Chapter 249
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 249
Yoo Seong-un came rushing over the moment he heard the news.
“Ah, wait a second.”
“Mr. Yoo Seong-un, it’s been a while.”
“It’s great to see you, but I heard some incredibly ominous news from Mr. Ju-hyeon.”
“You mean the news that ‘Gio’s Portrait’ is getting an update soon?”
“Is there any way to cancel it?”
“This is an old-fashioned portrait, not some high-tech device. It doesn’t have a feature like that.”
“That is deeply unfortunate.”
Yoo Seong-un, who had just arrived at the Collector’s Gallery after a business trip abroad, wearily unfolded a folding chair and placed it in front of the portrait. A passing 5th Floor curator spotted him and offered a greeting.
“Oh, I heard you were overseas.”
“I flew straight back the moment my work was done.”
“Well, keep up the hard work.”
“Are you heading home? Ah, I’m so jealous. Leaving work at four in the morning?”
“Don’t try to hold me back. I have to go see my Kkyureungi and feed him.”
“To think our friendship, forged in the fires of overtime, could be so shallow…”
“Exactly. How dare you try to stop an employee on their way home?”
After the curator coolly departed, Gio asked Yoo Seong-un, “‘Kkyureungi’ sounds adorable just from the name. Who is that?”
“A goldfish the man keeps at home…”
“I see. So goldfish these days make ‘kkyurung’ noises. I’ve learned something new today.”
“Well, no matter how many times I hear it, it sounds nothing like ‘kkyurung’ to me.”
“Then what does it sound like?”
“More like a thunderous rumble.”
“Isn’t that just thunder?”
“Honestly, I don’t know why that goldfish isn’t named Thunderbolt.”
“I think naming a goldfish Thunderbolt is far too cruel.”
“Yeah, my bad. I’m so tired I’m spouting nonsense.”
After all, even a goldfish had its dignity.
“Anyway, back to the main point…”
Yoo Seong-un pulled out a notebook and a fountain pen, then asked, “Mr. Arjio?”
“I am here.”
“A very quick transition. I like it.”
Yoo Seong-un narrowed his eyes, humming softly as he glanced at the red braided hair that had slipped past the frame.
“I heard you’ve recently begun preparing to become an Evil God in earnest. What’s going on? Are you saying the current Evil God Arjio isn’t complete?”
“The synchronization is currently stuck at 99.9%.”
“What, is it buffering? Is it an error?”
“If you want to call it an error, I suppose it is.”
To put it in computer terms, it was as if the system was refusing to accept the final 0.1% of the file.
“Right now, the protests from the other ‘Gios’ are quite fierce.”
“Uh… is that how synchronization works? You guys are surprisingly democratic.”
“We can share opinions when necessary, but ‘Gio’ is essentially one entity. It’s just that because I haven’t fully synchronized yet, we’re perceived as separate.”
“I can’t even imagine what that’s like…”
“In the end, synchronization means becoming one.”
It was like a human growing up by understanding and accepting emotions like love, anger, and sadness. This, too, required a process where ‘Gio’ could understand and embrace that part of himself. If one’s inner self rejected a certain value, how could they ever become one? They simply couldn’t.
“Of course, I’ve understood and accepted a lot so far, which is why it’s at 99.9%.”
“For some reason, I feel like there are a lot more decimal places after that 99.9%, but anyway, what’s the issue?”
“Well… when you think of an ‘Evil God,’ certain things come to mind, don’t they?”
“Calamity.”
“That is what ‘Gio’ has yet to accept.”
“Is ‘calamity’ really something with value that needs to be understood and embraced?”
“Isn’t that precisely why the Collector built this gallery?”
“You’re right.” Yoo Seong-un grinned. “That’s why we’re collectors.”
They were a dreadful breed, capable of finding desirable value even in calamity.
“So you’ll eventually become a complete Evil God one day.”
Still, he knew that the dominant personality would be ‘Seo Gio.’ Just as ‘Giovanni’ had failed to become the dominant personality, ‘Arjio’ would meet the same fate. Perhaps because of that, he wasn’t overly worried.
At worst, a few guilds will just get wiped out.
Hmm.
…Since he’s the Evil God of Blood and Wrath, maybe I should make the damage estimate a bit more generous… He said all battles would take place inside dungeons anyway, so reconstruction can be covered by the government and the Association.
Estimating the potential scope of human casualties and damage, Yoo Seong-un spoke again.
“I haven’t studied your history, so I don’t know the details… but I assume your personality is going to get pretty nasty?”
“You and Ater are both so harsh, and right to my face, too. But to answer your question, yes, most likely. Even if the conflict-avoiding happy pig or the Saint of Mercy dilutes it, you all had better prepare yourselves.”
“Oh dear, is our portrait finally hitting puberty?”
“Aren’t I a bit too old to be going through that again?”
“Twenty-four is still young.”
“You’re certainly generous when it comes to treating people like children.”
“I learned it from you.”
After all, wasn’t he the type who wouldn’t even treat an eighteen-year-old as a proper adult?
“I should probably report this. But don’t worry, I have no intention of interfering with your Demon King Project. I’m someone who believes that artistic value can be found even in pain and death.”
“I like how clearly different you are from Mr. Ju-hyeon, who was extremely uncomfortable with it.”
“I suppose I won’t be able to beg for mercy from you when we meet in a dungeon?”
“I am well acquainted with the value of mercy. I also know the value of embrace, salvation, and fellowship.” His golden eyes curved into deep crescents. “But I wonder if the Evil God knows that.”
“What do you mean, you don’t know?” Yoo Seong-un laughed casually as he unwrapped a lollipop and popped it into his mouth. “You know everything.”
Everything in the world had value. The only question was how well it aligned with the times and circumstances.
* * *
Arjio said, “A person needs to express some anger in life. How can anyone live only showing mercy?”
Giovanni replied, “A person needs to show mercy in life. How can anyone live only expressing anger?”
“Ahem, is it right for a priest serving the divinity of Providence to twist my words like this? Giovanni, isn’t it just that you don’t get angry, so you don’t express it?”
“Do you think I have never resented or hated anyone? I merely possess a bit of compassion and understanding. It is absolutely essential for an intellectual community.”
“But how can everyone possess ideal compassion and reason? Look, my friend. Most people don’t have as much patience as we do. There’s a reason they say on Earth that fists are closer than the law.”
“I do not wish to resolve situations with violence when everyone can improve by observing the rules. Above all, don’t you enjoy violence itself, Mr. Arjio?”
“It’s not violence; it’s merely a process of becoming stronger and releasing the pent-up frustration in my heart. What is wrong with taking pleasure in such a noble means?”
“This is why Evil Gods are…”
“Whatever, you mercy bomber.”
Seo Gio spoke up. “Then, can we please go paint now?”
“Sure.”
“Let’s do that.”
It was time to complete the ‘Dream Amusement Park.’
* * *
“……”
A priest of the Moon Cult looked around.
“……”
A desk and walls piled high with research materials. A rolling whiteboard. Everywhere he looked, there was precious knowledge and lovely creations that he couldn’t tear his eyes away from.
“……”
As he paced, the contents came into view. Research on the Origin. It was progressing incredibly smoothly. This was something that could easily be handed over to the Association. The priest became absorbed in it as if possessed.
Then, he snapped out of it.
“…Ah, right.”
This was a dream.
“I was in the middle of analyzing the dungeon’s structure.”
The documents in his hands floated gently in the air.
I’ve been distracted by this dream for a month now… I almost repeated the same mistake. I suppose I should be glad I came to my senses even now.
The Moon Cult was continuing its research on the dungeon ‘Dream Amusement Park’ at the Association’s request. Since it was a virtual dungeon, analyzing it was no easy task. A ‘dream’ that came true exactly as one wished—how abstract could you get?
The amazing thing is that all the knowledge obtained here possesses actual, practical value. This means this domain wasn’t created based on my own knowledge. Well, my own knowledge might be reflected to some extent in decorating the background or adjusting the situation… but that isn’t all.
Even the knowledge regarding the ‘Origin’ possessed real value.
“……”
He had simply written the condition ‘a dream where my research bears fruit’ and placed it under his pillow. With just that simple act, the man had achieved immense progress over the past few days. It brought a hollow yet addictive pleasure.
To the point where I want to live in this dream forever…
But that was impossible.
This dream is a kind of lucid dream. Extending or shortening the time seems to depend on the dreamer’s individual capability. However, just because time feels longer in the dream doesn’t mean the sleeping time in reality increases.
Everyone went to sleep at normal hours and then woke up. There were no abnormalities in their perception of time or their physical bodies. Aside from its terrible addictiveness, this dream had no side effects whatsoever.
But I am here to complete the request given to me by the Moon Cult. I must not be enticed by this sweet dream any longer. I can savor a wider variety of knowledge after I fulfill my duties…
It was just as he repeated those words to himself.
“Why do you refuse?”
“……”
“Is it not sweet?”
“…What…”
He turned around.
“……”
But this place was still his laboratory, a dream that replicated his lab. There was absolutely no reason for a new voice to be heard here. No matter where he looked, the owner of the voice was nowhere to be seen.
This time, a voice came from his right.
“A clever person like you must surely know that all the knowledge you see and hear here is not an illusion. It is filled with deep and mysterious knowledge that will contribute to the development of humanity and the world… and you are the one who achieved it all.”
Then, from his left.
“Does it feel hollow because it’s a dream? Yes, perhaps it would if your dream had been about squandering money. A dream about eating delicious food would have been the same. But you know, don’t you?”
“……”
“Knowledge cannot be an illusion. As long as it is not a lie, knowledge is knowledge, and it is noble. Now, look. Here is a mountain of the very knowledge you have yearned for.”
“……”
“Perhaps you blame yourself because you didn’t achieve all of this on your own. But there is no need for that. I shall specially grant you permission. After all, wasn’t it your own strength and choice that brought you this far…?”
And then, whispers echoed from all directions.
“You don’t have to push yourself.” “You are working hard enough.” “Yes, what else are you curious about?” “Poor thing, this tiny cage is the entirety of your world.” “Shall I show you the library this time?” “Don’t you want to see the world?” “There is truly a vast array of knowledge here.” “The Origin is indeed a mysterious concept.” “You can save even more people.” “Who else could uncover knowledge of such high value?” “It is premature knowledge, but I shall specially permit it.” “You have been given a wonderful opportunity.” “Do you really want to wake up from this sweet dream already…?” “Sleep deeper, deeper.” “Reach out your hand.” “Imagine more.” “What is it that you want?” “What kind of desire do you hold?” “All the knowledge that was forbidden to you is here.” “Aren’t you curious?” “This is a dream just for you.” “It is your dream.”
The priest’s mouth hung open.
“……”
He must not answer.
…I must not say a single word in response.
If the opponent were a mere monster, it might be fine. But if it was one of the Children of the Origin, things would get complicated. It was an authority-type mystery, like a divinity or the dungeon itself. A human could be corrupted in an instant.
The moment that thought crossed his mind, he felt a presence behind him.
“My friend… ignoring me like this is truly hurtful.”
“……”
“It seems this dream is not enough to satisfy you.”
He had to avoid looking, and he had to pretend he hadn’t heard.
“Isn’t it truly bizarre? You don’t even realize your own contradiction. Haven’t you always believed that nothing matters except knowledge? I clearly remember that you created this dream because you desired it…”
“……”
“All the knowledge you want is right here. Why don’t you stay a little longer? Don’t you want broader knowledge? And yet, you try to tear apart this sweet dream, worrying about your duties in reality. Reality, reality. What is so important about that place?”
“……”
“Are you concerned about what you left behind in reality? Your duties there, your fellow priests, the brothers who trust and follow you? Do not worry. As you know, this dream is long, but reality remains the same. Why do you still try to return? Come, fall a little deeper into sleep. A little deeper…”
Clink—
Along with the sound of clashing jewels, a hand gripped his shoulder.
“Throwing it away takes but a moment.”
Whatever it may be.
“……”
“……”
Soon after, the presence vanished.
“…Ugh…”
Even as he turned around with a trembling body, nothing remained. There was only the dark shadow of his laboratory. For a long time, the priest stared at the empty shadow as if glaring at it.
Then, he recalled the voice’s words.
…Why is reality important?
…Come to think of it, why?
Why was I trying to go back?
The man stood there like that for a long time.