The Artist Who Paints Dungeon Chapter 52

Episode 52

After hearing the whole story, Yoo Seong-un felt complicated.

“… … .”

No, I just felt sick to my stomach.

‘…I never thought that the Source would allow humans. Has there ever been a case like this before?’

No matter how gentlemanly Geo is, he was born from the source. If we were to find something similar, it would be something like ‘the child of the source’, but well, I guess that’s okay now.

The problem is probably what Cha Ara saw….

“… It was a cabin in the woods?”

Because it was assumed to be a kind of ‘garden’ of origin. If I had to find the most similar thing, it would probably be like that.

‘… It’s not a place that anyone can visit, because if someone who isn’t qualified enters, they’ll die. It’s not even a normal dungeon to begin with.’

At Yoo Seong-un’s question, Hunter Cha Ara wiggled her fingers. Then she nodded her head in a rather defensive manner.

From what Yoo Seong-un could tell, he seemed to have a rather sensitive and prickly personality, but more than that, he seemed to be more intimidated, which seemed to be due to how he had been treated in his daily life.

“Yes, I think so, but I’ve never been outside the house.”

“I see.”

Yoo Seong-un rubbed the back of his neck.

‘This is a headache.’

I heard that the air changed depending on Geo’s mood.

Although Hunter Chaara didn’t seem to think that far ahead, there weren’t many boss monsters among humanoid monsters that were so integrated into the dungeon.

‘At that point, we should treat the monsters and the dungeon as one body.’

In other words, Hunter Chaara went into Geo’s stomach and came out.

‘Not even just a dungeon, but a garden… Does that make sense?’

For Yoo Seong-un, who knew how terrible things could happen if an unqualified person were to enter the ‘garden’, it felt like a ridiculous and bad lie.

‘Even if Geo gave permission, it’s not a merciful space where a weak F-class hunter can come out alive.’

If what this person had seen was really a garden, even if Geo had been a unique type of gardener, he would not have been able to protect Chaara. A mere gardener did not have that much authority.

Strictly speaking, it’s like kimbap that went into a person’s mouth and came out of the stomach without being digested. It’s impossible, and because of that, it’s become difficult for Yoo Seong-un to define the current situation.

“… … .”

If that’s the case, then Geo, really… .

“… I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions despite the sudden situation.”

Fortunately, Bisabal just smiled and didn’t interfere, so it was easy for Yoo Seong-un to control the flow.

Yoo Seong-un continued speaking, intending to wrap things up for now and give his opponent a rest.

“It seems like we’re the only ones asking questions, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask.”

“…Can I ask?”

“… … .”

As expected, he was a sharp person with a lot of vigilance.

It seemed like he was stretching out his legs to find a place to lie down, but even so, he couldn’t hide the sensitivity of this young hunter. He may have some kind of survival strategy, but his personality itself didn’t seem to be very well-rounded.

‘You’re saying that you melted that kind of person so sweetly that you even fed him?’

I’ve never thought about it because so many people say it’s scary, but Geo might have the ability to lower people’s guard.

While pushing such a guess to a corner of his brain, Yoo Seong-un slowly nodded his head to make the other person feel as reassured as possible. The other person was a valuable witness to Earth’s history, so it was right to be as considerate as possible.

“Of course you can.”

It seemed like it would be better for him to explain first, so Yoo Seong-un continued speaking.

“The piece that Hunter Chaara encountered is called ‘Portrait of Geo.’”

“… A work of art, right? Not a monster…?”

“We are still trying to figure out the exact identity, so please understand. However, for the sake of understanding, it would be better to think of it as a humanoid monster.”

“Rather, I don’t understand it….”

“You can think of it as a monster with less hatred towards Earth compared to other monsters.”

In fact, he saw it as something much higher in level than that, but he couldn’t tell this hunter who was meeting him for the first time that much. His mouth didn’t seem to be open, but there were many variables in the world.

“The title of the work, ‘Portrait of Geo,’ suggests that there is a self defined by ‘Geo.’ It can move through the frame, just like the way that Hunter Chaara said she saw it at dawn on a snowy day, and it can even move outside the picture.”

“… That’s… So…”

“Because it has a fairly friendly attitude towards humans and there is no way to stop it from moving by drawing beyond the frame, collectors are also trying to persuade it to leave it alone.”

“What, no, yes?”

Chaara shivered.

“How can we just leave such a dangerous person alone…! Well, since you said it’s a work of art, doesn’t that mean it’s stored in a collector’s gallery? T-T How can we not keep it locked up?”

“… … .”

Yoo Seong-un felt doubtful.

‘… Did you just say person?’

It was a strange thing, as it was not an easy word to come out while feeling the oppressiveness of that black portrait.

‘Even though he says in words that he wants to lock her up because she’s a work of art, I guess that means he actually feels like Geo is a person. This is definitely unique. If Hunter Cha Ara herself isn’t special, then maybe it’s Geo’s ability.’

While thinking that, Yoo Seong-un said with his characteristically innocent smile.

“There are only two places in Korea where dangerous objects like ‘Portrait of Geo’ are stored.”

“… Oh, were there any other places besides the collector’s gallery…?”

“It’s not well known, but that’s where the Society’s research lab is. It’s a much more secure place than the collection gallery.”

“Then why don’t you send it there…?”

“The guild master had a strong opinion. The ownership of ‘Portrait of Geo’ belongs to the successful bidder, Guild Master Bisabal.”

The guild leader’s opinion was that ownership and time to appreciate the work were more important than people dying from dangerous works. Cha Ara seemed speechless at that shameless answer.

Despite the danger of the work, did she understand the harsh world and her own situation where she could not protest in any way? Yoo Seong-woon, who had been watching her become a little quieter, continued speaking.

“Our guild will compensate for any inconvenience caused to Hunter Chaara.”

“… You want me to take that and shut my mouth?”

“I would appreciate it if you could do that. Is there any reward you would like?”

“… … .”

“If you still can’t think of anything, feel free to ask other questions during the remaining time. Hunter Chaara must have been very flustered by this situation as well.”

Hunter Cha Ara, who had been hesitating and looking around, soon opened her mouth.

“That, that… person…? Anyway, that person isn’t human, is he?”

“As I said before, you can think of it as a humanoid monster that can speak. That doesn’t mean it’s a real monster, but at least you can be sure that it’s not human.”

The visa holder spoke.

“You can think of him as a god who enjoys playing. Even though I don’t know his exact identity, I don’t think his status is lower than that of the gods worshipped by priests.”

“Guild Leader, I am concerned that spreading uncertain information to a hunter you are meeting for the first time could be a source of great anxiety.”

“But wouldn’t that be easier to understand? A humanoid monster that can talk? That’s not a word that Hunters can relate to. On the other hand, there are some eccentric gods who enjoy playing.”

At Bisabal’s words, Chaara muttered with a trembling expression.

“You cook too…?”

“… … .”

“Is there a god who cooks…?”

At his insecure muttering, Bisabul burst out in laughter without a sound, and Yoo Seong-un tried hard to hold back a sigh.

So, Geo, are you a grandmother?

‘Even if you like fat people, why do you get anxious when you see people and can’t feed them?’

It wasn’t enough information to give an answer, so I nodded obediently.

“… Yes, it’s one of the habits that ‘Geo’s Portrait’ shows. There are already many people in our guild who have received gifts from Geo. Things like cookies, chocolates, and candies… .”

When Yoo Seong-un glanced at Bisabal, he nodded with a smile still on his face. With that permission, Yoo Seong-un continued to speak comfortably.

“In my case, as someone who is in charge of managing ‘Geo’s Portrait’, I also received gifts of fruit tea and sausages. I think it was probably the tea that Geo said he gave me at the cabin. I think the type of food may change depending on Geo’s feelings toward the other person, their relationship, and his personal judgment.”

“Ah… ahh… .”

“But… I have a question, so for a moment.”

Yoo Seong-un asked Cha A-ra.

“Did you give Geo something before you ate at the cabin?”

“… ? No… huh? I, I’m a beggar… I don’t have anything like that…”

“It doesn’t matter if it’s nothing special. Even if it’s just a rock, didn’t you give Geo something? Or did Geo seem to have strong feelings for Hunter Chaara?”

“… … .”

Cha Ara looked confused between annoyance and bewilderment with a face that said, ‘Why on earth are you asking me this?’, but soon she became lost in thought, deciding that this wasn’t just a useless question meant to harass her.

Even though some time had passed, Cha Ara’s answer was the same.

“… I don’t think there is any, no matter how much I think about it… Even if it’s something like an emotion, it’s not like that at all…”

“Is that so? Didn’t Geo even say anything about considering Hunter Chaara a friend?”

“I said in ‘The Vein of Jewels’ that I came to find a friend, but, uh, um, no. I said that I was too young and weak for you to have me as a friend.”

“aha.”

It was a strange standard.

‘… It’s definitely a bit unusual for Geo to think that someone around 18 is too young, but anyway, did he think that it would be hard for an 18-year-old and a 29-year-old to be friends? I don’t know if he was worried that the other person would be oppressed by his status, or if it was a conclusion that fit the popular view of humans… .’

Yoo Seong-un nodded.

“It certainly seems like I didn’t receive anything.”

“Is that not okay?”

“As far as we know, there has been no such case.”

One of Geo’s rules was 1:1 trading.

“When interacting with humans, ‘Portrait of Geo’ would receive something in return, and when given something, it would want to receive something in return. This applies even if it is not necessarily something material. Geo would always give a gift of apology to those he thought he had surprised.”

“Ah, ahhh…!”

“… … ?”

“A gift of apples!!”

Cha Ara rummaged through her arms as if she knew something.

“That, that…! The gift I received on that snowy day, when I saw it back then…!!”

“I would appreciate it if you could calm down and speak slowly.”

“Ugh… .”

Cha Ara took a deep breath and took out a black jewel from her bosom.

“I, I received this. I found it when I sat down in surprise.”

“… … .”

“I forgot for a moment, and I wasn’t sure if what Mr. Geo gave me was right, so I couldn’t tell you…”

“…Can I see you for a moment?”

“Oh, yes.”

“hmm….”

The armored meteor lifted the jewel and examined it closely.

“… … .”

A crystal structure that shimmers faintly, almost like a liquid.

But the quality is solid.

“… It’s true that Geo gave it to me.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes, only Geo can create such jewels.”

That’s what I’ve found out so far.

“If you don’t mind, may I purchase this gem from our collection?”

“Huh? This?”

“Because it is a crystal structure that does not exist on Earth, even if you put it up for auction, there will be a lot of gossip. In the worst case, even Hunter Chaara and her family could suffer damages.”

“uh….”

“I think it would be better for us, who manage ‘Portrait of Geo,’ to keep it.”

Yoo Seong-un shrugged his shoulders as he said that.

“I’m not forcing you.”

“You’re completely forcing me… You’re threatening me by bringing up my family…”

“I just told you the reality, and the choice is yours, Hunter Chaara.”

“Ugh… .”

“I’m not saying I’ll buy it right away. I’m saying it’s only if Hunter Chaara allows at least some minimal protection.”

“Protective measures? Are you talking about surveillance?”

“Because I can’t just leave the unidentified gift from ‘Portrait of Geo’ alone.”

“no….”

“As I said before, this is not something we are asking for right now. We also feel burdened by the idea of forcibly taking away the gift that ‘Portrait of Geo’ gave us.”

It wasn’t the way of the collector to steal and buy something while the other party hadn’t even figured out the situation yet. He had no intention of committing any hooliganism against a young hunter who seemed inexperienced in trading or auctions.

“If you are sure, please contact me then.”

“… Aren’t you taking it?”

“It is a gem that has no value on its own, except as research material, as its crystal structure itself is unique.”

Although it may not be as big as the Association’s research lab, the collection also had a separate team that could study new works or pieces of works. Geo’s gem had already been confirmed to have ‘no special functions’ and its safety had been confirmed through various experiments.

‘It’s not like I can be completely at ease though… It’s not something dangerous or valuable enough to warrant the risk of taking it from a young hunter who’s already scared.’

And if you die with the favor of the work, it is a natural death, which is also Bisabul’s opinion. As a gardener and employee under him, Yoo Seong-woon had no reason not to follow this direction.

Yoo Seong-un continued his explanation.

“Most gems are valuable simply for their beauty, and collectors often buy gems simply for their beauty, but that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with that.”

“What the heck…?”

“I meant that there would be no problem if you just had the gem in your possession. If you hide it well so that other hunters don’t notice it, no one will know that the gem is special unless they look at it closely. If you’re just going to use it for decoration, I recommend not selling it.”

In such cases, you may suffer an accident if it is stolen or you may be seriously injured due to a risk factor that the collector is unaware of, but there will be protective measures at the guild level in that regard.

‘We also need to prevent the world from becoming too noisy because of Geo’s existence.’

Yoo Seong-un took out a red jewel to reassure his opponent.

“I also received a jewel in return for ‘Portrait of Geo’.”

It was a jewel I received after drawing an apple for Geo a while ago. It was still transparent and beautiful even without any separate action.

“I have examined it as closely as I can from a collector’s perspective, but it is no different from any ordinary gemstone on Earth, and is harmless, neither easily broken nor scratched. There is no problem with it, except that it is excessively hard.”

“ah….”

“I personally recommend keeping it for ornamental purposes, but there has been no detailed research on the ‘Portrait of Geo’. There is no way to know when or how the gem might harm you, so if you wish to trade, please contact me then.”

Suddenly, Visabal became sullen. It was a truly disgusting reaction.

“Are you not selling it now…?”

“Please keep your cool, Guildmaster. This is not an auction house.”

“I… I don’t have anything… I don’t have Geo’s jewel… We’ve never talked before…”

“So what I’m saying is, you should change that personality.”

How burdensome must it be for that kind Geo to even avoid conversation?

‘There’s no way a guy who likes to be quiet would get hit by a viper. He’s not a bad person, but he’s definitely not a good person… He’s harmless to his work, but he’s a very harmful person to other people.’

I barely managed to hold back my sighs in front of outsiders. No matter how much the collector’s image was of a free-spirited atmosphere, there was no benefit to showing the staff disparaging the guild leader.

“Besides, I need to ask Geo for his opinion on whether I can sell the jewels I received as gifts to our guild. Monsters are strict about rules.”

“… That, that’s right… I guess…”

“Aside from that, there won’t be any problems for the time being, so it would be better to keep it for ornamental purposes. If you feel uncomfortable, you can sell it now.”

I didn’t want to see the Visa-Bal people jumping for joy, nor did I want it to fall into the hands of others and cause a stir in the academic world.

As long as there are no emergencies, it’s not a bad idea to just own it as an individual.

‘It would be safest to keep it unofficially in a collection store.’

Cha Ara was a rare hunter who received a lot of favor from ‘Portrait of Geo’. She was the only one who ate a meal prepared by Geo himself, not just a simple gift like cookies or fruit juice.

‘It’s a shame to incur hostility from such a person. He is a person who basically has a wary attitude towards others… Let’s not make him uncomfortable.’

As a gardener, I was curious about what effect Geo’s jewel would have on an F-class hunter. Yoo Seong-un continued speaking.

“Our collectors still don’t know much about the ‘Portrait of Geo’. However, since you have received Geo’s favor, Hunter Chaara may also encounter the ‘Portrait of Geo’ again someday.”

“… … .”

“So let me tell you what I have to share.”

It would be a problem if Hunter Chaara buys the portrait for no reason.

“As I said before, Geo prefers a 1:1 deal. From what I’ve heard from Hunter Chaara, it seems like this rule only applies when there’s a picture frame between them. You said that there was no problem even though you didn’t give Geo anything when you were eating inside the painting.”

“Oh, yes, that’s right. I don’t really have anything… .”

“If you ever encounter ‘Portrait of Geo’ again, there’s no problem with talking to him. However, if you give or receive something from Geo, you should be mentally prepared for a corresponding price.”

“Uh, uh, uh, how? What price do I have to pay?”

“I confirmed that there is no problem in paying up to 10 bungeoppang.”

“… … .”

It’s simple.

Cha Ara made a strange expression as if she had seen a talking panda. It seemed like she thought that Geo was receiving something so ordinary that it was not worth much compared to his status, and Yoo Sung-woon also agreed with that a hundred times.

“I also confirmed that telling Geo personal information such as your name is not a problem. Several of our collection staff members have shared their names with the portraits, but no unilateral contracts have been made.”

“…thank god.”

“and….”

Yoo Seong-un held back a sigh as he felt the fatigue suddenly creeping up on him.

“… … .”

Whether the situation was good or bad, the existence of the source being friendly to humans was also a drain on one’s mental strength.

I will never meet a being like this again in my life.

* * *

“… … .”

1. The name of the man wearing a black cloak is Geo.

2. Geo is a member of the early morning shift. Don’t ask for his identity.

3. If Geo wants to use his full name, please let him know. No problem.

4. Respond kindly and politely to any conversation Geo initiates. If the conversation is successful, you will receive a gift from Geo.

5. Rule number 4 is exaggerated and does not have to be strictly followed.

6. Ignore rule number 5. Always be polite to customers and coworkers.

7. You can give Geo a gift. In this case, be sure to get something in return from Geo.

8. If you see a picture frame hanging inside a building that you haven’t seen before, ignore it. It will probably be taken down before dawn due to experimental installation by the early morning shift. Do not touch or scratch the artwork.

9. Bad people cannot go in front of the portrait on the 5th basement floor. Be especially careful not to visit the portrait at dawn.

“What is this?”

“These are rules that our guild leader personally established.”

“Is it okay for me to look at this?”

“Actually, it might not work… .”

Yoo Seong-un suffered from extreme fatigue.

“But since the guild leader himself asked me to show it to you, I guess it’s okay.”

“I wonder if this is really a good thing…. This is just giving up…. Can a large company run like this? The management of the work is also a bit strange.”

“This is a rule that was created for our employees to use, so please check it carefully with some caution regarding terms and such.”

“Yeah, yeah… .”

Chaara, who had been looking over the rules, tilted her head and asked.

“By the way, what are numbers 4 and 5? It looks like these are rules written by two people. It’s not like it’s a ghost story.”

“Ah, that’s because Geo personally added the part after seeing the rules the guild leader had put together… ”

“Can we just let the monsters change the rules themselves? Why did we leave it like this in the first place?”

“The guild leader said to leave it as it is because it’s fun.”

“… … .”

“If you understand, can I take you home now?”

Cha Ara nodded cautiously as she looked at the tired office worker’s face.

“Father, please… .”

Not all big companies are good.

It was a moment of enlightenment.