If I were to make an excuse-
"...I'm not perfect."
In several ways, really.
Which, of course.
Nothing in this world is perfect.
Gio was no different.
Contrary to what his students thought, he was full of holes.
He was thoughtless, his contemplation shallow, and he made a lot of mistakes.
His liking for kind people aside, he wasn't especially kind himself.
And that wasn't all.
"I try not to change, but it's not always possible."
They say humans are creatures of adaptation.
Adaptation meant change.
Gio was the same.
More than anything, he was currently being aided by multiple versions of "Gio."
There were gaps and tangled threads all over.
Especially this time's helper, "Zeorge," was quite something.
"So what I'm trying to say is..."
"....."
"I'm just an ordinary person."
To that, Cha Eun-Hye let out a faint laugh.
"Even after you became a portrait?"
"I didn't know that could happen either, but turns out people can become portraits while living."
"Everything you do is always tied to some grand objective."
"Even if I didn't intend it to be."
He meant it.
In every situation that came at him, he lived the way he wanted.
Every time, he made choices he wouldn't regret.
That was all.
The grand conspiracies Cha Eun-Hye imagined didn't exist.
But it seemed she found Gio's words hard to believe.
"...Let's just say I accept that for now."
"You don't believe me at all."
"Jeong Hae-Woon recalled part of his memory-how much did you influence that?"
"So I am getting scolded, huh?"
"I didn't mean it like that."
"I don't remember."
"Is that... something to do with our 'Promise'?"
"One thing's for sure-one of my friends pulled a prank."
The prime suspect, of course, was "Zeorge."
Gio hadn't fully merged with him yet.
Current assimilation rate: ???%.
No matter how he looked at it, that was nonsense.
What a rotten little trickster.
"What is it exactly you want to hear from me?"
"First of all, I'm curious what made you decide to live with Jeong Hae-Woon."
"You do know it was Hae-Woon who suggested it first, right?"
"Which means you had a reason to guide things to that point."
"This is so unfair, Eun-Hye... I can't live like this."
He'd accepted it on a whim-what was he supposed to say?
He didn't want to be scolded by his student, so he tried wracking his brain, but nothing plausible came up.
It was truly a miserable thing.
"I'm guessing this interrogation is because Hae-Woon remembered something?"
"You say you forgot, and now I don't even know how to start talking.
But yes, we believe he recalled the past through a dream.
It caused a temporary system error that then recovered."
"And I was the one who did that recovery?"
"To be honest, there's no one besides you who could restore the system.
Even Haera wouldn't be able to do that."
"Ah, now that you mention it, I've had a thought."
Gio pointed to himself.
"Could it be... that I am the system?"
"....."
Cha Eun-Hye covered her face with both hands.
"You're not crying, are you, Eun-Hye?"
"I want to cry..."
"There, there. But don't cry for real."
"This kind of thing is what makes me cry."
"Your voice sounds perfectly fine though you're not crying yet."
"Can't we have conversations like this in a more fitting atmosphere?"
"I don't get why this of all things needs some kind of ambience."
Gio nodded.
"Something about it did feel off."
"What part of it?"
"That my system seemed completely different from others.
It acted like it had a will of its own, so I started to wonder.
Is there a person in here, or is it just Al?"
"That alone wouldn't be enough, though."
"There was also the fact that the world inside the portrait suited me too well.
The various plants and animals there were totally my type.
Sure, I painted the hut, but I never painted the rest..."
"So you assumed you must have painted the rest too?"
"Who else could've drawn that stuff?
There were other signs too.
This system was especially good at playing along with me.
It felt... unusually intimate."
Anyway, to sum it up:
"I didn't die in that fire.
I survived and spent time with you.
Then I got badly hurt, maybe died, in some tragic accident.
And you turned me into a system?"
"..."
"Why are you scared?"
Gio tilted his head at Cha Eun-Hye's pale face.
"I'm not angry, but you're acting like a student waiting to get scolded."
"...I thought you'd be angry."
"Even after seeing how I'm reacting now?"
"You got the gist of it right, but the details....
You still don't remember those.
You haven't recalled the actual events of that day."
"Do you think something would change if I did remember?"
"Probably."
Cha Eun-Hye let out a small sigh and smiled.
"I mean...
Seeing you show no resentment over being turned into the system does put me at ease.
You've always been like that.
Unbothered by most things.
You made life look fun."
"I'm glad you seem to know the real me so well.
But if you knew that, why did you think I must be plotting something big?
I don't get it."
"Well, I still think those are kind of two separate things..."
Cha Eun-Hye gave an awkward smile and looked up at Gio.
"To be honest, even if you're not angry....
It's still a problem."
"You mean if you all remember?"
"Of course.
Even when we made the system that day, we were confused too."
"Hmm...
Well, I promise I won't get mad."
"...That's at least a relief."
Even as she said that, Cha Eun-Hye didn't relax.
Anger and disappointment were different.
Their teacher might still end up disappointed in them.
But she'd already expected that.
That alone wasn't going to stop her now.
She took a deep breath.
She hadn't thought she'd be saying these things like this.
"...Let's go back to the main topic."
"Oh dear, was I that obvious in changing the subject?"
"I don't fall for that anymore.
I've acted like a kid until now, sure.
But if you think I haven't changed at all since then, that's a problem."
"Well, you are Madam President after all."
"Ugh, when you say it like that, it creeps me out."
"But I honestly don't have many things I can say..."
Just because the truth felt so lacking didn't mean he could make up lies.
Gio thought deeply.
At this rate, their conversation would last even after all of eternity's promises had ended.
"You asked what my goal is?"
A goal, huh.
"...Improving welfare for gardeners and hunters?"
"And?"
"Running a food cart to live romantically?"
"And?"
"Hmm, let's see."
Gio's eyes naturally glowed in vivid colors.
"Eliminating gaming addiction?"
"....."
"Eun-Hye?"
"...Hold on a sec, Teacher."
Cha Eun-Hye fumbled to put on her sunglasses.
"All right, I'm ready. Go ahead."
"Am I so handsome it hurts your eyes?"
"I just learned that when someone is too good-looking, it can literally hurt your eyes.
No wonder there were so many stories about the food cart guy whose face no one could remember."
"That reaction's too harsh.
You're breaking my heart."
"I told you, my eyes hurt."
He didn't look all that different from "Sergio."
So this dizzying voice and brain-melting appearance-those must've belonged to this pink portrait.
Thankfully, Cha Eun-Hye had some anti-charm artifacts on her.
Zeorge asked,
"Is that really necessary?"
"If I don't block it, I won't be able to focus on what you're saying.
Like I said, I'm ready now, so go on, Teacher."
"You're like a squirrel sometimes, so cute."
"Oh my god.
I don't know why you took that form, but please hurry back to the Sergio I know.
You smiling like that with that face-it's so unfamiliar, it hurts."
"If you insist, I'll obey, Madam President... Hmm."
Gio scratched his chin and tilted his head.
"Even like this, nothing really comes back to me."
"Oh-was that look meant to help you recall Hae-Woon's dream?"
"Until I fully merge with him, I can't really call Zeorge a true 'Portrait of Gio.
So if there were any scheming or plotting involved, just blame this pink hair.
Don't hate me too much... Sound fair?"
"They're all still my teacher, so what difference does it make..."
"As expected, our Eun-Hye sees right through the core of things.
This teacher is proud of how much you've grown.
When did you become so admirable?"
"Stop it."
"Strangely, everyone gets more cold-hearted when I take this form."
Gio shrugged.
"Sorry, but like I said earlier, I still can't recall anything clearly in this form."
"That thing about... game addicts or whatever-what was that?"
"Oh, that? Well..."
Zeorge hesitated briefly before continuing.
"It just worries me.
People seem too dependent on the system."
To Zeorge, that felt like something truly boring and sad.
"No matter how helpful a tool is, depending on it entirely....
That's stupid and pathetic.
I didn't want my hometown people to end up like that."
"....."
Cha Eun-Hye brushed her own arm.
"...Why do I suddenly think of that guy, Bisa Beul?"
"Haha, because he's my dad?
I guess blood really does tell."
"Don't lie to me, Teacher.
Your dad in heaven would be so sad."
"I thought maybe he'd let that one slide?"
"Please, no jokes.
Is that your goal then?"
Cha Eun-Hye asked again, hesitating.
"To delete the system?"
"Of course kids use training wheels.
No one's good at things from the start.
I get that."
"And?"
"It's just my personal wish to see the adults riding bikes without them."
Then, with a dreamy flush, he added,
"If I could ask for more, I'd want to see them ride unicycles too."
"What kind of..."
"Thirty years should've been enough time to become independent.
Don't you think so, Miss Eun-Hye?
Isn't the system a little too overprotective in this world?"
"No.
The system has to exist."
"Of course, asking someone who's always used training wheels to suddenly ride a bike alone is cruel.
I'm not that cold-hearted..."
"Then what are you?"
"Too cruel.
Everyone's so mean to me lately."
Pretending to be hurt, Zeorge gave a melancholic look, then smiled like a crescent moon.
"That's just how I see it."
"...You can't take the system from the hunters."
"And you shouldn't, right?
But have you ever thought about why?"
"But..."
"No, you just pretended not to know."
Zeorge tilted his head.
And then, his unfamiliar gaze and expression landed on her.
In that moment, Cha Eun-Hye instinctively felt something was wrong.
At some point, this person in front of her had stopped being her teacher.
As if reading her mind, those glittering gem eyes curled gently.
"Why do you think that is?"
He struck right at the heart.
"You cared more about your teacher than Earth's fate."
"What..."
"No matter what form he took or where he ended up-
What mattered most was that he remained by your side."
"...No, I..."
"Ah, such greed....
You couldn't let him go peacefully.
You turned him into something neither human nor monster.
You shaped his form into a phantom no one could recognize.
Is he even human now?
Does any part of him remain?
How much has he changed?"
"..... I...."
"Can you imagine how lonely he must have been?
Well, I wouldn't know I'm not 'Gio' yet.
But it must have been sad.
Living as an invisible phantom no one could recognize..."
Cruelly brutal words.
"..."
"Cruel, isn't it?"
That smiling gaze so easily manipulating something small and fragile.
Cha Eun-Hye was certain now.
This wasn't her teacher.
She'd known that the "Portrait of Gio" had many forms,
But this this was something else entirely.
Something completely different.
It was full of love, yes,
But it was pure malice.
"You"
It was something using her teacher's body.
"...Give him back to me."
"Wow... now I'm the villain?
I'm so sad."
"How did something like you-this evil spirit bastard-!"
"Calling your teacher a spirit?
That really hurts."
"No one can erase the system!!"
And they shouldn't.
"He's my teacher...!!"
"Your teacher is right here."
"He said he'd always be here...!"
"And so, here I am beside you."
"Why-why would you take even that away from us?
Am I not allowed to want even that much?"
"Ah...
My poor, scared little friends."
"...Please don't..."
This is all that was left now.
"...This is the last teacher I have."
A translucent system window-one that couldn't speak,
Whose face she couldn't find,
Whose condition she couldn't even check.
That was all.
Which is why the "Portrait of Gio" was an unexpected miracle.
But just like it appeared suddenly, it could vanish just as fast.
A thing mimicking her teacher.
Or maybe the real one.
But in the end, only the system would remain.
"....."
"Oh no, now you really are crying."
"...Give me back my teacher."
"If I keep this up, I really will get scolded by Sergio.
Giovanni and Argio will probably blame me too.
There's a limit to how much I can mess with the dark-haired guy's memory."
"Let them blame you."
"I still don't think I said anything wrong...
Ugh, so unfair."
He sat beside Cha Eun-Hye and gently hugged her.
Leaning in, he softly patted her with delicate hands.
Like a butterfly's wingbeat-light, but cold without warmth.
Zeorge leaned his head on her shoulder and smiled.
Like a puppy seeking affection.
But smoother.
More calculating.
And provocative.
So this was "love."
"Will you help me avoid getting scolded?"
"...No."
"Then should I give you a prophecy?"
"Don't."
"Your teacher will never leave you."
He whispered.
"He's always here."
"...."
"Because you broke him and bound him here, right?
So cruel..."
It was a horrifying line-because it brought comfort.
"You preserved him like a taxidermy."
***
"...."
"...Are you crying?"
"Teacher."
"Yeah?"
"Always stay in black."
"I don't really get to choose that."
"You're our teacher."
"Of course I am."
"...Because you're always here?"
"Because I'll always stay with you."
"...Are you going to scold me?"
"I promised I wouldn't, didn't I?"
"You can scold me."
"Out of nowhere?"
"As long as you don't leave."
"Wow, that really came out of nowhere."
"Please don't abandon us..."
"..."
Sergio asked,
"...Did I say something wrong?"
"...No."
Probably not.
-x-X-x-
The disappearance of the system.
That was undoubtedly a horrific thing.
How had they protected themselves from the countless calamities flooding into Earth?
It was all thanks to that system.
Without it, a hunter wasn't even a hunter.
"....."
But Cha Eun-Hye's fear wasn't about that.
'...He was right.
He-Zeorge's words.
To Cha Eun-Hye, her teacher was more important than the fate of Earth.
The "Promise of Eternity" had definitely included Earth, but in the end, even that had been a decision made to preserve her teacher.
Of course, it wasn't that she had no sense of duty in protecting the planet.
Cha Eun-Hye herself might have felt a trace of pride.
Her desire to protect this country, and the world-it wasn't a lie.
But...
'Was that really the case?"
Sitting alone in a bedroom filled with mirrors, Cha Eun-Hye thought.
'Do I really deserve to feel that kind of pride? Did I ever truly have it in the first place?'
Greed.
Greed.
Everything was greed.
"This is driving me crazy..."
Her teacher had truly been special.
So special that if he were to die like that, it would affect the future of Earth.
That was why, no matter what, the "Promise of Eternity" had to be carried out.
But the most fundamental reason was the students' obstinacy.
The stubbornness that they couldn't possibly let their teacher go this way.
Obsession.
Forcefulness.
And in that decision, her teacher's opinion had not been included.
'He wasn't even in a state to say anything to begin with.
The very last words they heard from their teacher had been that.
"I will always be here."
That tender promise-no matter what happened, he wouldn't abandon them and would stay by their side.
But to someone like that, what had they done...
"...Haa..."
They were disgraceful students.
'If he regains his memories, he won't see us in a good light.
They could come up with excuses all they wanted.
But it didn't matter.
They had done worse than earn his resentment.
They had used him as material to create the system.
They had taxidermized a person.
'Has there ever been anyone who fits the word "ungrateful" more perfectly than us?'
And then, they went and forgot even that day's memory.
They said it was the price they had to pay, but it was really just running away.
At least Cha Eun-Hye, who remembered everything alone, saw it that way.
They must have all been afraid.
That's why-tragically-Cha Eun-Hye couldn't refute Zeorge's words.
They had done something so foolish and cruel.
They erased their teacher from the world and pretended to be heroes, as if they were righteous.
71%
'If only he hadn't ended up like that on that day, then he'd be in this position instead of us... Why me? Why are we the ones here? What exactly are we so proud of? What did we even do right?"
Once again, she blamed herself.
For the past few years, her dulled mind had been filled with guilt.
It was different from when she used to smile out of obligation, responsibility, or a slight sense of satisfaction.
It felt like she'd gone back to the time before she became president.
"....."
Should she just go along with what he said?
'According to Zeorge, the system might disappear from this world.'
Maybe that would be the right thing.
To release their teacher, who had been preserved in the most glorious yet most wretched form.
What if they just let him go without further disgrace?
But no matter how many times she thought about it, the answer remained the same.
"...No."
The system was still necessary.
***
"I think so too."
Dan Haera nodded.
"I thought the system might disappear someday, but it's still too early."
"...So you think so too?"
After pulling her thoughts together and visiting the Association, Cha Eun-Hye gave an awkward smile.
'It's the obvious answer, really.
It's not like they didn't know the system wasn't eternal.
Even their seemingly perfect teacher had broken down like that.
There was nothing eternal in this world.
Especially if it was something they had created with their own hands.
That's why they dreamed of a future centuries ahead.
They lived each day for that distant time when the system might no longer be needed.
So distant that they could barely feel like humans anymore.
Maybe Dan Haera had sensed that thought.
"Of course, as you know, we've been preparing for a future without the system."
"...Yeah, that's true."
"But now isn't the time."
It had only been 32 years since the Great Catastrophe.
"Only now are people barely starting to adapt to the terrible mysteries that have blanketed the world.
In the provinces, there are even more people who haven't.
And now, if the system disappears... wouldn't that be just too cruel?"
Dan Haera blinked twice.
"And now one of the personalities of the Black Cloak-Zeorge-is planning that cruel act?"
"As far as I can tell, yes.
His motive seems to be personal amusement.
He keeps going on about love and romance, but I don't really get it."
"That's kind of a problem.
If he's like the Collector in temperament, he might be pretty harmful.
Especially since Mr. Zeorge doesn't seem like the type to respect boundaries like the Collector does."
"On a fundamental level, he seems a bit different...
But I guess to outsiders, they'd look the same."
Cha Eun-Hye thought of the pink-haired man she'd seen.
Despite his overall pale coloring, he was a flamboyant human being.
His soft, slow voice felt like a devil wearing the mask of an angel.
"...Honestly, it seems fair to say he's doing it for amusement."
"And this Mr. Zeorge is practically a separate entity from the Black Cloak?"
"That part is certain.
He's not our teacher."
A pure malice cloaked in a veil of seemingly gentle speech.
"How should I put it..."
Cha Eun-Hye hesitated before finding the words.
"...Possessed by a malicious spirit?"
"There have been plenty of cases where an evil spirit possessed someone and caused all sorts of awful trouble.
Can I assume this Mr. Zeorge is one of those?"
"For now, yes."
"For now?"
"I don't know what'll happen in the future."
You couldn't make hasty judgments.
"You remember the case of Argio, don't you?
Back then, he seemed like he was trying to colonize Earth under the name of an evil god.
But in the end, he taught the world about 'rage' and then quieted down."
"I suppose it could be similar.
He might be deliberately provoking us to guide something through himself.
But you don't look convinced even as you say that."
"No matter what good intentions he might have, Zeorge is just... so irritating."
Cha Eun-Hye hadn't done anything right either, but Zeorge was infuriating in a hundred different ways.
He whispered about love without hesitation, bewitched people, played with them, and then vanished like it was nothing.
"...Feels like a playboy."
"How cute."
"In what way...?"
"Just thought it was adorable how you said that with such a serious face."
"No, it's just... I couldn't find a better word for it..."
"Haewoon said his core essence is probably 'love."
"I know how foolish it is to try to judge the personality of a mystical being."
Still.
"Still, really, he's just... ugh, he's trash."
"That's unfortunate."
"Feels like the type who'd smile sweetly while gaslighting you..."
Of course, Zeorge hadn't gaslighted her.
What he'd whispered to Cha Eun-Hye the night before had been factual.
He just came off like a jerk because he was so irritating.
Cha Eun-Hye tried hard to erase her personal grudge.
Getting petty just because someone told the truth was indeed a lowly thing.
"I'm certain-Zeorge and the Black Cloak are separate beings.
To be sure, we'd need to bring in Curator Yoo Seong-Woon, the one in charge of 'Portrait of Gio.
Even the Black Cloak himself didn't seem able to fully control Zeorge."
"I'll contact the Collector."
"Just contact them.
I want to speak to Curator Yoo Seong-Woon separately."
"Mm. Got it."
Dan Haera, telepathically noting it down, looked at Cha Eun-Hye.
"Is Zeorge trying to remove the system as a prank, then?"
"Maybe that prank is part of his love, too."
"Love, huh...
Quite the romantic we've got here.
Things are getting interesting."
"You won't think it's fun once you meet him."
He was like honey clinging uncomfortably to your fingers.
Cha Eun-Hye grimaced as she recalled his flamboyant presence, then folded her arms and continued.
"He's trying to remove the system from Earth.
He doesn't sound too serious about it, but with someone like him, who knows-he's impossible to read."
"I trust your judgment.
If that's how you see it, then that's probably how it is."
"Zeorge used a metaphor about training wheels.
He said it's pathetic for adults to still be riding with them.
So maybe he wants people to learn to live without the system."
"From just that, it actually sounds like a decent goal."
"But in the process, he's messing with our promise.
To remove the system, he has to nullify the 'Promise of Eternity'
I think even the whole thing with living with Haewoon was part of that."
"If what you say is true, then he's proceeding with this far more meticulously than we thought...
It's not like we didn't anticipate it, but the scale is surprising."
Dan Haera smiled.
"But the system is still necessary in this world.
If possible, I'd like it to last a very long time.
I don't want to return to those pitiful, miserable times when we didn't have it."
"..."
"You remember, right?"
"...I remember."
"Back then, when the weight of the sudden mysteries crashed down, people drowned in it...
I never want to see that again.
In that sense, the system was a really good teacher."
Having no system didn't turn a superhuman back into a civilian.
But it did make their powers so unrefined they could hardly be called abilities.
Dan Haera rolled her eyes as if recalling the past.
"Back then, those powers were... what should I say... more like a curse?"
A curse, or divine punishment.
"Either way, it was awful, right?"
"I also don't want that day to return."
"I'm really glad we're on the same page."
Dan Haera smiled like a doll.
"Haewoon and Seo-Hee seem to think a bit differently, though."
"...Feels like things are out of sync lately."
"We were never going to agree forever."
"Well, we fought all the time before.
It's just been quiet recently."
"True, we're all pretty strong-willed..."
"Friends fight.
I get it all."
Cha Eun-Hye leaned back into the sofa.
"But I hope no one gets sacrificed in the process."
Like... our teacher, for example.
'Once is enough for that.'
Cha Eun-Hye hoped they wouldn't become something truly monstrous.
***
"...So, you're asking what I think?"
"Yeah."
"Don't you think that's a really sudden question?"
"Nope."
"You're seriously unbelievable."
At Jeong Hae-Woon's sudden question, Seo Seo-Hee's expression stiffened slightly.
He rolled his eyes a bit, then let out a small sigh and sent the vice-guildmaster away with a reluctant look.
It seemed like this was a conversation for just the two of them.
Left alone in the reception room, Seo Seo-Hee stroked his chin.
"Want me to be totally honest?"
"Yeah."
"Fifty-fifty. That's how it is for me."
"You sly bastard."
"But I can't help it."
Seo Seo-Hee gave a troubled expression.
"I definitely want to remember.
To remember what I did wrong, and what kind of person that man was.
Because staying like this-it's just so disgustingly uncomfortable."
"And?"
"But that's not enough.
I get hundreds, thousands of reports every day.
The world's still chaotic.
For people who have barely adapted to dungeons and monsters, the absence of the system would be... too cruel."
"Let me ask you something."
Jeong Hae-Woon frowned as he spoke.
He had gone back to the abandoned school after the portrait calmed down, and there he realized something incredibly important.
Thanks to having lived alongside the portrait for a while, he'd managed to keep his cool.
Jeong Hae-Woon, now regaining his composure, told Seo Seo-Hee what he had realized.
"If the system was created from 'Teacher Sergio'... what then?"
"Fuck."
"Wow, haven't heard you curse in ages."
"...Fuck. So..."
"I can say it clearly.
The system is the sacrifice of the few for the many."
"....."
"I'm asking again."
Jeong Hae-Woon asked in a flat, emotionless tone.
"What do you think?"
"...A world without the system?"
"No.
The teacher."
"...I don't know."
"Same here."
With a sigh, Jeong Hae-Woon rubbed his face.
"This was all screwed up from the start."
It was the kind of situation that made you want to scream and tear your hair out.
-x-X-x-
Yoo Seong-Woon went to see Gio.
"Gio, I'm really having a rough time."
"Oh dear, what's the matter?"
"I got summoned to the presidential office, remember?"
No matter how much Bisa Beul coddled his golden child, there were limits.
In the end, Bisa Beul offered up Yoo Seong-Woon to the Symbol of Eternity with a bittersweet face, and Yoo Seong-Woon obediently became the offering and had just returned from meeting the president.
Now, he had knocked and entered the place called "Portrait of Gio."
"Don't you have anything to say to me?"
"Oh dear."
"..."
"..."
Gio, after a moment of silence, pointed at the table.
"Would you like a bowl of kimchi stew?"
"You've got rice too, right? Just set one more spot for me, my friend."
"Don't worry."
It was another peaceful day in the hut.
***
As always, after finishing his meal, Yoo Seong-Woon said,
"Let's open a restaurant together."
To that, Gio shook his head.
"I already run a food cart, though..."
"That's usually in someone else's garden, or in high-ranking dungeons."
"There is the drawback of limited accessibility, admittedly."
"In that sense, what about building a restaurant on Earth?"
This delicious food—Yoo Seong-Woon didn't get to eat it often.
From a pan-human perspective, that was probably reasonable.
But Yoo Seong-Woon's rationality had broken down long ago.
It was warm, filling, and the food was just too good.
After a brief moment of thought, Gio shook his head again.
"You're clearly exhausted and starting to talk nonsense. I can already see how much you'll regret this in the future, so I'll preemptively block it for your sake. My apologies, but I must decline, Mr. Yoo Seong-Woon."
"I love how decisive you are..."
Yoo Seong-Woon, gazing longingly at the empty bowl without a single grain of rice left, asked,
"So, were you just as firm with the president?"
"Honestly, I have quite a few excuses regarding that part."
"As your friend, I'll hear you out."
"Thank you. To begin with—Mr. Zeorge is quite the prankster."
"Oh? I wonder if the word 'prankster' is even appropriate in this case?"
"It seems he said something rather harmful to my student's mental state."
Even Gio found that day unsettling to recall.
"When I came to my senses, I realized I'd made my student cry."
"Oh... you did, huh... you really did..."
"I had no such intention, so it was rather troubling."
"Anyway, it shocked even you, right? What Zeorge said—that made the president uneasy?"
"I wouldn't say I was shocked.
From our previous game of tag, I already knew quite well that he was a prankster who doesn't listen easily."
"Hm..."
"I can't even tell how far the fusion has gone."
Even the assimilation rate displayed as ???%.
It could mean nearly complete fusion, or a very low rate.
It was Gio's first time dealing with a suitable host like this, and he found himself a little confused.
Grasping the situation, Yoo Seong-Woon gave a slightly awkward smile.
"Her Excellency said it feels like you've been possessed by a malicious spirit, and maybe she's not far off."
"How sad... calling me possessed, isn't that a bit much?"
"Whoa, don't startle me."
"Oh, apologies. That just hurt a little, emotionally."
"See, this reaction proves you're not completely unmerged."
Yoo Seong-Woon rubbed his stinging eyes.
Gio had taken on Zeorge's form for barely five seconds, but the impact was massive.
He was so dazzling, it could bring tears to your eyes.
But regardless, for now it seemed like Gio was in control of "Zeorge."
Yoo Seong-Woon's expression grew slightly uncertain.
After some thought, he asked,
"...What exactly do you mean when you talk about 'fusion'?"
"The first step is contacting someone who's suitable to merge with me.
In this case, the person was designated from the start, and they had already accepted the fusion, so there was hardly any room for conflict."
"Hardly any? So there could be?"
"In Mr. Zeorge's case, he did give consent, but then dragged things out by playing an extremely long game of tag with me.
I did win in the end and am currently in the fusion process, but it shows that a host can exercise certain loopholes even without formal refusal."
"But even the fusion this time doesn't ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don't copy, read here) seem to be going as smoothly as before."
"Yes, that's true."
Gio admitted readily.
"So you could say that until full fusion is complete, I'm essentially in a state of split personality."
"Split personality, huh."
"It's not a perfect analogy. But it's the simplest way to explain my current state during fusion. That's why I was able to eliminate the uncanny sense people get from my portrait through these individuals."
"And once fusion completes, you become the full portrait again?"
"In that case, for some reason, people find me terrifying.
It's a fixed truth that I have to keep attempting fusion to live a normal social life..."
"So this time, with Mr. Zeorge, things were a bit different?"
Gio blinked at Yoo Seong-Woon's muttering.
"Still, it's true that he's helped a lot in eliminating my dissonance."
"Even though Mr. Zeorge himself doesn't exactly look like a normal person."
"...No, I think he falls well within the range of what you'd call a normal person."
"...Is that your usual broad standard talking again?"
"Putting aside the part where he sparkles like a peacock, he's not very portrait-like at all."
"Huh. I hadn't thought of it that way."
It could be.
Humans like Yoo Seong-Woon were bound to focus on Zeorge's over-the-top appearance.
There were countless cases where people became so dazzled by what they saw that they failed to grasp the essence.
Thinking that, Yoo Seong-Woon furrowed his brow slightly.
"But even considering all that... Zeorge just doesn't act like a normal person, does he?"
"...When I take on that form, I tend to get strangely giddy."
"So that's why you acted all garden-y? Why do you keep forgetting shadows? When do you develop any gravitas? And what's with that honey scent that belongs in a flower bed?"
"That probably falls within the domain of that giddiness as well."
"I seriously can't figure out what kind of influence that is."
"Hmm..."
Gio paused, then tried to explain the state he enters when changing form.
"It's like... I start thinking, 'Do I really have to go that far?'"
"Is it just me, or does that sound kinda dangerous?"
"I believe it's not that dangerous."
"Now I get why she said it felt like a malicious spirit had taken over."
Yoo Seong-Woon clutched his chest with a faintly pained smile.
"Yeah, I figured a day like this would come. I'm a professional curator—I have to prepare for every scenario. Sure, yeah. That's true... but still, Gio..."
"Is something the matter?"
"I don't know why, but it hurts right here."
"I really don't understand which part is hurting you."
"Joo-Hyun said it felt like 'our gentle youngest got exposed to something bad and came back.' At first I thought, 'Wow, this person's not exactly mild either,' but... ha..."
"Are you crying?"
"I feel like I might."
Wiping his face roughly, Yoo Seong-Woon looked at Gio again.
"All the previous versions of 'Gio' were genuinely good people. You, or Mr. Giovanni—neither of you harbored malice. And even Mr. Argio... his malice didn't really feel like malice."
Argio's malice had an affectionate quality, like admiring lesser beings.
That's why he had tried to teach Earth about "rage."
Though it took the form of malice, at its core, it was a lesson.
But this time, "Zeorge" was a little different.
"Compared to the previous ones, Mr. Zeorge is just..."
"He seems like someone who really enjoys life."
"Yeah... sadly, that's true.
Can't believe he reminded me of our guild master."
"I get the feeling you do know why, but don't want to admit it—so I'll respect that."
"Thanks for understanding, but still, my heart's trembling."
Yoo Seong-Woon's smile twisted slightly.
"At least our guild master has some restraint.
That guy knows his limits.
But Mr. Zeorge? He doesn't seem to have any.
That's what worries me.
I'm just a fragile human, you know."
"I'm fragile too."
"Did you throw out your conscience when you merged with Zeorge?"
"How could you say such a hurtful thing."
"Even though you look like Sergio right now, I still see Zeorge peeking through—how strange."
"And honestly, Guildmaster Bisa Beul isn't that safe either.
From what I've seen, he's not 'respecting boundaries'—he just hasn't crossed them... yet."
"You're stabbing my heart right now."
But he wasn't wrong.
"That's why I'm even more anxious. One day, Mr. Zeorge and our guildmaster might just team up and cause some real disaster. They haven't made any direct contact yet, I think, but if something blows up tomorrow, I wouldn't be surprised at all..."
"So that's how much you see me and my father as troublemakers."
"You think the word 'troublemaker' even begins to cover it? You wouldn't believe it, but our guildmaster has held back a lot over the years. We all believe that if he ever snaps, no one can predict how far it'll go."
"Surely it won't come to that?"
"Can I treat that as a half-prophecy?"
"Of course not."
Gio gave a faint smile.
Yoo Seong-Woon felt a subtle dissonance from that smile.
Or maybe a sense of wonder.
Compared to when they first met, "Portrait of Gio" had certainly expanded its range of expression.
It must have been the influence of all the "Gio"s he had fused with so far.
He could only hope Gio wouldn't pick up Zeorge's dopamine addiction along the way.
'Still... I can't help but worry.'
Whether Gio sensed that or not, he continued.
"I don't think Mr. Zeorge is a calm or well-behaved model student, either. We don't really get along. But then again, that was also true with Mr. Argio."
"...That's true."
"I won't deny that Mr. Zeorge may harbor malice. But what's the point in comparing the malice of the past with the malice of now?"
He said Argio's malice and Zeorge's malice could not be distinguished.
That he wouldn't try to.
That there was no reason to.
Yoo Seong-Woon quietly listened to the portrait as it spoke.
"And above all else, I'm just an ordinary person."
Gio still wore that faint but gentle smile.
"And people are creatures who can harbor malice at any time."
"...Even you can harbor malice?"
"I may be able to understand many situations, but that doesn't mean I'm incapable of anger or sadness. Even if someone kneels before me and explains why they had no choice but to kill my family—I wouldn't be able to not hate them."
"That's..."
"Would you say that's not malice? That wish for the one who hurt someone precious to suffer as much as possible, to feel pain beyond their punishment, to live in lifelong anguish and fade into meaninglessness—is that not malice?"
"...I guess not."
Yoo Seong-Woon asked,
"Is that from personal experience?"
"I used a metaphor to help you understand more easily."
"Ah, got it?"
"To put it simply, I'm human."
"A normal person."
"Yes. And I can be evil at any time."
Gio's eyes curved as he smiled.
"Don't think of me as perfect."
"...Or else?"
"You might end up regretting it."
"Then I better be careful."
Yoo Seong-Woon nodded slowly.
This portrait was giving him a very kind warning.
Even if it had taken on a personality, it was still the Eye of the Origin—capable of holding countless variables.
Thinking you knew everything about him would be dangerous.
"So, to sum it up... 'Zeorge' is you too?"
"Hmm..."
Gio, now without a smile, thought for a moment before replying.
"Not yet."
"So, not yet, huh?"
"There's still some tuning needed between me and Mr. Zeorge."
"Like with Mr. Argio?"
"But he's so playful, the process is moving slowly."
As he said that, Gio gathered up Honey, who had been sprawled across the table, and placed them into a glass jar.
Seemed like post-meal drowsiness was hitting.
With Honey safely stored inside, Gio tucked the jar into his arms.
Then he said,
"I'm sure it'll all work out somehow."
"Yeah, I guess so."
"I'll try living properly for once."
It was an oddly reassuring vow.
-x-X-x-
While Gio and Yoo Seong-Woon were conversing in the hut—
"I heard you called for me, Guildmaster Bisa Beul."
Joo-Hyun was in Bisa Beul's office.
"It feels like it's been a very long time since we last met."
"Haha, well, there are people who get along better when they only see each other once in a while."
"Heh, I'm touched that the mighty Guildmaster Bisa Beul would care about me this much."
"Hahah."
"Huhuhu..."
As if rehearsed, they both fell silent at the exact same moment. It was written plainly on their faces what they thought of each other. Of the two who viewed each other with mutual contempt, aversion, and a vague, bitter attachment, it was Bisa Beul who spoke first.
"Mm. Well, why don't you have a seat?"
"If you're offering that much kindness, then I suppose I must."
"We're not exactly close enough to be exchanging pleasantries, so I'll get straight to the point."
"I appreciate that. It makes things easier."
"What are your thoughts on sacrificing the few for the many?"
"..."
Joo-Hyun's expression twisted. It was too sudden a question to be a joke—especially given that he had been summoned here. As someone in a subordinate position, Joo-Hyun gave the best answer he could.
"...I believe it's something that can't be justified."
Bisa Beul smirked slightly. It seemed he found Joo-Hyun's answer insufficient. He idly waved his fingers, rings clinking, and asked again.
"If killing a single old man who's lived happily for decades in a wealthy environment could save the entire planet, what would you do? If you don't, Earth will be destroyed."
"I won't claim that the world saved through such a sacrifice is without value. Surely, even a world built atop sacrifice has its worth. But I can say for certain—it would never be noble."
"I'll ask again. What would you do?"
"...First, I'd ask for his consent."
Joo-Hyun didn't believe what he was saying was the right answer. Still, Bisa Beul clearly wanted to hear his decision. Now that the conversation had reached this point, offering an answer—even if it didn't please the other party—was simply a matter of courtesy.
"I'd ask him, 'If your death could save the world, what would you think?' And if that old man reacted with resistance... then I wouldn't be able to offer him as a sacrifice. I might even try to hide him. And... I'd search for a way to take his place."
"But there is no such way. No one else can replace him. Time has passed, and it's time to offer the sacrifice—or abandon the Earth. What will you do?"
"...That's a truly difficult dilemma..."
"Time is ticking even now. Will you just sit back and watch the Earth perish?"
"...Then I..."
Joo-Hyun answered with a gentle smile.
"I'll kill that man."
Bisa Beul didn't look surprised.
"I'd like to hear your reasoning, Mr. Joo-Hyun."
"It's more of an excuse, really, but if you want to hear it, I'll say it. That old man is going to die anyway. Whether it's because Earth collapses, or at the hands of enraged people, or simply from old age—eventually, he'll die."
"Aha. So you're saying, since he's going to die anyway, it's fine to kill him?"
"Not at all. It's absolutely not fine. But it can be calculated. And calculations aren't about right or wrong. I was a cold-blooded researcher. I've already committed many sins. This choice wouldn't be so different from the ones I've made before."
This time, Joo-Hyun asked a question.
"What do you think were the last words of that old man?"
"I'm not sure. Maybe he begged to live."
"Then all the more reason I should be the one to kill him."
At least, that's what Joo-Hyun believed. Some might call it selfish. They'd be justified in criticizing him. But in a situation with so few choices, there weren't many forms of 'best' that someone like Joo-Hyun could present.
"If a sin must be committed, it might as well be me."
Even if that sin were to be shared by every person on Earth, the logic remained. Someone had to bear the greatest burden. And Joo-Hyun had confidence in himself.
"If I kill that old man, I'll never forget how it felt. I'll remember his screams, his resentment, his final words—every single detail. I'll remember exactly what day and time I killed him, what I felt in that moment, what emotions the old man had, and what expression he wore when he left this world. Not a single detail will be lost."
Bisa Beul laughed.
"Because you think that's atonement?"
"No. Because it's simply the right thing to do."
"So... your only distinction is that you remember?"
"I have the strength to remember it all—and still move forward. I'll keep researching whether there was ever a better path. If I find a way to turn back time or repay that old man, I'll do it. I'll be so absorbed in that process I won't even permit myself the luxury of dying."
"Then... you'll need to remember."
"...If I forget..."
Joo-Hyun's smile crumpled subtly.
"...then all of it becomes meaningless."
At that, Bisa Beul chuckled as if intrigued, and nodded.
"I've heard you loud and clear, Mr. Joo-Hyun."
"Personally, I'd be curious to hear your own thoughts, Guildmaster Bisa Beul."
"Hm? That's a rather dull question. I'd play with the old man and the world right up until the brink of destruction. Then, at the very last moment, I'd drug him and kill him."
"...That's far from a dull answer."
"And then I'd play the hero. Disgusting, I know. But it's effective."
"...I think that's... quite something."
Joo-Hyun shrugged slightly.
"So what was the point of this horrifying question, then?"
"I was just curious what you would do."
Bisa Beul shrugged too.
"Wondering if anything would've been different."
"...Pardon me, Guildmaster Bisa Beul."
"Go ahead."
"Was this... about the Hunter I serve?"
"...I'm glad you realized it, even now."
"The old man who lived long in wealth and happiness—is that Mr. Sergio?"
"Of course, he wasn't raised in a wealthy environment. And he's not exactly an old man on death's doorstep. But that's the only metaphor that could do him justice."
"...I think I've heard something I wasn't meant to."
"Mr. Joo-Hyun, the Symbols of Eternity chose the sacrifice of the few for the many."
Bisa Beul chuckled quietly, as if pleased.
"And they also chose the sacrifice of the few for the few."
"And they also chose the sacrifice of the few for the few."
"..."
"Do you understand what I mean?"
A smile as precise as if drawn by hand formed on Joo-Hyun's face.
"...Are you trying to make me hate the Symbols of Eternity?"
"No? I just wanted to see how you'd react. I'm not such a thoughtful person."
"...You seem to misunderstand what thoughtfulness means."
"Their decision is similar to yours, Mr. Joo-Hyun—but also different. You chose to remember everything. They searched for a way not to remember."
Bisa Beul gave an "ah," as though he already knew what Joo-Hyun would say next.
"Of course, maybe that was the only method available to them at the time. A way to not remember. Maybe they couldn't remember even if they wanted to... but the truth? No one really knows."
"...I still don't understand what kind of reaction you're trying to get from me with all this."
"As I said, I simply wanted to see your honest reaction. How tragic it is to be born with such a pitiful temperament and still not trust others. Don't you think?"
He chuckled once more.
"The Symbols of Eternity have become heroes. I like them very much. Really, I do."
"...That sounds different from what I've heard."
"In truth, I hate them. But I don't criticize them as hypocrites or anything clichéd like that. I've never thought of them that way. They are real heroes."
"But they sacrificed the few for the many?"
Joo-Hyun tilted his head.
"That's been around a long time. I trust you haven't forgotten that I come from the association's research facility. There, countless 'few' are sacrificed—for the great cause of future peace."
"...Yes. I know that well."
Bisa Beul smiled and quietly tucked away all his raw emotion. His eyes curled so much that his bright yellow irises disappeared—unnerving, almost inhuman.
"...Well then. Since you're already here, may I offer you a little advice?"
"I'd be honored to receive the famous Collector's prophetic counsel."
"It's not prophecy. Just observation..."
Trailing off, he continued.
"The system will probably start breaking down soon."
"...Breaking down? You mean like the previous system error?"
"It's along the same lines. So try doing what you can, Mr. Joo-Hyun. I won't stop you."
"What can a powerless civilian like me possibly do?"
"Oh, I know your type. You say that now, but you'll go out and stir up all kinds of trouble. People like you always do. This incident will be a clear opportunity for someone like you."
"And how would you know that, Guildmaster Bisa Beul? Got good eyes?"
"You just said it yourself."
His bored gaze pierced Joo-Hyun.
"You said you had the strength to move forward."
"..."
Reflected in Bisa Beul's yellow eyes, Joo-Hyun simply smiled his usual, sincere smile. That was his only answer. Bisa Beul didn't act like he'd expected it—he just waved his hand, expressionless.
"...Ah. As expected, you're no fun. You may go now."
"I'll take your advice to heart. Thank you."
With a polite bow, Joo-Hyun exited the office.
"..."
Standing alone in the hallway, he lingered for a moment in thought.
And then Joo-Hyun headed straight for the Portrait of Gio.
***
"Mr. Gio."
"It's been a while, Mr. Joo-Hyun."
"You've been less active outside lately."
"The autumn chill is creeping ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) in, I suppose..."
Gio was lying neatly on the sofa. Unlike Yoo Seong-Woon, who always ended up like a soaked rag when he lay there, Gio's posture was perfectly composed. That made Joo-Hyun chuckle lightly.
"Mr. Yoo Seong-Woon is here too, right?"
"He drank some flower tea and is sleeping soundly upstairs."
"He really is a busy man."
"I wish he'd slow down a bit."
"Not exactly an easy thing..."
And with that, Joo-Hyun fell silent.
"..."
"You look like you've heard something troubling."
"...It wasn't that bad."
"Then may I ask why your expression looks like that?"
"I don't think I'm a good person."
"I don't either."
"I've already committed many sins."
For someone who frequently repeated such tired lines, Joo-Hyun was surprisingly sharp. He had done his share of unscrupulous things. He always thought he hadn't crossed any lines—but that was only by his own standards.
He knew that. Even so, Joo-Hyun had faith he wouldn't stop moving forward. On the day he nearly broke down and gave up, this wicked dark god had whispered to him of the future. And because he had chosen to be this being's friend—he could not stop now.
"One day, I'll be of help to you."
"You already are."
"I was always sure that the day would come when I could repay your kindness. Not because I foresaw the future or received prophecy—but vaguely, clearly, I knew. I made a vow as your friend to never run away."
"Those are kind words."
"...I'm quite a sly person."
Joo-Hyun's smile twisted subtly.
"...You were the first god to reach out your hand to me..."
And still, because you are my friend—
"In the end... I'll do as you wish."
"Is that what you want?"
"...Maybe. Maybe not. I'll know when the future arrives."
Joo-Hyun's eyes curved into a smile.
"But I can say with certainty—I'll make the choice you'll be pleased with."
"And why is that?"
"Because you're a good person. Aren't you? I believe your kindness exists for both small and great happiness."
"I hope you make the choice that pleases you, Mr. Joo-Hyun. There's no need to live for me."
"I expected you to say that."
"...Do you pity me?"
Lying down, Gio smiled faintly.
"Thank you."
"You're not offended?"
"I believe that too is a form of love and friendship directed at me."
"I don't really know why, but I felt the urge to say I'm sorry."
"Is that why you came today?"
"...I'm sorry."
"I won't ask for the reason."
"I'm not even sure I know the reason myself..."
Joo-Hyun's smile finally crumpled completely.
"...I just wanted to apologize."
...Would it be alright to say I pity you?
Unfortunately, Joo-Hyun never got to ask.
***
And Gio thought—
'He says that like he's not a fanatic.'
He wasn't sure, but it felt sincere, so he didn't argue.
-x-X-x-
Incidentally, the Portrait of Gio still remained in Jeong Hae-Woon's home.
"What, did you want me to go back home for good? That'd honestly be kind of hurtful..."
"..."
"That look on your face—like you've seen something you really shouldn't—so fresh. Want to show me closer?"
"...You lunatic..."
Sipping his coffee, Jeong Hae-Woon froze mid-step in front of the large portrait. Just in case something went terribly wrong, he carefully placed the warm mug down on the hallway table.
Then, calmly, he looked the pink-haired figure in the painting up and down. The reaction from the portrait was, as always, perfectly consistent.
"Still handsome, aren't I?"
"You're seriously insane."
"Oof, harsh. That kind of talk wounds me, you know."
"Who'd believe that someone with a face like that gets wounded by words? Maybe you need to study human psychology and expressions a bit more."
"You really think I don't know and just don't do it, Mr. Jeong Hae-Woon?"
"Obviously, you know. And just choose not to."
Jeong Hae-Woon's face twisted with distaste. This was, without a doubt, the most soft and cozy of all the Gio ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) forms he knew—yet the inner nature behind it was uniquely dark and sly. That wasn't just his impression; it was an objective fact.
"...You've been quiet for so long. What brings your precious gaze here now?"
"I tried so hard to hide it... You could still see it?"
"It's practically blinding at this point. Hard not to notice."
That enormous portrait was always painted with a layer of black lacquer. According to Curator Yoo Seong-Woon, it was a precaution to account for various variables. Even so, those flashing, brilliant eyes—it really felt like they were watching him.
'No, I'm not the strange one here.'
Clearly, he was the odd one. Jeong Hae-Woon, a decent citizen, was not at fault.
"Yes, well, let me correct myself. It's not the eyes—it's your reaction. You've been so silent I thought you were dead. Now you're suddenly acknowledging me? I'm just so honored I can't think straight."
"Mm, so you're sulking because I pretended not to notice. Still so young..."
"Young...? Didn't you say your physical age is twenty-one? Sure, it's foolish to count a divine being's age, but it's really confusing when someone with a baby face nags me like that."
"And you're the one who originally had a baby face too..."
"I've got a mature look now, don't I?"
Jeong Hae-Woon crossed his arms and sighed. He had mentally prepared himself. He had to know why the long-silent portrait was finally reacting again.
Even if the other acted human, their true essence was always that of a fickle mystery.
"So? What sort of trick are you about to pull, that you're taking the time to talk to me directly?"
"Oh dear, you really are sulking? But Mr. Jeong Hae-Woon, I too need my private time, you know. I'm the sort who doesn't stay in one place—I'm a restless wanderer, aren't I?"
"If you're just going to keep slipping away like an eel, I'll just sip my coffee while admiring you. You're extra shiny today. Very nice."
"If you insist, I'll give you the opportunity to admire me. I quite like you, Mr. Jeong Hae-Woon."
"...How honored I feel..."
Jeong Hae-Woon gave up and picked up the mug he'd put down. He dragged over a chair and sat directly in front of the portrait. The pink-haired being smiled as though having spotted something adorable.
"My goodness... is this some genetic quirk of gardeners?"
"What? What did I even do?"
"Mr. Yoo Seong-Woon does this too—sits and stares at the Portrait of Gio like this."
"Collectors' curators are like that by nature. There were plenty of folding chairs all along the gallery corridor. Me, I just sat down because I figured a little chat with a portrait with lips and vocal cords might be worth my time."
"Are you sure I do have lips and vocal cords?"
"Ah, yes. My apologies for being narrow-minded. Most humans assume that if a conversation is possible, those things must be attached."
As the being showed no signs of getting to the point, Jeong Hae-Woon gave up and focused on savoring the moment.
'Waiting out the mystery's antics is one of the least tiring strategies I have.'
The aroma of the coffee was heavenly. The portrait—visually—was even more so. For all his complaints, Jeong Hae-Woon was clearly another gardener who'd fallen under the mystery's spell.
"...You know, that hat of yours—feels like you carry it more than you wear it. Doesn't it ever feel neglected?"
"We'd have to be pretty close for it to feel neglected over something like that."
"You say that like it's a person. I can't figure out what that hat even is. Some kind of goblin club? Though that would imply it's not something with ego..."
"Did you do well while I was away?"
"...Could I have, with all that mess?"
Ever unpredictable.
'Even the topic of conversation bounces around like you. Suits you perfectly.'
Abrupt as it was, this finally seemed like the long-awaited main topic. Jeong Hae-Woon ground his teeth in frustration.
This divine being was kind and gentle—but also unbearably flighty. And so full of love, it was almost sickening. Even knowing the seriousness of the situation, he still responded like this.
"Thanks to you, Korea nearly turned upside down."
"Oh? Just Korea?"
"...Why do you sound disappointed? Sure, it was actually a global threat."
"Because the system temporarily disappeared, I assume."
"I have no idea what it is you're trying to do."
The situation was bizarre.
Even with the Association stepping in, the people were still terrified. Public trust in the government and Association might have been high, but it had its limits.
The blinking system felt like it could cause tangible harm at any moment. The Symbols of Eternity had no clear solution and weren't stepping back either. Anxiety ran high. It could easily lead to a second catastrophe.
Hunters were more anxious than the general public. They couldn't imagine a life without the system. Even the Symbols of Eternity were starting to waver. Their stances were diverging.
"This is giving me a huge headache. Do you even know what Haera is considering doing to you?"
"The most rational choice would be sealing me away."
"You know your stuff. But Cha Eun-Hye fiercely opposed that. She said it wasn't even possible. Frankly, I agree. You're not the kind of being that would quietly stay sealed."
"I'm so glad you know me so well, Mr. Jeong Hae-Woon."
The divine being chuckled. From inside the frame, he reached out a hand and placed his signature wizard's hat on Jeong Hae-Woon's head. Jeong Hae-Woon flinched slightly from the strangely weighty pressure.
Fortunately or not, the trick didn't last long. Jeorge gently retrieved the hat with a graceful motion. Jeong Hae-Woon frowned at the gesture, unable to read its intent. The being looked at him and asked—
"How are Mr. Seo Seo-Hee and you getting along?"
"...Seo Seo-Hee? He's turned into a total opportunist. Acting like a bat. He's waiting to see which way the wind blows so he can join the winning side."
"Hm. And what about you, Mr. Jeong Hae-Woon?"
"...I don't know..."
Jeong Hae-Woon sighed.
"...I'm really curious about the past I've forgotten."
"Believe it or not, I didn't add anything to that nightmare of yours."
"..."
"Maybe I nudged it a little?"
"...Just to check—"
His frown deepened.
"Was that 'dream' I had... was it only once? Like how I visited the abandoned school several times without remembering?"
"Oh dear, you're doubting me. But truly, no. If that really had happened multiple times, the system would've glitched repeatedly. But there's only been one incident so far, right?"
"...That's true, yes."
"As I said earlier, the 'dream' you had wasn't my doing."
The portrait twirled the hat playfully.
"When there's a flood, levees break. When there's a crack, the bowl shatters. When things are stacked up dangerously, a single tap is all it takes. That's what I did. But I didn't make you dream."
There was something unique about his speech. The content was weighty enough, but his tone and voice made it nearly unbearable—seductive to the point of being sickening.
With that voice, he could convince entire crowds to betray the world. Jeong Hae-Woon's brows furrowed tighter.
"Well, thank you for that expert deflection of all personal responsibility, Professor."
"Professor? You call me that after saying all that? Makes me sound pretty pathetic, doesn't it..."
"So what you're saying is—this is just a natural progression, and I shouldn't resist? That I should just embrace the change? Excuse me, but I happen to be one of the Symbols of Eternity, and for what it's worth, I'm committed to protecting this planet."
"Which means you don't want to harm the Earth."
"You're right. Honestly, my opinion's not so different from Seo Seo-Hee's. You can call me a bat too—I'll take it. It's true, so it doesn't sting."
"But Mr. Jeong Hae-Woon has a very rebellious streak. I know that well."
The portrait didn't falter in the face of his bitter sarcasm. Maybe it was because they already knew each other too well.
Or maybe it was just that damn divine arrogance. Either way, it wasn't something easy to sit with.
He leaned forward slightly in the frame. The lacquered-over areas left only one gem-bright eye visible—gleaming sharply. Perhaps it only seemed that way. His irises and pupils blurred together, making it impossible to track his gaze.
"..."
"Mr. Jeong Hae-Woon."
But the stare remained—as clear as before, lacquer or no lacquer.
"Let me say it again: the levees are collapsing. The bowl is nearly shattered."
"...You're talking about the 'Promise of Eternity,' aren't you."
"If you don't want that fragile child to completely fall apart, you shouldn't torment them anymore. No hitting. No touching. Ideally—not even looking."
"And yet I still haven't returned this portrait to the Collector. I'm a disgrace of an adult, aren't I? I know. I know that better than anyone."
"Mr. Jeong Hae-Woon is truly greedy. But I understand. I like humans who are honest about their desires."
"That's a lie, isn't it."
Jeong Hae-Woon gave a dry laugh. He wasn't stupid. He'd been around Jeorge long enough to hear his stories. He had a rough idea of the being's past.
But the portrait rejected that idea.
"It's true. I really do like you."
"...Not hate?"
"Did you know that hate and love are synonyms?"
"Wow. That's... intense."
Saying all that with a face like it'd melt at the touch of water. But that's what divine beings were like. Their appearance meant nothing. They could do horrifying things behind a beautiful mask.
"Do you hate humans? And call that love? Is that why you want to torment people—by erasing the system from the world?"
"You can think of it that way."
"You say that like it's not true."
"Maybe it's not. I have a lot of love in me. Enough that even after doing all this, I might still love everyone. Maybe it's possible."
"Either way, it's not a pleasant answer."
"But the system is a nuisance. You don't need it to go further. You can break the walls. Shatter the ceiling."
"So this whole time... pestering you for your motives has been pointless, hasn't it?"
Everything was already on the table. Jeorge might hate or love humanity. He might torment or help them. All of that aligned under one act—removing the system.
Sitting back in his chair, holding the mug, Jeong Hae-Woon finally asked:
"Do you really believe that would help the Earth, Professor?"
"Well, isn't riding a two-wheeler cooler than a tricycle?"
"You're insane. So it is about aesthetics?"
"Well, that's part of it..."
"With that delicately emotional face, how can you talk such childish nonsense?"
"But you understand me, don't you, Mr. Jeong Hae-Woon?"
"...Why me?"
"Pardon?"
"Why did you choose me to understand all this chaos?"
"Oh..."
Jeorge visibly looked annoyed.
"People really are shameless. They kick up a fuss, then ask me what's happening like they had nothing to do with it. You're the one who brought me out of the Collector, and you're asking me that?"
"I won't argue with you about that injustice. But why am I the only one who had that 'dream'? Seo Seo-Hee clearly longs to remember too. Almost like he's hoping he'll dream without realizing it."
"Because that kind of half-heartedness won't break the dam. It won't shatter the bowl. But you—Mr. Jeong Hae-Woon—you moved, repeatedly. That was the problem. Your dam broke. Your bowl shattered. So don't pin this on me."
"...If you say not to, I won't."
His expression twisted with shared annoyance.
"...Damn it. Feels like I've been given a terminal diagnosis..."
No matter what he did, he was going to dream again.
***
And Jeong Hae-Woon did dream again. And he woke up crying.
"Do you want to remember?"
"..."
"Shall I help you, Mr. Jeong Hae-Woon?"
"..."
"It'll just be a short prank."
The divine being whispered sweetly.
"I'll deceive them for you."
In that flushed heat, Jeong Hae-Woon thought—
No one could resist that.
No one.
-x-X-x-
The system's disappearance kept recurring.
People were confused. And they protested to the Symbols of Eternity. Didn't you say you'd take care of it? they asked. Some were resentful. Others condemning. The Symbols could only return the same obvious reply—they were "handling it."
In the midst of that, an unusual movement stirred.
"Um, excuse me, sir..."
"Why are so many people coming to see me these days? I told you, I'm retired."
"I was hoping I could ask for a little advice..."
"Oh, come on..."
Some Hunters sought out their retired seniors. Most of their targets were those who had directly experienced the Great Catastrophe. More precisely—those who had acted as Awakened even before the "system" came to exist.
Other Hunters sought out gardeners.
"What? A gardener? Huh? How did you even find me?"
"I heard from Seon-Yeong in the village below. She, uh... said you were... a gardener..."
"That brat! I saved him when he was practically crawling from sleep deprivation, and this is how he repays me?!"
"S-sorry, sir..."
"You, what the hell are you, then? Why are you here? When are you leaving?"
Most of them were Hunters with knowledge of the mysterious—whether their parents were researchers at the Association, or they were affiliated with Guildmaster Jeong Hae-Woon, who handled mysteries, or had some connection to the temple.
These two approaches, in the end, shared a single goal:
"How did you use your abilities before the system existed?"
This was the question posed to retired Hunters.
"How do you handle this power called the 'mystery'?"
This was asked of the non-Awakened gardeners.
They might have looked different—but in essence, they were the same. Like those who, upon being told they would go blind, closed their eyes in advance to adapt to darkness.
They wanted to continue their work as Hunters, even if the system one day vanished from the world. And unexpectedly, more than a few actually put that thought into action.
"Hey, instead of just complaining all the time..."
"Then what do you suggest?"
"Let's at least go meet that old man. I heard he was an Awakened even before the system."
"Yeah, you're right. Just lying here isn't doing anything."
"If we bring booze, he might actually say something."
"Lucky you knew someone."
Those who had been simply blaming the government and the Association started to shift course, little by little. Rather than shouting pointlessly, they chose to pursue something more tangible. And that ripple kept growing.
A handful of Hunters acted—and others followed suit. When many followed, soon all Hunters did. And when all the Hunters acted, civilians lowered their voices.
Taking advantage of the shift, others began condemning the people who had previously criticized the government and the Association.
"After everything you've taken from the Association, tsk. You should be ashamed."
"If the cities hadn't protected us, the monsters beyond those walls would've devoured everyone. You people don't even understand gratitude."
"Ugh, what if we get blacklisted by the higher-ups and they kick us all out? Then what?"
Some invoked gratitude and conscience. Others simply feared real-world consequences. The opinions and reactions varied—but in the end, public anger began to cool.
That didn't mean anything had actually changed.
"That old man sure talks big..."
"Were we dumb for thinking we'd get something out of a drunk?"
"I mean... we did hear some good old war stories."
"Would've helped if something clicked though..."
Those who'd visited the retired Hunters—
"..."
"Did you understand any of that?"
"...No?"
"Why the hell are you so proud about that?!"
"What, you want me to lie and say I get it?"
"You dare waste my precious time?"
"No, no, I didn't mean—"
And those who visited the gardeners—
"I seriously don't get it, what am I supposed to do?!"
"Then get it! What's stopping you? You've got two eyes, all your limbs—why can't you do this?! Even I can do it with only one eye left!"
"Aaagh, this is why you can't talk to talented people! You don't understand what it's like to be mediocre!"
"Hmph! And flattery won't get you any special treatment!!"
No one got it. No one found that elusive "feel."
But in the process, the rage naturally dissipated. People let go of some of their trust in the Association and government, and in the meantime, a few formed mentor–disciple bonds.
Thus, the idea that "the system might one day vanish" became a fact etched in everyone's heart. Even if the Association whispered sweet reassurances, people had begun to ignore them.
"..."
And along the way, a few people completely lost their ability to cope.
***
The first: Yoo Seong-Woon.
"Gio, do you remember the promise we made...? If you were going to flip the world upside down, you'd let me know in advance..."
"Even if you speak so wistfully, the deed is already done and cannot be undone. Also, we never signed any legal contract. I am innocent."
"The more I think about it, I'm certain that Mr. Zeorge has corrupted our Gio."
"If you're going to treat me like a five-year-old baby of the family, I'm afraid that's a bit problematic."
"Haaaah..."
Yoo Seong-Woon dropped his head and covered his face with both hands. Burying his expression in his palms, he mumbled in a muffled voice:
"I think I'm going to cry. What should I do."
"I believe crying would be appropriate."
"Damn it, even that doesn't work anymore..."
"It never did."
To begin with, he'd never even tried this kind of appeal. After Gio had drawn a portrait of "Yoo Seong-Woon" that one time, something had shifted. Since then, he'd started acting like this now and then. Gio, naturally, was pleased—they'd clearly gotten closer.
"Did you come to see me because of the trouble I caused?"
"Uh, more like—I'm just at a loss."
Yoo Seong-Woon turned to look at Joo-Hyun, who had arrived earlier.
"Seriously? Are you really going to do this without me? Huh? Mr. Joo-Hyun? Say something?"
"I didn't see any reason to involve you this time..."
"Birds of a feather—God, you two are really starting to resemble each other."
"But I really didn't do anything that major."
Joo-Hyun sipped flower tea and gave a shy smile. It looked almost noble, even sacred.
"I just went to visit the Cult of the Cloak and delivered the will of God, is all..."
"...I got chills."
Yoo Seong-Woon's expression turned flat. He rubbed his arms, though the room wasn't cold—his skin had prickled.
"Mr. Joo-Hyun, you weren't always like this. Go back to normal. You're scaring me."
"Ahem. My apologies for teasing you."
"Are you seriously going to escalate your pranks to this level? Unlike our ever-grand Mr. Sergio, you were just a regular person. How are you planning to handle this?"
"Regular? Who was it who teased me, saying I'd soon transcend ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) humanity and to give him a call when I did? And this was all carried out with Gio's approval from the start."
"Sure, I'll take the teasing as karmic retribution. But who made the plan to get Gio's approval? That was you, wasn't it? Let's be honest—our Gio doesn't plan like that. Are you trying to deflect?"
"Well, yes, it was me... hmm."
Joo-Hyun's face finally colored with embarrassment. He let out an awkward laugh.
"So... maybe it was a bit much?"
He hadn't really done much. Just visited a few fans of the "Black Cloak," draped himself in the black cloak Gio had given him—just in case—and took some waterbirds along for safety.
Yoo Seong-Woon's face turned cold.
"Bit much? Bit? It was huge."
"And just to be clear, I didn't go there trying to be treated like some high priest of the cloak. Honestly, what riches could I possibly gain from something like that?"
"Honestly, I do think you could gain plenty... But yeah, I didn't think you were doing it for personal gain. It just didn't suit you."
"I only wanted them to listen to me."
"And that's the problem. It's not just greed that causes harm."
Joo-Hyun had gone to the Cloak Cult and offered some "advice." Or maybe "prophecy" would be more accurate. He outlined future chaos before it arrived and shared what their god desired.
The believers, thoroughly immersed in that message, acted without hesitation. They reached out to the Hunters they sponsored and knew personally.
It started innocuously, in salon chats, discussing whether visiting retired Hunters or gardeners might help.
The idea spread subtly—so as not to provoke suspicion.
"In the end, the results turned out surprisingly well..."
Yoo Seong-Woon's expression was strange.
"God, why does this always end up working out? It's infuriating—I can't even complain properly."
"Black Cloak power."
"Gio, seriously... you're so amazing I just want to cry..."
"If I'm amazing, please simply acknowledge it."
"Why is your vocabulary so polished all of a sudden?"
"This is an injustice."
Gio's vocabulary hadn't suddenly improved—he was a 29-year-old adult. It was just that, as he grew more comfortable with Yoo Seong-Woon and Joo-Hyun, his speech became freer.
Unaware of that, Yoo Seong-Woon gave a defeated smile.
"Well, I guess it's good it ended fine. Still, Mr. Joo-Hyun almost got dragged off to the Association."
"I took that risk into account."
"You do realize that if they took you, they'd grill you for three days and nights, right?"
"I used to work at the Association's research lab. You think I don't know?"
That "grilling" referred to the Association's interrogations. Get caught once, and they could pickle you in artifacts or strip you down from head to toe. Not that they did that to just anyone.
The issue was the scale of what Joo-Hyun had done. The entire country had stirred. Even if the system errors were Gio's doing, there was no way the Association had missed Joo-Hyun's involvement.
"Fortunately, the Chairwoman doesn't seem intent on making this a big issue. Maybe she decided to focus on the fact that things wrapped up well, regardless of the process. She might be offended, but she's not the emotional type."
Joo-Hyun smiled faintly at that.
"I accounted for that too."
"Right, you mentioned you'd had a private meeting with her."
"She's a results-oriented person. You can tell just by how she doesn't blink when the research lab chews through people."
"Meanwhile, I get dragged around left and right."
"No wonder I didn't see you while the trouble was unfolding."
"Yeah, one person causes chaos, another does the cleanup."
"..."
"..."
At the familiar silence, Gio tilted his head and lifted a pot.
"How about some chicken stew?"
"...Excellent health food."
And just like that, Yoo Seong-Woon let it go.
***
But, perhaps inevitably—or perhaps surprisingly—not everyone could let it go.
"..."
"Haera, I haven't seen that expression in a while."
"...I'm not really sure what expression I'm making."
"Hm. I'd say... 'stunned.'"
"It is a foreign emotion."
Dan Haera quietly shifted her gaze around, confirming her state. Raw emotion—something she hadn't felt in a long time. Most of her feelings and memories had been traded away for the Promise. She wasn't used to this.
"So this is what stunned feels like."
It seemed like something she ought to remember. Dan Haera nodded slowly without realizing. She normally didn't even have time to feel, let alone sort emotions. She couldn't tell whether this was good or bad.
And the strange confusion that came with the shock—it, too, was unfamiliar.
"Seo Seo-Hee."
"Uh? Yeah, what's up."
"What exactly does that portrait want from me?"
"...I don't think it meant anything bad..."
"That's not an answer to my question."
"Just once—can't you cut it a little slack, kind Haera?"
"...Still not an answer."
After a brief back-and-forth, Dan Haera blinked slowly.
"...What is this...?"
"..."
Watching her, Seo Seo-Hee quietly posted in the group chat.
haera's broken
lmaoooo knew it
you fix this jeong hae-woon
🖕
psycho bastard.
"Been friends for over 30 years, but damn—he's actually insane."
The fact that he could laugh at this situation... was honestly impressive.