The Artist Who Paints Dungeon Chapter 25

Episode 25

8 o’clock in the morning.

Looking at the black cloak in front of the revealed picture frame, Yoo Seong-un blinked his mint colored eyes.

“… … .”

Oh, my.

‘It feels a little different.’

It wasn’t my imagination. The pitch-black figure standing in front of the portrait didn’t have the same strange atmosphere as before.

It’s as if he had transformed from a monster to a human.

“Geo.”

“Are you here?”

“Am I too late?”

“No, I left early.”

“okay?”

Yoo Seong-un answered indifferently and thought to himself.

‘…Your voice is different than usual.’

Unlike before, when he spoke in a tone that felt strangely neat, Geo now didn’t feel strange, even if he did think, ‘He’s a bit too polite.’ It was an atmosphere that made you think that someone with an innocent personality could act like this.

‘The level may be different depending on whether you are inside or outside the portrait… .’

But then the testimonies of the witnesses we have received so far come into question.

“… … .”

Yoo Seong-un rolled his eyes for a moment and asked with a smile.

“Are you feeling well?”

“Yes, that’s fine.”

“Hmm… The atmosphere seems lighter than usual.”

“I was always light-hearted.”

“Then let’s say that’s true.”

As expected, it’s different from usual.

‘I don’t really feel any pressure.’

Although Yoo Seong-un only saw the back of Geo, he knew how fearsome Geo was outside of the portrait.

It wasn’t easy to feel that kind of feeling of being out of breath and dizzy even though there was no sense of hostility or murderous intent.

‘Even if this world is filled with humans, monsters, and various types of monsters.’

I heard that the feeling gets worse when you see Geo from the front, but it was really strange. Right now, Geo just felt like a normal human being.

“… … .”

“… … .”

Geo was the first to speak, perhaps because he had such doubts.

“Action has been taken.”

“action?”

“I tried to adjust the resolution so that other people wouldn’t be surprised when they saw me. Judging from Yoo Seong-un’s reaction, I think my attempt wasn’t too bad.”

“Oh, I see. Somehow.”

It seemed quite human.

Although he nodded nonchalantly, he could not tell what Yoo Seong-un was really thinking.

‘Does that mean… you can control the level of your soul on your own?’

In the past, Geo’s status was so twisted that it could not be expressed in human terms, but now his status could be considered that of an A-class hunter.

Being able to control the level of your soul at will sounded like a really bad joke.

“… Are you feeling unwell?”

If you were to forcibly lower your level, the fatigue would be enormous.

‘It’s like putting a curse on yourself.’

It was like asking, ‘Isn’t it too much?’ by purifying it, and adjusting the level in this way would be more painful than tiring.

At Yoo Seong-un’s question, Geo looked down at his hands and then shook his head.

“it’s okay.”

“Well then, that’s fortunate… .”

How can someone be so calm after doing such a crazy thing? Yoo Seong-un was quietly appalled.

‘You’re so calm for someone who’s committed suicide. If you want to pretend to be normal, you should be more thorough.’

Even a 10-year-old would understand the gravity of the situation. To use a civilian analogy, it would be like cutting off all of their limbs and gouging out both of their eyes.

‘It’s no different than putting a leash around the neck of a person crawling on their torso and putting a weight on them…’

Of course, Geo had no idea.

‘hungry.’

To begin with, he was a person who felt like an ordinary human being until recently.

It was certainly comfortable to have a body that was neither thirsty nor sleepy, neither hungry nor full… but that didn’t mean I felt any discomfort with my current state.

I used to live like this, so what kind of rejection is it? Rather, I got used to it.

“… … .”

“So where should we go now?”

“… Oh, right.”

Yoo Seong-un tried to keep a calm expression as he answered. It would be rude to show concern to a guy who came out to have fun. He had to be careful about even this kind of reaction to the being of origin.

“Since it’s morning, I’m going to try eating.”

“What kind is it?”

“The place I recommend is Baekban House.”

Geo, who once referred to himself as ‘Sergio’ in the Korean way, I don’t know if that’s really the Korean way, but since Geo knows Korea well in many ways, he chose a restaurant with a set meal for breakfast.

But just in case, I added an explanation.

“It’s a meal served as a set meal with side dishes, rice, and soup. You can also order fish or pork.”

“… … .”

“Overall, it might not be that exciting, but since it was morning, I looked for a restaurant that would be comfortable.”

“It sounds good.”

Although Geo was a good eater, he grew up under his grandmother who always prepared a meal for him, so he liked comfort food like this. It was comforting for both his body and mind.

Yoo Seong-un nodded.

“That’s good. Then shall we move?”

Geo followed suit.

‘…I hear footsteps.’

Previously, he seemed to have been barefoot, but now Geo was wearing shoes. However, Yoo Seong-un was a little surprised to hear the sound of footsteps that contained the weight of a person.

‘You really lowered your status to human level? I still can’t believe it.’

I started to wonder how that was even possible, and why on earth he would do such a horrible thing.

‘Maybe he did this on purpose to be considerate of other humans… .’

Even before Yoo Seong-un felt embarrassed, he felt a strange sense of guilt as he pondered how to make excuses if any damage was done. It was difficult to bear this ridiculous favor that was like cutting off his own limbs and soul.

It makes me feel even more inhumane to give such an outrageous favor so casually.

“hmm….”

Yoo Seong-un, who had come to his senses, led Geo to the elevator.

“batter.”

“I think this is the first time.”

“What is this elevator?”

“Because I usually move through pictures.”

“So you moved to the picture.”

As I had already guessed, this was the moment that explained the mysterious portrait in the hallway that the night guards often found.

Even so, the ghost story of the ‘Black Cloak’ has taken root in this guild.

“I gave you an access card, so why didn’t you take the elevator?”

“I thought it would be awkward if I ran into other people in this small space.”

“… I see.”

I thought that just meeting them in that wide hallway would have been enough to give the guards a break, but in such a narrow space, I thought they might have collapsed and foamed at the mouth.

However, Geo did not mean it in that sense.

‘I know what kind of people the staff here are, so I’ll be with them in a small space.’

Geo, who knows how to act when he has to, was scared. The 31 years of fantasy were enough to make even his hometown feel an unknown fear.

‘It’s dangerous to rush into a haunted portrait when you don’t know how much the culture has changed. It’s also faster to move to a painting.’

So, in many ways, it was a choice made with consideration to one’s own convenience… .

“… … .”

It couldn’t help but be interpreted a little differently for Yoo Seong-un.

‘… Isn’t this too kind? Am I worrying about the wrong thing?’

I’m starting to get a little worried.

‘I’m worried that other people will be crushed by the level, so I travel through paintings instead of elevators, and I cut off my own level because I’m worried that something unpleasant will happen during the trip… .’

There were other suspicious circumstances.

‘Now that I think about it, liking giving gifts so much is actually a disturbing trait.’

It was a tour prepared with the concern that the portrait would cause an accident, but if Geo were to be harmed by humans, it would be an accident in another sense.

‘I think I picked the wrong target to watch out for. Instead of worrying about Geo’s gentlemanly impulsive behavior, I should have been worried about someone approaching who might provoke these guys… .’

Yoo Seong-un couldn’t help but wonder if this was really the right thing to worry about.

“… Okay, let’s get off.”

“It takes quite a while.”

“Because it’s a gallery deep underground.”

Yoo Seong-un explained with a small smile.

“The works in the guild master’s gallery come from all over the world. Some are purchased directly by the guild master, some are purchased and delivered by guild members, and some are so dangerous that they are entrusted to be stored…”

You could say it’s a den.

“The gallery’s access is restricted to prevent theft, but it’s also because if you’re not careful, a dozen people could easily die. The collector’s gallery, where all sorts of bizarrely-shaped works of art are sold, is a famous story. When ghost stories come about, the gallery is usually the source.”

“okay.”

“That’s why the gallery is intentionally located so deep that it seems excessive. It’s designed so that if an unknown bomb were to explode down there, it would be easier to clean up, or… to minimize the damage.”

After saying that, Yoo Seong-un looked back at Geo.

“Um, yeah.”

“… Is there a problem?”

“I’m still wearing the hood.”

Although the level was lowered and the intimidation was somewhat removed, it was not at an absolutely harmless level, and above all, Geo’s face was too assertive. If he went around like that, he would get involved in all sorts of troublesome things.

‘If you cover your face, you can say you’re an unofficial hunter. There are a lot of unofficial hunters in the collection, so other people won’t be suspicious.’

The staff at the lobby entrance on the first floor greeted Yoo Seong-woon.

“Are you leaving work right away?”

“No way, I’m on a business trip. I just got home, so there’s no way I’m already off work.”

“I almost envied you, but this is fortunate. Let’s suffer together.”

The guard who was joking cheerfully looked at Geo standing behind the meteor cloud.

“This side is….”

“Guild leader’s guest.”

“Are you going to be joining us soon as a new employee?”

“That could be the case.”

It seemed like he was friendly, and even though it was his first time seeing Geo, the guard spoke to him as if he knew him.

“Then I guess it’s okay if I change the color of the cloak a bit. There’s a new ghost story in our guild these days, and as you know… we’re the kind of people who get swayed by such ghost stories often.”

Yoo Seong-un asked him.

“Are there still people these days who are surprised by the story of the Black Cloak?”

“There are so many witnesses, so what can we do? It seems like it really exists, so everyone is on their guard to some extent.”

“Hey, this is difficult.”

Yoo Seong-un nodded, smiling blandly and muttering.

“Then I guess I’ll see you in a few days.”

“Is this a long-term business trip?”

“Well, I guess I’ll have to go and find out….”

“Then, thank you for your hard work.”

The guard, who greeted them politely, quickly turned his attention away from Yoo Seong-un and Geo.

The large glass doors in the lobby opened. Yoo Seong-un, who had emerged from the Collectors’ Guild, opened his mouth.

“As you can see, rumors about you have spread. I have already told the guild leader about the inconveniences you are experiencing, but it will probably take some time for it to be reflected…”

Yoo Seong-un spoke as if making an excuse.

“I’ll tell them that you’re the guild leader’s guest. What do you think?”

“I understand.”

“Do you have any other questions?”

“I wonder why the guard was so sure I would become his comrade.”

“Oh, that.”

Yoo Seong-un nodded.

“It’s the guild leader’s habit to pick up people from somewhere.”

“Are you picking it up? You seem to be an uncommon believer, guild leader.”

“Even the subcontractors who came to assassinate him tried to scout him.”

“How bold of you to embrace even the person who tried to kill you. You seem to have great tolerance.”

“Because your tastes are so unique, if there’s someone you’ve never seen before in the guild, there’s a high chance that they’re the guild master’s guests. There have been more than a few instances where he’s invited you to the guild to try to seduce you.”

“… … .”

It’s not the first or second time that you’ve packaged something nicely.

Geo, unaware that such packaging only makes him look more inhuman, quietly resigned himself to the endless series of strange incidents.

‘It is a gigantic presence that I, with the limited physical strength allowed by the gods of heaven and earth, cannot handle.’

He didn’t seem like a bad person, but he was the number one type of person I absolutely didn’t want to talk to because I couldn’t predict where he would go.

‘If we ever become close, he’ll drag me out of the corner of the room, put me in the middle of a gathering of popular kids, and offer me up as a sacrifice at a party…’

It was terrible.

“Then I guess I’ll have to take the subway now. Is that okay?”

“…Subway?”

Not the subway?

Yoo Seong-un, who was able to understand Geo’s question more clearly thanks to lowering his level, quickly explained.

“Well, it’s a train that runs above ground. It has a set route like a bus, but it’s a little faster and runs at a considerably higher altitude.”

As he said that, Yoo Seong-un raised his finger and pointed to the sky.

“See over there?”

A rail that passes through or between tall buildings. The rail is not visible in its entirety, but only in part.

It seemed as if some parts had been made transparent, perhaps to provide a view of the city. This stimulated Geo’s SF sensibility.

“It’s pretty high.”

“If we compare it to the building, it operates on approximately the 60th floor.”

Geo nodded inwardly.

‘They say even mountains and rivers change in 10 years, but the world has changed in 30 years.’

Perhaps because it is a metropolitan area, this tendency is stronger, but even considering that, the buildings and facilities have developed a lot. Now, Geo really felt like he had become an ancestor.

The buildings were basically over 30 stories tall, and the subway that ran between the buildings looked just like a roller coaster.

‘It may not be as intense as the rail route or the speed… .’

Geo felt romantic about the futuristic design.

“Geo, this way.”

“… … .”

People’s fashions were also quite different from before. Some people wore armor, carried large swords on their backs, and some even had wings or tails.

They say trends come and go, but it was clear that an ecosystem-disrupting species had entered the picture. Everyone had their own unique personality, so much so that Geo, wearing a cloak, seemed normal.

Here and there, people were even seen exchanging jewels and weapons. Jewels aside, weapons with sharp edges were a bit too much…

“… … .”

Oh.

Geo could find himself constantly chewing on the grilled pork belly.

‘It’s a funny sight, seeing myself worrying that a haunted portrait might look harmful.’

Contrary to his thoughts, some quick-witted people were glancing at Geo.

‘The aura is heavy… Is he a hunter? Judging by the restraint in his movements, he’s a knight… or a priest?’

‘It must be at least A-class. Since it’s my first time seeing it, there’s a high chance that it’s an unofficial hunter.’

‘It’s all black. There might be a skill that values color, or it might be a set item…’

Yoo Seong-un was also aware of the gaze of some of those people.

‘Please don’t just talk to me.’

As expected, but with Geo’s help, it was getting less attention.

I was talking to Geo, who had just come out into human society, and praying earnestly that nothing bad would happen.

“This is the subway entrance.”

Yoo Seong-un was careful not to let Geo’s gaze reach anyone else.

“See here? You can pay the toll by tapping your card here.”

“Do you pay your fare at the elevator?”

Geo, with his luggage on his back as if it were his habit, looked at the entrance to the subway with interest.

It was like an elevator that you can see in subways or some overpasses. It wasn’t hidden inside the building, but it was protruding and stretched out high, and it was connected to the subway line.

‘Isn’t there a separate station?’

Looking at the bare rails without any buildings, it seemed like there were no stations, and what little space there was that looked like a bus stop was visible here and there. It seemed like they were really being used as buses.

“I’ll give you my card. If you want to buy anything, you can use this. There’s no limit.”

“… … .”

Geo was scared.

‘I don’t know how many times I’ve gotten nervous today.’

It was dangerous outside the blanket.

‘Why are you giving me a card with no limit?’

Since I’m scared, I’ll just call you hyung for now.

Of course, Geo, who was a selective introvert, never called Yoo Seong-un, who he had only known for a few months, “hyung.” Geo still maintained his manners and used his card to ride the subway elevator.

“… … .”

“what’s the matter?”

“I have a question.”

Geo asked.

“I don’t understand why there is only one elevator when the elevator is not very fast. If there are a lot of people, wouldn’t it be delayed?”

“ah….”

Yoo Seong-un smiled awkwardly.

“I guess they only installed one since there aren’t many people riding it anyway.”

“It looks like a useful means of transportation, so why aren’t many people using it?”

How can we leave such an interesting new creation alone?

“It’s not a particularly great reason.”

Yoo Seong-un told me the reality.

“Because it’s expensive.”

“… … .”

aha.

‘I see.’

If it was a capitalist society, Geo was a guy who knew very well.

‘But is he still alive?’

Are you living a long life?