The Artist Who Paints Dungeon Chapter 70

Episode 70

“… … .”

“so….”

Yoo Seong-un asked Priest Kang Seo-dam, who was sitting in the chair across from him.

“If possible, I would like you to treat ‘Black Cloak’ and ‘Sergio’ as separate characters.”

“Are they separate people?”

“If we separate the ‘stories’ like that, there will be fewer problems in coexisting.”

“I understand what you mean.”

Kang Seo-dam nodded.

“The hunter I saw in the ‘Temple of the Deep Sea’ was none other than that ‘Sergio’.”

“That’s right, and the man in the black cloak that the Association’s hunters witnessed this time is someone they don’t know at all. You probably know that it’s the same person, but…”

“If that is God’s will, I will accept it. The Goddess has also expressed her desire for fellowship with him, so it will not be difficult if you just keep your mouth shut.”

He readily accepted Yoo Seong-un’s request. It was not simply because it was the will of the goddess he served.

“I didn’t intend to say that I saw a god in the ‘Temple of the Deep Sea’ either. I don’t think he wanted to reveal his identity, and if I said that a god appeared at the initiation ceremony I hosted, I would be in trouble for a while. For my own sake, I will not reveal it.”

Although quite some time had passed since he had escaped from the ‘Temple of the Deep Sea’, Kang Seodam had not properly reported to the religious order about ‘Sergio’.

As a priest of the sect, this was an independent action that he would not have taken without the will of the goddess, but it was a decision that would not have been possible if the priest himself had not been flexible. Yoo Seong-un also recognized this and attempted this kind of contact.

Yoo Seong-un let out a sigh of relief.

“Thank you for saying that. I know that the staff within the same guild are the ones who are in charge of the guild leader, but I was worried about how to keep Priest Kang Seodam’s mouth shut since he is a member of the religious order.”

“It’s a bit harsh to say that you’re keeping your mouth shut. However, I also agree that we need to be careful about the ‘Black Cloak’ case. The person I met back then didn’t seem like a normal god.”

Not all gods could enjoy playing around with human impersonations.

“Could it be that he was some kind of demon? I know that there are quite a few demons among beings who can adjust themselves to human standards enough to enjoy play. If so, then this separation measure is also a huge gamble.

“We’re looking into it too.”

“This time again, the collector has responded haphazardly, saying, ‘It’s a beloved piece.’ I still can’t understand the attitude of the guild members who feel safe and secure just because the guild leader thinks it’s cute and safe.”

“But we can’t send Geo to the lab, right?”

“It is true that unethical behaviors are rampant in the Association’s research lab, but if we think about the safety of humanity, it is better. Of course, this is in the case of an evil spirit. Since it is unlikely that someone like him who values peace and mercy would do so, I swear to the sun once again that I will keep this matter quiet.”

However, the fact that the existence of ‘Sergio’ is never safe for humans has not changed. The mysteries of such great magnitude have destroyed entire dimensions of humanity without any malicious intent, and have also created countless living hells.

“And to think that he can enter and exit a dungeon populated by humanoid monsters as if it were his own home and save people… .”

To that extent, it far exceeds the authority of a normal god. Even if he is a god, he cannot be omnipotent in all aspects.

Basically, the existence of a god is close to an intangible fate or nature with a will, so not only can it not enjoy the pleasures of a human form, but it can also not enter a dungeon without a problem.

This can be said to be a task that requires strong will, deep experience, and great ability.

“It is an extremely ungrateful story from the perspective of someone who has received so much mercy, but it doesn’t change the fact that ‘Mr. Sergio’ is a dangerous being.”

Kang Seo-dam saw a meteor shower.

“Isn’t it the case that even the collector with the best eyes in the world cannot perceive it?”

“It may seem like a very frustrating situation for the religious order or association, but we are also trying our best to understand it.”

“Isn’t it possible that he is hostile to humanity? I remember the aura he felt was quite close to death.”

“Well, if you get angry, it will be a disaster. You might unconsciously harm humanity. Couldn’t the Earth be destroyed?”

“That’s difficult.”

The Earth is barely hanging on by the mercy of a few strong people.

“… I’ll say it again, I have no intention of interfering with Mr. Sergio’s fun. That’s why I didn’t report it to the church, so you know that, Hunter Yoo Seong-un.”

“I know, that’s why I came here. I know that Father Kang Seo-dam has no intention of revealing that guy’s identity, but… I still wanted to hear a proper confirmation given the circumstances.”

In order to create a world where one can coexist with this terrifying portrait, and so that the day will come when more of its appearances can be appreciated, Bisabal hoped that ‘Sergio’ and ‘Black Cloak’ would be successfully separated. The same was true for Yoo Seong-un.

“The appearance of the blond, blue-eyed Geo has already been revealed in the ‘Temple of the Deep Sea’, so we cannot deny its existence, but this time, the only one the Association has officially identified is the ‘Black Cloak’.”

“I understand why you made that decision. A mere human cannot stop the play of such a powerful god. It is obvious that the future will only result in innocent victims.”

“We came to a similar conclusion. We think it is quite irresponsible neglect, but the collector wants coexistence rather than control. It is our guild’s long-standing motto.”

In any case, the accidents caused by ‘Portrait of Geo’ cannot be prevented by humans. In that case, let’s officially manage the collection of ‘Giovanni’, which has already been revealed, while quietly trying to persuade Geo behind the scenes to reduce the conflict between humans and him.

“I’m not saying that you should just sit back and do nothing because you’re a collector. I think that if you pay attention, you can reduce the level of agitation among people.”

“How do you plan to reduce the noise?”

“They’re turning ‘Black Cloak’ into an urban legend. They’re making it into a normal story that people can enjoy and have fun with.”

“… … .”

Kang Seo-dam’s expression distorted subtly. It seemed like an expression that tried to politely suppress irritation, discomfort, and absurdity.

“… I don’t think that will work. If things go wrong, the name ‘Black Cloak’ will become an object of fear, and he may become an even stronger disaster.”

“For now, that’s fine with the collectors. Right now, our staff treats ‘Black Cloak’ like a ghost story, and has found a balance that fits their rules.”

“I think that’s because of the nature of the Collector’s Guild. I’m sure it wouldn’t be easy to take into account everyone in the city, in Korea, and even in the world at large.”

“But isn’t it better than doing nothing?”

“… Phew… .”

Kang Seo-dam, who had been furrowing his brows with a tired expression, either because he thought it was not a topic he should be arguing about, or because he found it difficult to continue talking about the same topic, immediately asked another question.

“… But, is it okay to call God so friendly? Like that guy, or Geo, or something… .”

Kang Seo-dam’s reaction was a bit tired.

“How dare you treat that giant being imitating human skin like that.”

“Geo wants that.”

“… … .”

“I guess it must feel awkward from the priest’s perspective.”

“… It can’t be helped.”

Regardless of religion, there were three rules required of priests who served God.

“First, do not look into the eyes of God. Second, do not call the name of God. Third, do not test God… I think even the Meteor Cloud Hunter knows this well.”

“It’s a famous rule.”

“It’s not that we should try to know the nature of God. Priests basically try to keep a certain distance when dealing with God. Treating God too friendly can also be an infringement on His nature, so we try to prevent that in advance.”

“… … .”

“In this day and age, faith is certainly being used as a means. Because of this, the human attitude toward God has become more intimate than before the great disaster, and their image has become much more worldly… but even so, the fact that those who possess divinity are an intangible disaster remains unchanged.”

Although they are traditionally categorized as gods and evil gods, in reality, if we look at the absolute standard, it is quite ambiguous. In other words, a divinity that is clearly harmful to humanity is evaluated as an evil god.

But how can nature and destiny be divided into good and evil? No matter how much a mere being like humans tries to measure and classify them, it will only result in troublesome problems.

“Willful or not, God can be a disaster to humanity at any time.”

The priests should have known this better than any human being.

“If you forget that, it is as if you are not qualified to be a priest.”

“It’s quite profound.”

“It meant that Mr. Yoo Seong-un should also be careful. I have seen countless people who called out the true name of God and burst under the weight of fate. That is what it means to receive the gaze of God.”

“I know that too.”

Rather, Yoo Seong-un may have known better.

“This side is also somewhat of an expert.”

From the perspective of a gardener, the gods of the present generation are classified as a kind of ‘children of the origin’.

An intangible, silent disaster that is closely connected to the source and can exist in any dimension. A destiny with a will and a living story. All of these conditions fit the description of the ‘Child of the Source’.

‘But I can’t tell that part to the priest.’

I would be happy if I only heard that it was blasphemous.

In the first place, the existence of the gardener and the knowledge related to it were dangerous information that only a few people could know and handle, so I couldn’t bring up Geo’s story to save face.

“Anyway, don’t be too surprised if you see Geo active in society soon. I think Geo will be quite flexible and have a good personality at that time, so he won’t cause any trouble. His status will also be secure.”

“… … .”

“I meant that I would be introduced as a trainer who is a devout believer who can handle the power of the Holy Spirit, so please adjust your rhythm. The essential energy may be different, but Geo is primarily closer to the sun god lineage.”

“That’s why I’m telling you not to talk like that. It’s embarrassing to hear.”

“How can I do this when it’s my way?”

“ha….”

“Oh, by the way.”

Yoo Seong-un asked, blinking.

“Has the Association formalized the information about the ‘Black Cloak’?”

One of the things the association does is to establish rules for hunters regarding the existences they should be aware of. Yoo Seong-un thinks that the ‘black cloak’ that was seen this time was enough to make it official.

“If you open the floodgates first, it will be easier for us to make it look like a ghost story.”

“Now that the newly discovered entrance dungeon has been named, we’ll probably get a summary of the ‘Black Cloak’ soon.”

“As expected from a priest of the Sun Church, you’re quick with information. What’s the name of that dungeon?”

“It’s not much different from the places we’ve visited.”

Kang Seo-dam continued speaking.

“They called it the ‘Land of the Deep Sea.’”

“What… .”

Yoo Seong-un nodded.

“It’s intuitive and good.”

It was a name that suited him well.

* * *

“A true hunter.”

“… … .”

“Are you ready, Jeongdaun Hunter?”

“… … .”

The woman with flowing brown hair nodded.

“… Yes, I’m ready.”

“We will now have a Q&A session about what happened in the ‘Deep Sea Kingdom.’”

“yes.”

“Jung Da-woon, who was the team leader, will take questions on behalf of the hunter, but if he lacks information, he will also receive help from Jung Da-woon’s colleagues.”

“yes.”

“For now….”

The man in the doctor’s gown sitting across from Hunter continued speaking.

“Let’s start with a light story.”

“… … .”

“You seem very nervous. It’s been about three days since you finished your exploration of the ‘Deep Sea Kingdom’. Perhaps you haven’t had enough rest?”

“… … .”

“I’m not asking you why you haven’t recovered yet, so please feel free to talk. Only when the mind and body of the Jeongdaun Hunter are stabilized can we answer your questions.”

“…yes.”

The hesitant hunter spoke with a hollow laugh. His voice was recorded on the recorder.

“I’m sorry, I’ve fully recovered.”

“I repeat, there is nothing to be sorry about.”

“It’s just… I can’t get it out of my head…”

“If that’s the case, are you referring to the ‘black cloak’ that was witnessed this time?”

“Yes, that’s right. It’s a black cloak.”

The woman raised her head.

“Oh, so the name was decided to be ‘Black Cloak’?”

“It was temporarily named that way, but we don’t know how the name will change in the future. The Association has absolutely no information about the Black Cloak.”

“I am the first discoverer…?”

“We asked for cooperation from each country’s Hunter Association, but we have not received any information regarding the being you witnessed. We will have to check it out a bit more, but I believe that it is highly likely that this is the first sighting by a Jeongdawoon Hunter.”

“…okay.”

In fact, the first discoverer was Bisabal, who had already discovered his true identity, and even if it was witnessed by ordinary people other than those involved, Cha Ara was there, but because it was so peaceful, information about him was not relayed to the association.

“Then my answer will become very important.”

“Yes. I don’t want to burden you, but since you are known to be a very high-ranking being, the response method the Association has come up with will vary depending on how accurate the information you, Jeongdaun Hunter, provide.”

“… … .”

The hunter nodded.

“I am ready.”

“Then, let’s begin the questioning.”

The man, a researcher at the association, began to ask serious questions.

“Where was the first place you saw the ‘Black Cloak’?”

“… It was a temple of the ‘Deep Sea Country’.”

“Let’s continue from there. The ‘Deep Sea Kingdom’ is said to have the structure of a 1st stage, above the sea. 2nd stage, a submerged city under the water. 3rd stage, a gigantic temple. Is that correct?”

“Yes, that’s right. When you first enter, the hunters will be standing on the sea. If you don’t intentionally try to enter, you won’t fall in. If you move a little too aggressively, you’ll fall in… but you can also come back up.”

“Then, the ‘Deep Sea Country’ is structured so that the risk increases the further down you go.”

“Yes, there were no monsters to speak of on the sea. I confirmed that it is possible to breathe even when going under the water surface. However, the tension of the water does limit your movements.”

“They say monsters have been sighted since stage 2.”

“It felt like a zombie living in the water…? There were also strange slimes that looked like chunks of flesh. There were other things too… But I think my team members reported on this.”

“Yes, I checked it again.”

The researcher nodded.

“Now let’s move on to the temple. Is there a big difference between the monsters in the second stage, ‘The Submerged City’, and the monsters in the third stage, ‘The Temple of the Deep Sea’?”

“The fact that they looked more vicious? The species itself looked similar. However, the monsters found on the temple side were much more vicious and vicious. Naturally, they were also more dangerous.”

“Then, this is where the main topic starts.”

The researcher took out a photo from between the files and showed it to Hunter.

“This photo was taken by Hunter Kim Yi-yeon, one of our team members.”

“… … .”

The person in the photo was a man wrapped entirely in a black cloak.

“You described this being as male, but in fact it may not have a gender at all. It is wearing a cloak all over its body, so there is no guarantee that it has a human form.”

“… That’s right.”

“Is there a reason you described him as ‘a man in a black cloak’?”

“Because that’s how it felt.”

Even as a skilled hunter, she knows well about the ambiguity of monsters. Just because someone has a deep voice or is tall doesn’t mean they’re male. She’s never seen the entity inside the cloak, so she doesn’t know if it’s human form.

Even the ‘Black Cloak’ didn’t make a sound when it walked. It was just a very light rustling sound of grass, but it was strange that I was certain that inside it was a heavy human body.

“… … .”

Yeah, that’s weird.

“…But still, it felt like ‘human’.”

We know that they are not human, but we still say that they are ‘human’.

“As if it were such an obvious fact….”

If Geo had heard this, he would have felt a little wronged, thinking, “I’m human after all.”

The painter who draws dungeons