Mini Reaper Garden, Deep in the Hot Chocolate Sea

In the abode of the Blue Reapers, a group of Blue and Yellow Reapers had gathered, working on something together.

<We need doll costumes that can give us courage.> <And a hat...>

The Blue Reapers, looking hesitant and fidgeting, handed something over to the Yellow Reaper. Despite their shyness, they expressed their request in small, timid text.

The Yellow Reaper listened attentively, with a slightly awkward smile, to the Blue Reapers' request. Hearing them out, the Yellow Reaper quickly produced ten new golden doll costumes, radiating with confidence. Each doll costume featured a witch hat on its head.

The Blue Reapers could receive a customized golden costume, but they seemed too embarrassed to try them on. One brave Blue Reaper finally shut their eyes tight, removed their own hat and clothes, and put on the costume.

<…!?>

The other Blue Reapers looked on with admiration, blushing and turning their faces away. The one wearing the costume fidgeted, visibly embarrassed, and tried to cover themselves with their hands.

<!!!>

They quickly took off the costume, hurriedly dressed back in their clothes and hat, and presented a new request to the Yellow Reaper, pressing down their hat firmly.

<I need a doll costume that I can wear over my clothes…!>

The Yellow Reaper seemed puzzled by the tricky request, but soon enough, a solution appeared in the form of a new doll costume, with an opening for the head, allowing the costume to be worn over clothes. Though it barely resembled a traditional doll costume, the Blue Reapers watched with expressions questioning its effectiveness.

'To humans, it will look like a Golden Reaper.'

The Yellow Reaper, covering their mouth with both hands, chuckled, assuring them that humans would only see a Golden Reaper.

<Thank you so much.>

<Yes, thank you…>

Grateful, the Blue Reapers gathered around the Yellow Reaper, repeatedly expressing their thanks. Ten Blue Reapers in golden costumes then took off on brooms toward their beloved humans.

In the Isolation Room with Floating Golden Reaper Puddings

The low sound of the TV echoed, reporting on Japan’s colossal Object, "Red Lightning Island."

[The "Red Lightning Island," previously unobservable by satellite, became visible recently following a collision with the Cloud Meat Object.]

On the screen, a translated broadcast from Japan played, showing the Cloud Meat Object crashing into the barrier surrounding the island, struck by red lightning and vanishing instantly. The impact created a hole in the sky barrier, allowing a glimpse into the island below.

[Due to the interference between these Objects, we can now investigate the cause of recent disappearances across Japan.]

Through the gaping hole, the news broadcast showed images of missing people seen wandering on the island. Despite the rapid repair of the hole, Japan’s satellites kept a close watch on the site.

'Wow, satellite image quality sure is impressive.'

I was more fascinated by the satellite’s clarity than the Object responsible for the disappearances. The Cloud Meat must have been ridden by a Mini Reaper on a journey to Japan to find their beloved human, aligning with their high "natural meeting" standards.

The Golden Reapers, clustered around my bed, jumped up and down with their arms raised, cheering.

'Little sibling!'

Waiting in the pudding factory, the number of Golden Reapers had multiplied significantly. Back during the Mapo Incident, their numbers barely covered the population, but now, they’d grown exponentially.

I wondered what had caused this sudden increase. Was it because there were more beloved humans, or had the Golden Reapers absorbed more emotions from humans? While they consumed emotions slowly, their absorption efficiency was poor, but I felt I’d uncovered the reason behind their proliferation.

It must be that the absorbed emotions fueled their multiplication.

The TV continued with reports on Japan’s special-grade Object. Curious about the Mini Reaper's quest for a "great meeting," I decided it was too much trouble to go all the way to Japan. If there’s any danger, I’m sure they’ll call for me.

With that thought, I picked up a pudding made by the Golden Reapers and changed the TV channel.

Approaching the Labyrinth’s Entrance

As the girl slowly approached the labyrinth entrance, she heard the bustling noises and the crunching of gravel beneath her feet. The lively atmosphere of the nearby stalls was vibrant, with vendors selling a variety of goods under tented covers.

Though usually, the girl would indulge in some food from these stalls, today was different. She forced herself to ignore the aroma of sizzling meat and exotic fruits, feeling her stomach rumble.

Grrr.

Despite the mouthwatering smell, she turned away and entered the labyrinth. As she ventured further, she felt the atmosphere become distinctly “labyrinthine.” She passed large jewels, antique-decorated swords, magical artifacts, and a bright tombstone engraved in multiple languages, promising to grant a wish upon clearing the labyrinth.

A wish, huh?

The girl thought it impossible, but hoped that the labyrinth might return her home.

With a renewed sense of purpose, she stepped deeper into the labyrinth. The room morphed into a narrow cube. She looked up and read the ceiling markings: "[1P4B]".

Unfazed, she consulted a map she had bought, recognizing the fourth pattern. The labyrinth's first floor reshaped into an endless maze of rooms. Approaching a torch on the right wall, she twisted it upside down, and as expected, the ceiling and floor reversed. She quickly adjusted mid-air, landing on her feet as the torch vanished.

"Phew."

The wall softened, allowing her to push through, revealing a precious herb known as “Dungeon Rose” at the room’s center. It was rare, but valuable enough to cover her lodging and meals.

However, upon looking up, she was stunned to see a new code: "[7P9X]". Frustrated, she knew this room wasn’t on the map. As she swung her bag, a wolf with eight green, flaming eyes approached. Her precious herb scattered, and the wolf lunged.

'Sorry, Mom, Dad.'

The wolf halted before her, its body twisting and snapping grotesquely as yellow eyes glowed within. Terrified, the girl watched as it disintegrated into a pool of darkness. She passed out when a stray eyeball landed on her face.