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As the Hungry Ghost opened its gaping maw, brilliant light poured into the ball pit, signaling that all those pesky external threats were gone. Finally. It also meant that the Hungry Ghost’s protection had run its course—not that James was worried.

James strolled out after them, basking in the warm sunlight that greeted him. A perfectly blue sky stretched above, with bright sunlight gleaming down and a cool, calm breeze brushing past him.

Gone was that dreadful black sky that had oozed unease like sticky tar. In its place, a peaceful, clear blue sky reigned, signaling the world’s oh-so-dramatic return to normality.

But when James finally tore his gaze from the picturesque scene and looked around, reality hit. Gwanak-gu was a mess. The once-splendid district was now a wasteland, the ruins slowly revealing themselves as the last remnants of that vile black slime retreated.

The bare concrete skeletons of buildings stood exposed for all to see, a stark reminder of the devastation the disaster had wrought.

It\'d probably take forever for Gwanak-gu to bounce back.

But hey, with the Giant Jellyfish seemingly obliterated, the humans had reclaimed a bit more breathing room, albeit slightly.

The sound of helicopters began to echo through the ruins, where the skyscrapers and the city’s hustle and bustle were now nothing but distant memories.

The choppers lined up, touching down on the debris-strewn landscape, and soon after, soldiers from the Korea Object Association spilled out, ready to clean up the mess.

Not far behind, reporters decked out in full protective gear descended upon the scene, sticking close to the soldiers as they checked the ruins for safety.

James noticed the reporters slowly making their way toward him.

Of course, they had questions, and who better to answer them than him?

He straightened his clothes, knowing they were about to realize just how special the Gray Reaper was.

Gyu-!

A distinctive sound erupted as James squeezed the Hungry Ghost ball in his hand. A nice little memento from his wild time in Gwanak-gu, one he’d be adding to his display cabinet for sure.

With that thought, he sauntered toward the reporters, eager to bask in a little well-deserved attention.

By the way, where had the Gray Reaper gone?

The White Hungry Ghost and the Golden Reapers had also disappeared.

*******Right after I took down that big ol\' Giant Jellyfish, a swarm of helicopters buzzed over like they’d been waiting just outside of Gwanak-gu.

Ugh, what a hassle…

When I spotted a crowd of reporters heading my way, I ducked into a gap between the ruins. No way was I in the mood for interviews!

With this disaster finally over, I was more than ready to get back to the Sehee Research Institute.

I stretched my arms above my head, clasping my palms together, when suddenly, a Blue Reaper floated up to me, scribbling something in the air.

< mom!="" mom!="" follow="" me!="" please!="">

< There’s something I want to show you! >

Aww, how cute!

The Blue Reaper looked all shy and nervous. They’re always a bit bashful, but today even more so than usual.

Plop-! Plop-!

I trailed behind the Blue Reaper, who was lazily gliding along on a broomstick. It was like I was hiking up a mountain as I carefully climbed the skeleton of a crumbling building.

Meanwhile, the Blue Reaper just kept floating higher and higher.

So unfair! If only I could fly, I’d zip around everywhere, no problem…

Before long, we reached the top of a tall ruin with an amazing view of the whole area. The panoramic view from up there was fantastic.

The changed scenery of Gwanak-gu from this place was quite nice.

The wreckage of Gwanak-gu had a certain charm from this height. The way the skyline had vanished, leaving an open vista, the sun shining over the ruins, and the clear blue sky contrasting with the scarred landscape—it all made my heart feel so light and free.

The cool breeze added the perfect finishing touch.

Did the Blue Reaper bring me here just to show me this lovely view? Aww, how cute!

I turned to give the little one a pat on the head for a job well done, but… they were gone.

Huh? Where’d they go?

Suddenly, I heard the sound of a bunch of tiny feet pattering around me. Then, out of nowhere, Golden Reapers popped up, bouncing with excitement and giving me a shove from behind.

Wha—?

Before I knew it, I was tumbling down from the top of the ruins, totally caught off guard by their sneak attack.

When I glanced up, I saw the Golden Reapers giggling with those mischievous grins of theirs.

Below me, a pool of black liquid waited in the cracks of the ruins.

Shit! I’ve been duped!

But before I could splash down, I quickly teleported myself to the Mini Reaper Garden.

Hehehe. Nice try, but you’re a hundred years too early to outsmart me!

After narrowly escaping the trap set by those sneaky Golden Reapers and their Blue Reaper accomplice, I landed safely in the Garden of the Mini Reaper.

Escape successful!

But just as I was patting myself on the back, the floor beneath me crumbled.

Plop-!

I fell into a pool of hot chocolate up to my neck, and before I could even think about getting out, the Golden Reapers appeared, armed with marshmallow hammers, and started bonking me on the head.

Every time a marshmallow hammer thudded against me, I felt their emotions flood in—oh boy, they were seriously annoyed with all the pranks I’d pulled on them.

Especially that one time I said we’d catch the jellyfish together, and then… well, then I didn’t. Oops. Oh, maybe also because of the time I lied that would never prank them ever again.

The Golden Reapers were having the time of their lives, giggling and whacking me. Had I really been teasing them that much lately?

I glanced around, hoping the Blue Reapers weren’t in on this, but just as I thought I was safe…

They emerged from between the snacks, closing their eyes as they joined in the marshmallow bonking.

Ahh… So you’re all in on this, huh, Blue Reapers…? Oh well, I guess I had it coming.

*******Step-! Step-! Step-!

The sound of shoes echoed through the dark, muddy basement, each step carrying a weight that pressed against the silence.

Though his face was vague and unrecognizable, the man, dressed in a pristine suit, made his way slowly down the stairs.

Rattle-! Rattle-!

His features may have been a blur, but the numerous lamps he carried glowed with a clear, undeniable presence.

Anyone who crossed paths with this man might forget his face, but one detail would stick with them—

The Man Who Carried Lamps

The private room, once belonging to the director of Trinity\'s Third Research Institute, was a wreck—black slime had corroded the walls, and the structure was crumbling.

The Lamp Man stepped into the dismal room, his gaze settling on a ‘very old-looking lamp’ tucked away in a corner.

With a simple tap on its surface, the old lamp transformed—now clean, polished, and seemingly brand new.

He placed the lamp carefully in the center of the room, making sure it was positioned to catch the eye of anyone who entered. Then, with a slow, deliberate pace, he exited the room, a meaningful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

*******Deep in the night, when the moon and stars sparkled up in the sky and the Golden Reapers were all snug and asleep, the Sehee Research Institute was buzzing with activity. But not for me.

I was just lying in the backyard, staring blankly at the sky. The Institute was busy, the people of the association were all caught up with what was happening in Gwanak-gu, but that had little to do with me.

Being an Object had its perks, you know? Like, I didn’t have to worry about the world\'s troubles. I got to enjoy all the comforts of civilization without having to do anything in return. How neat is that?

So, there I was, gazing up at the sky, watching three moons just floating there—big moon, blue moon, red moon.

I kept waiting, thinking maybe a new moon would pop up any minute now. But nope, no sign of a fourth one. I thought since the ‘Pearl of the Night’ was the moon, a new moon would appear, but I guess not.

Well, that moon wasn’t one of the seven colors of the rainbow, so maybe that’s why it didn’t show up.

But hey, it’s not like I walked away empty-handed from Trinity Research Institute. I mean, I did get a big load of an emergency snack—Hungry Ghost! Plus, I managed to snag two more abilities. Not bad, right?

Still, I felt like I took down a bunch of Objects at the Institute, but the loot was kinda meh.

Maybe it’s because they were all contaminated Objects, or maybe Trinity just had a thing for beefy, physical Objects.

One of the abilities I picked up was kinda useful—tentacle summoning!

I could pull tentacles out of shadows, but compared to the sheer number the Jellyfish could summon, I could only summon one at a time, and it was more on the cute side, not like the big, scary jellyfish tentacles.

But hey, it’s strong and sturdy, so it’ll come in handy.

I pulled a tentacle out from the shadows and plopped down on it, getting comfy. Then, I focused on the top of my head, and a soft light started glowing all around me.

My hair—the stupid little cowtail on top of my head—began to shine like the Hungry Ghost’s lantern.

Sway-! Sway-!

Eh? I could move it… I could move it just how I wanted it to. The ability was to light up and move specific parts of hair.

I kind of thought I’d get the ability to summon the Hungry Ghost after dealing with it, but instead, I got this… kind of ability?

I got even more confused at the source of the white Hungry Ghost’s ability…

*******In the dead of the night, the Object Association’s investigation team was still hard at work, moving diligently through the darkness.

Their focus was on the building site where the 3rd Division of the Trinity Research Institute once stood.

Although it looked completely destroyed on the surface, quite a bit of the underground facilities remained intact, so there was a good chance they could uncover some crucial evidence.

Association agents cautiously made their way underground, their movements guided by the intense beams of headlights and the protection of their specialized gear. It wasn’t long before they stumbled upon something unusual—a room.

Despite the surrounding chaos, this room looked oddly clean and intact, almost like it had been preserved. And right in the middle of it, a gas lamp stood tall, casting a faint glow.

“I’ve got a suspicious item here—might be an Object. It’s a gas lamp,” one of the soldiers, who had gone in first, reported back.

The researchers following closely behind didn’t waste any time. They carefully sealed the lamp and prepared it for transport.

Just as they were about to leave, a small voice echoed in their minds.

[ Forge a contract with me. I will provide you with all the knowledge there is about Objects. ]

The voice was sweet and tempting, like an offer too good to refuse.