Chapter 87

After disposing of the red moon, I gained a new ability.

The power to summon the Golden Reaper’s garden into reality.

It was a versatile ability—capable of either overwhelming the entire area or plucking just a portion of the garden and bringing it forth.

Considering this was an enhanced version, it wasn’t half bad.

The things in the garden were figments born from the dreams and hopes of the Golden Reapers, yet now I could materialize them!

If the Golden Reaper starts imagining practical things, this ability will only get better.

For now, though, it’s basically the power to conjure snacks wherever and whenever I want.

I summoned a bread roll from the garden and took a huge bite, filling my mouth.

Mmm…

Well, at least if I ever end up on a deserted island, I won’t have to worry about starving.

Since I’m bored, might as well test out this newfound power.

***

Late afternoon, the backyard of Sehee Research Institute.

The Gray Reaper and I were lounging on a picnic blanket, enjoying some leisure time under the sun.

Mmm…

The Reaper picked up a seashell-shaped bread and nibbled on it quietly, chewing with deliberate slowness.

Though their expression remained aloof as they ate, the puffed-up cheeks moving ceaselessly told the story of someone truly savoring their snack.

From a certain perspective, this could be considered an ordinary picnic day at the research institute—but today was different.

Seashell bread hanging from tree branches.

Hot chocolate flowing like a river.

Marshmallows floating through the air like clouds.

The scenery in the backyard had transformed into something straight out of a fairytale.

Unnie Sehee should’ve come along too—it would’ve been nice to share this magical break with her.

But lately, she’s been so busy holed up in her office doing who-knows-what.

Moments like these are rare, and it feels a little lonely without her here.

The Gray Reaper has warped reality itself, creating this fantastical landscape—a first for all of us.

As I watched them display abilities we’ve never seen before, one question came to mind:

Didn’t they suddenly showcase a new power last time too? Wasn’t that when Unnie Sehee got kidnapped?

After rescuing her, the Reaper started exuding a mysterious, alluring fragrance.

And during the Dobong-gu incident, they also summoned mini Golden Reapers out of nowhere.

How adorable—I almost forgot about that!

But why are these powers suddenly surfacing now?

Gulp… Could it be the Reaper has been hiding their true strength?

***

A dimly lit officetel concealed behind thick blackout curtains.

A secret hideout prepared by the Black Agent.

There, the Blonde Girl sat across from the Black Agent at a table.

While the agent wore a serious expression, the girl seemed inexplicably cheerful, forming a stark contrast between the two.

“Miss, could you share what you know? It’s important for understanding the current situation.”

“I don’t really know much. I lost consciousness after being attacked by monsters and woke up to find myself turned into an Object.”

She opened her palm and blew softly, causing flames to flicker to life above it.

“I’m not sure if this is an Object trait or something unique to me, but I figured out what I can do.”

With a playful grin, she continued while idly playing with the fire on her hand.

“For starters, I turn to ash when exposed to sunlight. I can resurrect the dead and transform into a bat.”

“Hmm… Sounds like a vampire, doesn’t it?”

“Well, my red irises certainly fit that vibe, but there are differences. I can breathe fire, and I feel flames coursing through my heart.”

The flame on her palm grew larger, expanding into the size of a basketball.

“And blood? What about consuming blood?”

“Unfortunately, I need it. Drinking blood fuels the firewood inside my heart. If it goes out, the flames running through my veins will incinerate me like sunlight.”

The Black Agent paused thoughtfully.

The Blonde Girl could feel her heart racing as she awaited his response.

What if he thinks I’m a monster and rejects me?

If that happens… what should I do?

She began considering her last resort, growing increasingly anxious.

“How much, and how often do you need to drink?”

The Black Agent appeared more concerned with logistics than morality.

Despite feeling her inner fire heat up further, she replied softly.

“Not much… Probably enough from just your blood alone.”

Not that I’d want anyone else’s anyway.

“Oh! And there’s another vague piece of information. Do you want to hear it?”

“Please, anything helps. We’re sorely lacking in details right now.”

Clearing her throat, the girl whispered solemnly.

“Create the moon. Stand in the desert. The heart will guide the way.”

Her imitation of a deep voice made it sound almost prophetic.

“Did someone tell you that? It feels like it.”

“It popped into my mind the moment I woke up. I don’t know who said it or why it came to me. All I remember is waking up on an altar with a knife stabbed into my heart, those words etched into my brain.”

“That’s crucial information. Definitely worth remembering. It seems vital to understanding our current predicament.”

The Black Agent jotted down her words and added several notes.

[Create the moon. Stand in the desert. The heart will lead the way.]

[Create the moon – connection to the red moon?]

[Stand in the desert – connection to the red desert?]

[Knife in the heart. Fire created in the heart. Heart guiding the path?]

[Object status unclear. Girl’s ID intact. ‘No name’?]

As the agent wrote, the girl grabbed his cheek and turned his gaze toward her.

“There’s a bigger issue. We need to hunt down those Trinity Researchers and exact revenge.”

Her smile turned sinister as she spoke.

***

Inside my once-pristine Director’s office, now cluttered with countless books and documents, I groaned.

“Ugh…”

“I hate studying.”

My head throbbed from dealing with the accursed “Daily Object.”

It was all because of the new laws enacted after the Black Penguin incident, which left many injured and dead.

All organizations and individuals handling Objects now required specific certifications.

Although our research institute technically needed certification long ago, pre-existing facilities could bypass this requirement through quarantine records instead.

With the Gray Reaper quarantined here, we naturally qualified for exemption!

However, the new law introduced a mandatory three-month grace period, after which certification became compulsory.

But…

It’s far too difficult.

While smirking at the increasing difficulty of the certification exams meant to curb the proliferation of Object research labs, I never imagined this trial would fall upon me.

I should’ve studied ahead of time instead of mocking others.

Knock knock.

An ordinary knocking sound echoed, yet somehow felt ominous.

Knock knock.

“Director Lee Sehee, are you in there? Open up!”

Ah, it’s Seoah.

She must’ve come to torment me. Likely related to the upcoming inspection for Object lab management systems.

I tiptoed over, locked the door, and braced myself for resistance.

“I’ve followed protocol! There’s nothing wrong!”

“Open the door, Director!”

Bang bang bang!

The pounding grew louder, terrifying me.

***

In the private quarters of the Oh Muryong mansion:

“Grandfather!”

A cheerful blonde girl with striking blue eyes threw herself into Oh Muryong’s arms.

“Oh, my dear granddaughter.”

He smiled warmly and affectionately patted her head.

Knock knock.

The rhythmic knocking broke the moment.

“This old man must attend to business now. Go play in your room.”

“Yes, Grandfather!”

As the blue-eyed girl skipped out, a man entered, bowing respectfully.

“President Oh.”

“What is it?”

Rising, the man delivered his report.

“I’ve erased all traces of the young lady visiting Ggachi Mountain Research Lab.”

“Hmm.”

Oh Muryong nodded approvingly and turned away.

The man bowed deeply and exited.

Once alone, Oh Muryong approached a hidden compartment near the fireplace, revealing a grand secret passage.

Descending into the depths below, he arrived at an advanced laboratory.

Researchers in white coats bowed as he passed.

At the heart of the lab lay his ultimate goal: a cryogenic pod.

Within it rested a pale, lifeless blonde girl.

Clutching a rocket pendant, Oh Muryong murmured softly.

“I cannot lose you. Never.”

Inside the pendant was a photo of the same girl, smiling radiantly.