The Artist Who Paints Dungeon-Chapter 162

A few days later, ‘Hunter Sergio’ visited the Church of the Sun.

“Thank you for your visit.”

Kang Seodam personally came out to greet him.

“Was the journey here not too troublesome?”

“The thought of seeing the sun I met that day once again filled me with nothing but excitement.”

“That the light of the sun reached you must also be fate.”

With his characteristically blunt expression, he guided Gio forward.

“Please, follow me.”

“I will.”

Gio followed behind Kang Seodam, taking in the true form of the Church of the Sun.

‘As expected, it’s different from the church I once belonged to.’

Though Gio’s Sun Church, once corrupted by the plotting of mermaids, was still grand, the Church of the Sun on Earth radiated a much simpler, gentler atmosphere. It felt as though it were filled with sunlight.

‘They seem to favor clean white over gold.’

As someone who often painted, Gio couldn’t help but value aesthetic more than historical worth. This place was far warmer and lighter than he had imagined.

“It’s quite lively.”

“Does it displease you?”

“No, I asked because it’s pleasant to hear.”

“Then this priest is glad to hear it.”

With his usual indifferent tone, Kang Seodam continued.

“One of the greatest strengths of the Church of the Sun is its abundance of life.”

“I visited the Church of Death once before, and it’s nothing like this.”

“The Church of Death considers silence a virtue, and it values the collective over the individual.”

They strolled down a hallway where sunlight poured through large windows.

“In other words, priests of death are often called a family of silence. Compared to other churches, they have a particularly rigid sense of familial structure. And yet, apart from that, they emphasize obedience and flow... It must’ve felt quite still.”

It was unlike the Church of the Sun.

“Warmth belongs to the living. The small rays of our Sun, bestowed by the Sun himself, burn while we are alive, then return to his side once they’ve consumed all.”

“Hence, the brightness of this atmosphere.”

“Yes, unlike other churches, we promote the free actions of each priest. So we maintain minimal formality even in conversation. And so...”

Kang Seodam lightly chuckled, glancing at the passing priests.

“The Church of the Sun tends to have this kind of noisy energy.”

“It’s a good sight.”

“I'm glad it appears that way to you.”

Soon, they headed toward the Church’s hospitality room.

“Please, take a comfortable seat.”

Once seated, a few attendants brought out refreshments and tea. Unlike the priests or Kang Seodam, these people did not radiate much of the sun’s energy, so Gio looked at them briefly.

Realizing that Gio was not human, and recalling his lack of common knowledge, Kang Seodam explained.

“...These are our brothers and sisters who assist the priests of the Church of the Sun in many ways. Though they are not priests, they remain within the church and offer large and small aid.”

“I see. Thank you for introducing them.”

“It is a priest’s joy to host the guests of the Church. Thank you, brothers, for the tea. Now, if you’d allow, I would like to speak privately with our guest.”

The attendants quietly stepped out, leaving only Gio and Kang Seodam in the room.

“...First of all...”

Kang Seodam bowed deeply.

“Regarding the mercy you showed in the ‘Nation of the Deep Sea,’ I thank you once again on behalf of all humans who were there.”

His demeanor was much more respectful than it had been outside. From the phrase “on behalf of all humans,” Gio realized he was not being regarded as human himself—but he let it pass.

‘A bit absurd...’

But better this than being exposed as an ordinary human and dragged off for experimentation. Thinking that, Gio composed himself as a priest of the Sun should.

“I’m glad I could be of help.”

“Were you able to safely receive the reward from the Church?”

“Yes. I received the compensation through the collector.”

“...Though I did not feel it right to repay you with something as lowly as money...”

“You're too modest.”

Giovanni offered a sacred priestly smile.

“I like money.”

“.......”

“Most happiness can be bought with it.”

Kang Seodam remained silent for a moment before nodding.

“I see... That’s a relief.”

Gio instinctively recognized the reaction: “I don’t get it, but I’ll let it go.” It was the same look Yoo Seong-Woon or Joo-Hyun often had.

Kang Seodam still held an uncomfortably formal posture.

“Thanks to your intervention, the number of casualties was greatly reduced. As the person ultimately responsible for the initiation ceremony, it should’ve been my burden. But because you extended your hand, the young novice priests did not meet a pointless death.”

“I believe it was something we accomplished together.”

“We’re truly grateful for your favorable view of us. The reason we called Hunter Sergio here today is that the Church requested a meeting. My own opinion was not fully reflected, but I will do my utmost to ensure no discomfort arises.”

“You think I’d be displeased?”

Did he expect Gio to say something like “How dare you summon me”? Gio gave a light look of confusion at Kang Seodam’s intense caution—but the priest’s expression didn’t change.

“Yes. Thank you for understanding.”

Gio’s interpretation was correct. As a mere human, Kang Seodam felt it disrespectful to summon a divine being. And it wasn’t just a feeling—it was disrespectful.

‘I fear I’ll forget my place as a human if this continues.’

The sacred being before him showed humans an extraordinary degree of favor—but even so, there were boundaries. Of course, Kang Seodam couldn’t exactly go around saying, “Hunter Sergio is actually divine.”

‘The elder priests are still arguing about whether or not to recruit him...’

They didn’t even realize the sin of daring to speak that way about a divinity. It was a sin born of ignorance. Kang Seodam, who’d ended up in charge of this mess, felt utterly miserable.

“This isn’t the first time humans have sinned out of foolishness. I will reflect.”

“I don’t quite follow, but I believe self-reflection is a virtuous act.”

Gio, like a wise adult, kindly ignored Kang Seodam’s turmoil.

“Is there something I must do?”

“.......”

Kang Seodam barely held back a cough.

“...Ahem. No, I couldn’t possibly ask anything of you.”

“I hope you won’t treat me with too much difficulty. Are ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) you afraid of me?”

“To be honest, it’s more discomfort than fear. It’s... overwhelming.”

“I truly admire such honesty.”

Influenced by Argio, Giovanni’s face lit up with a radiant smile.

“You seem full of stress. Do you need a sparring match?”

“Even if it meant my death, I would never ask to spar with you.”

“What an honest soul. You’re remarkable, Brother Kang Seodam.”

“Thank you for affirming my soul.”

Kang Seodam wanted to crawl into a hole.

“As I mentioned earlier, today’s meeting with you, Hunter Sergio, is purely for social purposes. I haven’t prepared any formal procedures. Just a casual conversation before you return.”

“You seem very tired for a casual conversation.”

“I know it's quite irreverent to say, but priests are really no different from regular office workers. In fact, we often have more interpersonal burdens than most jobs. But my fatigue dwells alongside the soul—no need to mind it.”

“In that case, shall we have the comfortable conversation you suggested?”

Giovanni thought of the young priests in this place.

“How is Brother Cha I-Sol doing?”

“Ah, that child...”

Recalling his student, Kang Seodam’s expression softened a little.

“Do you intend to take her in?”

He meant, as a disciple. But Gio only smiled.

“That’s not for me to decide.”

“I thought your visit during the initiation ceremony was to find a new follower.” fгeewebnovёl.com

“I am willing to make many friends and family, but I will never force anyone.”

“I see.”

Kang Seodam nodded.

“Recently, Brother Cha I-Sol seems to want to become your disciple. That’s why I asked.”

“Then it is not my intention.”

“I thought as much. If it were, the decision would have been made that day.”

Unlike what Kang Seodam had assumed then, the great mystery called “Gio’s portrait” was not a divine being greedy for followers. He simply existed—without desire.

‘Which is even more terrifying.’

To be so immense, even without worshippers, was exceedingly rare.

“Beyond that, there have been no major events involving Brother Cha I-Sol. She’s a sociable and optimistic girl—people with such energy tend to draw in those who want to help.”

Cha I-Sol was quite popular among the novice priests.

“She’s living quite a steady life. While she doesn’t show particular zeal for study, she doesn’t avoid her duties either.”

“That makes me truly happy. Her family must be pleased as well. I’m certain she’ll become a wonderful priest and help many people.”

A prophecy?

“.......”

Most likely.

‘I'll remember that.’

Divine beings often made predictions casually. Especially the mischievous ones—free from providence, they scattered miracles and calamities without care.

Kang Seodam didn’t take Gio’s words as mere praise born of affection. He began to speak again, seeing Cha I-Sol’s future unfold.

“You may not know this, but her partner is a girl named Lee Ruda. In this priest’s humble eyes, both show great potential and have high expectations placed on them.”

However—

“What worries me is that Sister Lee Ruda receives jealousy and resentment from the other students. She herself doesn’t seem to mind it at all.”

“...As their teacher, you must feel quite burdened.”

“Thank you for your kind words. So long as I’m here, I believe things won’t become too serious, but I thought it might concern you, so I mentioned it.”

After a light conversation about the novice priests, Kang Seodam got to the main point.

“There will soon be a raid sponsored by the Church of the Sun. The dungeon is an A-class one known as ‘The Four-Legged Rainforest of the Underground,’ and we’ve already partnered with a few guilds.”

“You want me to participate?”

“If I may offer a poor excuse, this isn’t my decision. But the Church is curious about ‘Hunter Sergio’s’ abilities—and the man himself.”

“I find the attention amusing. Quite flattering.”

“Please share your thoughts freely. The Church will not dare assert authority over you, and even if it did, you belong to the Collector’s Guild, correct? There’s no problem.”

The Collector’s Guild was the third most influential—and the wealthiest—guild in South Korea. No one dared provoke a Collector obsessed with their collection.

“This is nothing more than a suggestion, which you are entirely free to refuse.”

“What kind of dungeon is this ‘Four-Legged Rainforest of the Underground’?”

“It’s a villa-type dungeon formed beneath a limestone cave, filled with toxic and sharply-honed plants. That’s why we’re prioritizing healers and tamers.”

“Healers and tamers...”

Gio’s eyes sharpened.

“That would be me.”

“...Forgive me.”

Kang Seodam continued, as politely as possible.

“This is both a test of your ability and a task originally meant for our Church. We discovered the dungeon and saw its potential use, but failed to clear it.”

“Hence the cooperation with other guilds.”

“Contrary to popular belief, the Church of the Sun actually has few healers. The Sun’s fire leans more toward destruction than delicate preservation. That is the reason.”

“I understand. Power isn’t always something one can wield with precision.”

“There isn’t much time left. The raid is scheduled to begin in fifteen days. Despite the tight schedule, we believe there is no one better suited for it than Hunter Sergio...”

He swallowed the sigh that nearly escaped and continued.

“...And so I’ve made this presumptuous request.”

“Is it so presumptuous?”

“I apologize. Where others may see, I’ll treat you as any other hunter.”

“Priest Kang Seodam, you’re quite the stubborn man.”

Gio gazed down at the proposal in Kang Seodam’s hands with his characteristic blue eyes, glimmering with light.

“...A rainforest, is it...”

In his curling gaze, a golden gleam shone.