall into human hands!”

“To eliminate namelessness, to destroy the Steel Tower!”

“So come on, Gray Reaper! Die, you enemy of humanity who obstructs me working for mankind!”

While screaming loudly, the director secretly summoned a researcher beneath his feet—but…

Bang!

A single gunshot from above pierced his forehead, turning him instantly into a corpse.

Thus ended the first day of the director’s confinement.

And without any special ‘incidents,’ it will continue like this indefinitely.

***

Finally back to the Sehee Research Institute Isolation Room.

Under soft amber lighting, a cozy bed lay at the center of the room where someone lounged comfortably.

The ever-fresh blue sheets rippled softly like gentle ocean waves.

On this sea of comfort, a Ghost Cat yawned lazily while resting.

After what seemed like an eventful adventure, the cat enjoyed this tranquil moment.

Plush cushions and soft rugs added to the relaxing ambiance.

Yerin’s lush green plants and newly placed vanilla-scented air fresheners completed the pleasant atmosphere.

Nearby, a TV played news about previous incidents.

“How could a cult organization starting in China cross the sea and massacre citizens in Incheon without the government knowing? Does that sound realistic?”

“This is a government-sanctioned massacre! Look at the abandonment of police deployment and administrative management just days before the black-clothed assailants attacked—it’s clear the government knew and ignored it.”

The panelist waved a government memo dramatically while raising their voice.

The story covered the tragedy at the Gyeyang Mountain Temporary Camp in Incheon.

The shocking tale of residents being wiped out overnight.

And the culprits revealed to be a mysterious cult!

A religion worshiping a massive golden flame as their deity.

Infamous across China for destroying countless Objects.

A terrorist group targeting any Objects under research.

And they don’t hesitate to attack anyone trying to stop them.

This caught the attention of certain ninjas, but the information I sought wasn’t disclosed.

Why carry pudding?

Why worship me?

And most importantly, where can I buy that pudding?

A hollow news report missing crucial details.

Crunch. Crunch.

I popped a nightshade berry into my mouth while changing channels.

Among the random channels, an intriguing story appeared.

A shadowy black emperor penguin!

The picture showed a cheerful penguin dancing joyfully.

A Polaroid camera makes the penguin dance alive within the photo—an extraordinary Object indeed.

Oh, this looks fun.

If I keep watching this penguin, Yerin might fetch one for me eventually.

***

All the Golden Reapers clinging to Detective Sunbae and Hammer Sunbae melted into thin air.

Thanks to this, we could proceed with leaving the camp.

“Huff.”

Breathing carefully.

Stealthy, avoiding detection.

Detective Sunbae has sharp instincts, so I must act as naturally as possible.

I smuggled a Golden Reaper hidden in my clothes.

It’s the only spot it won’t be seen despite touching my skin—unavoidable.

Fortunately, the Golden Reaper stayed quiet inside.

Just a little longer, and we’ll leave the camp.

Once separated from the seniors, the secret smuggling mission will succeed!

Thanks to Detective Sunbae’s connections, the camp exit checks were simple questions only.

“Well, since the request is over, shall we part here? Or should I escort you to the detective agency?”

“I… I’ll go ahead. I have somewhere to be!”

“Is that so?”

Uh-oh, Detective Sunbae’s gaze feels piercing.

Did they notice something?

“Sunbae! Why are you staring at Hyejin’s chest like that?”

Hammer Sunbae struck Detective Sunbae’s back.

Whoa, that sounded painful.

For some reason, I felt like I would’ve been caught if Hammer Sunbae hadn’t intervened—nice save!

Now, exiting the camp, taking a taxi straight home means successful Golden Reaper smuggling!

Was being too relaxed the problem?

The Golden Reaper suddenly started wriggling.

Covering the emerging Reaper’s head with my hand while checking around, luckily, no one seems to have noticed.

Phew, what a relief.