Chapter 3

At a certain prestigious auction house.

“Huh…?”

“What, is something wrong?”

“Ju, just now… I think this painting moved.”

“How clumsy.”

One of the managers scoffed.

“There’s no way an ordinary portrait would come to this auction house. It must have been an item from some dungeon.”

“Ah….”

“They said the place it was found was an art supply closet in an abandoned school in Gangwon-do, so the price will drop a lot since its origin isn’t clear. It’ll be out in the first half of Part 1, so get it ready in advance.”

“Yes, sir.”

Despite his superior's reassuring words, the employee's expression was far from good.

He looked at the portrait in front of him as if it were ominous.

“…….”

Just now.

I think our eyes met.

“…I just hope it’s not an item that casts curses….”

Although it was an item that had already passed a safety inspection before coming in, the world was wide and items were varied.

It was probably able to come all the way to this auction house thanks to the mystery of its origin and function not being properly identified even with an appraisal skill, but that was precisely why the employee felt a sense of foreboding.

“Isn’t this usually how horror movies start? Some ominous work of art and the oblivious people around it… it’s a perfect fit.”

He could only pray that he wouldn't be the first sacrificial lamb to die.

“Oof, scary.”

“…….”

I, ‘Jio’s Portrait’, was watching him silently.

I closed my eyes.

***

31 years ago.

The Earth was ruined.

When this cliché opening line became a reality, all sci-fi movies vanished from the Earth from that day on.

The sight of people being suddenly dragged into other dimensions and torn to death by unreasonable rules, or monsters crawling out from between pitch-black dimensional rifts, was far more realistic than any movie.

“Crazy…!”

“Ex, excuse me, are they filming a movie over there?”

“Does it look like a fucking movie?!”

And then, as if they had been waiting, superhumans appeared.

“Uh… isn’t this a game window?”

“No way, I got that too.”

“What did it say? It says I’ve awakened as a Priest?”

“I don’t have anything like that… just a skill list pops up. But if you’re a Priest, are you religious?”

“Yes, I do attend a Christian church. Is it decided that way?”

“I wouldn’t know that either…?”

They changed the landscape of the Earth.

“Ah, damage…! What are you doing not dealing damage!!”

“How can I deal damage when you’re blocking the front, bro…!”

“Are you kidding me?! Then is a tanker supposed to block the back instead of the front?!”

“Wow, this raid is screwed….”

“Huuuhhh…!”

They hunted monsters as if they were truly playing a game.

This phenomenon, defined as an ‘Awakening’, manifested in people at random and no matter how much it was researched, there were no exact rules or criteria for it.

There was only the commonality that a system window, like in a game, would appear for those who had awakened.

Of course, that didn't mean hunting monsters was really as lighthearted as a game.

“…….”

“…Hey, go get his belongings. Even if there’s nobody, we have to hold a funeral, don’t we.”

“Our team’s dealer is gone… I’ve lost all my energy. How old did he say he was?”

“18. He said with his own mouth he wanted to go back to high school.”

“Is the country going crazy, dragging out a kid who wants to study at school.”

“What can you do? They’re rolling out 10-year-olds as long as they awaken….”

“True, for a dealer, 18 is on the better side.”

“…….”

“This is fucked up.”

Because the number of so-called ‘Awakened Ones’, the ‘Hunters’ who hunted monsters, was in the minority, it was hard for them to escape ‘death by overwork’.

In the face of a worldwide change undergoing a major transitional period, an individual's life was treated as a mere number.

However, the Republic of Korea was a nation that had swiftly suppressed the chaos on a global scale, centered around three heroes.

They quickly laid the groundwork through change after change after change.

“Honey, can you hear me? They said Yerin has awakened….”

Because of this, the citizens in the systematically organized cities began to have some leeway.

“Her teachers at the kindergarten told me today that she awakened.”

[What? Yerin did? Oh my… does she have a class? What about skills? What grade is it?]

“I don’t know, Yerin says she doesn’t have a class and her skill is D-rank. I think we’ll have to go to the Center to check for sure.”

[Then let’s not make Yerin a Hunter. Ask her what she wants to do and if she says no, don’t make her a Hunter.]

“I thought that would be for the best too. Okay, thank you, I’m hanging up.”

The dimensions became known as ‘Dungeons’, those who had simply awakened their abilities, the ‘Awakened’, were distinguished from those who had the job of hunting monsters, the ‘Hunters’, and a system of Guilds and Centers was established.

“Right, just because a kid awakens doesn’t mean they have to become a Hunter.”

“Mom, do I have to catch monsters…? It’s scary… I don’t wanna do that.”

“No, it’s okay. Our Yerin doesn’t have to catch monsters.”

At some point, the Awakened began to take on other jobs.

The Awakened, who possessed powers qualitatively different from ordinary people, had been under the strict management of the country, but in just 31 years, after experiencing various incidents and dozens of government changes, the treatment of the Awakened improved.

For Awakened C-class or lower, the range of job choices became much wider.

“Wow, I think that person is a Hunter.”

“Seeing the Guild mark, they’re definitely a Hunter.”

“Awesome… who is that? I’ve never seen them before, are they a rookie? Have you seen them on TV?”

“Those black wings are so cool. Hey, now that’s a real Hunter.”

“I heard flight-type skills are that rare….”

“That person has it made.”

And to that extent, the look of aspiration toward Hunters grew even greater.

“I want to be a Hunter too if I awaken.”

“Nah, I’m not really into dangerous work.”

“But it’s cool, isn’t it. They earn a lot of money and they’re popular too.”

Eventually, they came to be treated as a type of celebrity.

“…….”

“Uh… hey, hey, I think they heard us. Let’s stop and go.”

“I, I just said it because they looked cool. I’m sorry….”

Whether the Hunters themselves wanted it or not, that was the way of the world.

“…Haaa….”

Some Hunters grew tired of the excessive attention directed at them.

“Are we idols or are we soldiers…? Why are there so many requests to come up and take a picture? Are we going to be dancing on a stage next? In any other country, this would be unimaginable.”

“I heard a sasaeng fan broke into our rookie’s room the other day. Does that even make any sense? No, aren’t they worried about getting their throat slit by a Hunter, what on earth is this… a Hunter’s job is to hunt monsters, not manage fans.”

“There’s a limit to popularity, isn’t this obstruction of business? It’s too distracting. I came here to catch monsters, not to perform tricks in front of the public. The perception of Hunters in Korea is too frivolous. This needs to be fixed.”

There was also an opposing opinion.

“Eh, I like it though and tricks… are you dissing celebrities?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Now, now, let’s not fight. It’s better to be popular than not. I’m not defending sasaengs or obstruction of business, but… once a system is in place, the inconveniences will also decrease.”

“Right, the Association will help with those parts. If you’re that uncomfortable, just file a civil complaint or something.”

Thus, the perception of Hunters went beyond superhumans, monsters, and soldiers, all the way to celebrities.

Over time, this perception became fixed and at least for the people in the cities, monsters and Dungeons were reduced to the level of a natural disaster.

It means they were perceived to be on a similar level as a fire that could be suppressed by firefighters.

And one of the three major Guilds that emerged in such a Republic of Korea.

“Guild Master.”

“Yes, please speak.”

“No matter how much our name is The Collectors….”

The domestic Ranking 3rd Guild, 『The Collectors』.

“Isn’t this one a bit much?”

“Isn’t it too insulting to tell a collector not to collect?”

“Do you have any idea how much money was spent to buy this portrait?”

“Why are you doing this when I’m buying my own things with my own money.”

The Guild Master there, ‘The Collector’ Bisabeol.

A man with the face of a middle-aged man smiled thinly.

It was a smile that looked noble like a polite gentleman, yet had an unclean aftertaste.

“This is a piece that even the Association President coveted. What do you think, isn’t it surprising?”

“The Association President, you say? That is certainly surprising news.”

“It’s a piece that a man with no hobbies other than raising monsters bid up to 2000 for.”

“2000, you say….”

The 2000 mentioned here did not mean twenty million won, but two hundred billion won.

It was not in the trillions, but it was by no means an easy amount.

“…My appraisal skill is lacking, so I cannot know the true value of this work. I apologize for my rash judgment.”

“I was scolded by a collector doing some collecting, but of course, that can happen if you don’t know the situation.”

“Thank you for your ocean-like understanding. In that case, what function does this portrait have?”

“I don’t know either.”

“What nonsense….”

When evaluating a Hunter, there are three main important factors.

The ‘Class’, which can interfere with the rules of the world by its existence alone.

The ‘Aptitude Skill’, which is innately acquired the moment one awakens, the hand you're dealt.

The ‘Level’, which indicates the proficiency of the class and all skills.

If one wanted to hear a detailed explanation of their class and other skills they could learn, they would have to get help from the Center, but a Hunter's rank is indicated by the so-called ‘system’ which comprehensively evaluates these three things.

‘And….’

Bisabeol was a man who became an S-class Hunter solely with his aptitude skill, ‘Appraisal’.

‘For such a person to not be able to grasp this work, what kind of sick joke is this.’

Unaware of the considerable bewilderment of the employee, The Collector just smiled as if he were enjoying himself.

“That’s why I desire it more.”

The unique thing about ‘The Collectors’, known as one of Korea’s three major guilds, was that all its guild members possessed an appraisal skill and the appraisal skill of its leader, Bisabeol, was outstanding enough to be called the best in the entire world.

For such a Bisabeol to be unable to determine the exact function of a work.

“I think I know why the Association President bid 2000 for it.”

It was even eerie.

‘…Is it just my imagination, or is the atmosphere of the work a bit heavy too. Even though it’s just a portrait of a single person….’

The office-working guild member nodded his head.

“Though it seems more suitable for research than for appreciation.”

“Isn’t that why the Association President coveted it so much? In the end, I was the one who won, though.”

“If you’ve said all you want to say, I’ll be on my way now. It’s not my hobby to get crushed in a fight between whales.”

“I don’t know why our guild members are all so chic.”

“I believe it is the karma of the Guild Master who gathered only such people.”

“That’s sad.”

The guild member, disgusted by Bisabeol who was grinning with a not-at-all-sad face, left the office.

He had the look of someone who had come to deliver documents only to suffer an ordeal.

“…….”

Left alone, Bisabeol lifted the portrait with psychokinesis and headed for a hidden elevator in the office.

“…….”

Clank.

The narrow elevator, barely able to fit three people, descended to a very deep place.

It was the warehouse of ‘The Collectors’ Guild, designated as a forbidden zone by the government.

No one could enter or leave this place unless they were an authorized employee or client.

Simply put, it was a gallery for Bisabeol alone.

“…….”

The warehouse he thus arrived at.

“Haaaa….”

Bisabeol let out a sigh of overwhelming emotion.

The veins on Bisabeol’s large hand, which was gripping his entire lower face, bulged with ecstasy and satisfaction.

“Good.”

His snake-like, bright yellow eyes glistened with fanatical obsession.

Bisabeol’s collection warehouse was his personal space.

This was because he didn't display items brought by guild members from dungeons or overseas as they were, but personally purchased and then displayed them.

Bisabeol’s collection warehouse was filled with dangerous works and items.

“Very good.”

Bisabeol, who could not give up on art, had done his best to install all safety devices and the government, which recognized his efforts and achievements, sometimes entrusted problematic items to him.

“This one would be good in this spot.”

It was the same for this ‘Jio’s Portrait’ that Bisabeol had purchased this time.

Click.

“Excellent.”

It was a painting of a man.

Pale skin that matched well with his blunt and somber impression.

Pitch-black hair that felt devoid of any light.

And yet, rather than being droopingly gloomy, a sharp and cool atmosphere and this restrained arrogance….

Even the scenery of the peaceful forest that harmonized with him so well.

“Who was the painter?”

It was a portrait that made one curious about both the artist who painted it and the model who became the work.

“If this is merely the skill of a human, it’s amazing. Even if it’s not, it’s the same. It’s as if it contains a real living human….”

At that moment.

“…….”

“…….”

The man before his eyes.

The pale portrait opened its eyes and looked at Bisabeol.

“…….”

Bisabeol held his breath.

“…….”

As if every single organ and muscle had been seized by something enormous, he couldn't say a word.

“…….”

…What is this?

‘What is this?’

It was black.

It was all black.

It was an abyss where the boundary between the white and the iris was indistinguishable, even though they were separate.

Its center was too deep to fathom.

It was a shadow and the night sky. And….

“…….”

Did it resemble the universe?

‘Black.’

Deep.

Colorful.

It resembled life, where warmth and cold coexisted.

“…….”

The threads of blood vessels and fate spread throughout it.

When Bisabeol unknowingly brought his hand to the pitch-black eyes of the man in the painting….

“…….”

“…….”

Soon, the portrait.

“…Oh.”

It closed its eyes.

“My god.”

At that moment, Bisabeol sensed that an unexpected jackpot had just hit.

“It’s not an ordinary painting, is it?”

He felt very good.

***

“…….”

Meanwhile, I, Jio, the man in the painting.

I was scared.

“Hmm….”

With a rare look of disgust on my face, I quietly stepped back and was looking at the frame hanging on the tree.

It was none other than the frame I called the ‘front door’.

Confirming that my only entrance was blocked, I muttered in frustration.

“I’m pretty much an ordinary painting.”

I was desperate enough to make an excuse that no one could hear without realizing it.

‘…Is this what they call a threat to one’s life. I thought it would never happen in this peaceful cabin, but as expected, things in the world don’t always go as you think. What a harsh world.’

Just before I started to seriously make medicine, I had intended to check the outside world and noticed that my frame was being moved somewhere.

Checking from time to time, it seemed to have been put up for some auction.

And the final place I arrived at was none other than a huge warehouse….

‘…Or should I call it a gallery or a museum.’

The all-white building and well-arranged interior told me that only carefully selected works were on display.

It seemed to be a gallery that received a lot of love from its owner.

And the more love was poured into it, the more troubled I became, having been deprived of my one and only front door.

“Now, every time I go outside, I’ll be committing the crime of trespassing. Why did this happen to me, a model student of the new nation who sleeps early and wakes up early. Is it because I didn’t brush my teeth before bed yesterday.”

I had already startled an employee somewhere by saying I was just going to take a look outside for a moment.

I had never died once, but still, I didn't want to be burned at the stake for being a haunted portrait.

“I don’t know what will happen to this painting world if the portrait gets damaged either….”

The Earth had certainly become stronger over 31 years.

It was a world too harsh and rough for the timid and weak Gangwon-do-produced new potato Seo Jio to survive in.

‘It’s dangerous outside the blanket.’

I once again accepted my identity as a portrait and resolved to stay here.

The very next day, after thinking that I needed to be more careful than now to survive in this harsh world, staking the honor of a haunted portrait.

“Hello.”

“…….”

From beyond the wooden frame, the red-haired man I had seen yesterday was peeking in.

‘Oh.’

Truly, sincerely, without any meaning of discrimination or belittlement, my own corneas were speaking objectively.

Those bright yellow eyes that resembled a reptile’s were creepy.

I had no idea why, but they were even glistening.

Why could that be?

But I didn't want to understand.

It was too harsh a dilemma for me, who had come out to the yard expecting only a refreshing morning.

“Nice to meet you, sir. I don’t know if it is a good morning, a good afternoon, or a good evening, but for us humans, it is a good morning. Did you sleep well, sir?”

“…….”

“I believe I was too rude yesterday. Would you perhaps consider having a conversation with me? What is your name? My appraisal said ‘Jio’s Portrait’, so I believe your name is Jio….”

“…….”

“Sir? Are you listening? As you open and close your eyes, I, who am thirsty for conversation, find it extremely tantalizing. You seem to possess an excellent skill for captivating people.”

Damn all the gods in heaven and earth.

‘Since the person talking to me after 31 years is like that, something good is bound to happen tomorrow. But even taking that into account, a truly unacceptable misfortune has befallen me.’

Modern society, this scary child.

I desperately hoped that the person beyond the frame would maintain a reasonable distance and pour an appropriate amount of attention.

‘…This is overwhelming….’

I, the loner potato Seo Jio, ended up just getting scared in front of the man who did not hide his vast energy.

Of course, it was a thankful thing to have someone talk to me, this loner.

It didn't feel like 31 years, but in any case, hadn't it been that long since I had a chance to communicate?

‘The fact that the other person also seems quite friendly tells me that this is a pretty good situation.’

But still….

“Sir? Are you there? Sir? If it’s because I came empty-handed, I can prepare any item you desire to your taste.”

“…….”

“Hmm, perhaps I need to offer a sacrifice…. In cases like this, what kind of sacrifice is usually accepted? The most common case would be a sinful human or a completely innocent one…. The latter is too tricky to obtain….”

“…….”

“I should contact the prison for the first time in a while. In a world like this, finding a sinful human is a piece of cake. I wonder how many would be enough?”

Oof.

‘This is tough.’

Even for me, the idol of a mountain village, this was a person with whom I could not brace myself for communication.

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