The Artist Who Paints Dungeon

“There are a lot of people who cry because their aptitude doesn't suit them.”

When awakened, but unfortunately granted trash collection, imagine how absurd such a skill would be.

“Right?”

“…Does such a skill actually exist?”

“It truly exists, and in some cases, it's even an aptitude skill. I heard that the person is now working as a city sanitation officer, but I don't know the full details.”

“Still, they’ve made good use of their aptitude skill.”

“They're a positive fellow.”

For reference, skills are divided into ‘aptitude skills’ acquired at awakening, and ‘general skills’ acquired through post-awakening efforts. While there isn't a big difference in the skills themselves…

“Of course, aptitude skills are generally valued higher.”

“Aptitude skills serve as a criterion for evaluating a person's soul and potential, so it's unavoidable.”

For example, let's say there are Hunters 1 and 2, and they both have the same skill, Skill A. Even though they have the same A skill, for Hunter 1, it's an inherent aptitude skill, while Hunter 2 learned it later as a general skill.

“So, they're starting from different points from the beginning.”

“I see.”

“More importantly, aptitude skills don't have levels. From the moment they manifest, they can be used at the highest mastery level. But in reality, proficiency typically increases the more a skill is used. So even for the same skill, there's bound to be a significant difference based on who uses it.”

And here's where human pettiness comes into play.

'It's like a form of hierarchy….'

Maybe the idea of innate skill stirs something in people's hearts. Those who are awakened with rare or highly useful aptitude skills often become conceited, and people tend to look up to them.

'I don't really want to share this part.'

Though he felt somewhat aristocratic and imposing, he didn't want to taint Gio, who had an innocent side much like a child who still believed in Santa Claus.

For the sake of humanity's peace, it was better for Gio to know a bit less about human ugliness.

“General skills can be learned by going and applying at the centre. Even Awakeners without a profession or good aptitude skills can raise their rank through post-awakening efforts.”

“That's flexible.”

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“And as I've been mentioning bit by bit, the visible indicator used to evaluate the proficiency of all this is called a 'level.'”

The level evaluates profession, skills, and physical abilities.

“The lowest level is 1, and the highest level is 10. Sometimes I wonder why they didn't use letters …. but since levels can even go to decimal points, I guess precise indicators were necessary.”

“Is it displayed up to the decimal points?”

“Well, like 2.8, 4.9, that sort of thing….”

“Is it the same for Mr. Yoo Sung-woon too?”

“Uh….”

Yoo Sung-woon hesitated momentarily before adding,

“Rank details are fine, but for your information—people usually don't ask each other specific details about their system.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah, it's seen as a matter of politeness.”

Though his expression remained blunt and cold, Yoo Sung-woon sensed that Gio might have been a little shocked.

“…I apologize.”

As expected, Gio promptly apologized, showing once again that he had a side that valued politeness.

“I caused offence because I didn't know much about these matters.”

“It's fine, it's not like you did it knowingly. Just asking won't curse either of us.”

Though there was no actual harm, it was simply a kind of cultural thing.

“Just like you wouldn't ask someone about the colour of the underwear they’re wearing today….”

“My sincere apologies.”

“I may have exaggerated a bit, so don't try to shake Honey down to give me gems. Put Honey down. Hey, hey, you're squishing him. I don't think it's very normal to hand over gems every time you do something wrong.” ℞�

Only then did Gio gently set down Honey whom he had been shaking. Honey had already started pecking and swallowing the gems that had fallen. It was so natural that it made his head spin.

“Keep acting like that, and Honey will sulk.”

“We sometimes play around like this….”

“How in the world do you guys play?”

It didn't seem like a lie, as Honey looked quite pleased.

‘Where did I even find satisfaction in that round face?’

Both of them were expressionless, yet their emotions were crystal clear. Indeed, it was undoubtedly fitting to call them a father-and-son pair. Looking at this, perhaps this was what was called a child born of the heart. Though technically, it was a child created by a brush.

'…But certainly, compared to being inside the portrait….'

He seemed more human.

“…In any case, people usually don't ask detailed questions about Hunter’s system. It's like inquiring about someone's exact height or weight—it's personal information, so people don't tend to readily share it.”

“I'll be more careful next time.”

“Oh, then I appreciate it.”

To encounter such a cooperative being of origin was more than welcome—it felt miraculous. As a gardener, it warmed his heart.

“Since you seem curious, I'll tell you: I don't have a profession. My aptitude skill is 'appraisal,' and I've learned several general skills. My proficiency in general skills is at its peak. My overall rank is A.”

“Is it okay to tell me this?”

“If the person says it themselves, what's the harm?”

“I see.”

“Well, it's not something people easily share. Professions are so outwardly obvious that such cautious behaviour doesn't apply, but if someone tells you their rank, that's an incredible gesture of goodwill.”

To explain simply, it is like this.

“It's like saying, 'I trust you. You are my friend, my lover, my family….'”

“Well, that's more or less the idea.”

“That's romantic.”

“So you like things like this.”

He really was an innocent guy in some ways.

“Did Mr. Yoo Sung-woon mean the same thing?”

“Of course, I told you my system as a gesture of goodwill and trust.”

And the fact that the other person wasn’t human also played a big factor, making it easier to share openly. Perhaps since he was someone ignorant of human culture, he wasn’t bothered by whatever was revealed to them.

If anything, dealing with humans would be even more uncomfortable.

“If you have more questions, I can get you a book. There are textbooks used at the Awakener Training Center They even have ones for beginners who've just awakened, so let me know if you need one.”

“Thanks to Mr. Yoo Sung-woon's good explanations, I think it’s fine.”

“If you say so… hmm.”

Yoo Sung-woon asked,

“Are you planning to return to the portrait soon?”

“Yes.”

Gio nodded as if it were the most natural thing.

“Outside, there are lots of people, lots of fun toys, plenty to see and feel….”

“But this doesn't seem like my place.”

Yoo Sung-woon understood what he meant.

'It's amazing that he was able to maintain that form for so long.'

An ordinary awakener wouldn't even last a second.

Gio's status was beyond comparison to that of humans. At the very least, within the painting, he was a being who enjoyed god-like authority. Yet he suppressed his own grandeur, cut off his limbs, and wandered through the chaotic human world with weights attached to his torso.

It was utterly terrifying.

“Of course, I enjoyed it.”

“I'm glad to hear that. By the way, are you planning to attend the initiation ceremony that the fish-shaped bun guy mentioned?”

“Yes, I'd like to see it.”

“When the time comes, I'll let you know. For now, just rest in the portrait.”

And with that, Gio returned to the portrait.

***

Back in the cabin, Gio slept the entire day.

“It's dangerous outside the blanket.”

“Coooong.”

Completely drained, Gio needed some time to himself.