Chapter 283: Doll Expo (1)
In the early dawn, under the blue light filtering through the window, Yerin prepared for work at Sehee Research Institute.
“What should I bring today?”
A smile touched her lips. Like a child heading to an amusement park, she excitedly chose toys to play with Gray Reaper.
Through the open window, left ajar for ventilation, the sounds of the waking city drifted in.
The sharp click-clack of commuters’ hurried footsteps, the soft hum of car engines passing by.
Yet, the distinct quiet and cool air of early morning still lingered.
From the building’s main entrance, a low voice murmured, “Have a safe day.” The sound cut through the other morning noises, reaching Yerin’s ears most clearly.
It wasn’t human.
Mechanical.
Alien.
It belonged to the manager-type Association Doll stationed by the building owner to handle various chores.
Dressed in an angular blue uniform, moving with disciplined precision, the doll’s nutcracker-like mouth seemed designed to emphasize its non-human nature—a stark contrast to the typical household dolls built for emotional connection.
“They’re getting more numerous. Association Dolls.” Yerin muttered softly, unable to hide a sense of unease.
Was it because the mini Reapers disliked them, or was there another reason? Yerin found the dolls deeply unsettling.
The feeling intensified with the expensive models, the ones most closely resembling humans. It wasn’t the fear that they’d attack like other Objects.
It was something more… insidious.
Just thinking about them made her stomach churn slightly.
Lost in thought, Yerin was jolted back to reality by a golden face popping out from the entryway.
Hehe.
The Golden Reaper, here to escort her, beamed. It was the Golden Reaper escort service Gray Reaper provided for all researchers, perhaps because of the Association Dolls.
Thump thump.
Following the Golden Reaper marching bravely ahead, Yerin stepped out the door, turning back to say goodbye.
“I’m heading out.”
Inside, near the entrance, sat the lead doll and a white Hungry Ghost.
The Hungry Ghost was provided for night security, replacing the Golden Reapers who fell asleep promptly at 10 PM.
The white Hungry Ghost rested on the lap of the lead doll, which sat demurely on a chair as if asleep.
Seeing them, Yerin stepped out into the blue dawn.
***