NOTICE: Many of the novels have been removed because they might cause violations, which we were not aware of earlier.
Episode 3
A famous auction house.
“uh…?”
“Why, what’s going on?”
“Wow, just now… this picture seems to have moved.”
“It’s a bit awkward.”
One of the managers snorted.
“There’s no way an ordinary portrait would be up for auction in this house. It must have been an item from some dungeon.”
“ah….”
“They say the place it was discovered was an art warehouse in a closed school, but since its origin is unknown, its price will be significantly lower. It will be released early in Part 1, so prepare in advance.”
“Yes, sir.”
Despite the reassuring words from his boss, the employee’s expression was not good. He looked at the portrait in front of him with a look of disgust.
“… … .”
just now.
I think our eyes met.
“… I hope it’s not an item that brings a curse… .”
Although the items had already passed the safety inspection and arrived, the world was vast and there were many different items.
It was thanks to this mystery that neither his emotional skills nor his origins or functions were properly revealed that he was able to come to this auction house, but that made the employee feel ominous.
“Don’t horror movies usually start like this? Something ominous and the people around you who don’t have a sense of alertness… It’s perfect.”
I just hoped I wouldn’t be the first victim to die there.
“Ouch, that’s scary.”
“… … .”
The ‘Portrait of Geo’ was silently looking at that sight.
He closed his eyes.
* * *
31 years ago.
The earth is destroyed.
When this cliche introductory phrase became reality, from that day on, all science fiction movies disappeared from the Earth.
The idea of people being dragged into another dimension and torn to pieces by unreasonable rules, or monsters crawling out of cracks in a pitch-black dimension, was much more realistic than in the movies.
“crazy…!”
“Sorry, but are you filming a movie?”
“A movie, what the hell?!”
And then, as if they had been waiting, the superpowered people appeared.
“Uh… isn’t this a game window?”
“Wow, I saw that too.”
“What did you say? You said I was awakened as a priest?”
“I don’t have anything like that… I just get a list of skills. But if you’re a priest, do you have a religion?”
“Yes, I am a Christian. Is that how it is decided?”
“I don’t know that either…?”
They changed the map of the Earth.
“Ah, deal…! What are you doing without putting in the deal!!”
“How can I deal damage when my brother is blocking the way…!”
“Are you kidding me?! Then the tank is blocking the front or the back?!”
“Wow, this strategy is really good….”
“Huhhhh…!”
They hunted monsters as if they were playing a game.
This phenomenon, defined as ‘awakening’, appeared randomly to some people, and no matter how much research was done, there were no exact rules or standards. The only thing that was common to those who were awakened was that a system window would pop up as if they were playing a game.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that hunting monsters is as easy as playing a game.
“… … .”
“… Hey, take care of the remains. Even if there’s no body, we still need to hold a funeral.”
“Our team dealer is gone… I’m losing energy. How old did you say he was?”
“I’m 18. I told you with my own mouth that I wanted to go back to high school.”
“Is the country going crazy, dragging out children who want to study at school?”
“What can I do? If I just wake up, I can act like a 10-year-old… .”
“Well, if you’re 18, you’re a nobleman.”
“… … .”
“It sucks.”
The number of so-called ‘Awakened Ones’, or ‘Hunters’ who hunt monsters, was always small, so it was difficult for them to escape from ‘death from overwork’. In the face of the changes taking place on a global scale during a period of transition, individual lives were treated as mere numbers.
However, South Korea was a country that quickly suppressed chaos around the world, centered around three heroes. They quickly went through upheaval after upheaval and laid the foundation.
“Honey, can you call? Yerin woke up….”
As a result, citizens of well-organized cities began to feel more relaxed.
“The teachers told me that I woke up at kindergarten today.”
[Huh? Yerin? Oh my… She has a job? What are her skills? What level is it?]
“I don’t know. Yerin said she doesn’t have a job and her skills are D-rank. I think we’ll have to go to the center to find out for sure.”
[Then let’s not make Yerin a hunter. Ask her what she wants to do, and if she says no, don’t make her a hunter.]
“I thought that would be good too. Okay, thanks, I’ll hang up.”
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The name of the dimension becomes ‘Dungeon’, and the ‘Awakened’ who simply have awakened abilities and the ‘Hunters’ who have a job to hunt monsters are distinguished, and a system such as guilds and centers is established.
“Yeah, just because a child awakens doesn’t mean he has to become a hunter.”
“Mom, can I catch a monster? That’s scary… I don’t want to do that.”
“No, it’s okay. Our Yerin doesn’t have to catch monsters.”
At some point, the Awakened people began to take on different occupations.
Awakened people, who possess powers that are qualitatively different from those of ordinary people, have been under strict control of the country, but in just 31 years, after experiencing various incidents and changing governments dozens of times, the treatment of Awakened people has improved.
For awakened users of C-class or lower, the range of job choices has also expanded significantly.
“Wow, that guy must be a hunter.”
“You’re definitely a hunter, judging by the guild insignia you wear.”
“Wow… Who are you? This is my first time seeing you. Are you a newbie? Have you seen me on TV?”
“The black wings are really cool. Man, that’s a real hunter.”
“They say flying skills are so rare….”
“That person’s life is ruined.”
And with that, the gaze of admiration towards the Hunter grew even bigger.
“When I awaken, I also want to be a hunter.”
“Hey, I don’t really do dangerous things.”
“But it’s still cool. You make a lot of money and are popular.”
Eventually, they were treated like some kind of celebrity.
“… … .”
“Uh… Hey, hey, I guess you heard me. Let’s go.”
“I just did it because I liked the look. I’m sorry… .”
Whether the hunters themselves wanted it or not, that was the way the world went.
“…ha….”
Some hunters even grew tired of the excessive attention directed at them.
“Are we soldiers or idols? Why do we get so many requests to come up to us and take pictures? Are we going to be able to dance on stage? In any other country, this would be unthinkable.”
“Last time, our new recruit came into the room as a sasaeng. Does that make sense? No, I’m not worried about the hunter getting his throat cut. What the heck is this… The job of a hunter is to hunt monsters, not manage fans.”
“Popularity is popularity, but isn’t this obstruction of business? You’re worrying too much. I came here to catch monsters, not to show off in front of the public. Korea’s perception of hunters is too superficial. This needs to be fixed.”
There were also opposing opinions.
“Huh, I like it. And wit? Are you ignoring celebrities?”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Come on, don’t fight. Still, it’s better to be popular than unpopular. I’m not advocating for slush funds or interference with work, but… if we organize things, there will be fewer inconveniences.”
“Yes, the association will help you with that part. If it’s really inconvenient, you can file a complaint.”
In this way, the perception of hunters has expanded beyond superpowered people, monsters, and soldiers to include celebrities.
Over time, this perception became fixed, and at least for the city dwellers, monsters and dungeons were reduced to the same level of disaster, meaning they were perceived as being on the same level as fires that firefighters could put out.
And it is one of the three major guilds that emerged in South Korea.
“Guild leader.”
“Yes, go ahead.”
“Even though we call ourselves a collector….”
The 3rd ranked guild in Korea, 『Collector’s Award』.
“Isn’t this a bit too much?”
“Isn’t it too insulting to tell a collector not to collect?”
“Do you know how much money it cost to buy this portrait?”
“I want to buy my own stuff with my own money, so why is it like this?”
The guild leader there, ‘Collector’ Bisabal.
A man with a middle-aged face smiled thinly. It was a smile that looked noble, like a polite gentleman, but had an aftertaste that was somewhat unkempt.
“This is a piece that even the association president coveted. What do you think? Isn’t it amazing?”
“Is that what the president said? That is certainly surprising.”
“This is a work that was created by a person whose only hobby is raising monsters, let alone collecting them, up to 2000.”
“2000… .”
The 2000 mentioned here did not mean 20 million won, but 200 billion won. Even if it was not in the trillions, it was by no means a small amount of money.
“… My emotional skills are so lacking that I cannot appreciate the true value of this work. I apologize for my hasty judgment.”
“A collector may get scolded for collecting a lot of things, but of course that can happen if you don’t know the circumstances.”
“Thank you for your understanding. So what is the function of this portrait?”
“I don’t know either.”
“That’s nonsense….”
There are three main factors to consider when evaluating a hunter.
A ‘profession’ that can intervene in the rules of the world just by existing.
The ‘aptitude skill’ that is basically innate the moment you awaken like a stone grabber.
‘Level’, which indicates the proficiency level of your job and all skills.
If you want to hear more about your specific job and other skills you can learn, you will need to get help from the center, but for now, the Hunter’s rank is indicated by a so-called ‘system’ that comprehensively evaluates these three.
‘and….’
Bisabal was a person who became an S-class hunter with only one skill, ‘Emotion’.
‘What kind of bad joke is this, that a person like that doesn’t understand the work?’
The collector simply smiled as if he was happy, seemingly unaware of the employee’s considerable embarrassment.
“That’s why it’s more desirable.”
The unique thing about the ‘Collectors’, known as one of the top three guilds in Korea, was that all guild members had appraisal skills. And the appraisal skills of the leader of the guild, Bisabal, were so excellent that they could be said to be the best in the entire world.
It’s a work of art whose exact function is unknown.
“I think I know why the president called 2000.”
It was so creepy.
‘… Maybe it’s because of my mood, but the atmosphere of the piece is a bit heavy. Even though it’s just a portrait of one person… .’
The office worker guild member nodded.
“It seems like a work more suited to study than appreciation.”
“Isn’t that why the president wanted it so much? In the end, I won.”
“If you’ve said everything you wanted to say, I’ll take my leave now. Getting my back broken in a fight between whales isn’t my hobby.”
“I don’t know how all of our guild members can be so chic.”
“I think it’s the guild leader’s karma to gather only these types of people.”
“It’s sad.”
The guild members left the office in disgust at the sight of Bisabal, who was smiling broadly with a face that showed no signs of sadness at all. They looked like they had come to deliver documents and had been mistreated.
“… … .”
Left alone, Bisabal used his psychic powers to hold the portrait and headed to the elevator hidden in the office.
“… … .”
Rattling.
The elevator, which was so narrow that it could barely accommodate three people, descended very deep.
It was the warehouse of the ‘Collector’s Guild, which was designated as a forbidden area by the government. Anyone who was not an authorized employee or customer was not allowed to enter.
In short, it is a gallery exclusively for non-residents.
“… … .”
The warehouse we arrived at like that.
“Haaah….”
Bisabal let out a sigh of overwhelming emotion. The veins in Bisabal’s large hands, which were tightly holding my entire lower body, bulged with joy and satisfaction.
“Good.”
His snake-like, bright yellow eyes glittered with maniacal obsession.
The collection warehouse of the Visabal was his personal space. Instead of the guild members simply displaying the items they brought from dungeons or overseas, he, as the guild leader, purchased them himself and then displayed them.
The collection warehouse of such a secret agent was filled with dangerous works and items.
“very good.”
Bisabal, who could not give up his artwork, did his best to put in place all safety measures, and the government, which recognized his efforts and achievements, often entrusted him with problematic items.
“This place would be good.”
The same was true of this ‘Portrait of Geo’ that Visabal purchased this time.
Click.
“That’s great.”
It was a picture of a man.
Pale skin that goes well with a blunt and gloomy impression. Pitch-black hair that doesn’t show any light at all.
And yet, rather than being gloomy and heavy, it has a cool, sharp atmosphere and this restrained arrogance… .
Even the peaceful forest scenery that harmonizes with it.
“Who did you draw?”
It was a portrait that made both the artist who painted it and the model who became the work of art curious.
“If this were just human technology, it would be amazing. Even if it wasn’t, it would be the same. It’s as if it contained a real, living human being…”
That moment.
“… … .”
“… … .”
The man in front of me.
The pale portrait opened its eyes and looked at the visage.
“… … .”
The visa holder held his breath.
“… … .”
He was unable to say anything, as if his entire body and muscles were possessed by something huge.
“… … .”
…what is this?
‘What is this?’
It was black.
It was all black.
It was a bottomless pit where the white and the black were divided, but the boundary could not be distinguished at all.
Its center was so deep that it was impossible to fathom. It was a shadow. And it was the night sky. And… .
“… … .”
Does it resemble space?
‘It’s black.’
Deep.
Colorful.
It resembles life where warmth and cold coexist.
“… … .”
The blood vessels and strings of fate that are spread throughout it.
As Visabal unconsciously placed his hand on the man’s pitch-black eyes in the painting… .
“… … .”
“… … .”
The portrait is within.
“…oh.”
I closed my eyes.
“oh my god.”
At that moment, Visabal had a gut feeling that he had hit an unexpected jackpot.
“You’re saying this isn’t an ordinary painting?”
I felt really good.
* * *
“… … .”
Meanwhile, the man in the picture, Geo.
I was scared.
“hmm….”
He stood back quietly with a rare expression on his face, looking at a picture frame hanging on a tree. It was none other than the picture frame he called the ‘front door’.
Geo muttered in frustration as he realized that the only entrance was blocked.
“For someone like me, it’s just an ordinary painting.”
I was a little desperate enough to unconsciously make excuses that no one would hear.
‘… Is this what a life-threatening situation is? I thought that this would never happen in this peaceful cabin, but things in this world don’t always go as planned. This world is truly cruel.’
Before starting to make the potion in earnest, Geo, who was trying to check out the outside world, noticed that his frame was being moved somewhere. When he checked occasionally, it seemed to be up for auction.
And the last place we arrived at was none other than a huge warehouse… .
‘… Rather, it should be called a gallery or a museum.’
Looking at the completely white building and the well-made interior, I could tell that only a select few pieces were being exhibited. It seemed like a gallery that was very much loved by its owner.
And the more love he poured out, the more troubled Geo became as he lost his only front door.
“Now every time I go outside, I’m committing trespassing. How did this happen to me, a model student who goes to bed early and wakes up early? Is it because I went to bed without brushing my teeth last night?”
Geo had already surprised some staff by saying he wanted to go outside for a bit. He had never died before, but he still didn’t want to be burned at the stake as a portrait possessed by a ghost.
“If the portrait is ruined, I don’t know what will happen to this world of paintings… .”
The Earth must have become stronger over the past 31 years. It must have been a very harsh and rough world for Sergio, a timid and weak potato from Gangwon-do, to survive in.
‘It’s dangerous outside the blanket.’
Geo once again acknowledges his identity as a portrait and vows to stay here.
The very next day, when I thought that I had to be more careful than before if I wanted to survive in this harsh world, risking the honor of the haunted portrait.
“hello.”
“… … .”
Beyond the wooden frame, the man in red I had seen yesterday was loitering.
‘oh.’
It wasn’t really meant to be discriminatory or derogatory, but rather, Geo’s own cornea spoke objectively and without any selfish intentions. Those bright yellow eyes that resembled reptiles were creepy.
I don’t know why, but I was so excited. Why is that? But I didn’t want to understand. It was too harsh a worry for Geo, who had come out of the yard expecting a refreshing morning.
“Good morning, sir. I don’t know if it’s good morning, good afternoon, or good evening, but it is a good morning for us humans. Did you sleep well, sir?”
“… … .”
“I think I was too rude yesterday. Would you like to talk to me? What is your name? I think it’s Geo, since you said ‘Portrait of Geo’…”
“… … .”
“Teacher? Are you listening? Your eyes are constantly opening and closing, and it’s really exciting for me, who is always thirsty for conversation. It seems like you have a knack for manipulating people.”
Oh, damn gods of heaven and earth.
‘If that’s the first person I’ve spoken to in 31 years, something good will happen tomorrow. But even considering that, I’ve been struck by a misfortune that I can’t understand.’
Modern society, this scary child. Geo hoped that the person beyond the frame would keep an appropriate distance and give him appropriate attention.
‘… It’s burdensome… .’
Ah, Sergio the Potato was simply intimidated by the man who didn’t hide his vast energy.
Of course, it was a blessing for this loner to have someone to talk to. It didn’t feel like 31 years, but it was still a chance to communicate after such a long time.
‘The fact that the other party also seems quite friendly tells me that this is a good situation.’
But still… .
“Teacher? Are you there? Teacher? If I come empty-handed, I can prepare whatever you want according to your taste.”
“… … .”
“Hmm, I guess I have to offer a sacrifice… In such cases, what kind of sacrifice would I usually accept? The most common cases would be either a sinful human or a completely innocent human… The latter is too difficult to obtain… .”
“… … .”
“I guess I’ll have to contact the prison after a long time. In this day and age, saving sinful humans is like eating cold porridge. How many would be enough?”
Oh.
‘it’s tough.’
Even as a mountain village idol, Geo was someone he couldn’t possibly communicate with.