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As soon as the evacuation notice was lifted, we spun the cart around and headed straight back to James City.

When we got back to the road we came from, everything was a total mess—collapsed buildings, roads all torn up.

James City was practically in ruins.

“This is gonna take forever to rebuild,” James sighed as he drove, eyeing the wreckage. He added something about how much it was going to cost to fix everything, but I kinda zoned out after that.

At first glance, all the broken roads and shattered buildings didn’t look like your everyday structures. Some parts were a different color, and there were tons of metal cubes buried under the asphalt. Weird, right?

They must’ve been some sort of protective facilities against Objects.

We drove past the half-destroyed city and reached the entrance to the barrier, where a bunch of people in hazmat suits were blocking the road with that “do not enter” tape.

In the middle of the taped-off area, there were the remains of this super-tall building that had been sliced right in half. And guess what? Reaper was up there, just gazing at the sky like it was some sort of deep thinker or something.

“Reaper!”

I yelled, totally excited, and Reaper glanced down at me before suddenly popping up right next to me.

I scooped Reaper up and hugged it tight, soaking up all the softness and that familiar scent.

As I squeezed its squishy cheeks, I gushed, “Reaper, I missed you!”

But then Reaper gave me this weird look, like, “Seriously? It’s only been a few minutes!”

*********While the Gray Reaper and Yerin were busy with their little reunion, James was eyeing the barrier that had just done its job.

Sure, it was still standing, but now it looked like a piece of glass that had taken one too many hits. Honestly, it was like the thing was channeling the deputy mayor’s stubbornness.

Right then, a staff member strolled up to James with some news.

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Following the staff member’s lead, James found himself in a temporary containment facility, the kind usually reserved for Objects. Cozy, right?

Considering the whole “mind corruption” suspicion, the deputy mayor seemed oddly normal. He was just sitting there, eyes closed, looking all zen. James hit the internal communication button.

“So, you’re still kicking.”

“Yeah, I survived by some miracle.”

The deputy mayor opened his eyes, his voice calm as ever, like nothing was out of the ordinary. But those eyes? They had a touch of madness that didn’t quite fit with the rational guy James was used to dealing with.

Maybe that’s why the staff was so convinced his mind was corrupted.

James exchanged a few words with the deputy mayor before heading out. When he got back to the Gray Reaper, it was busy playing with its hair, which Yerin was trying to nibble on. Cute, but not exactly time for games.

Trying to ignore the Gray Reaper’s antennae—those things could probably hypnotize you if you stared too long—James spoke up.

“We’ll have to push back the city tour. I know you were excited, but it looks like we’re stuck with at least a six-month delay.”

“Ah… Then, can we just head back to Korea?”

Seeing her slightly regretful expression, James added.

“If you’re that bummed about it, you could check out the research institutes in the Rocky Mountains. That area’s packed with labs, just like James City, but minus the civilians. Might be easier to get clearance for the Gray Reaper there.”

Yerin hugged the Gray Reaper, looking a bit conflicted.

“No rush to decide. Take a breather, think it over.”

After chatting with Yerin a bit more, he guided her onto the cart.

“It’s already late, so get some rest at the hotel. We’ll catch up later.”

But James didn’t hop on the cart. Instead, he waved over the staff and ordered them to take her to a nearby hotel.

“You’re not coming, James?”

“Of course not. The city’s a wreck; the mayor can’t just kick back and relax.”

James watched the cart roll away toward the hotel, then turned and headed back toward the barrier.

*********I found myself in Sehee Research Institute’s laundry room—of all places—as the director, because, surprise, surprise, one of the washing machines was out of order. Now, normally, this wouldn’t be my problem, but since it was a Reaper-related issue, guess who got called in? Yep, me.

When I arrived in this oh-so-exciting part of the institute I hardly ever visit, I peeked inside the washing machine and—well, there it was. The source of the problem. A Golden Reaper, smiling like it didn’t have a care in the world.

There it was, just chilling inside the washing machine, looking out through the transparent window with this happy, carefree grin.

Thud-! Thud-!

The Golden Reaper knocked on the window, smiling brightly, like it was trying to say, Hey, how about turning this thing on?

Hmm…

I have to admit, when I first saw the CCTV footage of the Golden Reaper putting itself in the washing machine and actually turning it on, I was pretty surprised. Was it just goofing around? Not harassing anyone, just… playing?

But even though it seemed harmless, I just couldn’t bring myself to hit that start button.

So, I opened the washing machine door, reached in, and tried to pull the Golden Reaper out. But nope! It clung to the machine like its life depended on it.

Its little arms were trembling, holding on for dear life, and I couldn’t help but think, Okay, maybe I shouldn’t force it.

I decided to give up on getting it out and turned to my secret weapon: the Gray Reaper pudding I had stashed in my pocket—something no Sehee Lab employee should be without!

I pulled out the pudding and waved it in front of the Golden Reaper’s eyes. It was like waving a toy in front of a cat; its eyes locked onto the pudding immediately.

I peeled off the lid, and the pudding jiggled, revealing its soft, wobbly goodness.

The Golden Reaper, who had been all cozy inside the washing machine, was now perched on my lap, both hands outstretched, mouth open like a little baby bird begging for food.

That innocent, bright expression, without a single worry in the world… I have to admit, it made me a bit jealous. So, of course, I had to play a little prank. I mean, it’s only fair, right?

Now that I think about it, the Reaper often pulls cute pranks on the Golden Reaper. Maybe that’s why it’s always up to some mischief.

But, okay, maybe stuffing it in the washing machine and turning it on was a bit much. I figured I’d play a little nicer with the pudding.

I scooped up a spoonful and held it just out of reach. The Golden Reaper opened its mouth wide and leaned in, but I pulled the spoon back, just out of reach. It ended up collapsing dramatically on the floor.

As expected, the Golden Reaper is just too cute!

Finally, I offered the pudding spoon to the Golden Reaper, who was now giving me this suspicious, almost accusing look. It approached cautiously, and just as it was about to take a bite, I pulled the spoon away again.

The Golden Reaper looked up at me with those big, sad eyes, like it was asking, Are you really not going to give it to me?

I could practically hear it saying, Fine, if you’re not going to give it to me, then don’t!

Its tearful expression tugged at my heartstrings, and I could tell it was about to give up on the pudding altogether, just to make me feel better.

Even though it couldn’t speak, I swear I could read its thoughts from its face alone.

“I’m sorry for teasing you!”

I finally blurted out, feeling guilty. I couldn’t stand to see it so sad, so I quietly fed it the pudding.

Om nom nom-!

The Golden Reaper slowly ate the pudding, its face lighting up with happiness, like the whole sad episode had never happened.

Honestly, I think I like seeing it happy more than teasing it.

*********The luxury hotel in the heart of a satellite city near James City was, well, super fancy! I mean, it had a great location and everything. But guess what? James rented out the entire hotel just for us! How cool is that?

Poor Yerin must’ve been completely wiped out because the moment she hit that big, soft, king-sized bed, she was out like a light. And it wasn’t just her; there were a bunch of Golden Reapers all snuggled up and snoozing on top of her. It was like a fluffy, golden pile of adorable sleepiness.

I couldn’t help but smile as I watched Yerin, all cozy and happy with her little Golden Reapers cuddled up around her. She looked so peaceful. But then, I turned away and glanced out the window at the dark, quiet night.

Down below, I could see the staff from James Research Institute busy securing the area around the empty hotel. They were probably making sure everything was safe and sound.

But, oh! It was definitely time for me to head off to the Garden of the Mini Reaper. I’d been waiting for this!

Before I left, I made sure to place a whole bunch of Golden Reapers next to Yerin—just in case I wanted to come back to the US later. You know, gotta be prepared!

And with that, it was time for me to go have some fun with my shiny new ability.

Hihihi.

*******There was only one structure within the Garden of the Mini Reaper: a solitary house that resembled a witch’s candy cottage, where the Blue Reapers dwelled.

This imposing edifice was constructed from sweets, woven together through the magic of the Blue Reapers, floating precariously between the air and a vast sea of hot chocolate.

Within this candy house, anchored above the molten chocolate sea, a gathering of Blue Reapers was underway.

Whisper—! Whisper—!

The Blue Reapers huddled close, exchanging hushed whispers and sharing their emotions and intentions.

The central focus of their assembly was humans. Specifically, the tale of a human who, despite being extraordinarily weak, had endeavored to save one of their own.

The story was met with congratulations and envious glances from the other Blue Reapers. For them, interacting with humans was an arduous task…

So, despite their deep affection for their human companions, they could only watch from afar.

The Blue Reaper’s boasts grew more extravagant with each retelling.

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The exaggerations of its bravado accumulated, each claim more grandiose than the last.

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The boastful Blue Reaper was now being hailed as the most courageous among them.

Yet, unbeknownst to the jubilant gathering, a dark shadow began to encroach upon their joyful refuge. It was a specter of vengeance, a lingering presence of unfulfilled rage.

The Gray Reaper, who had harbored a deep-seated grudge against the Blue Reaper that had struck it with the Marshmallow Hammer, was now closing in.

Oblivious to the impending danger, the Blue Reapers continued their idle chatter, their blissful ignorance a stark contrast to the looming threat that approached them.