The Artist Who Paints Dungeon

『New Employee Notice』

Recently, there has been an unpleasant disturbance within the guild related to a ghost story. Since the internal confusion has yet to settle, we are notifying everyone so that all employees may be aware and avoid causing further disruption.

……

“What should I write?”

Bi Sa-beol sat in front of the monitor, pondering for a long time.

“… Let's make it fun.”

He soon moved his hands.

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

Gio is a member of the early morning shift. Do not ask about his identity.

***

“Gio.”

As usual, Yoo Sung-woon called out to Gio inside the portrait.

“Are you awake?”

“Yes, I am awake.”

“Then I have a proposal I'd like to make.”

Even while maintaining a composed demeanour, Yoo Sung-woon observed the other party closely. He was about to make an offer to a being of origin. He had to understand the weight of it.

'And I know it all too well.'

Originally, beings that lived within the origin didn't communicate well with humans. Something as simple as sneezing from afar could be perceived as a terrible insult, and laughing during a conversation might bring them sadness.

Beings of origin had their own set of rules. Their rules, from a human's perspective, were extremely irrational and unpredictable, so one must never treat them from a human’s perspective.

“By any chance, do you not want to come outside? I’m saying this on the premise that if you want to….”

Continuously observing and analysing was the only means to survive.

“You seem to be unaware much of the outside world. Like the incident with the seeds last time.”

“You’re right, Mr. Yoo Sung-woon. I don't know much.”

“That's why I was asking if you'd like to take a tour. I'll cover all the necessary items and expenses, and of course, I'll be there to guide you.”

“You will guide me?”

“Yes, all you need to do is come with your body.”

Although it was carried out with Bi Sa-beol’s permission, smuggling an entity of origin whose nature was still unclear outside was a bold gamble even for Yoo Sung-woon who was known for his audacity.

'…Still, there's no need to worry too much. Worst comes to worst, I'll just say he's a new hunter from outside the city.'

As long as Gio maintained his gentlemanly attitude, there wouldn't be a significant problem.

Of course, not knowing Gio's true nature meant that he might interact with something in reality regardless of his intentions. But that didn't matter. If something was bound to happen anyway, it was better to know in advance.

'Even if there's a little damage.'

As Yoo Sung-woon waited for a response, the gloomy, noble-looking portrait soon opened its mouth.

“A tour, huh.”

Although he thought he had gotten used to it, a shiver still ran down his spine. The portrait’s tone remained disturbingly blunt.

“Very well.”

“… Really?”

“When would be a good time?”

The answer came quicker than expected.

'I thought he might attack me, saying I was trying to pull him outside.'

Gio was a portrait. From his perspective, trying to bring a painting into reality might be considered an insult.

But thankfully, it seemed Gio didn't care about such things.

'Maybe because he's come out a few times before on his own …. In that case, it was a good thing that I had taken measures beforehand so that Gio could move freely.'

Pausing his thoughts, Yoo Sung-woon replied.

“Let's make it Tuesday morning, two days from now.”

“Will you be able to call me then? The flow of time here and outside seems to flow a little differently, so I'll need your help.”

“That's no problem. I'll call you in two days, so you can take your time and get ready then…”

After thinking for a moment, Yoo Sung-woon took out a small timer.

“I'll leave this on the floor here, so you can check it like this. I'll set it to ring three times at 8 AM in two days. It'll be easier for you to keep track of time this way, right?”

“Thank you.”

“No need to thank me.”

Yoo Sung-woon inwardly sighed in relief.

'…He readily accepted the offer. As expected, Gio is more communicative than other beings from the origin. Of course, since he's not human, there are moments of misunderstandings …. but it's safe for the most part.'

The portrait seemed to think the conversation was over and closed its eyes.

Yoo Sung-woon also didn't hold on to Gio any longer.

After all, they'd be spending all day together in two days, so there was no point in exhausting each other now. Moreover, Yoo Sung-woon had a lot to prepare for the tour with Gio.

'I should probably book one of those hotels exclusively for trainers. I don't intend to treat Gio as some sort of contracted beast, but those kinds of hotels are well-prepared for any emergencies.'

Given the risks, careful preparation without making Gio feel uncomfortable was necessary.

“…But then again, when was it ever not like this.”

Bi Sa-beol's stance was firm.

He wanted to observe how 'Gio's Portrait' interacted among humans. Even if there were some casualties, as long as it wasn't a massacre of more than fifty people, he would cover it up.

'It's a wise decision.'

Gio could come out of the portrait at any time he wanted, with no restrictions or conditions. If something was going to happen anyway, it would be better for Yoo Sung-woon, the curator and gardener, to observe by his side.

But this world, where human life was treated like an insects, never ceased to feel tiresome.

'…Even if these aren't people from outside the city, but those from within, guild leader Bi Sa-beol said he could handle it. As long as the casualties are less than fifty people, it's fine, and even if it happens, it would be okay as long as it doesn't reach the media.'

Of course, it would be much better if they finished the tour without anyone dying.

“I'll just have to trust in Gio's gentlemanly demeanour in this part.”

Yoo Sung-woon mumbled softly as he left the guild. Even though Gio reacted quite similarly to humans, he couldn't be at ease.

Even humans could act normal one moment and then throw a tantrum at lunch the next day. There was no guarantee that beings from the origin wouldn't have such duality.

'I'll definitely look into one of those hotels… and maybe set the tour route to places where it could be handled in case of an emergency. Gyeongbokgung Palace is nearby, so there should be plenty of sights to see.'

Since he had chosen to use the name 'Seo Gio,' showing him something Korean might not be a bad idea.

'I think the Gyeongbokgung Palace’s night market opens after 6 PM. Since it’s a tourist attraction in the Jongno area, there will be many hunters wandering around. If anything happens, it'll be easy to ask for help under the guild leader Bi Sa-beol's name.'

Was it due to the constant overtime work or the growing worry? His head felt a bit foggy.

'I'll have to think about how to introduce Gio by then…'

However, if an accident did happen, seems like it would be better to voluntarily report it to the association. Since the association president was aiming for it, they probably weren't entirely unaware of 'Gio's Portrait’ either.

Yoo Sung-woon sighed deeply as he stepped outside.

“This is a headache.”

No breath escaped his lips.

Yoo Sung-woon muttered to himself, somewhat pointlessly.

“… Man, this is why working for a big company is the best.”

Scratching the back of his head, he resumed walking. Though the overtime was inevitable, he still had enough stamina.

'I'd better get things ready soon.'

He hoped everything would go smoothly.

***

After finishing his conversation with Yoo Sung-woon, Gio returned to his bedroom.

Yes, it was Gio.

Fortunately, Gio had returned to his original personality after briefly becoming 'Giovanni.'

“Hmm…”

His state as 'Giovanni' didn't last long. He was just flustered by the unfamiliar transformation he experienced for the first time, but once he figured out the trick, he could return to his usual self.

“It's not that hard.”

By focusing his mind, he could switch back to being Gio.

“Like blowing your nose.”

In this way, Gio came to understand this new rule.

“Meet the suitable person, gain their consent, and carry out their quest as you travel through that world.”

And one more thing, 'synchronization.'

This part wasn't particularly difficult either.

“It progresses much faster when I have Giovanni's personality, but even if I don’t synchronize the personality, the synchronization rate itself is gradually increasing.”

Occasionally, he would become Giovanni without realizing it, but apart from that…

“Once the synchronization begins, it seems like it can't be stopped.”

Though he had never experienced it before, it felt like recalling a past life he had forgotten. Even though it was clearly said that he was a different person, Gio didn't feel as though he and Giovanni were separate individuals.

Thus, Gio had organized his thoughts within a few days.

“I'll never have such an extraordinary experience again in my life.”

“Coo?”

“It’s rare to have an experience that feels like the left and right brain are acting separately.”

Now, he could be both ‘Gio’ and ‘Giovanni’ at the same time, and it wasn’t difficult to change his personality depending on the situation and his mood.

He felt Giovanni's emotions.

‘Though the memories aren't complete.’

Perhaps because the synchronization rate was still low, Gio couldn't recall all of Giovanni's memories. It felt like following Giovanni who had forgotten his past due to amnesia, but even that was enough for him to understand what kind of person he was.

Giovanni was very warm-hearted, gentle, and possessed a soft charisma that could comfort and lead people. He had an ambition for peace but valued the daily life with those around him even more.

That was 'Batlan Giovanni.'

After blinking twice, Gio murmured in a small voice.

“Is this really okay?”

Yoo Sung-woon suggested a tour.

“They seem scared of me.”

Though he didn't dwell on it, Gio wasn't completely oblivious.

'It can't just be because I'm a big, black-cloaked man that people are scared of me.'

Yoo Sung-woon seemed to be explaining it in a roundabout way, as if worried Gio might be shocked, but Gio understood. The current Gio must have been a bit excessively frightening to ordinary people.

'As expected, it seems there's an issue with the resolution since I'm roaming around in the body of a portrait.'

Or maybe this was the true power of the haunted portrait—the ability to turn even harmless things into something terrifying, a power that changed the genre to horror-thriller just by existing.

“People outside seem to find me scary.”

“Coo.”

“It's embarrassing, but I'm not entirely displeased, so don't worry.”

Although he had no such intention, it felt like being part of a hidden-camera horror prank. He felt a little sorry, but honestly, he found it more funny than uncomfortable.

But there had to be limits to that.

“If it disrupts the tour, that would be problematic.”

It wasn't just a solo tour, but a tour where he was entirely reliant on someone else's money and guidance. If he looked this intimidating without any solution, it would inconvenience Yoo Sung-woon, who was accompanying him.

“This is a tour I'm enjoying myself with a reliable guide like Mr. Yoo Sung-woon. It's rare to have such an experience on someone else's money.”

“Do you think money just comes from the ground? I bet the prices have gone up even more now. Dad doesn't have any money.”

Oh, wait. Complaining to a child about being broke might negatively impact the child’s development. Gio belatedly added.

“Of course, if Honey wants something, Dad will buy it all for you.”

“Coo?”

“We shouldn't waste, but as long as you enjoy what you buy, it won't feel like a waste.”

Besides, here it felt like money might just come out of the ground. If drawing a painting could bring roasted sweet potatoes, why wouldn't money come from digging the earth?

“But anyway, it’s not like that outside the frame. Honey, listen carefully. If someone offers you something delicious, you should run over and eat it right away—that's what makes one a true pig.”

Personally, he hoped Honey would get plump.

If he had become plump…

“…Coo… rrrrr… rrrrr….”

“There's no need to be so angry, is there?”

“Coooorrrrrrr….”

It seemed he didn't like that.

'What a pity.'

A plump bird is the epitome of cuteness, but it seemed the self-disciplined waterfowl didn’t seem to think that way.

'Judging by the way he adorns himself with gems, he’s quite the picky one.'

Anyway, that was what Gio was concerned about. He needed to make himself look more harmless.

“I want to look so harmless enough that I could pass for an ordinary passerby, but at this point, I'm already a harmless talking potato, so I don’t know what more to do. I’m sure I’ve reached the limit of harmlessness.”

When he was alive—though he had never really died—back when he worked as a teacher, Gio often heard people say he had a ‘scary look’, but it was never to the point where it would make someone cry in fear.

“Since aside from my talent for growing healthy wherever I was placed, back then I was practically a corpse.”

But now, Gio was being treated like an urban legend, similar to the ‘Red Mask’. Though no one directly told him so, he got the rough idea by judging by how everyone he met looked terrified.

“Seeing how everyone struggled with their perception of me, it's definitely… a resolution issue.”

“Coooor.”

“I think there must be some kind of problem because I've transitioned from a painting into reality. But I'm not an engineer, so….”

And Gio had already received a solution for that issue from the system.

tip.

Resolution Solution

Please apply 'Gio'

“This must be referring to the suitable person.”

Perhaps because ‘Giovanni’, who was synchronizing with him, was still treated as a human rather than a portrait.

When he activated Giovanni's personality, he noticed his body felt slightly heavier. Unlike before, he needed to use the bathroom, got hungry, and required a certain amount of regular sleep.

“So, if I go outside as Giovanni, people won't be scared.”

Feeling Honey's lukewarm gaze, Gio nodded.

“It's called having a split personality.”

He needed to be harmless for now.

Gio acknowledged his excessiveness under Honey who kept staring at him.

“… Well, I admit, even I think split personality is a bit far-fetched.”

“Coo.”

“If I may offer an excuse, I honestly didn't mean to cover it up like that.”

It was a tour kindly suggested by Yoo Sung-woon. A trip that he would enjoy with his help, and they would be going around together, so he didn't want to cause unnecessary inconvenience.

“Actually, I don’t necessarily have to act as ‘Giovanni’, as long as the synchronization is in progress, there’s room to adjust. Even if I act as I normally do, people might not be as frightened.”

“Coo?”

“Of course, I still need to be careful. If I'm careless, the resolution issue might resurface again, even during synchronization. But this alone is a significant gain.”

This was something he confirmed with the help of the dawn patrol guards within the guild.

“I've been making various attempts so Mr. Yoo Sung-woon wouldn’t find himself in such a troublesome situation.”

For example, a situation where his companion unexpectedly develops a split personality.

“…Well, anyway….”

Gio who had been lying sprawled on the bed, got up.

“…Now, it's time to take care of our elder’s meal. Honey, let's go.”

“Cooorrrrrr!”

Honey nodded vigorously in agreement, and the small bird fluttered, landing on Gio's shoulder.

Gio picked up the 77 colourful sandwiches he had prepared in advance and moved to the studio. The place where his footsteps stopped was in front of the landscape painting titled ‘Breathing Sea’, a landscape painting of the sea.

Now, it was time to open this tightly shut door.

“Do you want to build a snowman….”

“Coo.”

“Right.”

Copyrights are important, after all.

Recalling ‘Winter Kingdom’, the home of his heart during his childhood innocence, Gio composed himself. Waking up to find that 31 years had passed, it wasn't impossible that Korea had turned into a country of lawsuits afterwards.

Clearing his throat while uttering nonsense, Gio soon prepared to eat with his family.

A brief moment of silence.

His jet-black hair gradually became lighter.

As his water-coloured eyes blinked twice.

Giovanni was there in his place.

“…May I enter?”

The door opened.

“Thank you.”

“Yes, this priest is very late.”

“Please understand.”

In a world submerged in the sea.

“Since the weather is nice, my body has become sluggish.”

The sun was barely breathing.

Red Mask or ‘Woman With the Red Mask’ is a variation of kuchisake-onna (slit-mouthed woman), just the Korean version.

겨울왕국 is Frozen’s Korean name. a direct translation would be 겨울 (Winter) 왕국 (Kingdom).