The Artist Who Paints Dungeon - Chapter 128



Only Noblemtl

Episode 128

Gallery at 4am.

“Geo.”

Yoo Seong-un called the portrait as usual.

“Are you awake?”

“Yes, I am awake.”

“I sent a letter.”

“… … .”

A portrait with its eyes covered in black paint looks at a meteor cloud. A bloodless lower body spits out words.

“Were you able to read it this time?”

“Nothing has changed. It’s the same as what you sent me before.”

“okay.”

There was no sign of discouragement.

As usual, the tone of the portrait was dull and empty. The calm tone was certainly pleasant to listen to, but its weight was heavy, making it difficult to ponder for long.

Yoo Seong-un let the voice flow without any meaning being understood. Then the portrait spoke again.

“I can show you something fun.”

“If you say it’s fun….”

Yoo Seong-un nodded as if he had guessed.

“Did you succeed in finding another ‘Geo’?”

The reason why he was able to imitate humans so well despite his huge stature was because he was awakening his old personality, another ‘Geo’. It was said that it was easy for ‘Geo’, the human, to act as a human before he was imbued with the portrait.

Geo answered Yoo Seong-un’s question in the affirmative and provided an additional explanation.

“I drew it, I didn’t find it.”

“So that’s a painting after all? Then how is it different from a portrait?”

“To be exact, I am asking Geo beyond the picture.”

“Please… .”

That’s a pretty mild expression.

“… … .”

Yoo Seong-un calmed his mind so that he wouldn’t show any signs of trouble. He was ready to face the disaster.

“So what kind of person is this ‘Geo’?”

“It is one of the evil spirits.”

“Aha, does that mean it’s time for the Earth to end?”

“I will not destroy the Earth.”

“I’m grateful, but I’m a little scared.”

Why does it have to be an evil spirit?

“… No, if you’re an evil spirit… aren’t you not human in the first place? Can you receive help from someone like ‘Geo’?”

“It is possible because he is human after all.”

“You are so compassionate. I always feel that your standards for humans are very broad.”

I knew it when I saw those scary mermaids and started preaching, ‘You are humans too.’

‘It’s the same with thinking of yourself as an ordinary human being… .’

Actually, it seems like it’s some kind of joke or an act, but anyway, there’s no lie in ‘believing’ like that. It seems that Geo’s standards for treating others as human beings are quite… tolerant.

“So that’s why you called me to tell me that story?”

Although Yoo Seong-un still couldn’t interpret Geo’s letter, he knew that he had something to say. That’s why he came to visit him that morning after receiving the letter.

“Or is there something you would like to discuss with me?”

“Rather than that… .”

Dalgrak―.

The portrait’s ringed hand held the frame.

“… … .”

‘Geo’ covered in black paint pops out like a meteor cloud… .

“-peekaboo.”

I was playing a prank.

“… … .”

“… … .”

“Why is there no response?”

“…uh….”

As Yoo Seong-un stepped back, pale bare feet landed in the space. Yoo Seong-un grabbed his heart as ‘Geo’, who had already completely stepped out of the portrait,

“… Oh, okay.”

“What does that mean?”

“I was scared for a moment.”

“I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“I see.”

This time I really thought I was going to die.

‘The eyes….’

The moment I met those golden eyes looking down at me, my mind went dizzy.

Yoo Seong-un had previously speculated that the ‘Portrait of Geo’ was the ‘eye’ of the source for gathering the human database.

Since then, I tried even harder to avoid eye contact, but when I looked at him straight on like this, it took my breath away. It was really… .

“… … .”

Yoo Seong-un took a deep breath and returned to his usual expression.

“Is this the Geo I knew?”

“I still remember and affirm you, Mr. Yoo Seong-un.”

“hmm….”

The response was certainly as positive as ever.

“… It seems like things have changed a lot. It was the same with Giovanni, but it really changes to extremes.”

From the blunt ‘Sergio’ with no expression whatsoever, he became the priest ‘Giovanni’, characterized by a bright and affectionate smile.

‘And now, he has become an evil spirit who knows how to smile with a dark smile… .’

I thought Geo was basically good-natured, but seeing as he turned into an evil spirit, I wonder if that kind of nature can change?

‘It’s true that Geo himself can’t be said to be kind by human standards. His taste for liking kind and polite things is likely fixed, but his unique politeness and kindness toward humans may change.’

Even after organizing my thoughts like that, I still lacked information. Unlike the previous ‘Geo’ who was generally gentle, this guy was flashy from his appearance to his personality.

The first change that can be mentioned is color.

“Is that the color of this ‘Geo’?”

“Isn’t it pretty fancy?”

“It definitely is, it’s really gorgeous.”

The eyes were a cool golden color, and the hair was a deep red like aged blood. Yoo Seong-un could quickly recall a similar color palette.

Geo probably felt the same way.

“The guild leader here seemed to be a similar color to me.”

“Oh, that’s right. He has a keen eye for detection too.”

It wasn’t exactly the same color. Bisabal’s hair and eyes were a bit more saturated than Geo’s now. His hair resembled freshly squeezed blood, and his eyes were closer to lemon than gold.

Even so, that’s true.

“They are very similar.”

At first glance, you might think they’re relatives.

‘If I tell you this much, you’ll be offended.’

Since the other person introduced himself as an evil spirit, he had to be careful. If he introduced himself as a mere human, it could be seen as an insult to the god. It was better to avoid that.

But Geo’s reaction was quite cool.

“Are we similar enough to be considered family?”

“… I guess so.”

“Are you good at fighting?”

“Oh no, absolutely not. If you hit it, it will fly away.”

“Oh, like that.”

“… … .”

Yoo Seong-un chewed his tongue inwardly.

‘Is this the type of evil spirit?’

Among the evil gods, there were schemers with twisted personalities, and there were berserkers who would wipe out any schemes or anything. It seemed that Geo this time was closer to the latter.

“… So you started enjoying fighting, then?”

“Don’t worry, my friend, I won’t go wild unless you’re worth it.”

“Okay… .”

First of all, seeing that you call me ‘friend’, it seems like the goodwill you had built up until now hasn’t been deleted.

‘You’ve always thought of me as a friend.’

I was grateful, but it was more of a burden. It was a great honor for a gardener to be considered a friend by a being with the same size as the Eye of Origin, but it was also a position where I would never be able to die as a human.

‘I might not be able to live out my lifespan if I’m not careful.’

Anyway, good things are good things. It was obvious that it was better to gain favor than to gain enmity.

“… … .”

The meteor cloud, scratching its neck, spoke again.

“…Can we talk comfortably?”

“A good person like Mr. Yoo Seong-un deserves to be treated accordingly.”

“Even though it’s the same honorific, the feeling is definitely different.”

The honorifics of Black Geo were eerily blunt, while Giovanni’s were gentle and polite. The honorifics of the gorgeous Geo before his eyes were filled with a sharp smile, making them sound a little sarcastic.

‘Is it because of that dignity that I don’t feel like a common punk?’

Yoo Seong-un looked inside the black cloak this time. He knew that there was a rare chance that the outfit would change whenever ‘Geo’ changed.

The black cloak that covers him from head to toe makes it impossible to see inside, but if he reveals himself, the inside can be seen. When he was Sergio, Geo wore a black suit, and when he was Giovanni, Geo wore a white priest’s outfit.

‘Detailed details like hairstyle and fashion seem to change depending on Geo’s mood at the time, but this one definitely stands out.’

This time Geo’s attire was full of bones and jewels.

“… … .”

If you go out like that, how are you going to handle it?

‘The atmosphere is a bit ominous for explaining all of those as artifacts.’

Geo smiled as if he had noticed Yoo Seong-un’s thoughts.

“Would I really be walking among people like this?”

“Or maybe I’m really lucky.”

“If necessary, I’ll wear a suit, because it’s neat.”

“Then what are you wearing now?”

“Isn’t this to show Mr. Yoo Seong-un?”

The way he speaks really changes quickly.

‘A rather capricious type… .’

You had to be careful. Even if you said that, you could still pass people by dressed like that.

These days, there are so many hunters with unique concepts that I wonder if it will be a big problem, but since I introduced myself as an evil spirit, it would be foolish to be complacent.

“… So… .”

Feeling a little confused, Yoo Seong-un opened his mouth first.

“I’m starting to get a grasp of the situation.”

“Is that so?”

“Is there anything you want from me?”

“I had something to ask.”

“What do you want to ask? Is that the main point?”

“that’s right.”

Geo asked.

“Am I still scared?”

“… … .”

It was amazing.

‘…Is the current Geo also considerate of humans?’

Although the evil seed was a black cloak that did not treat humans like humans, Geo basically showed fair affection to humans.

It’s so fair that it sometimes feels like indifference, but I know that it’s the consideration of this portrait.

‘But was that possible even for the evil Geo?’

I was prepared for a lot of things when I introduced myself as an evil spirit. It felt like I was seeing something really unfamiliar.

“… … .”

Yoo Seong-un shook his head after looking at his opponent carefully.

“No, it’s not scary.”

“really?”

“To put it more precisely, there is something about your momentum that is a bit overwhelming.”

Yoo Seong-un laughed innocently.

“But this can’t be helped. You’re considerably taller than other humans, and your color is intense right now, and your gaze itself is intimidating. Your expression… has a ferocious side.”

but.

“But I still think he’s human.”

Of course, it was still difficult to look Geo in the eye directly.

However, the reason that Yoo Seong-un was able to quickly escape even after meeting him at such a close range was because Geo was still clearly in a human state.

Geo’s lips twisted ambiguously at Yoo Seong-un’s calm reaction. It seemed like he was probably smiling.

“It feels very strange to hear that.”

“Is it really like that?”

“It’s strange to say that you look like a human.”

“Is that… a change due to the current you?”

“okay.”

Geo, who seemed to be thinking about something for a moment, opened his eyes.

“Everyone calls me Argio, but Mr. Yoo Seong-un, you can call me whatever you want.”

“Argio? Is that the word that refers to you?”

“In the old language of my hometown, it means a cruel beast. It’s a kind of derogatory term.”

“… Then I’ll just call you like I usually do.”

There was no need to praise an already cruel evil spirit by calling it ‘cruel’.

‘It’s also a shame to call someone who doesn’t show any malicious intent a derogatory term.’

As if he knew what Yoo Seong-un was thinking, Geo smiled broadly. Only then did Yoo Seong-un realize that Geo’s eyes were sharper than he had thought.

‘When you smile like that, you definitely look more like the guild leader.’

He usually sits calmly and collectedly, so I didn’t think he had sharp eyes. It was such a random topic that I didn’t say anything, but Geo opened his mouth.

“That’s all for today.”

“Have you checked to see if there are any side effects from becoming one with another Geo?”

“I guess so, I was satisfied.”

He pulled the hood of his cloak down low, and covered his entire body with a dark black cloak. Only his pale bare feet showed the black suit again above them.

Geo spoke from within the pitch-black shadow of the cloak.

“Thank you for responding to my letter.”

“… … .”

It was definitely ‘Sergio’.

“… Hey… .”

This is going to get harder and harder to adapt to as time goes on.

‘I guess I’m still human because I find this creepy.’

As the days passed, the erosion of the garden became more severe, but it seemed that even if they came into contact with the source, it would not have any effect. Yoo Seong-un felt a chill and laughed at the sight of everything about ‘Geo’ being replaced in an instant.

For this portrait, ‘Geo’ is a kind of clothing.

‘It’s probably an attempt to find clothes that fit the situation and fit in with humans without feeling awkward.’

Yoo Seong-un understood the attempt and consideration. In his own way, ‘Portrait of Geo’ was trying to get along with the other person by using numerous memories and personalities.

‘So, did you call me this time to show off to your family and friends that you bought new clothes and want them to look good on you?’

It was a little funny. There was something cute about this behavior in ‘Portrait of Geo’, like seeing the immature and passionate being of the newborn.

“I will gratefully accept your thanks.”

“Maybe I can help you another day.”

“That would be even more appreciated.”

As a gardener, help from the source can be a lifeline.

‘I don’t know if it will help in any way since there has been no such case historically.’

The portrait caught the meteor cloud that was about to leave.

“If you are tired, would you like to stay the night in my cabin?”

“hmm….”

It’s true that I’m tired, though.

“… It’s not that I’m not interested.”

“yes.”

“If I were to visit, I would like to do so in a more respectable manner.”

“okay.”

“Wouldn’t it be unpleasant for you to postpone the consideration you showed me now until another time?”

“I always look forward to Mr. Yoo Seong-un’s visit.”

“That’s a really nice invitation.”

It was a ghostly invitation that bewitched a lonely and weary traveler.

“I like that kind of thing.”

Yoo Seong-un smiled with his blue-gray eyes wide open.

* * *

At that time, in an abandoned building in the outskirts.

“… … .”

In that place filled with ash and soot, a man who had lost everything sat quietly.

What he held was a sign of an evil spirit called Sankalut.