Chapter 143: The Burning Drug (2)

The office of the Deputy Director of Sehee Research Institute boasted a grand window with a view of the courtyard. But today, there was something off about the familiar scene.

In the middle of a sunlit spot where golden rays poured in through the large window, a flowerpot basked in the warmth.

And nestled in that flowerpot was a soft-looking blue bud, its petals drooping a bit.

“It still doesn’t have any energy...”

My voice echoed in the quiet deputy director’s office.

I’d hoped that with its plant-like antennae, the little sprout would perk up under the sunlight, but it remained as limp as ever, despite the sunny treatment.

Even the Golden Reaper had tried its hand at reviving the bud, watering it with a can of what was presumably water, but to no avail.

This wasn’t the first time I’d moved the poor bud to a new spot in an attempt to revitalize it.

Initially, I’d thought that maybe it needed some human energy, so I placed it in the break room where people buzzed about like bees. But even amidst all the bustling activity, the sprout still looked as wilted as ever.

It appeared to be suffering from a perpetual cold.

I spent a fair amount of time observing the bud, and as the afternoon wore on, the sunlight softened, bathing the office in a warm amber hue.

I sat there, chin resting on my hand, gently stroking the listless bud with my fingers.

The warmth of the sunlight and the stillness of the office lulled me, and before I knew it, my eyelids grew heavy.

And just like that, I drifted off to sleep.

*********When the test for Relic No. 0 wrapped up, I felt like I was on a museum tour, with Reaper clinging to my back like a little shadow.

As I glanced around at the items being organized, I saw that many of them were personal belongings that resembled those of Relic Number 0—things like notebooks and fountain pens.

Holding onto Reaper’s tiny feet as they swayed, I scanned the scene, and that’s when James, who had finished tidying up, sauntered over.

“Well, that’s a wrap on the Relic Number 0 reaction test. I was going to show you around the research institutes and give you a tour of James City, but that’s going to be tricky now.”

Oh no... I have to leave already? Such a bummer.

Traveling abroad isn’t something I get to do often, so I was super disappointed about not seeing more. But what made me even more sad was Reaper.

It was a precious chance to have fun with Reaper abroad...

To bring the special Object, the Gray Reaper, with me, Sehee Research Institute had to get permission from the Object Association in Korea and also the country we were visiting.

If it weren’t for James’s request, I doubt it would’ve been possible.

Seeing my downcast face, James came up with another idea.

“Hmm, you look pretty disappointed... Okay! How about considering my suggestion to visit the research institutes in the Rocky Mountains? The natural scenery is stunning there, and there’s a huge ghost barrier—just as impressive as James City.” ɽ

“Really? Can we do that?”

“I invited you, so of course we can.”

With a gesture, James signaled a woman with neatly cut black hair to come over.

“Unfortunately, I’m swamped with work in James City and can’t accompany you. Instead, I’ll assign one of my secretaries to assist you. If you need anything, just let her know.”

The secretary, who had received instructions from James, approached us and greeted us quietly.

“I’ll be your guide from now on. It’ll take about two days to get permission to enter the ghost barrier research complex and arrange for a plane. So just relax at this hotel until I get in touch with you.”

More time at the hotel, huh?

I grabbed the hotel guide and started exploring, buzzing with excitement about the extended trip with Reaper.

The hotel had so many facilities beyond just the pool. As long as I had Reaper with me, I was sure it would be a blast.

*******When I opened my eyes to the blinding morning sunlight streaming into the deputy director’s office, I realized it was already morning. I stretched, trying to work out the kinks in my stiff, hunched body.

I guess the paperwork really got to me this time. I mean, I passed out just because I got a bit of sunlight, even though I was in such an awkward position.

Surprisingly, I felt pretty good for someone who had slept face down on a desk for who knows how long.

The Golden Reaper’s eyes widened in surprise as it watched the pudding slip from its grasp. It reached out with a desperate little expression, like a baby bird whose food had just been snatched away.

Since the Golden Reapers were technically my clones, I knew they could eventually learn to manipulate time just like I could. But until then, I was going to have a blast with this little trick. I laughed to myself, already imagining all the fun I’d have.

But then... something unexpected happened.

The Golden Reaper suddenly darted after me, its eyes locked on the pudding package in my hands.

And with a triumphant grin, it snatched the pudding right out of my grasp!

No!!!

How could they...? When did they...? This wasn’t supposed to happen!

I stood there, stunned, as the Golden Reapers scattered in all directions, using time acceleration just like me.

*********Along the rugged expanse of the Rocky Mountains, where nature’s raw power commands respect, the colossal ‘Ghost Wall’ loomed, imposing and unyielding, like a sentinel guarding the edge of the world.

This newly erected barrier, designed to repel ghost-type Objects, stretched so far into the distance that its end seemed to vanish into the horizon. It marked a boundary—a line separating the realms where humans dared to live from those where they were forbidden to tread.

Perched on a high, jagged rock, the outpost that managed and monitored this barrier was a fortress against the unknown. Inside, six soldiers, their faces etched with fatigue, scrutinized the myriad of cameras specially designed to detect ghostly entities.

The screens flickered with blurred images—shadowy forms of ghost Objects drifting ominously beyond the barrier.

As two new personnel arrived to relieve them, the soldiers who had finished their shift stood up, weariness hanging heavy on their shoulders.

The sound of their boots echoed ominously against the stone as they descended the steep, narrow stairs, their conversation tinged with unease.

“The atmosphere’s off these days...”

A soldier with a shaved head muttered, his voice thick with apprehension.

“Yeah... Those ‘Brain Predators’ that used to swarm beyond the barrier are almost gone. All we see now are the ‘Burning Pig Heads.’”

The ‘Burning Pig Heads’—a recently discovered and rapidly multiplying ghost Object—had become a constant, unsettling presence beyond the barrier, their numbers swelling as the other, more familiar entities seemed to vanish.

The massive barrier cast a long, dark shadow over the road as the soldiers continued their descent, the oppressive weight of the unknown pressing down on them.

“I don’t know what’s happening out there... But we can’t exactly go out and investigate—it’s swarming with ghost Objects. It’s a nightmare.”

“Won’t the Object Association come up with a solution?”

The soldier’s attempt at optimism fell flat, his words hollow. The one with the shaved head simply shook his head, a grim smile tugging at his lips.

“What can we even do against ghost Objects?”

At that moment, a deafening roar echoed through the mountains, the cry of a massive pig-like creature reverberating off the cliffs, making the very ground tremble beneath them.

But the soldiers continued their descent, their faces impassive, as if the terrifying sound was nothing more than the wind howling through the mountains.

*********The two fun-filled days I spent at the hotel with Reaper zipped by faster than I could blink! Before I knew it, we were on a plane, leaving James City behind and landing at the Rocky Mountain Ghost Barrier airport.

It wasn’t your usual airport. It was tucked right inside a huge research complex, so the whole vibe felt super fancy but also kind of lonely—like, no tourists in sight, just researchers scurrying around.

The hallways were all sleek and quiet, with only the soft echoes of footsteps here and there. The air was crisp and cool, probably because we were up in the mountains, but... Reaper didn’t seem to be enjoying it much.

Actually, Reaper had been in a grumpy mood since yesterday.

It kept sulking like something was really bugging it, and every time it spotted the Golden Reaper, its pouty face got even poutier. I couldn’t help but wonder, did those two have a spat or something?

Just as I was busy inspecting Reaper’s sulky little expression, the secretary that James had assigned to us appeared, all business-like and ready to help with our luggage.

“Let’s head to your accommodation first,” she said, and I trailed along behind her, my eyes wandering around the airport.

There was something strangely calming about this place.

Maybe it was the way everything looked so neat and high-tech, kind of like James City?

Plus, there was this faint scent in the air that reminded me of Reapers—soft and familiar, like a little bit of home.