Chapter 52

After hearing the entire story, Yoo Sung-woon felt conflicted inside.

“…….”

No, it was simply that his stomach churned.

'…I would have never imagined a being of origin allowing entry to a human. Has there ever been such a case before?

No matter how gentlemanly Gio might be, he was still a being born from the origin. If one were to find something even remotely similar, it could be speculated that he was something like 'children of the origin,' but, well, at this point-such things hardly matter.

The problem was probably what Cha Ara had seen….

“…Was it a cabin in a forest?”

It was because it was speculated to be a type of 'garden' belonging to the origin. If one were to find the closest comparison, that would probably be it.

'…That is not a place just anyone can visit, since one would end up dead if entered without proper qualifications. In the first place, it's not even a place that could be called a typical dungeon.'

At Yoo Sung-woon's question, Hunter Cha Ara fidgeted with her fingers. Then, she nodded her head with a rather defensive demeanour.

From what Yoo Sung-woon could see, she seemed to have a rather sensitive and prickly personality, but more than that-her even more withdrawn demeanour made it apparent what kind of treatment she must have endured in her daily life.

“Yes, I've never been outside the house… but I think that's how it was.”

“ls that so?”

Yoo Sung-woon massaged the back of his neck.

This is troublesome.'

From what he heard, the atmosphere had changed according to Gio's mood.

Hunter Cha Ara seemed not to have thought that far, but even among humanoid monsters, there weren't many boss monsters so deeply synchronized with their dungeon.

'At that level, one would have to treat the monster and the dungeon as one entity.'

In other words, hunter Cha Ara had entered and come out of Gio's stomach.

'Even more so, not just an ordinary dungeon but a garden… Does this even make sense?

For Yoo Sung-woon, who knew how horrifying the situation could become if an unqualified person were to enter the 'garden', it felt like an absurd and poorly fabricated lie.

'No matter how much Gio granted permission, it's not such a merciful space that a merely fragile F-rank hunter could survive and come out.'

If what this person had witnessed was truly the garden, then even if Gio was an unusual type of gardener, he would not have been able to protect Cha Ara. A mere gardener did not possess such authority.

To put it bluntly, it was akin to a kimbap entering a human's mouth, remaining undigested, but then piercing through the solar plexus on its own. In other words-it was something deemed impossible, and because of that, Yoo Sung-woon found it difficult to define the current situation.

“…….”

If that's the case, Gio is, truly….

“…You must have been flustered by the sudden situation, but thank you for answering sincerely.-

”

Fortunately, Bi Sa-beol merely smiled brightly without interrupting-making it relatively easier for Yoo Sung-woon to take control of the flow.

Yoo Sung-woon-intending to wrap up this conversation for now and let the other person rest-continued speaking.

“lt seems like we've been the only ones asking questions, so if there's anything you're curious about, feel free to ask.”

“…ls it okay to ask?”

“…….”

As expected, there was something sharp about her, she seemed to be quite a cautious person.

It seemed like she was the type of person who carefully assessed where to lie down before stretching her legs, but even so-this young hunter's sensitivity couldn't be concealed. Regardless of what kind of survival tactics she usually uses, her personality doesn't seem to be inherently gentle.

To think that such a person was melted down so thoroughly to the point of even being fed a meal.'

There were so many people who found him terrifying that it had never been considered, but Gio might even possess the ability to break down people's wariness.

Inwardly pushing such speculation into a corner of his mind, Yoo Sung-woon slowly nodded his head to reassure the other party as much as possible. The other party was a historically valuable witness for Earth, so it was only right to show the utmost consideration.

“Of course, it is possible.”

It seemed that it would be better for an explanation to be given first, so Yoo Sung-woon immediately continued speaking.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

“The piece that Hunter Cha Ara encountered is an artwork named 'Gio's Portrait.'”

“…An artwork, you say? Not a monster…?”

“We are still in the process of identifying its exact identity, so we ask for your consideration. However, to help with your understanding, it might be better to think of it as a humanoid monster.”

“lt's actually even harder to understand….”

“Please understand it as a monster with less hatred toward Earth compared to other monsters.”

In truth, it was being regarded as 'something' possessing a much higher status, but such details could not be disclosed to this hunter they met for the first time. While the other party didn't seem like someone with a loose tongue, the world was full of various unpredictable factors.

“The artwork named 'Gio's Portrait' contains a consciousness defined as 'Gio'. Just like the method hunter Cha Ara claimed to witness on that snowy dawn, it is capable of moving through the frame and can even come out of the painting to act outside of it.”

“…That… So….”

“lt adopts a rather friendly attitude toward humans, and since there is no way to prevent it from drawing paintings and using it to move beyond the frame, even Collection has left it unattended as a matter of persuasion.”

“What, no, pardon?”

Cha Ara trembled violently.

“How could you just leave such a dangerous person unattended…l Well, since it was called a piece of artwork, doesn't that mean it's stored in Collection's gallery? Th-then, is there really no way to confine it?”

“…….”

Yoo Sung-woon felt a sense of doubt.

'…Did she just say it was a person?

It was a strange occurrence-as it wouldn't have been an easy word to utter after feeling the oppressive presence of that black portrait.

Though she's calling it a piece of artwork and asking for it to be confined, it essentially means that she's perceiving Gio as a distinct personality. This is certainly unique. If hunter Cha Ara herself isn't special, could it be Gio's ability?

Even while thinking that, Yoo Sung-woon spoke with his characteristic nonchalant smile.

“ln Korea, there are exactly two places where dangerous items like 'Gio's Portrait' are stored.”

“…Ah, was there another place besides the Collection's gallery…?”

“lt is not widely known, but the Association's Research Lab is one of such places. It is a place with security far more reliable than the Collection's gallery.”

“Then why wasn't it sent there…?”

“The guild leader had a strong opinion on the matter. “The ownership of'Gio's Portrait belongs to Guild Leader Bi Sa-beol-the auction winner.”

The guild leader's opinion was that personal ownership and the time to appreciate it were more important than people dying because of a dangerous artwork. Cha Ara seemed at a loss for words at that brazen response.

Could it be that she had come to understand the harsh world where one couldn't protest despite the danger of the artwork, as well as her own situation? Yoo Sung-woon-who was watching her as she grew more quiet-spoke again.

“Due to that, our guild will provide compensation for the inconvenience Hunter Cha Ara has experienced.”

“…Are you telling me to take that and keep my mouth shut?”

“We would appreciate it if you could do so. Is there any specific compensation you desire?”

“…….”

“lf nothing comes to mind yet, you may use the remaining time to ask other questions as well. Hunter Cha Ara must have been greatly flustered by this situation as well.”

Hunter Cha Ara, who had been hesitating and gauging the situation, soon opened her mouth.

“Th-that… person…? Anyway, that thing, it's not human, right?”

“As I mentioned earlier, you may think of it as a humanoid monster capable of communication. That being said, it's not exactly a monster, but at the very least, it can be clearly stated that it is not human.”

Bi Sa-beol added to the conversation.

“You can think of it as a god who enjoys amusement. Although its exact identity is unknown, its status does not seem to be lower than the god whom the priests serve.”

“Guild leader, wouldn't it be a significant problem if you spread uncertain information to a hunter you've just met?”

“However, wouldn't that make it easier to understand? A humanoid monster capable of speech isn't exactly a term that resonates with hunters, is it? On the other hand, eccentric gods that enjoy amusement aren't entirely unheard of.”

At Bi Sa-beol's words, Cha Ara mumbled with a hesitant expression.

“Apparently, it even cooks…?”

“…….”

“A god that cooks… does such a thing exist…?”

At the absent-minded muttering, Bi Sa-beol silently burst into laughter, while Yoo Sung-woon struggled to suppress a sigh.

So, Gio, are you really a grandmother?

'Even if it likes chubby humans, why does it get so restless, unable to stop feeding people whenever it sees them?

But since it wasn't information that couldn't be answered, he obediently nodded.

“…Yes, it is one of the traits exhibited by'Gio's Portrait.'Already, there are many people in our guild who have received gifts from Gio. Things like cookies, chocolates, and candies…”

Yoo Sung-woon glanced at Bi Sa-beol who nodded despite still having traces of laughter on his face. With that permission, Yoo Sung-woon continued speaking comfortably.

“ln the case of someone like me, who is in charge of managing 'Gio's Portrait,' I have also received gifts such as fruit tea or dishes like sausages. The tea that Gio supposedly served at the cabin is probably that one. Seems that the type of food varies depending on favorability and relationship with the other party and Gio's personal judgement.”

“Ah… Ahhh…”

“But… now I have a question.”

Yoo Sung-woon asked Cha Ara.

“By any chance, before having a meal at the cabin, did you give something to Gio?”

“…? No…? I-I'm just a beggar…1 don't have anything like that…”

“Even if it's not something special, it doesn't matter. Even if it's as insignificant as a pebble, did you give anything to Gio? Or perhaps, did it seem like Gio felt some strong emotion towards you, Hunter Cha Ara?”

“…….”

Cha Ara, with a face that seemed to say, 'Why on earth are they asking something like this? appeared flustered and wavered between irritation and embarrassment-but perhaps judging that this wasn't a pointless question meant solely to bother Cha Ara, she soon fell into thought,

A little time had passed, but Cha Ara's answer remained the same.

“…lt doesn't seem to be the case, no matter how much I think about it… regarding something like emotion, not at all…”

“ls that so? Did Gio also not make any remarks about considering hunter Cha Ara as a friend?”

“He did mention at the 'Gem's Water Vein' that he came to look for a friend, but, uh, urn, no. He said that making me his friend wouldn't work because I'm too young and weak.”

“Aha.”

It was a peculiar standard.

'…Certainly, Gio's standard is indeed peculiar-considering 18-year-olds as young, but in any case, did he think that it would be difficult for an 18-year-old and a 29-year-old to become friends? It was unclear whether it was out of concern that the other party might be overwhelmed by his own status, or if it was a conclusion aligned with the general perspective of humans…'

Yoo Sung-woon nodded his head.

“lt seems certain that you didn't receive anything at all.”

“Th-that, is that not okay?”

“As far as we have determined, there has been no such case.”

One of Gio's rules was a 1:1 exchange.

“'Gio's Portrait' would return something when receiving something during interactions with humans, and when something was offered, it sought to receive something in return. Even if it is not necessarily something material, the same applies. Gio always made sure to give an apology gift to those he thought he had startled.”

“Ah, ahhh…!”

“……?”

“An apology gift!”

Cha Ara rummaged through her bosom area as if she knew something.

“Th-that…! The gift I received on that snowy day, the one I saw back then…l

“Please calm down and speak slowly if you would.”

“Fuuuuuuu…”

Cha Ara let out a long breath and then took out a pitch-black gem from her bosom area.

“l-l received something like this. I discovered it when I was so startled that I collapsed.”

“…….”

“l had momentarily forgotten about it, and since I wasn't sure if it was really something Mr. Gio…had given me, I couldn't bring it up…”

“…May I take a look at it for a moment?”

“Ah, yes.”

“Hmm…”

Yoo Sung-woon, wearing gloves, lifted the gem and observed it closely.

“…….”

A crystalline structure faintly shimmering as if it were liquid.

However, a solid mineral quality.

“…lt is indeed something Gio gave.”

“R-Really?”

“Yes, Gio is the only one capable of creating such a gem.”

At least, based on what has been discovered so far.

“lf it is alright with you, would it be possible for Collection to purchase this gem?”

“Yes? This one?”

“Due to its crystal structure which doesn't exist on Earth, even if you put it up for auction, numerous rumors will circulate. In the worst-case scenario, even Hunter Cha Ara and your family could suffer harm.”

“Uh…”

“lt seems better for us, who manage 'Gio's Portrait,' to keep it in our possession.”

Yoo Sung-woon, who said that, shrugged his shoulders.

“lt's not that we are forcing you.”

“You're completely forcing me… You're threatening me by bringing up my family…”

“l merely stated the reality, and the choice is up to Hunter Cha Ara.”

“Ugh…”

“I'm not saying to purchase it immediately. That is if Hunter Cha Ara would at least allow minimal protective measures.”

“Protective measures? Are you talking about surveillance?”

“Because it's impossible to simply leave the unidentified gift given by'Gio's Portrait' unattended.”

“No…”

“As mentioned earlier, this is notan immediate demand. We also feel a great burden in forcibly taking the gift given by 'Gio's Portrait.'”

It was not Collection's way to purchase it in a manner as if snatching it away when the other party had not grasped the situation yet. They had no intention of pulling any underhanded tricks on the young hunter, who seemed inexperienced in both transactions or auctions.

“When you feel certain, you can contact us at that time.”

“…You're not taking it?”

“The crystal structure itself is unique, but it's a gem with no value on its own unless it is for research purposes.”

Although not to the extent of the Association's Research Lab, Collection also had a dedicated team to study new artworks or artwork's pieces. Gio's gem had already been confirmed to have 'no particular function' by himself and had also undergone various experiments to ensure its safety.

'Still, its not something we can be completely assured about… but its also not such a dangerous or valuable item that it must be forcibly taken away harshly from an already frightened young Hunter.'

Though if one were to die due to the goodwill of the artwork, it would simply be considered a natural death- this was also Bi Sa-beol's opinion. As for Yoo Sung-woon-who was both an employee and a gardener under him -it was a direction he had no reason not to follow.

Yoo Sung-woon continued the explanation.

“Most gems hold high value simply because they are beautiful, even Collection also frequently purchases gems that are merely beautiful, so there should be no problem.”

“What on earth do you mean…?”

“lt meant that merely possessing the gem would not cause issues. If it is well hidden and kept in a way so that other hunters won't notice, they wouldn't realize that the gem is something special unless they see it up close. If you intend to use it simply for ornamental purposes, it is also recommended to not sell it.”

However, there is a possibility of being robbed, leading to unfortunate incidents-or suffering significant harm due to risk factors that even Collection could not identify. However, in that regard, there would be protective measures at the guild level.

'It is also necessary to preemptively prevent the world from becoming excessively chaotic due to Gio's existence.'

Yoo Sung-woon took out a red gem to reassure the other party.

“I, too, have received a gem as a token of gratitude from 'Gio's Portrait.'”

It was a gem received after drawing an apple for Gio some time ago. It remained transparent and beautiful even without taking any special measures.

“From Collection's perspective, it was harmless, didn't break easily nor get scratched, no different from ordinary gems on Earth-despite being examined as meticulously as possible. Aside from being excessively hard, there's nothing problematic about it.”

“Ah…”

“I also personally recommend keeping it for ornamental purposes, but detailed research on 'Gio's Portrait has not yet been conducted. It is impossible to know when or how the gem might cause harm, so if you wish to trade it, you may contact us at that time.”

At that, Bi Sa-beol suddenly became sullen. It was truly a despicable reaction.

“Are you not selling it right now…?”

“Please, maintain some dignity, Guild Leader. This is not an auction house.”

“I…1 don't have any… Gio's gem… nor have I ever spoken with him…”

“That's why I'm telling you to fix that personality of yours.”

How burdensome must it have been for even the kind Gio to avoid conversation altogether?

'It's impossible for Bi Sa-beol to be compatible with someone who prefers quietness. He's not a bad person, but certainly not someone who could be called good either… Harmless to the artworks, but truly harmful as a fellow human being.'

He barely held back his sigh in front of the outsider. No matter how much Collection prides itself on its free-spirited atmosphere, there was nothing to gain from showing an employee criticizing the guild leader.

“Moreover, regarding whether it would be acceptable to sell such a gem which was received as a gift to our guild, we also need to ask Gio's opinion on this matter. Monsters are strict about rules, after all.”

“…Th-that's… true….”

“Setting that aside, there shouldn't be any issues for the time being, so it would be best to keep it for ornamental purposes. If it makes you uncomfortable, you can sell it now.”

He did not wish to see Bi Sa-beol being overjoyed and leaping around in excitement, nor did he wish for it to fall into the hands of others and cause a stir in the academic world.

As long as no unexpected situations arose, it wasn't necessarily a bad idea for it to remain as a personal possession.

'Well, storing it forcefully in Collection would indeed be the safest option.'

Cha Ara was a rare hunter who had received an abundance of favour from 'Gio's Portrait'. She was the only person who had not just received simple gifts like cookies or fruit syrup, but had even dined on a meal personally prepared by Gio.

Though it would be a shame to incur hostility from such a person. She's fundamentally someone who takes a cautious attitude toward others… Let's not make her uncomfortable.'

From the perspective of a gardener, there was also curiosity about what kind of impact Gio's gem would have on an F-rank hunter. Yoo Sung-woon spoke again.

“Our Collection also does not know much about 'Gio's Portrait yet. However, since you have received

Gio's favour, hunter Cha Ara may one day encounter 'Gio's Portrait' again.”

“…….”

“So, I will now share the matters that need to be communicated.”

It would be troublesome if Hunter Cha Ara needlessly incurred the portrait's wrath.

“As mentioned earlier, Gio prefers one-on-one transactions. Based on Hunter Cha Ara's account, it seems to be a rule that likely only applies when the frame is interposed in between. When dining inside the painting, there were no issues even though nothing was given to Gio.”

“Ah, yes, that's correct. I didn't particularly give anything….”

“lf there is ever another encounter with 'Gio's Portrait,' having a conversation should not be an issue. However, if you give something to Gio or receive something from him, you should be mentally prepared for the corresponding price.”

“U, uh, how? What kind of price would I have to pay?”

“lt has been confirmed that even ten fish-shaped buns are acceptable as compensation.”

“…….”

How modest.

Cha Ara made a peculiar expression as if she had seen a talking panda. It seemed that she thought that compared to Gio's status, he was receiving something so remarkably unexceptional and ordinary-and Yoo Sung-woon wholeheartedly agreed with that point.

“lt has also been confirmed that sharing personal information, such as one's name, with Gio does not pose a problem. Among our Collection employees, few have exchanged full names with the portrait, but no unilateral contracts were initiated.”

“…That's a relief.”

“And…”

Yoo Sung-woon suddenly suppressed a sigh as a wave of fatigue washed over him.

“…….”

Whether the situation was favourable or not, a being of origin showing goodwill toward humans was, after all, a mentally exhausting matter.

One would likely never encounter such a being again in life.

***

“…….”

1. The name of the man in the black cloak is Gio.

2. Gio is an employee of the early morning shift. Do not inquire about his identity.

3. If Gio wishes to exchange names, please provide your name. There will be no issues.

4. Regardless of what kind of conversation Gio initiates, respond kindly and politely. If the conversation is successful, you will receive a gift from Gio.

5. Rule 4 is exaggerated, so it does not necessarily need to be strictly followed.

6. Ignore rule 5. Let us always be employees who are polite to both guests and colleagues.

7. You may give a gift to Gio. In this case, be sure to receive a return gift from Gio.

8. If an unfamiliar frame is hanging inside the building, please ignore it. It is an experimental installation by the early morning shift and will be removed before daylight. Do not touch or damage the artwork.

9. Bad people cannot go in front of the portrait on the 5th basement floor. Particularly, be cautious not to visit in front of the portrait at dawn.

“What… is this?”

“These are rules personally organized by our guild leader.”

“ls it really okay for me to see this?”

“Actually, it might not be allowed…”

Yoo Sung-woon was suffering from extreme fatigue.

“But since the guild leader himself told me to show it to you, it should be alright.”

“ls this really okay no matter what…? This is just giving up, isn't it… Is it really okay for a large corporation to operate so haphazardly? The management of the artwork seems strange as well, doesn't it?”

“These rules were created for distribution to our employees, so please take into account parts like the terminology when you review them.”

“Uh, yes…”

After examining the rules, Cha Ara tilted her head in curiosity and asked.

“Excuse me, but what are rules number 4 and number 5 here? It seems like rules written by two different people. It's not like this is a horror story.”

“Ah, those are sections that Gio personally added after seeing the rules organized by the guild leader….”

“ls it really okay to let a monster directly modify the rules? No, to begin with, why was this left as it is?-

”

“The guild leader said it was amusing and told us to leave it as it is.”

“…….”

“lf you've familiarized yourself with it, may I escort you back to your residence now?”

Cha Ara cautiously nodded after seeing the face of an office worker worn out from exhaustion.

“P-please, I'd appreciate it….”

Just because it's a large corporation doesn't mean everything about it is good.

It was the moment she realized so.