3 chapter
3 chapter
At a prestigious auction house.
"Uh...?"
"What's wrong? What happened?"
"Ju-just now... It seemed like that painting moved."
"How clumsy."
One of the managers snorted.
"There’s no way a regular portrait would end up here. It must be an item from some dungeon."
"Ah..."
Despite the reassuring words from his superior, the employee looked uneasy. He glanced at the portrait in front of him with a sense of dread.
"..."
Just now.
It seemed like their eyes met.
"...I hope it’s not a cursed item..."
It had already passed the safety inspection to be included in the auction, but the world was vast and items varied.
Due to its mysterious origins and unidentified functions, it had managed to make it to this auction house, but that only added to the employee's ominous feelings.
"This is how typical horror movies start, isn’t it? Some ominous artifact and oblivious people around... It’s perfect."
He just hoped he wouldn’t end up as the first victim.
"Ooh, scary."
"..."
That scene was silently witnessed by ‘The Portrait of Gio’.
He closed his eyes.
31 years ago.
The world had ended.
When this cliché introduction became a reality, science fiction movies vanished overnight.
The sight of people being dragged into other dimensions and torn apart by irrational rules or monsters crawling through dark dimensional rifts was far more vivid than any film.
"Crazy...!"
"Sorry, but is this a movie shoot?"
"A movie, my ass!"
Then, as if on cue, superpowered individuals appeared.
"Uh... isn’t this a game interface?"
"Wow, I got that too."
"What does it say? I awoke as a priest."
"I don’t have that... just a skill list. But you’re a priest? Are you religious?"
"Yes, I do go to church. Is that how it’s determined?"
"I don’t know..."
They changed the landscape of the planet.
"Damage! Why aren’t you dealing damage!"
"How can I deal damage if you’re blocking the front!"
"Are you kidding me?! Isn’t the tank supposed to block the front, not the back!"
"Wow, this raid strategy sucks..."
"Waaaaah..."
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They hunted monsters as if playing a game.
This phenomenon, defined as 'Awakening,' occurred randomly, and no amount of research could discern any rules or criteria. The only commonality among the awakened was that they experienced a game-like interface.
Of course, hunting monsters wasn’t as light as playing a game.
"..."
"...Hey, at least take the relics. Even if there’s no body, we should still perform the funeral rites."
"Our team’s DPS is gone... I’m so drained. How old did he say he was?"
"18 years old. He said he wanted to go back to high school."
"Dragging a kid who wants to study in school into this mess, the nation must be mad."
"What can you do? If they're awakened, even 10-year-olds are fair game..."
"Well, at 18, a DPS is already a veteran."
"..."
"This sucks."
These 'Awakened Ones,' or 'Hunters' as those who hunted monsters were called, remained a minority, making it difficult for them to escape from overwork. During a period of drastic global change, individual lives were treated as mere numbers.
However, South Korea was one of the nations that quickly suppressed chaos with three heroes at its core. They swiftly established a foundation through layers of upheaval.
"Honey, is the phone working? I heard Yerin has awakened..."
With the system established, even the citizens of organized cities began to feel more relaxed.
"Today at kindergarten, the teachers told me she awakened."
[Oh? Yerin? Oh dear... Does she have a job? What about her skills? What’s her grade?] "I don’t know, she says she has no job and a D-grade skill. We’ll need to check at the center to know for sure."
[Then let’s not make Yerin a Hunter. Ask her what she wants, and if she says no, don’t force her.] "I was thinking that too. Alright, thanks, I’ll hang up now."
With dimensions known as 'Dungeons' and a distinction made between mere 'Awakened' and 'Hunters' who hunted monsters, a structured system like guilds and centers was established.
"Yeah, just because a child is awakened doesn’t mean they have to be a Hunter."
"Mom, am I supposed to hunt monsters...? It's scary... I don’t want to do that."
"No, it's okay. You don’t have to hunt monsters."
From a certain point, Awakened individuals began to take up other professions.
Though they were strictly regulated by the country due to their qualitatively different powers, within 31 years, numerous incidents and dozens of governmental changes improved the treatment of the Awakened.
For C-grade and lower Awakened, the range of career choices expanded significantly.
"Wow, that person must be a Hunter."
"Definitely, seeing the guild emblem. They must be a Hunter."
"Wow... Who is that? Are they new? Have you seen them on TV?"
"The black wings really look cool. Yeah, that's a real Hunter."
"Flight-type skills are really rare..."
"That person has hit the jackpot."
And with that, the envy towards Hunters grew even stronger.
"I wish I could awaken and be a Hunter."
"Eh, I’m not into dangerous jobs."
"But it’s cool, isn’t it? They earn a lot of money and are popular."
Eventually, they were treated like celebrities.
"..."
"Uh... hey, hey, they might have heard us. Let’s go."
"I-I just meant it as a compliment. Sorry..."
Whether the Hunters liked it or not, that was the flow of the world.
"...Sigh..."
Some Hunters grew tired of the excessive attention.
"Are we soldiers or idols? Why do so many people ask us for photos? Are we going to dance on stage next? Other countries wouldn’t even dream of this."
"Last time a fan snuck into our newbie’s room. Can you believe that? Like, why isn’t she worried about being killed instead of this... Hunting monsters is our job, not managing fans."
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"It’s a crime to ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ interfere with our work, right? It’s too distracting. I came here to hunt monsters, not to perform for the public. Korea’s perception of Hunters is too frivolous. We need to fix this."
However, there were opposing views.
"Eh, I like it though. And what do you mean by ‘performing’? Are you looking down on entertainers?"
"That’s not what I meant."
"Let’s not fight, guys. It’s better to be popular than not. I’m not condoning stalking or interference... Once the system is in place, those inconveniences will decrease."
"Yeah, the association will take care of it. If it bothers you that much, just file a complaint."
Thus, the perception of Hunters evolved from superpowered individuals and soldiers to celebrities.
As time passed, this perception became entrenched, and for the city dwellers at least, monsters and dungeons were regarded at the same level as disasters, similar to fires that firefighters could handle.
And in such a South Korea, one of the top three guilds was born.
"Guild Leader."
"Yes, speak."
"Even though we’re called ‘The Collector’ from the start..."
The third-ranked guild in the national rankings, "The Collector."
"This is a bit too much."
"Isn’t it rather insulting to tell a collector not to collect?"
"Do you even know how much money was spent on this portrait?"
"It’s my money, and I'm buying my own stuff. Why is this a problem?"
The guild leader of 'The Collector,' Bisa-beol, smiled thinly. Despite appearing like a refined gentleman, his smile left an unclean aftertaste.
"This piece even caught the interest of the guild president. Isn’t that surprising?"
"The guild president? That’s indeed surprising."
"A person who only has a hobby of raising monsters bid up to 2000 for this."
"2000..."
Here, 2000 meant two hundred billion won, not twenty million. While not in the trillions, it was certainly no trivial amount.
"...My appraisal skill is weak, so I couldn’t discern the true value of this piece. I apologize for any premature judgment."
"It’s understandable if you don’t know the circumstances."
"I appreciate your understanding like the sea. Then, what function does this portrait have?"
"I don’t know."
"That’s absurd..."
When evaluating a Hunter, there are generally three important factors.
The 'job' that can intervene in the rules of the world by its mere existence.
The 'innate skill' that one is born with at the moment of awakening, like grabbing a stone.
The 'level' that indicates the proficiency of the job and all other skills.
To learn detailed information about one's job and additional skills, one must seek help from the center, but generally, a Hunter's grade is comprehensively assessed and displayed by the 'system' based on these three aspects.
'And...'
Bisa-beol had become an S-grade Hunter with just his innate skill of 'appraisal'.
'That a person who couldn’t recognize the artifact is making such a poor joke.'
Unaware of the staff’s turmoil, the collector merely smiled as if amused.
"That’s why it’s even more desirable."
One unique aspect of the 'The Collector' guild, known as one of Korea’s top three guilds, was that all its members possessed appraisal skills. And Bisa-beol’s appraisal skill was considered the best in the world.
That Bisa-beol couldn’t determine the exact function of the artifact.
"I see why the president bid 2000."
It was
chilling.
'...Is it just me, or is there also a somber mood to the artwork? It’s just a portrait of one person, but....'
The office worker nodded.
"It seems more suited for research than enjoyment."
"That’s why the president was so interested in it. Though I won it in the end."
"If you’re done, I’ll be leaving. I’m not interested in getting caught in the middle of a whale fight."
"How come all our guild members are so aloof?"
"It’s the karma of a guild leader who only gathers such people."
"That’s sad."
With a face not at all sad, Bisa-beol laughed and turned, leaving the office. The expression of the staff member who had come to deliver documents suggested they felt unfairly treated.
"......"
Left alone, Bisa-beol lifted the portrait with telekinesis and headed toward the hidden elevator in the office.
"......"
Thud.
The narrow elevator, barely fitting three people, descended deep.
It was the 'Collector' guild’s warehouse, designated as forbidden territory by the government. Only authorized employees and customers could enter here.
In short, a gallery exclusively for Bisa-beol.
"......"
Upon reaching the warehouse.
"Haah..."
Bisa-beol let out a sigh of overwhelming emotion. The large veins on his clenched hands bulged with joy and satisfaction.
"Excellent."
His snake-like yellow eyes flickered with frenzied obsession.
Bisa-beol’s collection warehouse was his personal space. Unlike other guild members who displayed items brought from dungeons or abroad as is, the guild leader himself purchased and displayed them.
Thus, Bisa-beol’s collection warehouse was filled with dangerous artifacts and items.
"Very nice."
Unable to give up on art, Bisa-beol had installed all safety measures meticulously, and his efforts and achievements were occasionally recognized by the government, which entrusted him with problematic items.
"This spot is perfect."
The ‘Portrait of Gio’ that Bisa-beol had recently purchased was no exception.
Click.
"Marvelous."
It was a painting of a man.
His sullen, gloomy demeanor matched his pale skin. Despite the pitch-black hair that didn’t reflect a speck of light.
Yet instead of being drearily slack, it held a cool, angular mood with restrained arrogance...
And harmoniously blended with the tranquil scenery of the forest.
"I wonder who was painted."
The artist who painted it and the model who became the subject were both intriguing.
"If this is merely human skill, it’s incredible. But even if it’s not, it’s still the same. It’s like... really capturing a living human...."
That moment.
"......"
"......"
The man in front.
The pale portrait opened its eyes and looked at Bisa-beol.
"......"
Bisa-beol held his breath.
"......"
As if seized by some colossal force in his organs and muscles, he was unable to speak.
"......"
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…What is this?
'What is this?'
It was black.
Entirely black.
Despite the division of whites and blacks in the eyes, it was impossible to distinguish their boundaries. It was a bottomless abyss.
If you are reading this translation anywhere other than Novelight.net or SilkRoadTL, it has been stolen.
It was so profoundly deep, it was unfathomable. It was a shadow. And it was the night sky. And....
"......"
Did it resemble the universe?
'Dark.'
Deep.
Colorful.
Resembling life with both warmth and coolness.
"......"
With numerous veins and ties of fate spread throughout.
As Bisa-beol unwittingly reached out to touch the pitch-black eyes of the man in the painting...
"......"
"......"
The portrait then.
"…Oh."
Closed its eyes.
"My goodness."
At that moment, Bisa-beol sensed an unexpected jackpot had exploded.
"So it’s not an ordinary painting?"
He was very pleased.
Meanwhile, the man in the painting, Gio, was...
Frightened.
"Hmm...."
With an unusually disgusted face, he quietly backed away and looked at the frame hanging on the tree, which he called the 'front door'.
Realizing that his only entrance and exit had been blocked, Gio lamented the misfortune.
"I'm just an ordinary painting."
Even without anyone hearing, he made an excuse he couldn’t help but make out of sheer desperation.
'...Is this what they call a threat to life? I thought such things wouldn’t happen in this peaceful cabin, but as expected, things in the world don’t always go as one thinks. What a harsh world.'
Before he started making potions in earnest, Gio had tried to check the outside world and realized his frame had been moved somewhere. It seemed to have been placed in some auction at times.
And the last place he arrived was none other than a huge warehouse...
'...Or should I call it a gallery?'
The entirely white building and well-maintained interior indicated that only carefully selected works were displayed. It seemed like a gallery much loved by its owner.
And the more love it received, the more troublesome it became for Gio, who had lost his one and only front door.
"Now every time I go out, I’ll be committing trespass. For me, an exemplary early riser from the new country, why did this happen? Because I didn’t brush my teeth before bed yesterday?"
Already having startled some staff member, Gio, who had never died but was also not eager to be burned at the stake as a haunted portrait, was concerned.
"If the portrait gets damaged, I don’t know what will happen to this world of the painting."
Indeed, the Earth had become tougher over 31 years. The timid, weak Gangwon Province native, Sun Gio, was in a world far too harsh and rugged for survival.
'Outside the blanket is dangerous.'
Gio once again acknowledged his identity as a portrait and resolved to stay here.
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On the honor of a haunted portrait, he thought he should be more careful to survive in this harsh world, the very next day.
"Hello."
"......"
Beyond the wooden frame, the red-haired man he had seen yesterday peered in.
'Oh.'
Truly, sincerely, not with any discriminatory or derogatory intent, but Gio’s corneas objectively and impartially said. The reptilian-like yellow eyes of the man were chilling.
For some reason, they even flickered. Really, why? But Gio didn’t want to understand. Expecting only a refreshing morning and coming out to the yard, it was too cruel a concern for him.
"Good morning, sir. I’m not sure if it’s morning, afternoon, or evening for you, but for us humans, it’s a good morning. Did you sleep well?"
"......"
"Was I too rude yesterday? Would you consider having a conversation with me? What is your name? Since you’re referred to as ‘Gio’s Portrait,’ your name seems to be Gio...."
"......"
"Sir? Are you listening? It’s tantalizing when you open and close your eyes. You seem to have a talent for captivating people."
Oh, heavenly gods.
'31 years since someone talked to me, and it’s this guy. I’m sure good things will happen tomorrow. But even considering that, I really can’t accept this misfortune.'
Modern society, this terrifying child. Gio hoped the person beyond the frame would maintain an appropriate distance and show a proper level of interest.
'...It's too much....'
The loner, Sun Gio, just shrank away in front of this man who did not hide his vast energy.
Of course, it was a thankful event that someone was talking to this loner. It hadn’t been 31 years in perception, but it had been that long since such an opportunity for communication had arisen.
'The fact that the other party seems quite friendly suggests this is a fairly good situation.'
But still....
"Sir? Are you there? Sir? If it’s because I came empty-handed, I can prepare an item that suits your taste."
"......"
"Hmm, should I offer a sacrifice... What kind of sacrifice do they usually take? The most common case is surely a deeply sinful human, or perhaps a completely innocent one.... The latter would be too difficult to procure..."
"......"
"I guess I should contact the prison soon. In today’s world, finding a deeply sinful human is as easy as eating cold porridge. How many should I get?"
Oh.
'It's tough.'
For the idol of a rural village, Gio, it was an interlocutor he couldn’t muster the energy to communicate with.