The Artist Who Paints Dungeon-Chapter 327
While Gio and Yoo Seong-Woon were conversing in the hut—
“I heard you called for me, Guildmaster Bisa Beul.”
Joo-Hyun was in Bisa Beul’s office.
“It feels like it’s been a very long time since we last met.”
“Haha, well, there are people who get along better when they only see each other once in a while.”
“Heh, I’m touched that the mighty Guildmaster Bisa Beul would care about me this much.”
“Hahah.”
“Huhuhu...”
As if rehearsed, they both fell silent at the exact same moment. It was written plainly on their faces what they thought of each other. Of the two who viewed each other with mutual contempt, aversion, and a vague, bitter attachment, it was Bisa Beul who spoke first.
“Mm. Well, why don’t you have a seat?”
“If you’re offering that much kindness, then I suppose I must.”
“We’re not exactly close enough to be exchanging pleasantries, so I’ll get straight to the point.”
“I appreciate that. It makes things easier.”
“What are your thoughts on sacrificing the few for the many?”
“......”
Joo-Hyun’s expression twisted. It was too sudden a question to be a joke—especially given that he had been summoned here. As someone in a subordinate position, Joo-Hyun gave the best answer he could.
“...I believe it’s something that can’t be justified.”
Bisa Beul smirked slightly. It seemed he found Joo-Hyun’s answer insufficient. He idly waved his fingers, rings clinking, and asked again.
“If killing a single old man who’s lived happily for decades in a wealthy environment could save the entire planet, what would you do? If you don’t, Earth will be destroyed.”
“I won’t claim that the world saved through such a sacrifice is without value. Surely, even a world built atop sacrifice has its worth. But I can say for certain—it would never be noble.”
“I’ll ask again. What would you do?”
“...First, I’d ask for his consent.”
Joo-Hyun didn’t believe what he was saying was the right answer. Still, Bisa Beul clearly wanted to hear his decision. Now that the conversation had reached this point, offering an answer—even if it didn’t please the other party—was simply a matter of courtesy.
“I’d ask him, ‘If your death could save the world, what would you think?’ And if that old man reacted with resistance... then I wouldn’t be able to offer him as a sacrifice. I might even try to hide him. And... I’d search for a way to take his place.”
“But there is no such way. No one else can replace him. Time has passed, and it’s time to offer the sacrifice—or abandon the Earth. What will you do?”
“...That’s a truly difficult dilemma...”
“Time is ticking even now. Will you just sit back and watch the Earth perish?”
“...Then I...”
Joo-Hyun answered with a gentle smile.
“I’ll kill that man.”
Bisa Beul didn’t look surprised.
“I’d like to hear your reasoning, Mr. Joo-Hyun.”
“It’s more of an excuse, really, but if you want to hear it, I’ll say it. That old man is going to die anyway. Whether it’s because Earth collapses, or at the hands of enraged people, or simply from old age—eventually, he’ll die.”
“Aha. So you’re saying, since he’s going to die anyway, it’s fine to kill him?”
“Not at all. It’s absolutely not fine. But it can be calculated. And calculations aren’t about right or wrong. I was a cold-blooded researcher. I’ve already committed many sins. This choice wouldn’t be so different from the ones I’ve made before.”
This time, Joo-Hyun asked a question.
“What do you think were the last words of that old man?”
“I’m not sure. Maybe he begged to live.”
“Then all the more reason I should be the one to kill him.”
At least, that’s what Joo-Hyun believed. Some might call it selfish. They’d be justified in criticizing him. But in a situation with so few choices, there weren’t many forms of ‘best’ that someone like Joo-Hyun could present.
“If a sin must be committed, it might as well be me.”
Even if that sin were to be shared by every person on Earth, the logic remained. Someone had to bear the greatest burden. And Joo-Hyun had confidence in himself.
“If I kill that old man, I’ll never forget how it felt. I’ll remember his screams, his resentment, his final words—every single detail. I’ll remember exactly what day and time I killed him, what I felt in that moment, what emotions the old man had, and what expression he wore when he left this world. Not a single detail will be lost.”
Bisa Beul laughed.
“Because you think that’s atonement?”
“No. Because it’s simply the right thing to do.”
“So... your only distinction is that you remember?”
“I have the strength to remember it all—and still move forward. I’ll keep researching whether there was ever a better path. If I find a way to turn back time or repay that old man, I’ll do it. I’ll be so absorbed in that process I won’t even permit myself the luxury of dying.”
“Then... you’ll need to remember.”
“...If I forget...”
Joo-Hyun’s smile crumpled subtly.
“...then all of it becomes meaningless.”
At that, Bisa Beul chuckled as if intrigued, and nodded.
“I’ve heard you loud and clear, Mr. Joo-Hyun.”
“Personally, I’d be curious to hear your own thoughts, Guildmaster Bisa Beul.”
“Hm? That’s a rather dull question. I’d play with the old man and the world right up until the brink of destruction. Then, at the very last moment, I’d drug him and kill him.”
“...That’s far from a dull answer.”
“And then I’d play the hero. Disgusting, I know. But it’s effective.”
“...I think that’s... quite something.”
Joo-Hyun shrugged slightly.
“So what was the point of this horrifying question, then?”
“I was just curious what you would do.”
Bisa Beul shrugged too.
“Wondering if anything would’ve been different.”
“...Pardon me, Guildmaster Bisa Beul.”
“Go ahead.”
“Was this... about the Hunter I serve?”
“...I’m glad you realized it, even now.”
“The old man who lived long in wealth and happiness—is that Mr. Sergio?”
“Of course, he wasn’t raised in a wealthy environment. And he’s not exactly an old man on death’s doorstep. But that’s the only metaphor that could do him justice.”
“...I think I’ve heard something I wasn’t meant to.”
“Mr. Joo-Hyun, the Symbols of Eternity chose the sacrifice of the few for the many.”
Bisa Beul chuckled quietly, as if pleased.
“And they also chose the sacrifice of the few for the few.”
“And they also chose the sacrifice of the few for the few.”
“......”
“Do you understand what I mean?”
A smile as precise as if drawn by hand formed on Joo-Hyun’s face.
“...Are you trying to make me hate the Symbols of Eternity?”
“No? I just wanted to see how you’d react. I’m not such a thoughtful person.”
“...You seem to misunderstand what thoughtfulness means.”
“Their decision is similar to yours, Mr. Joo-Hyun—but also different. You chose to remember everything. They searched for a way not to remember.”
Bisa Beul gave an “ah,” as though he already knew what Joo-Hyun would say next.
“Of course, maybe that was the only method available to them at the time. A way to not remember. Maybe they couldn’t remember even if they wanted to... but the truth? No one really knows.”
“...I still don’t understand what kind of reaction you’re trying to get from me with all this.”
“As I said, I simply wanted to see your honest reaction. How tragic it is to be born with such a pitiful temperament and still not trust others. Don’t you think?”
He chuckled once more.
“The Symbols of Eternity have become heroes. I like them very much. Really, I do.”
“...That sounds different from what I’ve heard.”
“In truth, I hate them. But I don’t criticize them as hypocrites or anything clichéd like that. I’ve never thought of them that way. They are real heroes.”
“But they sacrificed the few for the many?”
Joo-Hyun tilted his head.
“That’s been around a long time. I trust you haven’t forgotten that I come from the association’s research facility. There, countless ‘few’ are sacrificed—for the great cause of future peace.”
“...Yes. I know that well.”
Bisa Beul smiled and quietly tucked away all his raw emotion. His eyes curled so much that his bright yellow irises disappeared—unnerving, almost inhuman.
“...Well then. Since you’re already here, may I offer you a little advice?”
“I’d be honored to receive the famous Collector’s prophetic counsel.”
“It’s not prophecy. Just observation...”
Trailing off, he continued.
“The system will probably start breaking down soon.”
“...Breaking down? You mean like the previous system error?”
“It’s along the same lines. So try doing what you can, Mr. Joo-Hyun. I won’t stop you.”
“What can a powerless civilian like me possibly do?”
“Oh, I know your type. You say that now, but you’ll go out and stir up all kinds of trouble. People like you always do. This incident will be a clear opportunity for someone like you.”
“And how would you know that, Guildmaster Bisa Beul? Got good eyes?”
“You just said it yourself.”
His bored gaze pierced Joo-Hyun.
“You said you had the strength to move forward.”
“......”
Reflected in Bisa Beul’s yellow eyes, Joo-Hyun simply smiled his usual, sincere smile. That was his only answer. Bisa Beul didn’t act like he’d expected it—he just waved his hand, expressionless.
“...Ah. As expected, you’re no fun. You may go now.”
“I’ll take your advice to heart. Thank you.”
With a polite bow, Joo-Hyun exited the office.
“......”
Standing alone in the hallway, he lingered for a moment in thought.
And then Joo-Hyun headed straight for the Portrait of Gio.
***
“Mr. Gio.”
“It’s been a while, Mr. Joo-Hyun.”
“You’ve been less active outside lately.”
“The autumn chill is creeping ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) in, I suppose...”
Gio was lying neatly on the sofa. Unlike Yoo Seong-Woon, who always ended up like a soaked rag when he lay there, Gio’s posture was perfectly composed. That made Joo-Hyun chuckle lightly.
“Mr. Yoo Seong-Woon is here too, right?”
“He drank some flower tea and is sleeping soundly upstairs.”
“He really is a busy man.”
“I wish he’d slow down a bit.”
“Not exactly an easy thing...”
And with that, Joo-Hyun fell silent.
“......”
“You look like you’ve heard something troubling.”
“...It wasn’t that bad.”
“Then may I ask why your expression looks like that?”
“I don’t think I’m a good person.”
“I don’t either.”
“I’ve already committed many sins.”
For someone who frequently repeated such tired lines, Joo-Hyun was surprisingly sharp. He had done his share of unscrupulous things. He always thought he hadn’t crossed any lines—but that was only by his own standards.
He knew that. Even so, Joo-Hyun had faith he wouldn’t stop moving forward. On the day he nearly broke down and gave up, this wicked dark god had whispered to him of the future. And because he had chosen to be this being’s friend—he could not stop now.
“One day, I’ll be of help to you.”
“You already are.”
“I was always sure that the day would come when I could repay your kindness. Not because I foresaw the future or received prophecy—but vaguely, clearly, I knew. I made a vow as your friend to never run away.”
“Those are kind words.”
“...I’m quite a sly person.”
Joo-Hyun’s smile twisted subtly.
“...You were the first god to reach out your hand to me...”
And still, because you are my friend—
“In the end... I’ll do as you wish.”
“Is that what you want?”
“...Maybe. Maybe not. I’ll know when the future arrives.”
Joo-Hyun’s eyes curved into a smile.
“But I can say with certainty—I’ll make the choice you’ll be pleased with.”
“And why is that?”
“Because you’re a good person. Aren’t you? I believe your kindness exists for both small and great happiness.”
“I hope you make the choice that pleases you, Mr. Joo-Hyun. There’s no need to live for me.”
“I expected you to say that.”
“...Do you pity me?”
Lying down, Gio smiled faintly.
“Thank you.”
“You’re not offended?”
“I believe that too is a form of love and friendship directed at me.”
“I don’t really know why, but I felt the urge to say I’m sorry.”
“Is that why you came today?”
“...I’m sorry.”
“I won’t ask for the reason.”
“I’m not even sure I know the reason myself...”
Joo-Hyun’s smile finally crumpled completely.
“...I just wanted to apologize.”
...Would it be alright to say I pity you?
Unfortunately, Joo-Hyun never got to ask.
***
And Gio thought—
‘He says that like he’s not a fanatic.’
He wasn’t sure, but it felt sincere, so he didn’t argue.
