The Artist Who Paints Dungeon

“Why, what’s wrong?”

“J-just now … I think this painting moved.”

“How clumsy.”

One of the managers snorted.

“There’s no way an ordinary portrait would be up for auction here. It must have been an item from some dungeon.”

“Ah…”

“They say it was found in the art warehouse of an abandoned school, but since its origin is unclear, the price will drop significantly. It’s going to be auctioned early in the first part, so prepare in advance.”

“Yes, sir.”

Despite the boss’s reassuring words, the employee’s expression was not good. He looked at the portrait in front of him with a sense of unease.

“….”

Just now.

It seemed like their eyes met.

“…I hope it’s not a cursed item…”

While the item must have already passed the safety inspection, the world is vast and there are all kinds of items.

The mystery of its origin and function which even appraisal skills couldn’t clarify must have been the reason why it made it to this auction, but that was exactly why the employee felt a sense of foreboding.

“Isn’t this how horror movies usually start? Something ominous and the people around who are unaware of the danger… It’s perfect.”

He just hoped that he wouldn’t be the first victim to die here.

“Ouh, how scary.”

That painting, ‘Gio’s Portrait’ silently watched this scene.

He then closed his eyes.

***

31 years ago.

The Earth was ruined.

When this all-too-common introductory phrase became reality, from then on, all science fiction movies disappeared from Earth.

Suddenly being dragged into another dimension and torn apart by irrational rules or monsters crawling out from the cracks of pitch-black dimensions felt much more real than any movie.

“Crazy…!”

“Excuse me, are they filming for a movie?”

“Do you think it’s a movie, damn it?!”

And as if that was expected, people with supernatural abilities appeared.

“Uh … Isn’t this a game window?”

“Wow, I got that too.”

“What did it say? Mine says I’ve awakened as a priest?”

“I don’t have that … just a list of skills. But if you’re a priest, do you have a religion?”

“Yes, I’m a Christian. Is it determined this way?”

“I don’t know either…?”

They changed the landscape of Earth.

“Ah, deal…! What are you doing without adding deal!!”¹

“How can I deal when hyung is blocking the front…!”

“Are you kidding me?! Shouldn’t the tank block the front instead of the back?!”

“Wow, this strategy is screwed…”

“Hiyaaaa …!”

They hunted monsters as if they were playing a game.

This phenomenon, defined as ‘awakening,’ manifested randomly in individuals, and no matter how much research was conducted, there was no precise rule or standard for it. The only commonality among those who had awakened was that they had a system window like that in a game.

Of course, hunting monsters wasn’t as light a task as playing a game.

“… Hey, at least take care of things he left. Even if there’s no body, we should still hold a funeral.”

“Our team’s dealer is gone …. I’m beat. How old did you say he was?”

“Eighteen years old. He said he wanted to go back to high school.”

“To drag a kid who wanted to study at school out here, the country must be crazy.”

“What can we do? They even make ten-year-olds work if they’re awakened ….”

“Well, an eighteen-year-old dealer is pretty decent.”

“This is fucked up.”

The so-called ‘Awakeners,’ or ‘Hunters’ who hunted monsters were few in number, so it was hard for them to escape from ‘death by overwork’. In the face of global changes during a transitional period, individual lives were treated as mere numbers.

However, South Korea was a country that quickly suppressed the chaos worldwide, centred around three heroes. They rapidly laid the foundation through a series of tumultuous changes.

“Honey, can you hear me? Ye-rin has awakened…”

As a result, citizens of well-organized cities began to feel more relaxed.

“The teachers told me that she had awakened at the kindergarten today.”

[ Huh? Ye-rin? Oh my … Does she have a profession? What about skill? What rank is it? ]

“I don’t know, Ye-rin says she doesn’t have a profession and her skill is D-rank. Seems like we’ll have to check at the centre for the exact details.”

[ Then let’s not make Ye-rin a hunter. Ask her what she wants to do, and if she doesn’t want to, don’t make her a hunter. ]

“I was thinking the same. Okay, thanks, I’ll hang up now.”

With established guilds and centres, the system was organized—the dimension was named ‘Dungeon’, and there are now distinctions between ‘Awakener’ who simply have awakened abilities and ‘Hunter’ who have the profession of hunting monsters.

“Yeah, just because the child has awakened doesn’t mean she has to become a hunter.”

“Mom, am I going to catch monsters …? I’m scared … I don’t want to do that.”

“No, it’s okay. Our Ye-rin doesn’t have to catch monsters.”

From a certain point, Awakeners also began to have different jobs.

Awakeners, who possess powers qualitatively different from ordinary people, were strictly managed by the country, but within a mere 31 years, after various incidents occurred and with the government changing dozens of times, the treatment towards Awakeners improved.

For Awakeners below the C-rank, the range of job choices expanded significantly.

“Wow, that person must be a hunter.”

“Definitely, seeing the guild emblem, they must be a hunter.”

“Amazing … Who is that? I’ve never seen them before, a newcomer? Have you seen them on TV?”

“The black wings are really cool. So that’s what a real hunter looks like.”

“I heard that flying-type skills are rare….”

“That person has made it in life.”

And with that, envious gazes towards hunters grew even more.

“I want to become a hunter if I awaken.”

“Eh, I’m not really into dangerous stuff.”

“But it’s still cool. You can earn a lot of money and be popular.”

In the end, they were treated like celebrities.

“Uh… hey, hey, seems like they heard us. Let’s stop and go.”

“I, I just thought it was nice. Sorry….”

Whether the hunters themselves wanted it or not, that was the flow of the world.

“

Some hunters were tired of the excessive attention.

“Are we soldiers or idols…? Why are there so many requests for photos when approaching us? Are we going to dance on stage next? In other countries, this kind of thing wouldn’t even be a dream.”

“Last time, I heard that a sasaeng fan entered our new recruit’s room. Does that even make sense? I mean, shouldn’t a hunter be worried about dying rather than this … A hunter’s job is to hunt monsters, not to manage fans.”²

“Popularity is one thing, but this is obstruction of work, isn’t it? It’s too distracting. I came here to hunt monsters, not entertaining the public. Korea’s perception of hunters is too frivolous. This needs to be fixed.”

Additionally, there were opposing opinions.

“Hmm, I like it though. And what do you mean by entertaining? Are you looking down on entertainers?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Come on, let’s not fight. After all, it’s better to be popular than not. I’m not defending sasaeng fans or work interference, but… once a system is in place, these inconveniences will decrease.”

“Yeah, the association will help with that. If it bothers you, you could file a complaint.”

Thus, the perception of hunters went beyond that of people with supernatural abilities, monsters, and soldiers to celebrities.

As time passed, this perception solidified, and at least for city dwellers, monsters and dungeons fell to the level of a disaster. Which means, they were categorized as similar to a fire that firefighters could suppress.

And among the three major guilds that emerged in South Korea—

“Guild leader.”

“Yes, please speak.”

“No matter how much we are called ‘Collection’….”

3rd rank domestic guild, ‘Collection’.

“This time, isn’t it a bit too much?”

“Isn’t it too much to tell a collector not to collect?”

“Do you know how much money was spent to buy this portrait?”

“I’m buying the thing with my own money, why is this an issue?”

The guild leader there, ‘Collector’ Bi Sa-beol.

The middle-aged man thinly smiled. While he looked refined like a polite gentleman, his smile left a somewhat unsettling impression.

“This piece even caught the attention of the Association President. What do you think, isn’t it surprising?”

“The Association President? That’s certainly surprising.”

“It’s a piece that was bid up to 2000 by a person whose only hobby is raising monsters, let alone collecting.”

“2000, huh…”

The 2000 mentioned here did not mean twenty million won, but two hundred billion won. Even if it wasn’t in the trillions, it was by no means a trivial amount.

“… My appraisal skill is too weak to recognize the true value of this piece. I apologize for my hasty judgment.”

“Since you didn’t know the situation, it’s understandable to scold a collector who has collected quite a number.”

“Thank you for your immeasurable consideration. Then, what function does this portrait have?”³

“I don’t know either.”

“That’s nonsense…”

There are three main factors when evaluating a hunter.

A ‘profession’ that can intervene in the world’s rules just by its existence.

The ‘aptitude skill’ that one naturally acquires at the moment of awakening, like a first birthday grab.⁴

The ‘level’ that indicates the proficiency of their profession and all skills.

To hear a detailed explanation of one’s profession and other skills available to learn, one should seek help from the centre, but for now, the hunter’s rank is displayed by the so-called system by comprehensively evaluating these three factors.

‘And…’

Bi Sa-beol was a person who became an S-rank hunter solely due to his aptitude skill, ‘Appraisal’.

‘That such a person failed to understand this piece, what a terrible joke.’

Perhaps oblivious to the big bewilderment of the employee, the collector just smiled as if he was having fun.

“That’s why it’s more desirable.”

The unique thing about ‘Collection’, one of Korea’s top three guilds, was that all guild members had appraisal skills. And Bi Sa-beol, the leader of that place, had appraisal skill so outstanding that it could be considered the best in the entire world.

That Bi Sa-beol didn’t know the exact function of this piece.

“I think I understand why the Association President bid for 2000.”

It was even terrifying.

‘…Maybe it’s just my feeling, but the atmosphere of the piece is a bit heavy. Even though it’s just a portrait of one person…’

The clerical guild member nodded.

“It seems more like a work suitable for research rather than appreciation.”

“Isn\'t that why the Association President coveted it so much? But in the end, I’m the one who won.”

“If you’re done talking, I’ll be leaving now. Getting caught in a whale fight is not my hobby.”⁵

“I don’t know how all our guild members are so chic.”

“I think it’s the guild leader’s karma for gathering only such people.”

“That’s sad.”

The guild member left the office with a disgusted look at Bi Sa-beol, who was smiling broadly instead of a sad face. He had the expression of someone who had come to deliver documents but suffered an unexpected misfortune.

Left alone, Bi Sa-beol lifted the portrait with telekinesis and headed towards the hidden elevator in his office.

Clunk.

The narrow elevator, barely big enough for three people, went down to a very deep place.

It was the ‘Collection’ guild’s warehouse, which was designated as a forbidden area by the government. Unless one was an authorized employee or a customer, they could not enter or leave this place.

Simply put, it was a gallery exclusively for Bi Sa-beol.

As he arrived at the warehouse.

“Haaa ….”

Bi Sa-beol let out a sigh of overwhelming emotion. The large veins on Bi Sa-beol’s hand, which held his lower jaw tightly, bulged with delight and satisfaction.

“Good.”

His snake-like, bright yellow eyes flickered with fanatical obsession.

Bi Sa-beol’s collection warehouse was his personal space. This was because, rather than displaying items brought by guild members from dungeons or overseas, it displayed the items the guild leader personally purchased.

Bi Sa-beol’s collection warehouse was filled with dangerous works and items.

“Very good.”

Unable to give up on artworks, Bi Sa-beol did his best to put all safety measures in place, and the government, recognizing his efforts and achievements, would often entrust him with problematic items.

“This spot would be good.”

‘Gio’s Portrait’ that Bi Sa-beol had purchased this time was no exception.

Click.

“Excellent.”

It was a painting of a man.

With a blunt and gloomy expression that matched his pale skin. Jet-black hair that seems to not reflect a single speck of light.

Yet, instead of being droopy and gloomy, it had a sharp and cool atmosphere with restrained arrogance ….

And the peaceful forest scenery that harmonized with him.

“I wonder who was drawn.”

It was a portrait that made one curious about the painter who drew it and the model who became the subject of the piece.

“If this is just human skill, it’s amazing. Even if it’s not, it’s the same. It’s as if it really contains a living human being ….”

At that moment.

The man in front of him.

The pale portrait opened its eyes and looked at Bi Sa-beol.

Bi Sa-beol held his breath.

As if every organ and muscle were captured by something huge, he couldn’t say anything.

… What is this?

‘What is this?’

It was black.

It was all black.

Even though the white and black are separated, it was an abyss where the boundary was completely indistinguishable.

Its centre was so deep that it was unfathomable. It was a shadow. And it was the night sky. And….

Does it resemble the universe?

‘Dark.’

Deep.

Colourful.

It resembled life where warmth and coldness coexist.

The veins and ties of fate that spread throughout it.

When Bi Sa-beol unknowingly touched the black eyes of the man in the painting …

The portrait soon.

“… Oh.”

Closed its eyes.

“My goodness.”

At that moment, Bi Sa-beol intuitively felt that he had hit an unexpected jackpot.

“It’s not an ordinary painting, is it?”

He felt very pleased.

***

Meanwhile, the man in the painting, Gio.

Was scared.

“Um …”

He quietly stepped back with a rarely disgusted face and looked at the frame hanging on the tree. It was the frame he called the ‘front door’.

Upon confirming that the only entrance was blocked, Gio muttered in frustration.

“I’m just an ordinary painting.”

He was a little desperate, enough to make excuses despite how no one would hear him.

‘…Is this what they call a threat to life? I thought such things would not happen in this peaceful cabin, but as expected, the world does not always go as one thinks. It’s a truly harsh world.’

Before he started making medicine in earnest, Gio, who wanted to check the outside world, noticed that his frame was being moved somewhere. Upon checking occasionally, it seems like he had been put up for auction.

And the last place he arrived was none other than a huge warehouse …

\'… Rather, it should be called a gallery or museum.\'

The all-white building and well-maintained interior showed that only carefully selected works were on display. It seemed to be a gallery that received a lot of love from its owner.

And the more love he poured into it, the more troubled Gio became, having lost his one and only front door.

“Now every time I go outside, I’ll be committing trespassing. Why did this happen to me, a model student who listens well, goes to bed early and wakes up early? Is it because I didn’t brush my teeth before bed yesterday?”⁶

Gio had already surprised an employee by trying to take a brief look outside. Although he never died, he didn’t want to be burned at the stake as a haunted portrait.

“If the portrait is ruined, I don’t know what will happen to this painting world ….”

Indeed, the Earth had undoubtedly become stronger in 31 years. It was too rough and harsh of a world for the timid and weak Seo Gio, a newly born potato from the Gangwon Province, to survive.⁷

\'It\'s dangerous outside the blanket.\'

Gio once again acknowledged his identity as a portrait and resolved to stay here.

Yet the very next day after he thought to be more careful than now to survive in this harsh world, staking the honour of a haunted portrait—

“Hello.”

From beyond the wooden frame, the red-haired man he saw yesterday was loitering around.

‘Oh.’

Not really, truly, sincerely with any discriminatory or derogatory intent, but objectively seeing without any personal feelings, Gio thought. Those bright reptile-like yellow eyes were creepy.

For some reason he couldn’t understand, they even sparkled. Why really? But he didn’t want to understand. It was too harsh of a dilemma for Gio, who had stepped out into the yard expecting a refreshing morning.

“Nice to meet you, sir. I’m not sure if it’s a good morning, afternoon, or evening, but for us humans, it’s a good morning. Did you sleep well, sir?”

“I think I was very rude yesterday. Would you like to talk to me? What is your name? Since I appraised it as ‘Gio’s Portrait,’ it seems your name is Gio….”

“Sir? Are you listening? Seeing you open and close your eyes, as someone eagerly seeking conversation, it’s quite tempting. You seem to have a great skill in captivating people.”

Damn the heavenly gods and earthly spirits.

‘It’s been thirty-one years since someone talked to me, so something good is bound to happen tomorrow. But even considering that, an utterly unacceptable misfortune has struck.’

Modern society, this scary child. Gio hoped that the person beyond the frame would maintain a proper distance and pour an appropriate amount of interest.

‘… It’s burdensome….’

Outcast potato Seo Gio just shrank in front of the man who did not hide his enormous energy.⁸

Of course, it was a grateful thing that there was someone who would talk to this loner. It might not feel like thirty-one years, but it had been that long since he had the opportunity to communicate.

‘The fact that the other party seems quite friendly tells me that this is a reasonably good situation.’

But still…

“Sir? Are you there? Sir? If it’s because I came empty-handed, I can prepare something you want according to your taste.”

“Hmm, do I need to offer a sacrifice…? What kind of sacrifice is usually received in such cases? The most common case is either a human with many sins, or perhaps a completely innocent human. But the latter is too difficult to find…”

“It’s been a while since I’ve contacted the prison. In today’s world, finding a human with many sins is a piece of cake. I wonder how many would be enough?”

Oh.

‘It’s tough.’

Even for Gio, the idol of a mountain village, it was an opponent he couldn’t prepare to communicate with.

¹: deal here means to deal damage.

²: sasaeng fan is a crazy obsessed fan with extreme behaviour and invasion of privacy. if you look at google, the first search result is Jungkook’s BTS sasaeng fan iirc you can think of that—

³: this dialogue uses 하해, while the word could mean reconciliation, I thought it was referencing the one with 河海 hanja so like ‘thanks for your understanding like the vast sea’? sth along this line ig? correct me if I’m wrong though.

⁴: 돌잡이 refers to a Korean tradition called ‘Doljabi’ where a child is encouraged to grab an item during their first birthday celebration, and the item they choose is said to symbolize their future career or path in life. so basically random gacha skill upon awakening.

⁵: 고래 싸움에 등 터지는 건 is a Korean idiom that translates to ‘like a shrimp’s back getting torn in a whale fight,’ which means getting hurt as an innocent bystander in a conflict between other stronger entities.

⁶: actually this one was 새나라 (new world/utopia) reference, but I don’t get this, from looking it up, it seems to mean someone who listens to their parents and teachers so well they can be people of the new world? I don’t understand ….

⁷: 햇감자, a potato that is freshly harvested or newly born that year … smh his way of talking about himself ….

⁸: 아싸 (literally ‘outsider’), basically an outcast.