The Artist Who Paints Dungeon - Chapter 116



Only Noblemtl

Episode 116

There are usually two routes for new recruits to enter the collection business.

“I saw a new face today.”

“Really? Who else did the guild leader seduce?”

First, the guild leader, Bisabal, picks up someone on the street.

“No, there were several people.”

“Then I guess you’ve been robbing somewhere again.”

“You look so happy….”

“It’s the guild leader’s long-standing hobby.”

Second, raid illegal guilds and recruit talented people.

“I didn’t see it on the news.”

“I guess it wasn’t that big of a guild.”

The collection shop was usually filled with new members through the collector’s talent for collecting people. It was a natural story, considering that the guild itself was like a display case for the collection of the Bisabal.

When there was only one new face, there was a high probability that the Victim had tricked someone on the street, but if there were multiple faces at the same time, it was more likely the latter. In this case, it was as if they had blatantly raided a guild.

“You’re still an intern, right? I’d love for you to join our team.”

“I thought it would go towards the gallery since it looks sturdy.”

“No, is that something that can be done just by being strong?”

“I think I’ll try curator work as a taster.”

“These days, the company has grown so much that it’s a bit tough… ”

“What can I do, the gallery is like the body of our company?”

The first thing a collector does is manage the gallery, the second is managing funds, and the third is exploring dungeons. The collector’s biggest business, which has a strong image of being a company that handles numbers and moves money, is undoubtedly the gallery.

A world full of beautiful and bizarre works. Those who know its essence are captivated by its rare power, and those intoxicated by romance praise the gallery’s splendor. The gallery of Bisabal is the face of the collector.

“It seems like there’s a good chance that I’ll become a full-time employee.”

“But if that happens… .”

The appearance of new faces caused the existing employees to murmur.

“Do new recruits also receive that document?”

The ‘official document’ mentioned here refers to the ‘Black Cloak Safety Rules’.

“… … .”

“… … .”

“… No, no matter what, this is a bit…”

“… If the new recruits don’t become regular employees, they might spread outside.”

“Honestly, this is a story about a black cloak, but are you telling me this?”

“But if it’s placed in the gallery, I think we should at least inform them of it humanely.”

“I still don’t think this is right. If we’re not careful, it won’t end with just one or two people dying.”

“It’s cheaper to let a few new recruits die than to have South Korea shaken up by monsters.”

“No, the new recruits might be provoked by ‘Mr. Sergio’ and it could even harm us.”

People who don’t know the style or feel friendly towards ‘Black Cloak’, but those who think a little, have a wary feeling that ‘they are ultimately monsters’. In this day and age, humanoid monsters are an undeniable object of fear.

This was especially true for the staff of the collection, who knew a little more about the Black Cloak than the average citizen. Only the curators would suck and suck on those crazy works, calling them ‘their babies’, while the ordinary staff were still wary and fearful of the Black Cloak.

“I heard the level is quite high.”

“I heard that evil spirits are also considered monsters. Is that possible…?”

“He seems pretty docile, but I can’t be sure.”

“Anyway, it’s hard to know the insides of monsters.”

“What’s the big deal? It’s probably just that you hate humans.”

“There hasn’t been much damage yet, but it can’t hurt to be cautious.”

The more this happens, the more important it becomes to recruit curators.

“I think the reason I brought in new recruits this time is because of the black cloak.”

“It would be difficult for one person to handle such a huge being. Mr. Yoo Seong-un is trying to die.”

“Our curators don’t risk their lives to make money.”

The gallery of the collectors has accidents and incidents that occur several times a month, with some people dying, others getting injured, and others becoming permanently disabled. Since the job involves managing beings that are difficult for ordinary people to handle, it is said that the mental power is greatly drained.

“They say the association’s research institute is a bit more controlled, so shouldn’t we go in that direction too?”

“There’s a gallery image of the collectors. The guild leader himself has set up a household with the works, so are you going to just sit by and watch that go by?”

“I can clearly see a future where people will make a fuss about how they can be so cruel. Actually, I don’t think this kind of atmosphere is bad.”

“Well, our gallery’s colors are very stimulating. We benefit a lot from that… We’re well-known.”

“There will be a parade in the spring, but that’s definitely not something you can do in a boring place like a research institute. It’s something that only our curators can do.”

“I think it has pros and cons. It is unstable because it relies on social interaction and trust rather than control, but it increases usability.”

The employees’ awareness of the significance of the existence of the Bisabal Gallery was once again passed on to the new, fresh staff who joined the company.

“Looking at the state of curators these days, it’s about time for a change.”

“When new people come in, the original people also have to take a vacation.”

“I’m telling you, you can’t do something like that unless you’re crazy about money or art. Poor people, they work overtime all the time. They can’t even get off work.”

“It’s probably more work than having a newborn baby, so where would you have time to rest?”

“Newborns don’t kill people just because they’re a little less hands-on. Every time a new person comes in, someone gets hurt in the gallery. It’s going to happen again.”

“For the time being, it would be best to keep a close eye on the gallery. It’s inevitable that people will die or get hurt, but we can’t let the entire company suffer any damage.”

“You’re new, why are you sending me to the 5th floor? It won’t be a problem. Hey, I thought someone from our team was coming in… .”

“Let’s give it a try. The curators need a break too. Anyway, new recruits who don’t fit in with the gallery will be coming to the office.”

As the staff had guessed, these new recruits were indeed chosen to manage the gallery.

“… … .”

“… … .”

“… … .”

They were looking very awkward.

“Oh, there are new faces. Are you curators?”

“… Ah, yes, I’m in charge of the gallery side of things… .”

“Since you’re new, I’ll just focus on the first floor, but take care.”

“thank you.”

The new employees were hesitant as the existing employees greeted them casually as they came and went.

‘This is the collection… the building is really nice.’

‘Can I stay here?’

‘Curator? I’ve never done anything like that.’

‘I have to seize this opportunity somehow.’

‘I don’t want to go back to that guild… .’

This was the kind of behavior that was often seen in new recruits brought in by the illegal guilds. They had the conscience and will to advance enough to work in a proper guild, but they were bewildered by the opportunity that had suddenly fallen upon them.

One person approached those new recruits.

“Hello, interns.”

It was Yoo Seong-un who gave the first curator training at the request of Bisabal.

“My name is Yoo Seong-un and I’d like to give you some brief information about the Collector’s Gallery.”

“Oh, hello.”

“hello….”

“You must have received basic training, so let’s move right away.”

The new curators, led by Yoo Seong-un, took the elevator down. The elevator for curators was only big enough to fit six people, but it felt crowded because there were exactly six people, including Yoo Seong-un.

Despite the cramped space, Yoo Seong-un explained.

“Today is the first day, so we’ll all be moving together, so it’ll be a bit cramped, but starting tomorrow, each person will have a curator in charge. They’ll be assigned different times, so it won’t be as cramped as it is today, so don’t worry.”

A newcomer asked him.

“Excuse me, is there a reason why it’s narrower than the regular employee elevator? Shouldn’t it be a bit bigger to move things in the gallery?”

“Good question. If there are disadvantages such as being in the company of a dangerous work or being cursed by the work, the maximum number of people is kept low in mind that everyone inside the elevator will die.”

Yoo Seong-un answered coolly.

“For the same reason, the curator-only elevator usually only holds two to four people. For works that are too large to be transported by elevator, freight elevators or moving skills are used, but this part is handled by more experienced curators, so you don’t have to worry about it yet.”

“… Considering that everyone will die, this small…?”

“It’s not common, but it does happen. Most of the time, accidents happen because people don’t follow the gallery’s instructions and act rashly. If you just follow the curator’s instructions, the chances of that happening are low. Above all, artworks that you have built a good rapport with tend to be safe.”

“Oh, yes, I will be careful. Thank you.”

“Because it is a gallery located deep underground, it takes a long time to go down. We are headed to the first basement floor, which is the safest place among the collection’s galleries. There are also works that play tricks on the elevator, so it is better to get a sense of the time it takes to go down each floor.”

The elevator arrived, and Yoo Seong-un, who had come down to the basement level, looked around at the new recruits.

“Welcome to the Collector’s Gallery.”

The voice was still indifferent, but none of the new recruits opened their mouths.

“… … .”

“… … .”

I was out of breath.

They were brought in because they were thought to have the qualities of a curator, and they had a high fear of danger and tolerance for pain, but they still felt intimidated.

A sense of chaos, heaviness and enormity that made it difficult to breathe enveloped the gallery.

Yoo Seong-un spoke to the new recruits who were looking around the completely white space with pale faces.

“I think everyone is at least C-class or higher.”

The new recruits who had come to their senses answered one by one.

“I am a C-class.”

“me too….”

“I’m a B-class.”

“It’s a B-class.”

“… It’s A-class.”

Yoo Seong-un nodded.

“There are exceptions, but generally, the higher the rank, the deeper underground the gallery you’ll be placed in. I don’t know about B-rank hunters, but I think it’s good to keep in mind the hunter who said A-rank.”

“… Yes, thank you for the advice. I will work hard.”

“The lower you go underground, the more benefits you receive. If you don’t want to, you can adjust your placement after consulting with the HR team, so you don’t have to worry about being forced to take risks.”

Yoo Seong-un led the newcomers forward slowly and explained the gallery.

“You don’t need to remember all the works in every gallery, but it’s a good idea to at least memorize the basic locations and characteristics of the works on the first floor and the floor you’re on. You should be able to deal with basic issues if they arise.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“In the case of works that are actively being worked on, they are often stored separately, and although they are usually not managed by new employees, they may be in the future. Please remember that there are sections that require identification… You should also become familiar with the rescue request devices installed in the gallery.”

In addition, Yoo Seong-un continued his most basic education.

The gallery’s structure, where the dangerous works are displayed, the tasks that new curators must do, etc… Because the gallery is so large, it took quite a while to tour just one floor.

Yoo Seong-un, who had returned to the elevator again, opened his mouth.

“You don’t need to remember the works I’ve explained in detail. Of course, remembering them will help ensure your survival and safety, but the most important thing is how to deal with the works that show activity.”

“Yes, Curator Yoo Seong-un.”

“Your curator will let you know about works that you have a deep understanding of or need to build rapport with. If your abilities are recognized, you may be assigned to one or more works, but keep in mind that you may have difficulty exercising your veto power in this regard.”

A newbie asked.

“Why is it difficult to make suggestions for the artwork when the floor layout is acceptable?”

“Because the gallery is short on management staff.”

“Ah… Are they all dying by any chance…?”

“That too.”

It couldn’t be said that it wasn’t. This gallery, which, while not as controlled as the association’s research institute, pushed the usability and intimacy of the works to the limit, usually paid for its glamor by sacrificing the life and health of the curators.

It was a gallery that literally forced people into working, but it was a system that could be maintained because the value of the artwork was much higher than the amount of manpower. It was also a structure that was commonly seen in the world these days.

“Because the work of a curator requires considerable mental and physical fatigue, even if you are in charge of one work, you need to take regular breaks. You need to rotate frequently, but if you don’t, as I just mentioned, the number of works you are in charge of increases.”

Yoo Seong-un laughed innocently.

“But we don’t assign curators tasks that they can’t handle at all, or tasks that are so blatantly life-threatening, like human sacrifice.”

It’s a world where you can never say that their lives are more valuable than the artwork here, but that doesn’t mean that Bisabal neglects the safety of its curators.

There were only the numbers of injuries and deaths, but Bisabal was cherishing what was his. He wanted the end to be noble and artistic if his employees had to die.

“You must remember that this is a collector’s country.”

“… … .”

“You have come here because you have shown the potential to become a part of the guild master’s collection. The guild master cherishes his collection quite a bit, so if you are promoted to a full-time employee, you will have no problems.”

“ah….”

“As long as you don’t slacken off or do stupid things. Our guild leader likes honest and capable people. You can use it as a reference for your personal development.”

As he said that, Yoo Seong-un narrowed his eyes.

“Always remember that what you are about to face is the most dangerous and sensitive being on Earth. This gallery requires the attitude of thinking about it hundreds of times and making careful choices, but also making bold choices based on your intuition at some point.”

It was contradictory advice, but that was the reality. Curators, who had to care for their own work with love and devotion, could not survive by simply following the manual.

Yoo Seong-un shrugged.

“If both the curator and the company decide that the curator’s job is not suitable for him or her, he or she will be assigned to another job. Since the gallery is short on manpower, everyone is receiving this training as a priority, but it is not mandatory.”

“Oh, then, what other jobs do you have?”

“It would be something like processing company documents or going on expeditions to find artwork to display at auction houses or galleries. If you want a stable life, an office job would be good, and if you want to work to the best of your ability and get paid accordingly, a field job would be good.”

Curators are also paid according to their abilities and results, but this is out of the question because it is much more dangerous than general field work. If I were worried about my life, I would rather take on general company work.

“This concludes the essential training I will give you today. If you have a strong desire to work as a curator or if you have any questions left, you can look around a little more.”

“… … .”

“Well, there isn’t. In that case, I’ll make sure to record everyone leaving the gallery with me on the list. The curator in charge will let you know, but let’s make it a habit to fill out the gallery entry list every time we get on the elevator.”

Yoo Seong-un nodded and asked.

“I will now take your questions.”

“… Is there anything different if you become a full-time employee?”

“Whether you’re a curator or do something else, the benefits will increase.”

“I wonder if he classified the information that he could tell the intern. He thought about something for a moment and then continued speaking.

“In addition, you will have your own identity on a portal that only regular employees can access.”

The ‘own identity’ mentioned here meant that their citizenship level would rise. If they were officially employed, they would be issued a second-class citizenship card instead of the current fourth or fifth class.

If you’re lucky, and if you work hard enough, a first-class citizen’s license is not a dream but a reality. The eyes of the new recruits were filled with impatience and desperation.

“What is this portal that only regular employees can check?”

“You can think of it as similar to a general company portal. There is information and a community that only the company’s employees can see.”

“Is there a possibility that the intern will be disadvantaged due to such information gaps…?”

“To be honest, I can’t say that there are no disadvantages. However, I can say that it’s not as big of a disadvantage as you think, and there is definitely a difference in treatment.”

Yoo Seong-un paused for a moment after saying that.

“… … .”

“… Curator?”

“And let me give you one piece of advice.”

He continued speaking with the same innocent smile as before.

“Our company has a person who works the early morning shift named Sergio.”

“… Early morning shift? What is that? Is it like part-time?”

“A similar concept, a sort of special force. An unofficial hunter who has not even debuted in the media. He often shows up at the company, so you might run into him.”

“Who is this Sergio? Since he speaks so clearly like this, is there anything we should be careful about?”

“He is a kind and polite person. He won’t be angry if you don’t do anything rude first, so I hope you won’t be too surprised when you meet him.”

“… Do you look a little scary…?”

“Well, kind of.”

Yoo Seong-un nodded.

“He’s wearing a black cloak.”

“…Black cloak?”

“I’m having trouble because my image overlaps with the famous black cloak these days. I’m someone who usually enjoys wearing black cloaks, but I’ve heard that I resemble a dangerous monster… .”

“Oh, I see. Similar images… .”

“… … .”

After a moment of silence, Yoo Seong-un soon opened his mouth.

“… This is an unofficial special force of the collectors. I’m checking the overall atmosphere of this company and going around, so you might run into me in the hallways or galleries. I’m telling you in advance so that you don’t mistake me for an intruder.”

The expressions of the two new recruits hardened at Yoo Seong-un’s words. It seemed like he had guessed something, but Yoo Seong-un did not say anything more and ended his explanation here.

“It was nice meeting you.”

“Yes, Curator Yoo Seong-un.”

“I hope we can meet again as a family without any problems.”

He smiled faintly.

The purpose of the collector’s gallery was management, sales, and exhibition. It was created solely to cherish the collection of the Bisabal, and in this place, social interaction, not control of the works, was necessary.

Will these new recruits be able to develop an irrational affection for these crazy works?

“I hope you adapt well.”

The first training session for new recruits has been completed.

* * *

“… … .”

“hello.”

And so the day ended.

“Are you okay?”

“…ah…?”

“I’m glad you don’t seem to be hurt.”

A new recruit encountered a blond man.

He said.

“My name is Sergio.”

“… … .”

“What is your name?”

“… … .”

“I wonder what your name is.”

The eyes that contained the sea smiled.

“Would you like to talk to me?”

It happened at 5:13 in the morning.