Joyful Hungry Ghost Steak breakfast has ended.
Yerin seemed to think that having a marshmallow the size of a human head for breakfast was a bit much, so she ordered room service and ate it while cradling a Mini Hungry Ghost and watching TV.
Well, trying to eat a marshmallow the size of your own head does sound tough.
As I quietly crept closer and rested my head on Yerin’s lap, I could see the tiny legs of the Mini Hungry Ghost peeking out.
When I tried sneaking a bite, Yerin swatted away the White Hungry Ghost right in front of my eyes.
“This is mine, so no way I’m giving you any.”
Bah, stingy Yerin—though it’ll regenerate anyway.
Summoning a new White Mini Hungry Ghost, I stuffed it into my mouth and turned my gaze back to the TV.
On the screen, a news anchor furrowed their brow and spoke gravely about recent calamities involving a new type of drug.
It was said to be highly addictive but completely undetectable, with an inexplicably low price, causing quite the headache.
‘This is definitely an Object-based drug.’
While listening to the news, I took a big bite of the Hungry Ghost. A disgruntled “hng-hng” sound came from the marshmallow.
Apparently, analysis revealed the main ingredient to be completely charred protein, though they couldn’t identify what kind of meat it originally was.
The anti-drug authorities suspected ties to Object-related crimes and requested assistance from the Object Association.
Photos of users appeared on the TV screen.
Their skin looked like dried-out tree bark, their bodies skeletal like mummies, and their eyes glinted ominously.
I felt like I’d seen something similar before…
Then it hit me—it resembled the monster from Seoul Forest.
Lost in thought, the TV suddenly turned off as Yerin’s voice rang out.
“Ew, they look so horrifying, like something out of a nightmare.”
Disgusted by the sight, Yerin shuddered and turned off the TV.
She then hugged me close and said,
“Reaper-san, did you know there’s a swimming pool inside this hotel? Let’s go! There’s nobody around anyway, so it’ll be fun!”
And just like that, I found myself carried out of the hotel room, nestled in Yerin’s arms.
In one of the relatively intact conference rooms in James City, James, the vice mayor, and staff who had been monitoring the Mini Moons gathered.
“You look exhausted. Shouldn’t you take a break, James?”
Though still wearing his anti-escape collar, the temporarily released vice mayor received a stoic response.
“It’s better to get things done now. Plus, we can’t keep our Korean guests waiting forever.”
James continued while looking at the projector screen.
“Now, let’s talk about the Gray Moon situation.”
The staff member responsible for ‘Mini Moon Observation’ flipped through the slides.
“Here are yesterday’s moon observation photos.”
The slides displayed images of a large moon dominating among the Mini Moons, all bathed in a grayish hue.
“All moons change color depending on weather conditions or time, but since yesterday, regardless of location or time, we’ve only observed this same gray moon.”
No matter the angle or timing, every photo showed the exact same gray moon.
“For now, only a few people have noticed due to the Indigo Moon phenomenon, but soon, many more will.”
“Hopefully, it doesn’t escalate into another Red Moon incident.”
Everyone nodded slightly at the vice mayor’s mutterings.
Recalling the chaos caused by the first appearance of the Red Moon—apocalyptic theories, suicides, mass disappearances—they were relieved Korea wasn’t dealing with anything major.
After handling that mess, even mundane events in Korea seemed enviable.
Once the discussion about the Gray Moon concluded, the slides transitioned to handwritten reports.
The vice mayor stood up and began speaking.
“My turn.”
This was both a personal account and interpretation from the perspective of an Object specialist and physicist.
Given the high likelihood of mental pollution and hallucinations, the explanation was thorough.
After finishing the detailed presentation, the vice mayor sat down briefly summarizing:
“In short, based on my observations, it’s clear: spacetime has warped, but the Indigo Moon is real—not an illusion—and I’ve witnessed the Gray Reaper destroying it.”
“Finally! We can be 99% sure the Mini Moons are phenomena caused by the Gray Reaper.”
Since the Red Moon incident, James had firmly believed the Gray Reaper was the cause, and he expressed relief.
Subsequent discussions focused on future observation schedules and whether research institutes should relocate within James City.
“That concludes the meeting.”
With that final declaration, everyone left the conference room looking drained.
“This thing is uncomfortable.”
The vice mayor fidgeted with the anti-escape collar around his neck.
“Yeah, it’s annoying. As a Level 2 Mental Pollution suspect, you’ll have to wear it for a month.”
James added that he himself wore one for a week as a Level 3 suspect.
Watching the vice mayor being led to the quarantine area, James bid farewell.
“See you in a month.”
“Right.”
Despite being in isolation, the vice mayor waved goodbye to the busy-looking James.
The atmosphere at the hotel swimming pool was serene yet oddly charming.
With no other guests around, we enjoyed some quiet water playtime with the Reapers.
Though it would’ve been nicer without the tense-looking security agents from James Research Institute, such luxury was unrealistic.
The gentle splash of water against the pool edge mixed with the Gold Reapers diving from the 10-meter platform provided soothing background music.
Plop-plop.
The Reaper clung to my armpits, kicking its feet lightly in the water with a neutral expression.
Unlike the extreme equipment at James Research Institute, the pool toys here were tame—but the Gold Reapers enjoyed them just the same.
Lately, the Gold Reapers have started to feel…off.
They always seem so happy.
Normally, after enjoying something extra fun or delicious, other things should start feeling less exciting—but not for the Gold Reapers. Their enthusiasm never wanes.
Yet, they do seem to have preferences.
Perhaps their reactions depend on the giver’s intent?
During our water games, an extremely tired-looking James arrived at the hotel pool.
“Looks like you’re relaxing—I’m glad.”
“James, you should rest. You look really stressed.”
Claiming he was fine for now, James called us over toward the hotel lobby.
James, looking like he might collapse any second, summoned Yerin and me.
Probably related to those Artifact Number 0 things.
After finishing our swim, we arrived at a grand hall filled with countless antiques.
From ancient relics to ornate vintage items, the collection was diverse.
A very old fountain pen.
Wall paintings that looked like they were ripped straight from a temple wall.
But none of these felt like Objects to me.
And none of the supposed 0th Artifacts reacted to me either.
“There’s no reaction at all.”
James seemed slightly surprised.
However, one item kept drawing my attention.
A massive marble mosaic set into the floor.
It depicted seven moons floating in the sky above towering spires and equally colossal creatures.
As Yerin and I examined it closely, James explained.
“Oh, that mosaic was purchased from Korea. It was discovered in the Director of the 3rd Trinity Research Institute’s home.”
James’ tone hinted at lingering questions.
“The style and patterns resemble those of the 0th Artifacts, but investigations revealed it was made using modern technology, so it’s considered a replica.”
For some reason, this image reminded me of the blood-like lumps that whispered repeatedly.
<Humanity killed the gods. And then humanity needed them again.>
<The gods were cruel, yet they protected humanity.>
Once majestic mountains, now devoid of even a single towering tree.
Instead, the land was covered in black liquid resembling oil, endlessly flowing beyond the mountain range.
There was no sign of ordinary flora or fauna, no rustling leaves or chirping birds—only silence.
Amidst this desolate landscape roamed a monstrous creature fit for mythology.
A pig of monumental proportions, comparable to the mountains themselves.
Its fiery breath incinerated the black liquid, and every stomp of its hooves echoed like thunder.
This blazing hog ruled this forsaken mountain range, wandering aimlessly in endless hunger.
With burning eyes, it gazed upward, calculating.
Above, three moons hung in the sky.
An orange moon, a yellow moon, and a green moon radiated sunlight-like brilliance, casting distorted shadows over this twisted world.
