The Artist Who Paints Dungeon Chapter 65

Episode 65

Isser prided himself on not being stupid.

‘… Of course, compared to you, I am nothing more than a tiny microorganism, but I can’t be stupid, having learned so much from such great geniuses. My reasoning is strong enough, and that is something to be proud of.’

Especially since he spent a long time crossing dimensions with his cold-blooded sister, her coolness and dryness were transferred to Isser as well. It means that he has become a person who can prioritize reason over emotion.

So this situation has been going on for a very long time.

“… I’m sorry, I was out of my mind for a moment.”

“No, I think Mr. Geo was also flustered by the sudden situation.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

“you’re welcome.”

Inside Isser, reason and emotion were fighting fiercely.

Even in this brief moment of answering, he repeated similar concerns dozens of times.

‘… I feel the energy of the sun god very strongly from this man. If so, then isn’t it the sun god who knows about Nana and her sister’s existence, who created our only weakness in human form and passed on the sun’s divinity? It’s ridiculous to meet my dead mentor so suddenly. It’s too coincidental.’

but,

‘This face, this gesture, this mannerism, this voice, and all the senses that are felt point to the dead teacher. And how did the sun god achieve the resurrection of the teacher that even the older sister who locked the sun god in the sea could not do? This person before my eyes is the teacher who was reincarnated through a natural process.’

Both of them sounded plausible, which made it even more confusing.

‘If there’s one thing that’s certain, it’s that no one is closer to Giovanni than this man.’

Even if the being before my eyes is an incarnation of the sun god who imitates my benefactor, or even if it is a reincarnation of my benefactor who has not yet established his own personality.

It was clear that this was something Isser could not afford to miss.

“I was momentarily dazed when the waves came crashing in. I apologize for showing you an ugly appearance due to the confusion.”

“… … .”

“My head still hurts, but can you tell me exactly where this place is?”

“that….”

He seemed to know that this was a dungeon, but he didn’t seem to know what exactly it represented.

‘Should I say that it’s fortunate?’

Even though he felt once again that his gift was not perfect, Isser was finally relieved.

“… … .”

It was fortunate for both Isser and Giovanni that he had no recollection of the horrors he had endured here.

‘… The teacher’s personality is definitely not perfect.’

But the longer he stayed here, the more certain Geo’s memories might become.

When I think about the reaction I saw as soon as I arrived at the Deep Sea Research Institute, there was no reaction at the Temple of the Sun… .

“As Galaxy-kun said earlier, this is a virtual dungeon, Geo.”

“… … .”

“… I don’t know for sure since it hasn’t been that long since I figured out the situation, but I think it’s a dungeon related to the sea.”

Yoo Seong-un glanced at Isser and continued speaking.

“I don’t know how many people from the Temple of the Sun were dragged in, but the number of people that can be confirmed right now is quite large, and they are scattered all over the place, making it difficult to grasp the exact situation.”

“Where are the prospective priests?”

“First of all, it’s not visible in this pupil. Since it exploded during the final event of the initiation ceremony, it seems like it was a virtual dungeon with a high degree of intentionality, so there’s no way the prospective priests weren’t dragged here.”

“Then we need to gather people first. Don’t we?”

“It’s easier said than done….”

I don’t know how it would look to Geo, but it wasn’t easy to unite people who were so scared and scattered as they were now.

The only silver lining is that the dungeon owner’s temper has softened, so the threat has diminished somewhat.

‘The chimeras that looked like they would jump out and attack people at any moment are now lying down quietly, and if we do it well, we should be able to get out of the dungeon with minimal casualties… but is that possible?’

That was when.

“-honey.”

“Huh?”

Something small and yellow popped out from Geo’s hood.

“Gurrrrrrr!”

Honey, a young bird from the new country who goes to bed early and wakes up early.

Honey flew into the middle of the shadow that had a cold light and soon began to shine brightly.

“…oh.”

Almost… small, like the sun.

“Are you going crazy??”

Yoo Seong-un was dumbfounded.

‘You were with Honey again this time? Why do I feel the energy of the sun god from a monster as small as Honey? Why? Is this right?’

Whether he was bewildered or not, the people who had been wandering around in fear began to calm down one by one in the warm light.

At least the lights came on in the dark and eerie lab.

“Wait a minute, what is this light…?”

“Is that a bird?”

“Hey, let’s all gather over there for now.”

People who were scattered in the vast pupils that could be described as vast instinctively gathered under Honey, following the comforting light. Some were already sobbing with relieved faces.

Seeing that sight, Geo looked back at Yoo Seong-un.

“Okay.”

“… … .”

Yoo Seong-un seemed to hear a voice saying, ‘How is it? It’s easy, right?’

“… Good job… .”

“Yes, I did well.”

“Wow, you’re talented.”

And then, just make sure you don’t get caught for being a portrait.

‘If your identity is revealed in this already chaotic situation, I don’t think I’ll be able to handle it.’

It was the ‘Portrait of Geo’ whose identity could not be fully figured out even by Bisabal, who had become an S-class with just one emotion skill. He could have been a human, a monster, a child of the Origin, or even a god.

‘If that liquidity is discovered by the people of today, hostility may suddenly gather here.’

There were people who were excitedly shouting that even a C-class hunter with no special powers should take responsibility for this situation. If they saw something inhuman, or even something divine, there was no way to know how much chaos they would cause.

“… … .”

Yoo Seong-un, who was carefully looking at the unexpectedly gentle light, soon called out to Geo.

“Geo.”

“Yes, I am listening.”

“I didn’t tell you in advance, but you were supposed to receive an A-class hunter license soon.”

“Am I a hunter?”

“Isn’t that place better for activities on Earth? I think the guild leader wanted to provide convenience.”

therefore.

“Since you were going to receive a Hunter’s ID anyway, when introducing yourself to people, explain that you are ‘Sergio’, an unofficial A-rank Hunter affiliated with the Collectors’ Guild.”

“okay.”

“Your job is a trainer. You also take Honey with you, so it’ll be easier for you to get along with other people.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

“With something like this.”

So, I had a small wish that you would please behave like a human being.

‘I am aware that my expectations are excessive.’

The existence of the source changes in its danger level depending on the size of the ‘story’, so Yoo Seong-un wanted to squeeze Geo into the category of humans if possible. He himself is imitating humans.

But recently, Yoo Seong-un felt that Geo had no intention of imitating a human. Regardless of his true feelings, Geo could never act like a complete human.

‘So I was thinking of separating Geo as a human and Geo as a mystery.’

This was part of that work.

‘… Geo’s characteristic heavy atmosphere is still there, but he has been lowered to the level of an A-class hunter, so unless you are quite sensitive, you won’t be able to confirm Geo’s sense of discomfort.’

Of course, it’s just a level of not being sure, but anyone can feel a strange sense of unease, but that ‘not being sure’ part is important. Because at that level, you can say that it’s part of your s*xual power or skill.

“… … .”

“… … .”

The gazes of the meteor and the galaxy met.

“… Anyway, now that it’s come to this, are you going to keep acting coy?”

“I don’t know what you are talking about.”

“Things are turning out pretty funny. It’s completely different from what I thought…”

As he watched Geo approaching the crowd of people who were gathered together in a noisy manner, Yoo Seong-un asked in a voice that the crowd couldn’t hear.

“I don’t think you have any intention of going out and killing people, is that right?”

“I just didn’t want to get blood on my hands. That’s all.”

“That’s really appreciated. I know what you’re talking about.”

“… … .”

“You don’t want to look like a bad kid to Geo, right?”

Yoo Seong-un whistled.

“That’s quite enough.”

The monsters’ behavior changed depending on the emotional state of the galaxy, and the atmosphere inside the dungeon was controlled. This was an integrated dungeon that came to life according to the owner’s state of mind.

It was obvious that the difficulty of this dungeon would be lowered to match Galaxy’s psychology of not wanting to be a ‘bad kid’ to Geo.

“Don’t worry, I will keep your identity a secret as long as you cooperate.”

“Humans have a terrible habit of rushing orders. You’d better not act so cocky, Meteor Hunter.”

“Be scared.”

Honestly, I was really scared.

“Wouldn’t it be nice if we could live easily?”

I didn’t want to die in a place like this.

‘If I die, there will be problems with maintaining the garden.’

Among the ‘gardens’ that could be called the bloodline of the origin, it was a meteor cloud that was roughly in charge of the position of the aorta. Even if they found a successor, they would be busy training him for a while, so they did not have the luxury of dying right away.

“… … .”

Isser glanced at the meteor cloud and turned his stagnant pearl-colored gaze to the man in the black cloak.

Soon, a dream appeared in those eyes.

‘…really….’

It’s the same.

‘There’s no difference.’

Although the color may be different, the warm and loving appearance of comforting and soothing the sun’s creatures was clearly Giovanni’s.

No matter how suspicious it was, it couldn’t be denied.

“It’s such a sacred sight that I feel sorry to see it for free. Doesn’t he look like a saint?”

“… I have no response to your worthless words, but you were actually called a saint.”

And yet, he had to die so cruelly. In a cold tank, his windpipe was torn off by the teeth of his student.

‘… Humans are truly disgusting beings.’

At the sight of Geo holding the lowly monkeys and showing mercy, Isser felt the smile that was always on his lips faintly distort.

It is still unknown whether the author is truly his benefactor, but the sight of such a being showing mercy to humans made Isser feel uneasy.

‘Why am I seeing this?’

Suspicion of sudden good fortune. Longing and pain for recurring memories and nightmares. Anxiety to separate the black cloak from those filthy, verminous beings. Desperation.

The mermaid muttered to herself as she searched for a way to define this feeling.

‘I wish they were all dead.’

It was at that moment that I thought that.

“… … .”

“Galaxy Student.”

“…yes.”

“Don’t be alone. Come here.”

The large hand, now cold, reached out towards Isser.

“You look lonely.”

“… … .”

I couldn’t bring myself to answer when he said that I seemed lonely.

The hand that Geo held silently was, as expected, cold. Compared to the warm hand of the teacher in those long-faded memories, it was no different from a corpse in temperature.

But they were still affectionate.

“… It’s cold and dark, and scary. This place is very barren.”

“Student Eunha, you are honest. Then I will stay with you.”

“Would you please do that?”

That’s a lie.

“It gives me peace of mind.”

Even if you are children of the deep, I will be by your side. You told me that before.

‘… Saying something like that now only makes me feel sick. Now that everything has become cold… .’

Nothing can be undone.

I wanted to complain without knowing it, but the strong grip of the large hand that grabbed my hand gradually calmed my turbulent feelings.

As if it were a forgotten habit, I waited, and soon a voice came, calm and warm like the spring breeze on a quiet evening.

“Are you okay?”

“… … .”

Giovanni was not the right person to be the recipient of the resentment of someone as cold as me.

“… I don’t think it’s okay.”

“… Where does it hurt?”

“I do that because I’m scared.”

I wanted to kill all the insect-like humans here. I still do. But I couldn’t seem to reveal my feelings.

Because, whether this person who held my hand was a copy of my mentor or his reincarnation, it was clear that I had to hold on to him in the end.

‘… What should I do?’

A deep sense of murder and anxiety came to me at the same time.

‘This person at least must be saved.’

So I have to have it… .

* * *

Meanwhile, Geo.

‘The world has really advanced a lot.’

I had no thoughts.

“This is my first time experiencing a virtual dungeon, and it’s really exciting.”

“Haha, Mr. Geo, you’re really bold in this situation.”

“Isn’t it amazing?”

“Usually I’m more scared than curious.”

“I see. I understand.”

Geo was very interested because he opened and closed his eyes and felt like he had flown into a haunted house.

‘Can something like this also be considered part of an adventure?’

It was a very welcome situation for Geo, who had been alone a lot recently, to be able to enjoy an adventure in a cozy atmosphere among people bustling about.

‘Even though I’m a little tired… .’

As soon as the huge program called the Solar Church initiation ceremony ended, a new content called the virtual dungeon walked into Geo’s arms on its own two feet.

‘Good.’

No matter how much I thought about it, the current situation was really far from a ‘cozy adventure’ or ‘new content’, but Geo’s ultimate positive mind did not waver in the face of a mere threat to his life.

‘Honestly, I feel like I’m on a well-made movie set, because I’m not in a situation where I’m on the verge of death. I guess I’m not very nervous, but I know how to be nervous.’

They say there is a way to escape, but isn’t this just another well-conceived escape room concept?

‘Taran.’

Geo, who came to a clear conclusion on his own without anyone’s consent, felt a little excited by the commotion among people that he hadn’t felt in a long time.

He responded positively to people who asked him questions or struck up a conversation to show their friendliness.

“So, Sergio, are you a hunter from the Collectors’ Guild?”

“That’s what happened.”

“Wow, I didn’t know there was such a tall hunter in the collection….”

Yoo Seong-un intervened in this.

“There are many hunters like me who don’t show their faces in the media. Since the collectors are a guild whose main job is to collect and manage the guild master’s collections rather than clear dungeons, there are many hunters like Geo who don’t show their faces.”

“No, you’re so handsome, why…? If you showed your face on TV just once, wouldn’t you have a fan club? It’s a sin, a sin, not to show your face to the world while working as a hunter.”

“haha….”

Yoo Seong-un forced a smile.

“… Geo is shy.”

Geo felt very wronged by those words, but Yoo Seong-woon thought that he had not said anything wrong. It was a natural judgment, considering the ‘Portrait of Geo’ where he showed an aversion to meeting people.

While worrying that Geo might make a mistake by showing that he wasn’t human, Yoo Seong-un closely observed the reactions of the people whispering in the distance.

“As expected, the hunters of the three major guilds are different. This is my first time seeing a trainer….”

“But isn’t it a little scary? If I say something wrong, I feel like they’ll look at me with contempt.”

“Your actions and steps are noble. Are you perhaps of royal blood? Then there must be a reason you hide it even with that face.”

“Judging by his power, he seems to be a believer of the sun god… Since he’s a trainer, he probably isn’t a priest.”

“He’s kind, but for some reason it’s hard to talk to him. Is it because he’s so handsome?”

These were roughly the reactions I expected.

‘… I was worried about how Geo would be perceived by the civilians, but the reactions were more friendly and favorable than I expected. I think I can cover it without any problems even if I go out like this.’

In that case, it would be necessary to officially acknowledge the existence of the hunter Geo, but both Yoo Seong-un and Bisabal had already expected it to some extent.

‘That kind of value can’t be hidden by locking it up in a gallery, and even if it could be hidden somehow… that’s different from the collector’s motto.’

Moreover, the conclusion was that it would be impossible to confine the ‘story’ of this portrait to the category of humans.

Since he couldn’t hide it, whether Geo wanted it or not, people were eventually going to feel the distant feeling of ‘Geo’s Portrait’.

In that case, it would have been better to distinguish between Geo as a human and Geo as a monster.

‘Geo, who treats himself like a human, will somehow try to get along with other people. If you have to keep Geo as a human anyway, you should separate out the more dangerous stories in advance.’

That was the purpose of his unofficial status as a hunter for the collector called ‘Sergio’.

‘With this identity, the part of Geo that imitates humans… could significantly reduce the risk of that story. It would be a much safer option than revealing Geo’s entire portrait to the world.’

This sudden dungeon exploration only brought Geo’s social life forward a little. It was just a matter of timing, so there was no need to panic.

Yoo Seong-un thought to himself as he organized it like that.

“… … .”

Everyone seems to be genuine.

‘I don’t think this is an absolutely normal situation, but should I consider this to be Geo’s power?’

Just like in the case of the old Chaara Hunter, Geo had a strange ability to trick people. He couldn’t even hide his eerie aura.

I don’t know if it’s the result of the situation or the individual’s ability….

“Geo, I think it’s time to move and check if there are any Cha family members or other survivors.”

At Yoo Seong-un’s words, people became anxious again and started murmuring.

“Sir, Sergio Hunter shouldn’t be here?”

“There are already three other hunters, including Yoo Seong-un.”

“While we’re here… you guys are going to go raid the dungeons and stuff…”

“Do we really have to move too?”

“What if they all die? Who will be left with the rest?”

Although these were expected reactions, the fact that the smile on Eunha’s face, which seemed to hate humans, was gradually deepening was a danger sign no matter how you looked at it.

‘If we keep going like this, we’ll all die.’

As Yoo Seong-un sighed and tried to console the people, Geo stepped forward.

“Then I will leave Honey here.”

“Yes? But, Sergio Hunter’s summons are too small….”

“Honey is stronger than me.”

“No, please don’t joke.”

“It’s true.”

Geo waved his hands as if he were innocent.

“Don’t worry too much, I’ll be back soon. I’ll help you.”

“… … .”

“With such strong will, you will all be able to return safely.”

Although it was actually nothing special, people started to sniffle again. It seemed like Geo’s words had comforted and reassured them, but Yoo Seong-un was a little taken aback.

‘If I told you, you wouldn’t have listened. Why aren’t there people grumbling and saying that it’s just empty words?’

In the meantime, Geo came and said.

“Let’s move now.”

“… … .”

The nuance of the message was to run away before he could be caught any further, and Yoo Seong-un felt strange.

I don’t know if what he said just now was just candy-coated words or sincere consolation, but the sight of Geo clearly distinguishing between public and private matters gave me a strange impression.

‘It’s so easy to sway people’s hearts with just a few words.’

This is really a talent.

“You… would be good at something like being an idol. Like an actor, or something like a celebrity.”

“I know that’s too much to ask, but I think you have the right qualities.”

“It looks the same to me.”

“Thank you for taking my joke. How could someone as timid as me become a celebrity?”

“… … .”

If you can control and sway a crowd with your words and face, shouldn’t you really become a celebrity or start a cult?

‘… I also need to come to my senses.’

Yoo Seong-woon felt even more responsible for the dizzying talent displayed by Geo’s new personality.

* * *

“… … .”

“… Sister, sister…”

“fizzle.”

Cha Ara covered Chae Sol’s mouth and warned her, and Cha Eun Hyuk nodded in agreement.

“Be quiet.”

Now was the time when I had to hold my breath.

Cha Eun-hyeok glanced at his two younger siblings hiding behind him, then turned his head forward to look around. He broke out in a cold sweat in the bloody atmosphere.

“Stomach, stomach, I’m hungry… I’m hungry… Stomach, stomach… .”

“Kuaaaah…!! Aah, aaaah!! Sa, save me…!!”

“Stomach, stomach, stomach… .”

The sight of people eating each other’s flesh. It was clear that there were infected monsters here.

Fortunately, Cha Eun-hyeok and his siblings were able to hide under the desk safely before the situation worsened.

Even though they were trapped and unable to escape, Eunhyuk Cha pushed his younger siblings, who were frozen in fear, even further into the corner.

“… … .”

Here and there, prospective priests were seen hiding and exchanging glances.

“… Phew… .”

Perhaps because of their small size, the only ones who survived in this cave were young priests.

The only adults that exist are Cha Eun-hyuk and Cha A-ra.

‘It’s like a dog.’

I don’t know if I can survive.