The Artist Who Paints Dungeon-Chapter 300

And so, Yoo Seong-Woon met with Jeong Hae-Woon.

“......”

“Gardener Yoo Seong-Woon?”

“Ah, yes.”

Why...?

‘Did something bad latch onto my life?’

It had been only 28 hours since he enshrined that precious piece—the one his equally precious portrait painted—at his home.

He had just finished his urgent tasks and was mentally preparing himself to say, “Let’s drop by the snowy field together.” But instead of preparation, something beyond imagination showed up before him.

“What brings you here, Guildmaster Jeong Hae-Woon?”

“It must have been a sudden visit, I apologize.”

Gardener Jeong Hae-Woon apologized with an awkward face. As his reputation suggested, he was indeed kind and polite.

“This might sound terrible, but... I was hoping to avoid running into Guildmaster Bisa Beul if possible...”

“I understand.”

Indeed, the Symbol of Eternity and Bisa Beul didn’t exactly get along. Even Yoo Seong-Woon thought his guildmaster enjoyed life a bit too much—dangerously so. As someone tasked with protecting Earth, it made sense that the Symbol of Eternity would be wary.

‘No matter how blinded by affection you are, there are still lines that shouldn’t be crossed.’

Whenever conflict arose between the Collector and someone else, there was a 96% probability that the problem was Bisa Beul. Even Yoo Seong-Woon couldn’t ignore that data. But that wasn’t the reason he was so flustered right now.

Yoo Seong-Woon looked around.

“...Of all places, in a dungeon?”

“I’m sorry it’s not a cozy café or a neat reception room. But for a conversation between gardeners, there’s no space more accommodating than a dungeon.” 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

“I understand what you mean.”

Gardeners were sensitive to the mystical. Once one reached a certain level, it was often more comfortable to be within mystery than on Earth. It was easier to control things in here, too. And easier to leave no traces behind.

In many ways, really.

‘Still, the fact that we’re in the Four-Legged Rainforest is a bit concerning.’

This was a place where Gio’s waterbirds were spread all around. Of course, Yoo Seong-Woon was on his artwork’s side—but he was also on Earth’s side. As both a protector of Earth and a junior to Gardener Jeong Hae-Woon, he couldn’t be disrespectful.

He scanned the surroundings.

“There’s no one else in this zone right now. Please, feel free to speak, Guildmaster Jeong Hae-Woon.”

“Thank you. Again, I apologize for the sudden visit. I know it would’ve been proper to set an official appointment, but my urgency got the better of me. If you’ll allow it, I’ll make up for this in some way later.”

“No, anyone living on Earth knows you’re a busy person, sir.”

Showing up unannounced was certainly rude among hunters. It was a silent tradition born during the age of cataclysms when people killed and were killed constantly.

After all, the one being visited had no way of knowing if the visitor was an assassin or something else.

‘But...’

If the visitor was Jeong Hae-Woon, it was an exception.

‘He has no time.’

Literally none. Not even a sliver. More than having no time, it was like he was in overdraft.

‘For someone like him to go out of his way to visit a specific person must mean he's taken on significant loss to do so... and if he’s willing to accept that loss just to come see me, then there can only be one possible topic.’

After organizing his thoughts, Yoo Seong-Woon asked,

“...Did you come because of Gio’s portrait?”

“Ah, my. I’m embarrassed to have forced you to speak first. Yes, I feel bad diving into the main topic after barging in like this, but... I’ve had some questions about the piece I’m currently handling.”

“I’m fine with going straight to the point. I think that would be best for you as well. So—what exactly are you unsure about?”

“That one. Is he... an Origin?”

“......”

That caught him off guard.

“I didn’t expect you to ask so directly.”

“Ah, as I thought. Now it makes a bit more sense.”

“Have I managed the piece poorly...?”

“You’ve done nothing wrong, Gardener Yoo. You needn’t worry. It’s just—I saw ‘Hunter Sergio’ in person a few days ago, and I had a feeling.”

“Ah-ha...”

So this is how it is—an insight from a far more senior figure.

“I had to observe for a long time before I was granted the realization. But now, seeing how much I still lack, I feel ashamed. I’ll strive harder.”

“You’re doing very well, Gardener Yoo. There’s no need to feel embarrassed. Everyone has different roles and capacities... no one can always share the same perspective.”

Jeong Hae-Woon asked gently,

“How much do you know?”

“I know up to the story of ‘Teacher Sergio.’”

“From beginning to end?”

“Not to that extent, I’m afraid...”

“But you do know that he’s a being tied to the ‘Promise,’ at least?”

“Yes, I’m sorry to say, but I do. Was that out of line?”

“It would be more accurate to call it competent than rude.”

Jeong Hae-Woon shrugged with a casual air. He was someone who knew how to put others at ease. It was hard to imagine him as the “delinquent” Gio once mentioned.

He continued,

“It probably helped that I have the background I do, and because of that ‘Promise.’ That’s what made it easier for me to realize the truth about the piece you manage. If I weren’t who I am, it would’ve been nearly impossible, so please don’t worry.”

Then he added,

“Recently, the gardens have gone through a bout of fever.”

“Yes, mine too...”

“They say the earth hardens after the rain. I interpreted it as growing pains, or something like it. If the piece you’re managing really is tied to the Origin... then I wondered whether there had been any reaction on that side.”

“You seem to think I’m rather close with ‘Hunter Sergio.’”

“From what I understand, the two of you are known to show closeness even in public settings. And, well—I know what kind of person ‘Hunter Sergio’ is, so I have confidence in my guess.”

“...He is remarkably good at making friends...”

He scratched his cheek awkwardly.

“...Even before that fever, I felt something. Do you think that was just my imagination?”

“No. The gardens have been unstable for some time. It seems something finally erupted at a certain point. I just thought there might’ve been some trigger nearby.”

“A trigger... hmm...”

Yoo Seong-Woon had thought about that too.

“...Uh...”

But he still hadn’t reached a conclusion.

“This is troubling. There are too many possibilities.”

Which made sense. The piece in question was Gio’s portrait—the Eye of the Origin.

That entity had been layered with multiple identities recently, touched numerous mysteries like dungeons and monsters, encountered old students, appeared in parades... The reasons for a garden’s agitation were endless.

‘Or maybe it was a kind of inspection?’

That seemed plausible.

‘Considering the nature of the “eye” as a body part, maybe the gardens detected Gio’s presence and tensed up, like they were being observed... and if things became more orderly afterward, then maybe it fits.’

Still, it wasn’t certain. Even his own garden hadn’t become perfect after the fever. Just... easier to manage, maybe.

‘If it really were a divine-level inspection, I think there would still be tension rather than vitality... but since I’ve never been a garden myself, I can’t say for sure.’

There was probably some influence, but it didn’t seem like that alone was the root cause, not according to what Jeong Hae-Woon meant by a “cause.”

A gardener might know of the Origin’s existence, but not its exact structure. If they were left to guess, they’d have an infinite number of possibilities to consider.

Indeed, it was a difficult matter. Yoo Seong-Woon smiled patiently.

“...Even after reviewing it again, my thoughts are still tangled. I’m sorry I can’t give you an immediate answer. I must be imposing on your busy schedule.”

“Not at all. Just having this conversation with you like this is already incredibly helpful. Strictly speaking, this counts as overtime too, doesn’t it?”

“Something like that, I suppose?”

“I was the one who imposed, and I’m the one asking for help. If possible, could I hear any advice you might have, no matter how small?”

“...Well, first...”

Yoo Seong-Woon spoke, almost defensively.

“...There were signs from the beginning. The mysteries of Earth keep piling up, and we’re short on people to manage them. Every gardener must’ve seen this coming. Plus, lately, there have been several dungeon events.”

“All of which, as I understand, are related to Gio’s portrait.”

“That’s right. Considering this portrait is close to an Origin, it was inevitable. I think half of it was intentional, though I can’t say for sure. That guy’s too cryptic.”

“Hmm... When I met him myself, I could tell he wasn’t someone to be taken lightly. I understand.”

“Thank you. So, right up until Dream Amusement Park, I wouldn’t say it was full-on feverish. The gardens weren’t all in an uproar back then.”

As the gentle voice guided him, Yoo Seong-Woon slowly traced back the timeline. He had an idea of when things started—but he couldn’t speak carelessly before Jeong Hae-Woon.

What he needed to find was the exact moment when instability exploded.

‘The time when the garden and the mysteries became busiest.’

After careful thought, he cleared his throat and said,

“...It’s probably when he went to the abandoned school...”

“...The abandoned school?”

“Yes. My portrait nested there.”

“Ah... I see.”

“I think that’s when things really started.”

“I understand now what you meant.”

Jeong Hae-Woon gave a faint smile.

“Mr. Yoo Seong-Woon, it seems you’re a ‘related party.’”

“Ah? Oh, yes. Related...?”

“As you know, all memories and information related to that were erased. I only know the terrifying rumor, thanks to a favor from the Hunter Association president. I don’t recall the specifics...”

“...So the few who still remember it are considered ‘related parties.’”

“That’s likely the criteria. If everyone truly forgot, then if a problem ever occurred, there’d be no one to handle it. But you, Gardener Yoo, I can trust to manage it.”

“Then... do all the Symbols of Eternity no longer remember that nest in the abandoned school?”

“At least myself and Association President Dan Haera have forgotten, yes.”

Then Jeong Hae-Woon smiled faintly.

“What a shame.”

“......”

The words carried a strange weight. A distorted kind of echo.

‘...Typical gardener behavior.’

An S-rank hunter and Earth’s first gardener. A human closer to mystery than to humanity. Their voices could be vibrant or not at all. That was what it meant to be a gardener.

Appear like a swan. Be like the surface of a frozen river. Never reveal your depths. Those who did would eventually be devoured by mystery—or cause its release.

‘Who knows what’s true or false anymore.’

Gardeners had to be like that. Anyone too transparent would show their garden just as clearly, causing chaos—and eventually becoming a part of the mystery themselves. They had to live in contradiction.

“...Do you have any more questions?”

“No, what you’ve said is more than enough. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I’ll make sure to return the favor personally... Is there something you’d like?”

“Then I’d like to ask a question.”

“As many as you want.”

“How do you intend to treat Gio’s portrait?”

“Well, I suppose that’s something you’d be curious about, Gardener Yoo. It’s a good question.”

After thinking for a moment, Jeong Hae-Woon answered plainly.

“...As a mystery.”

“Do you dislike him?”

“I actually like him quite a lot—for someone like me.”

“Can a mystery that’s so close to humanity still be called human?”

“It can. A human’s life is short, and a mystery appears and vanishes in a flash.”

“I intend to invite him into my garden in a few days.”

“That... sounds quite interesting.”

Jeong Hae-Woon smiled politely.

“Does he treat you well?”

“He treats me extremely well. He’s a very kind portrait.”

“I hope that relationship lasts.”

“Why’s that?”

“To keep the story of mystery from expanding too far.”

“...I see.”

Then he asked one last question.

“If a garden were to be revealed to the world without any side effects—what do you think would happen?”

“I’m not sure we could still call that Earth... but even so, it would have meaning. People would adapt.”

“Thank you for your answer.”

Yoo Seong-Woon had no more questions.

‘The rest is for me to ponder.’

He smiled patiently.

“I hope peace continues from now on.”

“I think it probably will.”

“Why’s that?”

“Didn’t you say he’s a very kind portrait?”

“Well, yes, but...”

“And a portrait that loves Earth.”

Jeong Hae-Woon gave a light bow in farewell.

“At the very least, I believe things are improving.”

“Faith is important, isn’t it?”

“Then I’ll come visit again sometime.”

“Ah...”

Before he could say anything else, Jeong Hae-Woon vanished.

“......”

Just like how he appeared.

‘He’s like a ghost.’

And considering ghosts were a type of mystery, it wasn’t exactly wrong.

Yoo Seong-Woon looked around. The stable Four-Legged Rainforest teemed with life. Saplings swayed gently from the ground, and translucent waterbirds watched while holding fruit in their beaks.

Wisteria-faced water dragons poked their heads out from between °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° the bushes. They tilted their heads together, then vanished back into the foliage.

“...Mmm.”

They were cute, but—

‘...They’ve grown again. I hope the Origin hasn’t affected even this place...’

A sigh-like groan escaped him.

“When do I get off work.”

Damn overtime again.

***

“Seo Seo-Hee.”

His visit was more sudden than usual.

“...Jeong Hae-Woon.”

“He still comes to see you?”

“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“Just answer me.”

Without warning, Jeong Hae-Woon appeared before Seo Seo-Hee with a grim face.

“Does he still come to see you?”

“...No. He said he’d take a break for a while.”

“You—absolutely, absolutely...”

Both hands gripped Seo Seo-Hee’s shoulders, and his tone was sharp with a murderous edge. He looked angry, but upon closer inspection—it wasn’t that.

“Never try to learn about him. Promise me, okay? I believe you will.”

Sweat beaded on his face.

“...So you’re not going to tell me what happened?”

“No. Not even if I die.”

“You’re not acting like yourself. Where’s your usual bravado?”

This was unfamiliar.

“What are you so afraid of? Teacher Sergio?”

“Don’t even say that name. You know names matter to mysteries.”

“Is the world going to end or something?”

“It’s not impossible.”

“Where did you just come back from?”

“Fucking school.”

“So what did you find that made you come here like this, Jeong Hae-Woon?”

“Our sin.”

“......”

“...What we did to that man, what we... did that day. I figured it out. So...”

Seo Seo-Hee asked,

“You want me not to find out?”

“Fuck... I don’t even know what that being is trying to do...!”

“Calm down.”

“......”

Jeong Hae-Woon exhaled and said,

“I’m... going to go forget now.”

“You’re going to see Haera?”

“You and I are in different situations. I won’t make you do this.”

“Fine. I won’t do anything reckless that’ll make you worry.”

“Then that’s good.”

And just like that, Jeong Hae-Woon vanished.

“......”

Seo Seo-Hee let out an awkward laugh.

“...Ha. This is shit...”

The vice-guildmaster standing nearby, Kang Eun-Seong, asked,

“...Should I erase my memory as well?”

“No need. He clearly saw you here and didn’t say anything, Eun-Seong.”

“He seemed very disturbed. Maybe he didn’t notice me.”

“He might’ve been overwhelmed, but not so much that he’d overlook someone like you. It’s fine. He’s not that careless.”

“Yes, I understand.”

After hesitating, Kang Eun-Seong asked carefully,

“...You seem... upset.”

“Yeah. The lunchbox was good, too...”

“I don’t think that small kindness would cross a line.”

“Maybe not.”

Then, Seo Seo-Hee smiled as usual.

“Sergio Hunter hasn’t contacted us yet, right?”

“No, not yet.”

“That’s probably okay then. If we’re still this distant... that’s probably fine.”

“What Guildmaster Jeong didn’t want you to find out is just the past, isn’t it? If we only focus on our current relationship with him, I believe there’s no danger.”

“Yeah, so... it should be fine.”

What kind of person had he been, in the past?

‘How kind was he? What happened between us? What was our sin?’

He tried to live inside an old dream, but maybe that wasn’t possible.

Familiar resignation washed over him.

‘...Yeah. I always meant to live like this anyway. I decided not to dig up the past. If I don’t, then Earth’s system won’t twist... and if I just keep meeting a nice person for occasional meals, that’s enough.’

Still, the bitterness came from being denied even the chance to repent.

“......”

...Don’t think about it.

***

ERROR OCCURRED

Recovery in progress _0%

Recovery complete _100%

.......

Tada.