The clear and transparent blue sky shone with the warm light of the sun as it filtered down through the trees.
Watching the sunlight scatter across the leafy shade, one could truly feel the happiness of midday.
And on the tree branches basking in the sunlight, a few Golden Reapers were sporadically attached, enjoying their sunbath.
“Peaceful, isn’t it?”
It felt even more peaceful after several months without any major incidents.
But the news relentlessly broadcast ominous content day after day without pause.
<Object Hazard Zone Designated in Central Siberia, Russia!>
<Is Mapo District in Fear of Copycat Serial Killers?>
While Sehee Research Institute enjoyed its tranquil daily life, the world depicted in the news still seemed chaotic.
Lying in the backyard of Sehee Research Institute, gazing up at the sky while listening to the news, I noticed a large circle embroidered across the heavens.
Two massive Light Rings revealed their presence in the sky, forming concentric circles.
These Light Rings that the Leader had called “pupils” had doubled in number after dealing with the Hungry Ghost Reaper.
But for some reason, every time I looked at these “pupils,” I felt an unsettling vibe…
Though they possessed absurd abilities like “Ability Nullification” and “Attack Evasion,” for some reason, I didn’t really feel like using them.
Clang!
In the sun-drenched backyard, the sound of wood clashing echoed as branches rubbed against each other.
And then came the bustling sound of tiny feet hopping around energetically.
Turning my gaze toward the open lot set up in the backyard, I saw the Golden Reapers practicing sword fighting with wooden swords made from trimmed branches.
Lately, they’ve been practicing sword fighting often, though I don’t know why.
Golden Reapers usually get bored quickly and move on to other games, but this sword fighting has strangely lasted much longer.
It almost feels like thousands of Golden Reapers are systematically competing in league matches rather than just playing.
Could they be mimicking something cool they saw in a great movie or drama?
With cheerful expressions, the Golden Reapers happily swung their small wooden swords, their faces resembling those of children playing sword fight games.
Their joyful smiles while playing games.
However, when you look at their overall movements, the impression changes slightly.
The quick, sliding steps that adjust distance by dragging the feet back and forth.
Lightning-fast strikes targeting openings.
Their actions give off the impression of a kendo match rather than children’s play when you focus on their motions instead of their expressions.
Until recently, they were swinging their swords clumsily like kids, but now they’ve become so skilled that I couldn’t keep up even if I tried.
“Wow!”
And there, gathered around to watch the Golden Reapers’ battles, were numerous employees of Sehee Research Institute, marveling in awe.
Unlike during the Colosseum events, no one was making small bets over lunch money here.
That’s because Kim Jungrwi stood in the corner of the yard with his arms crossed, sporting a serious expression to eradicate gambling within the institute.
“Ahh! What do we do?”
When a Golden Reaper was struck on the head and lay down as if defeated, a researcher ran over with a concerned look and picked it up onto their palm.
Om…
The researcher kept talking to reassure the Golden Reaper and began feeding it pudding.
After enjoying the pudding, the Golden Reaper instantly wiped away its gloomy expression and started smiling cheerfully.
Using a small handkerchief prepared in advance, the researcher gently wiped the corners of the Golden Reaper’s mouth.
For some reason, giggling with what seemed like ticklishness (“Hehe”), the Golden Reaper hopped back into the competition after being placed back on the ground.
Before the match began, it waved at its Attached Human researcher with a bright smile.
“Stay strong!”
The researcher loudly responded to the Golden Reaper’s greeting.
Still, it’s amazing.
I sometimes have trouble distinguishing between Golden Reapers, but the researchers at Sehee Research Institute seem to recognize them well.
It can’t just be their excellent observational skills since most Golden Reapers look identical except for the unique ones like Horned Golden Reaper.
The atmosphere in the backyard where swordsmanship practice is taking place began to resemble something familiar.
Small golden figures moving their limbs earnestly for victory.
And countless researchers cheering them on.
By lunchtime, the backyard of Sehee Research Institute transformed into the atmosphere of an elementary school sports day.
Guardians and Attached Humans cheering on the Golden Reapers.
And after the matches, everyone sits together to eat, making it feel even more like a sports day.
Is everything okay at Sehee Research Institute?
At times like these, I wonder what happened at Seoul Research Institute where I used to work.
Well, since the Mini Reapers seem happy, things must be fine here.
With ominous rumors spreading, Mapo District became unusually quiet.
Even at rush hour, when people usually throng the streets, hardly anyone could be seen.
This was due to rumors of a copycat serial killer roaming around who suddenly caused deaths.
Already, it was estimated that 10 people had been killed by this copycat, but considering there might be unreported victims, the death toll was likely much higher.
However, despite the scale of the tragedy, investigations to capture the culprit remained sluggish.
In an era where dangerous Objects roam free, insufficient manpower for human criminal investigations was the main issue.
In the quiet evening shopping district, two police officers patrolled slowly in pairs.
“Can we really catch him just by patrolling like this?”
The junior officer sighed deeply while shining their flashlight around.
“Hey, patrolling is fundamental. Basic stuff. We have to catch guys who don’t show up on CCTV and leave no traces this way. It works especially well on smart criminals. That’s what I’m saying.”
After answering, the senior officer smacked the junior’s back hard to snap them out of it.
The current copycat followed the exact methods of a long-ago captured serial killer.
From what was publicly known to what remained hidden—everything.
A lunatic who attacked people on the night streets with a short folding knife.
A killer who targeted only hearts and necks with extreme precision yet left no evidence behind.
However, unlike the original killer who was eventually caught, this copycat showed no signs of being captured.
“I’ve also heard rumors that this copycat might be an Object.”
“What? Who said that nonsense?”
Turning toward the junior officer, the senior frowned at such absurd talk.
“It’s probably because the copycat appeared after the imprisoned serial killer died suddenly, and there’s no evidence at all. People must be getting frustrated and spreading wild rumors.”
“Hmph. If people start spreading nonsense about Objects just because things are tough… Back in my day…”
Tuning out the senior’s preachy lecture, the junior carefully scanned the surroundings.
Perfect night except for the lack of people.
The large yellow full moon illuminated the quiet night streets.
Alone on these night patrols, the junior felt a slight chill.
Alone?
“Senior? Where are you?”
Looking around, there was no one in sight.
Tap. Tap.
Then came the soft sound of footsteps.
Looking forward, there was a towering staircase reaching toward the sky, bathed under the large full moon.
Against the backdrop of the cat-like yellow moonlight, a man stood atop the stairs.
“Really, it’s such a beautiful night.”
The deep voice of the man sounded as if right behind me.
Pooof.
A short blade pierced directly into the heart.
The man standing on the stairs had already vanished without a trace.
Coughing up blood and turning around, the supposedly deceased serial killer was seen far away gazing at the sky.
“Ah, it’s really a killing moon.”
Ignoring the dying police officer, the killer stared up at the large full moon reflected on the stairs.
Dun-dun-dun.
Looking up from the isolation room, Orange Reaper and Sprout Reaper floated leisurely in the air.
Those two, who seemed completely unrelated until recently, started sticking together often.
The peculiar thing when they’re together is that Sprout Reaper, who’s always asleep, actually keeps their eyes open.
Orange Reaper always has their eyes closed with a serene expression, so it’s unclear if they’re sleeping.
Half-slumped on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, the door to the isolation room burst open as Yerin rushed in, panting heavily.
Is she being chased by Seoah or Kim Jungrwi again?
“The underground facilities are finally complete!”
But the news Yerin brought wasn’t related to that at all.
It was the completion of the giant bathroom-like structure where the Golden Statue was placed.
“Wow!”
As I sat up in admiration, the Mini Reapers lounging around me also perked up with sparkling eyes.
Though I’m not particularly fond of baths, I was slightly excited since it was a facility built specifically for me and the Mini Reapers.
I heard they decorated the walls with murals and sculptures of Mini Reapers around the Golden Statue modeled after me. I wonder how it looks?
I’ve already seen the Golden Statue, but I haven’t checked out the Mini Reaper sculptures and murals carved on the walls. This will be a good chance to see them.
The Mini Reapers were happily jumping around, genuinely thrilled.
It wasn’t just excitement from seeing something fun; they seemed proud too.
I heard the Mini Reapers helped a lot with construction, which might be why.
“Alright, let’s go!”
With various types of Mini Reapers gathered, I followed Yerin out, stepping firmly.
