Chapter 75

At the foot of modest Crow Mountain, preparations were in full swing.

The upcoming “Object Research Institute Annual Conference” hosted by the Crow Mountain Research Facility was drawing near.

Black Agent was bustling about the event site, assisting with various inspections.

The morning’s early start had stretched into lunchtime, and as the prep work slowed down a bit, Black Agent took a moment to catch their breath atop the low peak of Crow Mountain, gazing down below.

Exhausted from the Association’s dissolution and reformation, as well as numerous incidents across Seoul, they found solace in the expansive view.

Small buildings dotted the landscape like matchboxes, their sight unobstructed.

Ribbons of roads twisted and turned, with occasional beetle-like cars crawling along.

The distant honks and engine roars of automobiles softened into a comforting hum, oddly soothing against the backdrop of urban noise.

“Ahjussi!”

Bounding up the stairs came Blonde Girl, cheerfully calling out to Black Agent. Her cheeks flushed red from climbing so many steps, she held the conference pamphlet in hand.

“Take a look at this!”

Blonde Girl thrust the pamphlet under Black Agent’s nose. It detailed the day’s schedule, splitting presentations into Part 1 and Part 2.

[Crow Mountain Object Conference.]

[Location: Crow Mountain Object Research Institute.]

[Host: Crow Mountain Object Research Institute, Object Management Association.]

[Part 1 Presentations.]

[Increasing Financial Stability in Research Facilities.]

[Trends in Object Growth and Response Strategies.]

[Introduction to Object Influence on Humans.]

[Nationalization Plans for Object Countermeasures Weapons Systems.]

…

Excitedly pointing at one topic, Blonde Girl exclaimed, “They say there have been cases where indirect Object influence turns people into superhumans! Have you ever seen one, Ahjussi?”

“I haven’t personally seen any yet, but studies show these occurrences are increasing. The government is actively searching, so we might see one soon.”

As Black Agent replied, thoughts of an old friend surfaced—Yellow Detective.

Though not physically enhanced, their instincts bordered on precognition, making them more than deserving of the ‘superhuman’ title.

“Who will be Korea’s first discovered superhuman? Could it be me?”

Blonde Girl giggled softly, head bowed.

In truth, Black Agent had already received instructions from the Association regarding superhumans:

[Upon discovering a superhuman, immediately report to the Association.]

[Avoid unnecessary restraint; instead foster friendly relations.]

[When the opportunity arises, attempt neutralization and isolation with sufficient data and force.]

Deciding such grim details weren’t necessary to share with Blonde Girl, Black Agent said, “Actually, most cases discussed in the presentation won’t be as obvious. Here, it explains that.”

[Olympic and competitive sports records are showing unprecedented improvement.]

[These changes surpass what can be explained by advancements in technology or training methods.]

[Given the correlation between rising Object numbers and record improvements, this too appears influenced by Objects.]

“Wow, does that mean everyone will eventually become superhuman?”

“If this trend continues, perhaps. But how long it’ll take remains uncertain.”

After perusing the pamphlet some more, Blonde Girl handed it off to her secretary standing behind her, seemingly losing interest.

“Oh, right! Ahjussi!”

“What is it?”

“Did you know tonight’s a Blood Moon? They say there’ll be a red moon!”

Looking forward to seeing the night’s moon, Blonde Girl trotted back down the stairs.

***

Kwaaak.

Kwaakk.

A loud bird cry echoed through the tranquil Isolation Room.

The Polaroid picture given by Yerin was the culprit.

While watching TV with the photo on the table, a black penguin’s head slowly emerged from within the image.

It peeked around, clearly observing its surroundings, thinking I wasn’t paying attention—but little did it know, I don’t rely solely on sight…

Seizing the moment when the penguin looked away, I swiftly grabbed its neck and twisted hard.

KWAACK!

So, what exactly is this penguin?

By feel alone, it seems to be a harmful bird to humans.

With my right hand still gripping its neck, I flung its head clean off.

The decapitated penguin flopped around briefly before melting into a pool of black sludge.

Releasing a foul petroleum stench, sticky and unpleasant to the touch.

Using Ghosting, I shook off the sludge and examined the photo again.

The perpetually dancing penguin visible beyond the photo was now gone.

What remained was merely an eerie landscape painting.

Now devoid of much value, I tossed the photo aside and stepped out of the Isolation Room.

This cool air of the research facility corridor.

Though cozy and warm inside the Isolation Room, the bright, chilly atmosphere of the research facility corridors appealed to me too.

Tup-tup-tup.

Walking down the empty lab corridor, voices began to reach my ears.

There stood Seoah and Sehee.

Why is Seoah out here?

***

After leaving the director’s office together, Sehee and I walked down the research institute corridor.

Since the last Golden Reaper extraction, I hadn’t really spoken much with Seoah, so I figured I’d seize this chance for conversation.

“The Golden Reaper placed in the lounge has gone missing. Any idea where it could’ve gone?”

“…”

An icebreaker comment, but Seoah isn’t responding.

Instead, she’s breaking out in cold sweat—is she feeling unwell?

“Wow, look at all that sweat. If you’re not feeling well, just skip the upcoming conference. I wasn’t planning on attending anyway.”

“No, it’s better if I attend. The Association expects me to participate.”

Seoah had decided to attend the upcoming “Crow Mountain Conference,” originally meant for me.

I didn’t want to go since the conference focused on boring financial stability topics.

Initially intending to skip, I agreed when Seoah offered to attend instead.

Though Seoah claimed she’d prepare solo, she has almost no field experience!

That’s why I’m here to kindly offer guidance!

***

Walking down the hallway with Director Lee Sehee of the Research Institute.

My heart nearly stopped when she suddenly asked about the Golden Reaper mid-conversation.

Fortunately, it seemed she hadn’t noticed the Golden Reaper’s disappearance.

Afterward, she continuously lectured me on precautions during fieldwork.

On the surface, the advice sounded useful, but Director Lee appeared to have forgotten something.

Most of what she was saying was information I had previously shared with her.

Warnings about frequent Object-related accidents, advising caution.

The problem was Director Lee rarely followed my advice.

Every time, she’d get kidnapped, trapped, or caught by the Association…

And now she’s repeating those very warnings back to me!

How absurd.

“If you just follow what I’ve told you, you won’t get kidnapped!”

Director Lee confidently declared.

Staring blankly with a baffled expression, she seemed to realize something.

Gray Reaper, who had appeared unnoticed, wore a similar puzzled look.

“Don’t look at me like that!”

“I just remembered… All this info actually came from Seoah…”

“I’ve experienced kidnappings enough to know a thing or two!”

Director Lee fell silent, looking dejected.

***

A few days before the Crow Mountain Conference, a large, radiant Blood Moon illuminated the sky.

And the next night, it appeared again.

Only over the Gangseo District.

Though Young Miss seemed intrigued by the strange phenomenon, it didn’t feel like a good omen.

A report on the persistent giant red moon was drafted.

It was submitted to the Association.

Their response would likely take some time.

We must respond quickly, but hopefully not too late.

“Ahjussi! Another red moon tonight, huh?”

“Miss, wouldn’t it be wise to return home while the red moon shines?”

Shaking her head, Young Miss smiled brightly and declined.