The Artist Who Paints Dungeon - Chapter 111



Only Noblemtl

Episode 111

Yoo Seong-un was terrified that the feast of the gods would be served, with the legs of the Kraken fried in the blood of the Phoenix and decorated with the heads of hatchets, but contrary to his worries, the meal Geo prepared was simple.

‘… No, it’s ordinary.’

And it was abundant.

A large grilled fish in the middle of the table, steaming meat in brown sauce. Stir-fried vegetables that seem to include tomatoes, onions, and bok choy. Rice balls rising up to the top of the bowl, and bone soup with green onions and seafood.

‘It looks like a table made up of whatever is available, but the combinations are subtle… .’

For some reason, the table was made up of creatures that had never been found on Earth before.

“… … .”

Yoo Seong-un didn’t use his emotional skills. It wasn’t a wise decision, but after reading the exact contents and effects, he didn’t think he’d be able to eat in his right mind.

“…It looks delicious.”

“It will be delicious.”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

He gave up.

‘Surely Geo wouldn’t lock me in this cabin.’

It wasn’t that he didn’t worry. Didn’t the hunter Park Eun-gyeom pay the price for staying in the ‘City of Void’ for a few days and becoming a complete painting? Strictly speaking, this place was also a painting.

In Greek mythology, Persephone was linked to the underworld with Hades for nothing more than a few pomegranate seeds. In a world where gods exist, Meteor Cloud couldn’t help but feel even more uneasy.

‘But even if Hunter Cha-ara ate here, it’s not like she couldn’t go home.’

I had already heard that Geo had personally invited him and even fed him. It didn’t look like a very different meal than the one he was eating now, so I didn’t think there would be a big problem if Yoo Seong-un ate it.

“… You’re really good at cooking.”

However, what Yoo Seong-un was worried about was whether he could leave the painting in the same condition he entered it in.

Seeing that my already good eyesight had become clearer, I thought I was wrong. Soon, I would be able to observe the cells of living things with my naked eyes.

“And the hands are big.”

“Is the fish a bit big?”

“Does the fish look big?”

Of course, he was surprised by the fish that was placed in the middle of the table. First of all, it was not an aquatic creature that Yoo Seong-un knew, and its size was almost the size of a plump winter seasonal mackerel.

“Of course the fish is a bit big.”

Yoo Seong-un saw the stewed meat.

“That guy is no pushover either.”

“It’s Dongpa Pork.”

“Are the Dongpa Pork we are thinking of now different?”

“I made it with the thought of Dongpa pork, which is often found in Korea.”

“What kind of Korea have you been to?”

Even Chinese restaurants don’t serve it like that.

“I’m not lying, I just make wedding cakes.”

“3-stage frozen pork… .”

“It’s a word I’ve never encountered before in my life.”

I also wondered how they managed to make Dongpa Pork in such a short period of time.

“Honestly, I don’t know much about cooking, but doesn’t Dongpa Pork take a long time to make?”

Simply put, Dongpo Pork is a Chinese dish made by stewing pork for a long time. It is usually cut into cubes and stewed in a soy sauce-based sauce, and is characterized by a soft texture that can be chewed with the gums.

“I asked a Chinese restaurant before and they said I would have to wait a day.”

“Since it wasn’t prepared in advance, it must have been fresh and warm Dongpa pork.”

“If you want, let’s go together next time. No, so what the heck is this… .”

“Thanks to Honey and Dad’s help, the time was shortened.”

“Ah, I see. I understand. So, can I eat this?”

I guess it’s not something humans can eat?

‘A three-stage Dongpa meat created by the combined power of the children of the origin and the sun god?’

I don’t know what it is, but I felt like if I ate it I would have to stop being human.

“… When Hunter Chaara stops by.”

“Yes, there was a time like that.”

“Did that friend of yours also… help you prepare the meal?”

“I was in charge back then.”

“Why me?”

“yes?”

“No, that came out wrong.”

Why on earth are you doing this to me?

‘If this continues, I won’t be able to feel at ease.’

Until just a moment ago, I had been patting myself on the back, thinking, “Hey, Hunter Cha-ara was fine, so I should be fine too.” But when I heard that the meal preparation process was different back then, I couldn’t help but worry.

‘This is why the authors who call themselves gods have no consideration for humans.’

Yoo Seong-un swallowed his sigh with difficulty.

“…I’ll eat well.”

“I hope you enjoyed it.”

“I don’t know why I see greed in your eyes.”

You’re a guy who can show greed too.

“I learned a lot today.”

If you think about Geo’s habits, it’s probably close to him imitating human emotions to communicate according to the situation, but anyway.

“What kind of greed are you?”

“I know this may sound rude, but I wish you would gain some weight….”

“I don’t know if it’s rude, but am I really going to walk out like a pig?”

“… … .”

“Geoya?”

Anyway, around the time the meal started.

“Haaa …

“Oh my.”

There was an incident where Anticat Dana was jaw-dropping when she saw a human, Yoo Seong-un.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Yoo Seong-un. My child is very shy, so I caused him trouble. I will make him reflect on his actions.”

“No, it’s natural for monsters to hate humans. It’s also a rare experience to see the jaws of an anti-cat that would run away at the sight of a human…”

Yoo Seong-un rather liked it. Through the mandibles of that jewel cat, Yoo Seong-un was able to prove that he was still human.

Anyway, now the meal really began.

“…oh.”

It was delicious.

“This is the heavenly table.”

“You are too kind.”

“It was a rather objective statement.”

Although I was a little worried about the aftereffects after eating, the food Geo prepared was really delicious. I could feel my tongue being happy even if I just ate the food without adding a single lie.

“The color of the rice is unusual.”

“I added vegetables and made it.”

“Oh, you can cook rice like that too?”

“It’s also delicious when made with bone broth or seafood broth.”

“It’s strange.”

I thought rice was made with just water. It might be a strange thing to say to someone who is the source, but Geo was indeed multi-talented.

“… … .”

Even this strangely friendly appearance was probably close to a camouflage to get along with humans.

‘… There is no other way to ease a living creature’s guard as easily as eating. It is especially intimate because you cook for them yourself.’

I thought there must be a reason why Geo enjoys cooking and giving gifts. He is the only one who looks scary and loud.

‘It certainly worked. Quite a few of the citizens who are out looking for Black Cloak these days are out to get a taste of the snacks he’s handing out.’

In that sense, this kind of cooking skill could be said to be bait to lure humans. Yoo Seong-un nodded inwardly.

“It’s really grainy, not a single grain is crushed.”

“This is a meal I prepared with care. I’m glad you complimented me.”

“I don’t know how they make this kind of food.”

The texture was chewy enough to resemble the chewy rice made by a famous sushi chef, but not so chewy that it was unpleasant. Honestly, it was enjoyable on its own.

“It tastes good too.”

It didn’t seem to have been seasoned in any way, but the strange bitterness unique to vegetables, the savory flavor that seemed to flow from them, and the deep aroma that came out of it, like drinking hot fish cake soup on a winter day, were fantastic.

“What are we going to do?”

“I went into this and that.”

“… … .”

It had been a while since he had enjoyed the taste of food, but soon, Yoo Seong-un became ominous. He realized once again that it was impossible to enjoy a comfortable meal in the stomach of the origin.

“Is it my imagination? Why do I feel healthier now?”

“It was worth adding herbs.”

“Herbs? What herbs?”

No, wait a minute.

Herbs from the source?

“You used that to cook rice?”

“Isn’t it delicious?”

“Do you usually use herbs to make food taste better?”

“There is no reason not to use it.”

“That’s… true.”

Yoo Seong-un was convinced.

“There is no reason….”

To Geo, the source.

‘It feels like eating bread baked with 500-year-old elixir.’

It is certainly true that there is no reason why it should not be done, but the thought of it being extravagant did not disappear. If the pharmacists of Earth found out about this, they would shed tears of blood.

“… I guess it would be okay to think of it as making the medicine taste better.”

“It seems like you don’t necessarily need to take medicine that is good for your body.”

“Yeah, I think that’s a good idea.”

If you think about it, it’s not that you make delicious rice with medicine, but that you make delicious medicine with rice.

‘… No matter what, I still feel like something is stuck inside. I just learned that even eating can go beyond the realm of humans… .’

Perhaps he considers himself an ordinary person, but for Yoo Seong-un, who was directly experiencing this meal, it was burdensome. However, it was so damn delicious that he didn’t want to put down his spoon.

“under….”

I know this is just bait to lure humans and various creatures, but I still think Geo could have been a little less good at cooking. Humanity was in danger.

“If I make rice balls with this, it will be delicious.”

“It’s really delicious. If you ever go on a business trip, I’ll pack it for you.”

“No, that… okay. Thank you.”

It’s delicious, so I won’t turn it down.

‘I don’t feel like my body has changed dramatically just because I ate it.’

Compared to the tea that improved my eyesight that I had at first, this meal that made my body feel a little more refreshed was ordinary. This was enough to blow away the fatigue that had built up from working overtime for several days.

‘Actually, that’s a great thing, but I’ve been through so much that I’m able to keep my composure.’

To be honest, I was quite scared of just the rice, but I couldn’t just sit there because the person who had prepared the meal was watching me closely. Yoo Seong-un slowly turned his eyes to the fish.

“… … .”

“Shall I put it on?”

“No, it’s okay.”

Even when I look at it again, I am still amazed by its sturdy appearance.

“What kind of fish is this…?”

“It is a fish that lives in the ‘deep sea country.’”

“I see, that could be possible.”

There were quite a few guilds that used a dungeon as a farm or a breeding ground. Thinking about that, it was understandable why Geo would go to the ‘Deep Sea Country’ to get food ingredients.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen this species….”

“In Earth terms, it’s a fish that’s a mix of salmon and halibut.”

“What kind of fish is that?”

“It’s a fish with a strong salmon flavor and a halibut texture.”

“The universe is truly vast.”

Yoo Seong-un took a piece of flesh from a crispy fried fish.

“… It’s definitely an oily orange color.”

But it didn’t look as oily as salmon.

“Oh, it’s moist.”

“I tried changing the firewood in the stove. How does it smell?”

“This was baked in an oven. It’s really good.”

I wondered how they cooked this large fish, but it seemed they used a stove. Just as Geo said, a sour smoky scent rose up, masking the fishy smell of seafood.

The texture was very soft, as if they had done something to the fish. The skin, which clearly showed that it had been baked in an oven, was crispy like a thin cookie, but the meat inside was soft and crumbled, as if you were eating a thick piece of well-cooked saury.

“It’s a little sour? It even has a spicy flavor. It’s not just roasted, is it?”

“Grilled fish marinated in tangerine, lemongrass, and chili juice.”

“Are you a chef?”

I don’t know how many people he plans to seduce with this cooking skill. No, it looks easy because the subject is a dinner table, but it’s not a joke, it’s really dangerous.

‘Humans who don’t even know the existence of the source should not feel friendly towards this guy.’

Geo continued explaining the dish, seemingly not caring what Yoo Seong-un was thinking.

“Lemon is good, but I think this kind of oily fish needs something bitter….”

“… … .”

The calm face of the young man who spoke like that showed excitement. He looked quite happy.

I know that Geo himself has a passion for cooking. I also know that it is purely out of kindness, but kindness from such a great source can be poisonous to humans.

‘This is a favor that I can’t handle right now… .’

What on earth should I do with this?

“… I have a lot to say about your expertise, but what is that bowl of sauce next to the fish?”

“A fish-specific sauce made with lemon, soy sauce, and chili pepper.”

“It can be this serious.”

Even now, when I’m wondering how to prepare for Geo’s kindness, it just fits so well that I can’t help but chuckle.

The disguise of the origin would not be intended to harm humans. At the same time, it would be contradictory to call it a ‘disguise’, so it seemed impossible to criticize Geo, who enjoys cooking and sharing gifts, as a lie.

“I really… .”

Yoo Seong-un tried hard to hold back his sigh and said with his characteristically indifferent smile.

“I thought I could just eat it like that because it was so delicious.”

“Is there a problem?”

“It feels like a waste that I ate it without dipping it in sauce.”

“Thank you for your passionate compliments.”

“Why don’t you open a restaurant on Earth? I think it’ll be popular.”

“I don’t think I’m suited for sales due to my physical constitution.”

“That’s true too.”

Geo’s egos that have been revealed so far have mostly been painters, priests, doctors, and teachers. He seems to be either a very free spirit or prefers to be under some kind of organized system, making it difficult to force sales.

‘It would be quite magical if the restaurant where the source is operating is open. All the gardeners on Earth would gather there. The disaster that breaks out like that would be interesting… .’

Yoo Seong-un was slowly losing his senses.

‘…Yeah, whoever made the food, as long as it tastes good, that’s fine.’

It was really delicious.

“This stir-fried vegetable….”

“It’s a stir-fry made with tomatoes, green onions, garlic, etc.”

“What I’ve been eating until now wasn’t real vegetables.”

Yoo Seong-un nodded after tasting the crunchy onions.

“Yes.”

“It’s sweet.”

“A little spicy.”

“Is it appropriate?”

“Yeah, that’s about right.”

Onions that retain the characteristic spicy flavor of onions, but are fried in hot fire and are full of sweet juice. These guys are so juicy and crunchy that they almost feel like fruits rather than vegetables.

“At this point, it would be delicious even if I just fried the onions.”

“How about tomatoes?”

“…Why is it so sweet?”

If these tomatoes were exported, the tomato vegetable and fruit markets could be unified. These tomatoes that Geo had stir-fried were definitely fruits. At this point, it felt like eating a warm fruit salad.

“This is the first time that stir-fried vegetables don’t taste greasy.”

“Is there anything about stir-fried vegetables that makes you feel rich?”

“Because you put in too much oil.”

“Then you feel it.”

“I definitely think this feels good.”

This vegetable stir-fry, which used minimal oil, was crunchy rather than mushy, and had a stronger fire flavor than oily flavor. The spicy vegetable stir-fry, which had a sour, fiery aroma as if it had been burned with a torch, boasted a refreshing flavor that was completely different from other vegetable stir-fries that became mushy from the heat.

It wasn’t even seasoned. It was a stir-fried side dish with the original flavor of the ingredients, with a hint of salt and pepper, and a hint of the luxurious soy sauce that seemed to have been lightly burnt.

“It’s almost like a salad.”

Yoo Seong-un picked up the long-awaited Dongpa Yuk.

“… … .”

“Kyuu.”

The teddy bear was looking at the meteor cloud with anticipation.

‘… What exactly are you expecting? How should I react, and how can I live like an average human being?’

For some reason, it seemed like the old man who had finally discovered his talent for cooking was waiting for the reaction of the first meal he was served.

While deluding himself with his own metaphor, Yoo Seong-un dutifully took the frozen pork and placed it on his rice bowl. It was so soft that he had to use a spoon instead of chopsticks.

‘This is really close to pudding.’

Let’s have a meal together like that.

“… … .”

Yoo Seong-un hesitated for a moment whether he should spit this out.

‘… I don’t think this is the kind of food I can handle. What should I do?’

If you hear it wrong, it might sound like a trivial remark, but it wasn’t. He was feeling a real sense of crisis. For the first time, Yoo Seong-woon realized that something too delicious could be a problem.

Fortunately, there was no disaster where Yoo Seong-un spit out the food. Not only would that be rude to those who prepared the food, but it was too delicious for that.

“… They say that humans are animals that cannot help but be swayed by their instincts… .”

“Why on earth would you say something like that while you were eating?”

“I don’t think there’s much of a difference either.”

So that’s why so many people in legends and myths have made such foolish choices.

‘Because I can’t let go of human greed.’

Even the gardener, who knew the dangers of mysterious stories, nodded his head in agreement.

“hmm….”

Anyway, even after finishing the meal, Yoo Seong-un did not become immortal.

“You’re really good at cooking.”

“You’ve been saying the same thing all along.”

“You’re so good.”

“thank you?”

“It’s okay to do moderately well.”

“Mr. Yoo Seong-un, you are good at giving compliments.”

“… … .”

No, I just meant to do less well.

‘I don’t know if you’re doing this knowingly or not, but your cooking threatens human identity.’

Yoo Seong-un, who had enjoyed a delicious meal, couldn’t bring himself to say that.