The Artist Who Paints Dungeon
Chapter 195

Gio hadn’t gone off the path purely to satisfy his own greed.

“......”

Well, that was part of it.

‘I can’t exactly claim innocence after causing all this chaos. Even I have a conscience.’

Gio deliberately ignored the surrounding scene, littered with monster remains.

Perhaps it was because he hadn’t yet fully merged with “Argio.” Unlike Giovanni, the persona of Argio sometimes felt like an entirely separate being.

With an ambiguous expression, he wiped the blood from his face.

“...Mm, right...”

“......”

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

Giovanni smiled awkwardly as he looked at the mermaid standing before him.

“I didn’t expect you to come find me like this.”

“I didn’t expect you to come all the way to the outskirts, either.”

“I was following something interesting, and it led me here.”

“Was it really just that?”

“There are still people left here—how could I retreat alone?”

Gio tilted his head.

“This was intentional, wasn’t it?”

It was hard to believe that the civilians and rear-position hunters, who should have been evacuated from this outer area long ago, were stranded here by chance. Even the dazzling monsters that had blocked Argio’s vision were likely the mermaids’ doing.

“Why did you call me here?”

“I heard you declined my sister’s invitation last time.”

“She openly asked me to let her kidnap me. How could I accept that?”

“You never make sacrifices without reason.”

Iser smiled faintly. At a glance, it seemed gentle—but there was no emotion behind it.

“So I gave you a reason.”

Iser gestured toward the nearby humans.

“That one is injured.”

His words went on.

“Both legs broken—can’t move. That one is just a child, probably not even twelve. That one is in a panic... can’t even understand what’s being said. Disgusting.”

“What’s your point?”

“I don’t think you’re unaware.”

His eyes narrowed.

“Come with us.”

“That’s a very loaded statement.”

“You can accept the kidnapping offer I made before, or you can come willingly and be with us entirely.”

“Both sound like troublesome options.”

Gio stroked his chin. Perhaps because he seemed like he was going to refuse, one of the stranded humans suddenly cried out.

“H-Hunter...!!”

“Oh?”

“Please save us! I don’t want to die...! Please help!!”

“I see.”

As always, Giovanni smiled softly.

“I understand how you feel.”

Perhaps encouraged by those words, or perhaps they’d simply been waiting for a cue—the terrified people who had been silently holding back now began pleading one after another.

“Please save us...”

The voices grew louder.

“Please, Hunter...!”

“I don’t want to die!!”

“It hurts so much! Please save us!!”

“Why did you take so long!!”

“You should’ve come sooner—do you know how many people died?!”

“Please save us! You can, can’t you...!!”

THUD―!!!

The mermaid slammed his staff to the ground.

“......”

“......”

The clamor died instantly.

Iser, still smiling, asked the priest before him:

“They are begging for your salvation.”

“It certainly seems that way.”

“Don’t these humans, forcing sacrifice upon others, seem like disgusting insects to you?”

“They look terribly pitiful. They’re afraid. That’s natural.”

“You really will take the side of humans to the end.”

The smile faded from Iser’s face.

“If you won’t stand with the deep sea, then at least give us that body.”

“Is that a threat?”

“You saw right through me.”

A strange, shimmering color danced in the water-scale gleam of the mermaid’s eyes.

“Before I can no longer contain my hatred for humanity.”

He extended his hand.

“...You’ll have to come with me.”

“And if I don’t?”

“These humans will die before I ever fall to you.”

“That’s... possible.”

Gio had quite a few options, but Iser was surely aware of that too. He must have come well-prepared. At worst, he could probably kill at least one person.

And Giovanni was someone who couldn’t tolerate even one meaningless death.

‘Then, what should I do now?’

He tried thinking with the wicked heart of a dark god for a moment.

“Mm... I could just ignore these poor people and fight.”

“No, you won’t do that. I know you won’t.”

“Well, would you look at that. I didn’t know I was such a predictable man.”

“Seems like you’re the only one who doesn’t know.”

“...Yeah.”

For the first time, Giovanni’s smile twisted.

“That’s probably true.”

“......”

Iser didn’t reply.

Gio looked around.

In the frightened people’s eyes was a mixture of terror and resentment. Even though they weren’t evil, there was a stinging bitterness hanging over them.

He recognized those eyes.

“They’ll regret this one day.”

These weren’t evil people. Once they regained what they’d lost and found some peace, they would surely feel remorse.

Giovanni found that unbearably pitiful.

Why do humans choose to walk the path of suffering themselves?

“Fine. I’ll go to the deep sea. Then what happens to me?”

“...You’ll be sealed away, so the Black Cloak can no longer protect Earth’s humans.”

“That’s what you have in mind?”

Giovanni chuckled.

“Understood. How fascinating.”

This was the mermaids’ final act of mischief—and a gift.

No matter how their responsibility ended, they were giving the Black Cloak a chance to anchor itself in the world and continue its story.

If they’d prepared such a charming farewell, there was no reason to take a loss.

‘The people are afraid anyway.’

Gio decided to go along with the mermaids’ surprise party.

This way, there would be no more bloodshed, and there was nothing to lose—only peace to gain.

“It’s been a while since someone’s threatened me.”

How embarrassing.

‘How should I play along to make everyone satisfied?’

Gio pondered for a moment before reaching a conclusion.

Since it had come to this, it was best to make the “Black Cloak” even more vivid to the world.

“...Even if I’m locked away by your hands, that tale won’t vanish from Earth. Even if you kill me, it won’t make a difference.”

“We won’t know until we try. I don’t know whether its roots are on Earth—but shouldn’t we at least stop the branches from spreading?”

Yes, this was definitely a childish protest.

The mermaids clearly didn’t like that their teacher had roots on Earth.

It was obvious they intended to lock Giovanni away in their embrace.

Gio nodded.

“Do you swear to release these people safely?”

“I swear upon my family’s honor... and the golden branch I now hold.”

“I’ll trust those words.”

He raised both hands in surrender.

“Take me with you.”

The tale of the mundane was at its end.

It was time for the mermaids and humans to settle things.

***

Meanwhile, in Seoul—uneasy and swept up in a chilling tension as the sea grew restless.

Joo-Hyun, upon hearing the news inside the Collector’s Guild building, was at a loss for words.

“...Missing?”

“Technically speaking, it seems to be a kidnapping.”

“If we’re being technical, I think Gio just went along with it, didn’t he?”

“You «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» really do have exceptional insight, Miss Joo-Hyun!”

Bisa Beul, who was with her in the reception room, smiled in his usual way.

“He’s probably just humoring the mermaids’ tantrum.”

“Of all times, why now...?”

“Precisely because it’s now, perhaps.”

“A final act of mercy from Mr. Gio?”

“Or maybe a deliberate move to solidify the ‘Black Cloak’ legend?”

“...Would the mermaids even cooperate with that?”

Joo-Hyun buried her head in her hands.

“No, maybe... this whole mess was for that very reason. Ugh, my head...”

“You really are sharp.”

Bisa Beul clicked his tongue.

“I don’t get it. Why do people with brains act brainless so often?”

“Excuse me, I’m right here. You’re talking directly to me.”

“Oh my! You heard that? How embarrassing. Didn’t realize my monologue reached so far.”

“If even a non-awakened like me heard it, you meant for me to hear it.”

“Judging by your snappy comebacks, you clearly do have a brain... people are really something...”

With a voice almost tinged with pity, Joo-Hyun asked:

“Why are you always picking a fight with me?”

“I’ve got this chronic condition where I pick fights when I see foolish humans.”

“Go to the hospital.”

“I’ll endure for now.”

To ensure the safety of Gio’s treasured human, Bisa Beul had been protecting Joo-Hyun personally within the guild’s main office.

Joo-Hyun understood this, so she hadn’t stormed out of the room despite all the bickering.

But physical safety didn’t mean emotional peace.

“When Gio went to rescue Cha I-Sol from the ‘Country of the Deep Sea’ before... he came back seriously injured. I’m really... really worried it’ll be the same this time.”

“That’s also part of Mr. Gio’s intent. I know you’re just worried, and not trying to disrespect his will, but... you’d probably have an easier time living if you corrected that soft-hearted streak.”

“It’d help if you picked either advice or insults, not both. I’m starting to get fond of you.”

“Wait, really? Miss Joo-Hyun, were you being so cold to me this whole time? I’m so hurt I could cry...”

“I am the one about to cry, Guildmaster.”

As a fragile non-awakened, she had nowhere to escape and was miserable.

“...The Collector’s Guild people don’t seem too worried about Gio.”

“That’s because you’re treating the ‘Portrait of Gio’ as a person. It’s... inconvenient.”

For once, Bisa Beul wore a bored face.

“Think of ordinary artworks. Suppose an artist says they’re doing performance art and slashes a canvas. What would you think?”

“I don’t know much about art... I’d probably just accept it.”

“Exactly. That’s how we view creations. And this is a path the artwork chose itself. What right does a mere spectator have to deny it?”

“......”

“Of course, you’re probably thinking this—”

He still looked sour.

‘How can something that eats, speaks, sleeps, and laughs be treated like a mere artwork? It’s repulsive, isn’t it?’

“...Yeah. It is a bit grotesque.”

“This grotesque bunch is who built the guild.”

Bisa Beul had created it.

He didn’t want to be alone, so he built the Collector’s Guild. He placed his family in that enormous display case—and managed them so they wouldn’t flee or change.

“Your perspective isn’t strange. Honestly, the Collector’s Guild is the weird one. Everyone here knows that. But we came together for that ‘grotesque’ purpose.”

“All for you, Guildmaster?”

“I thought it was a win-win for everyone. You may see it differently, and I respect that... but personally, I don’t have the patience for it.”

“I’m curious—how many times a day do people tell you you’re awful?”

“About 12 times. Our guild members are loyal, so they only tell the truth. Isn’t that cute?”

“That’s a disease.”

“Agreed. I know.”

Bisa Beul laughed.

“Didn’t I just say it was a chronic illness?”

“Sounds like you’ve got more than one. Besides the ‘arguing with dumb people’ one.”

“It’s all in the same vein. It’s no different with Mr. Gio.”

He simply saw art as art, heroes as heroes.

“I find ‘Giovanni’s’ actions strong and radiant.”

They just saw different things.

“According to survivors, he sacrificed himself for others. Even after hearing cruel words and being betrayed by humanity, he felt only compassion and stepped forward for the greater good. He is a true hero.”

That was a path Gio had chosen.

He had decided to save those people. As a result, many humans were freed from suffering. Gio was content with that.

“I think that choice is incredibly noble. So many were saved—no one has the right to deny its value.”

“...That’s honestly surprising, coming from you.”

Joo-Hyun asked:

“So you don’t hate that kind of hero?”

“He’s dead, isn’t he? No reason to hate the story of a dead man.”

“Do you hate me because I’m alive?”

“There’s a clear difference between stories completed in death and living humans.”

Bisa Beul cared for his guild members like treasured objects—but never forgot they were human.

So it made sense that dead heroes and living ones felt fundamentally different to him.

He gave a playful smile.

“Am I wrong? Mr. Giovanni’s actions were deeply noble. What kind of person could act like that? Not sages of the age. Not saints. No one else could offer themselves so wholly to humanity with such compassion.”

“...That is one side of Mr. Gio. But only a part of him. Regardless of origin, he’s a being who can laugh, cry, and feel pain. I don’t think I’m wrong in how I see him.”

“Right. That’s just one aspect of the ‘Portrait of Gio.’”

“So what we both see isn’t wrong.”

“Exactly, Miss Joo-Hyun.”

They were that different.

“I don’t think we’ll ever become friends.”

“...Agreed.”

They simply lived in different worlds.

***

Meanwhile, Yoo Seong-Woon, eyes bloodshot, said:

“Rescue team.”

“W-Wait, hold on—”

“When is the rescue team being formed?”

“W-We’re still waiting for the hunters to finish recovery...”

“Didn’t I already ask you to approve my individual deployment?”

“You know we can’t authorize solo action right now, Hunter Yoo...”

“What kind of crisis do you think Hunter Sergio is in that you’re dawdling like this?”

“...Why are you taking it out on me...”

The dispatched association staff member looked ready to cry.

‘Hunters are terrifying.’

They just wanted to go home.

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