Chapter 73

“It was a miracle.”

At the machine-like voice of the woman, the researcher nodded.

“Yes, it is a miracle.”

“Do you think the being that Team Leader Jeong Da-un witnessed is a monster?”

“I'll have to ask the Gardeners for more opinions, but no. It's likely not a monster.”

The researcher shrugged.

“A monster… fundamentally has to have hatred towards humans.”

It’s not for nothing that they are called monsters.

Humans called these beings from another dimension, who hated humans without rhyme or reason, monsters, with fear and contempt.

“This case is very different. We examined the hunters who returned alive, but we couldn't find anything wrong with them. If the ‘Black Cape’ was a monster, it wouldn't have let them go alive in the first place, and if it did, it would have at least brainwashed them before sending them out.”

“But it would be best to publicly announce it as a monster.”

“That's right. For the ‘Black Cape’ to be a god, it showed too much interest in human society. There's a possibility it's an evil god… but whether it's a real god, whatever its true identity is, as long as it has shown it has the power to directly influence humans, it would be wise to explain to the hunters that it is a monster.”

“That way, we can make them be on their guard.”

Gods and monsters, though they have become quite familiar beings in modern times, the difference in perception is huge.

In the case of a god, there would be people who would consider it an honor to even see its form once, but they would try their best to keep their distance from a monster and be on guard.

“If there's a counter-effect, the very existence of a ‘human-friendly humanoid monster’ might touch the romantic sensibilities of the citizens, but for that to happen… there would need to be a significant increase in such friendly cases and exposure. And the probability of that happening is low.”

From the looks of it, it seemed to be a mystery closely related to the Source, and the closer a being is to the Source, the more ignorant they are of humans and the less they can hide their stature.

They wouldn't easily reveal themselves on this small planet either.

“Of course, the ‘Black Cape’ could create many actual friendly cases, and thus become a topic of conversation among the citizens. But it would be difficult for the citizens to accept the goodwill of such a being as it is. The ‘Black Cape’ will not be able to have a friendly image to people.”

“It seems we should also consider the possibility that the ‘Black Cape’ manages its stature well and has a high understanding of humans. But the plan to announce it as a monster is still valid. As beings of the Source are akin to natural disasters, we must instill a minimum level of caution.”

“In truth, when it comes to being a threat to humans, there’s no difference between a god or a monster, but I suppose this is why image is important. We must tell people it is a monster, not a god, so that even if the ‘Black Cape’ shows hostility towards humans in the future, the survival rate will be higher.”

The researcher gently stroked his chin and continued.

“However, those who have witnessed it will not believe that the entity is a monster. Even Hunter Jeong Da-un, right now, calls it a monster, but her reaction itself was that of a person who had been touched by the hand of a god.”

“Were there signs of adoration?”

“I can't say it's at that level yet, but I think a religion could really be formed if we don't formulate any countermeasures against the ‘Black Cape’ at all. Especially in an era like this, such superstitions easily catch on.”

“It would be best to firmly implant the perception that the ‘Black Cape’ is a monster. I would appreciate it if you could proceed with this part in collaboration with the information processing team. I will create a project under my name, so please feel free to make the announcement.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

The woman nodded her head.

“This incident was a great miracle, so I understand Team Leader Jeong Da-un’s reaction.”

“…That… is certainly true.”

The researcher, who had hesitated for a moment, soon agreed.

“Whether the ‘Black Cape’s’ identity is a monster, a god, or a being of the Source, the fact that it saved a number of humans without any cost is hard to believe. In any case, none of them are friendly to humans.”

Monsters hated humans. Gods treated humans like toys, and beings of the Source were indifferent to humans.

The fact that they could even hold a conversation was surprising enough, but to even receive help was an unbelievable story.

“…As I thought, this part will be a problem. People still have fantasies about human-friendly monsters. The existence of the Tamer profession is fueling such fantasies.”

“It's unavoidable due to the lack of formal education. This is something to be addressed by gradually expanding public education, not something that can be resolved right away.”

“That is true, but….”

Among the Hunter professions, Tamers could borrow the power of monsters by making contracts with them.

Because of that, there were idiots who dreamed the absurd dream of being able to tame monsters as their own pets.

‘Is time really the only cure.’

Only 31 years had passed.

Although the Republic of Korea had grown as quickly as possible by shedding as much blood as possible, civic consciousness had not grown to match it.

Enough time for a generation to pass and be born after the Great Catastrophe had gone by, so many people were unaware of the horror and cruelty of monsters, but in contrast, public education was not easily established, making it difficult to inform them of the dangers of monsters.

“On the contrary, people in the provinces are more thorough in that regard.”

“The residents of the provinces don't have the same protective barriers as the cities, so they must be on guard. They don't know when a monster might come down to the village and massacre people, or what mountain they might climb and fall into what dungeon.”

“It means there's nothing more certain than learning through experience.”

That's not to say they could just throw all the city's citizens into dungeons to experience monsters, so it was a headache for the Association's employees in many ways.

It's because there are many stupid people who don't know their place wherever you go.

“Anyway, taking this into consideration, I will try to create an atmosphere so that people do not easily approach the ‘Black Cape’.”

“…….”

“I think it’s a completely ridiculous thing… but if the ‘Black Cape’ is truly a being that bestows favor upon humans, there will be guys who start having absurd delusions.”

The saying ‘be good while you can’ doesn't exist for no reason; there have been more than a few cases where a wide range of blood was shed by provoking a harmless monster that was living quietly.

‘If a monster shows favor, there will always be psychos who develop a foolish sense of superiority from it. Like they're special to be receiving such favor… It’s always these guys who cause trouble and bring about natural disasters.’

Not all monsters wanted to kill humans.

There were certainly monsters who hated humans, but because of that, hid away even more.

But it was only half a year ago that nearly half of a foreign country was torn apart because of a hunter who underestimated and provoked such a monster.

Just because it's still doesn't mean it's weak, but one could say that's some really moronic judgment.

“We should upload the information assuming the worst-case scenario, right?”

“Yes, please do.”

“Then I will report back again later.”

The researcher bowed his head with respect to the eternal symbol that supported the world.

“Association President.”

“…….”

The Association President smiled faintly.

It was a machine-like smile, devoid of any emotion.

***

Identification Number 0S-328-D

Response Level S(-)

Entity Type Humanoid

Entity Name Black Cape(-)

Authority Painter(-)

A humanoid entity whose first discoverers were the 183rd Search Team 3 of the Korean Hunter Association.

It is in the form of a male completely covered in a thick, black cloak.

Face is unidentifiable.

Wore a black shirt and suit pants inside the cloak.

Height is estimated to be around 185-189cm, age is estimated to be mid-to-late 20s to early 30s.

The temporary name ‘Black Cape’ was assigned based on its external features, but it seems necessary to adjust the entity name after acquiring additional information in the future.

As a peculiar feature, first discoverer Jeong Da-un testified that there was a light noise when it walked (the sound of dry plants rustling).

Team member Kang Eon-seo, whose sense of smell is enhanced, testified that it smelled of the forest, so it can also be suspected of being a plant-type mimic monster.

More information is needed regarding the type of this entity.

First Sighting Situation

It helped first discoverer and Hunter Association Search Team Leader Jeong Da-un and her team.

During conversation, if an answer to a question is not heard, the entity does not move on to the next situation and repeats the same question in a perfectly identical manner. Its intelligence is estimated to be extremely high, beyond that of a human.

The identified authority of ‘Black Cape’ is ‘Painter,’ and it can create a picture frame from thin air or turn humans into paint and use that substance to create a ‘painting.’

The first discovery team is reporting some mental distress.

It showed favor and rescued the first discovery team to the outside of the ‘Land of the Deep Sea,’ but it showed ignorance of human mental limits by turning the team into paint.

It seems necessary to adjust the response level after acquiring additional information in the future.

Based on the testimony of the first discoverer, Jeong Da-un, it has been confirmed that the ‘Black Cape’ showed a favorable attitude towards humans.

However, as the ‘Black Cape’s’ rule is determined to be ‘respond submissively,’ it is highly likely to show hostility if the entity's emotions turn negative. Extreme caution is required when responding.

Additionally, based on the clothing inside the cloak, voice, and behavior, the possibility that it was a high-ranking class from its dimension is being reviewed.

As there is a lack of information from various fields, a continuous assault on the ‘Land of the Deep Sea’ has been approved, and we are accepting related requests.

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***

“Oh, my.”

Yu Seong-un, who was checking the monitor floating in the air, rubbed his neck.

“This is up.”

“Is there a problem?”

“No, it’s just….”

Yu Seong-un, leaning against the wall right next to ‘Jio’s Portrait,’ continued to speak while looking at the screen.

“Your information has been posted on the Hunter Association’s website.”

“The Hunter Association, I presume.”

“Yeah, it's one of the main things they do over there. They organize and post on their website information about monsters that pop up frequently and require countermeasures, or those that are a threat as a single entity.”

Having said that, Yu Seong-un smiled awkwardly and looked back at the portrait.

“That’s not to say you're a monster, though.”

Although he had let his guard down while spending time together recently, that in no way lowered the danger of Jio, a being of the Source.

In particular, Yu Seong-un clearly remembered the sight of him, in human form, sometimes becoming nature itself.

‘A guy who thinks he’s human isn’t going to feel good hearing that he’s a monster.’

Yu Seong-un added.

“But from people’s perspective, it can't be helped. Ordinary people don't live inside a portrait like you, do they? If that's possible, then you're at least not human, well, that kind of feeling….”

“That is a sufficient explanation.”

“That’s a relief, then.”

Yu Seong-un, who was scanning through the contents about the ‘Black Cape’ posted on the website, spoke again.

“Seeing as they described your face as unrecognizable, your face definitely wasn't exposed.”

“That is a relief.”

“…….”

After thinking for a moment, Yu Seong-un asked.

“Jio, can you possibly change the face in the portrait?”

“I do not fully understand the question.”

“The portrait drawn of you now shows your face as it is. As I’ve said before, for you to live well among people without being threatened, there is a need to separate the identities of ‘Black Cape’ and ‘Seo Jio’.”

The danger level of a being of the Source changes fluidly according to its ‘story.’

Therefore, Yu Seong-un had created an environment so that ‘Jio’s Portrait’ could act as a human, but Jio often acted in a way that was clearly not human.

‘To the point where I doubt if he even intends to imitate a human.’

Because of that, Yu Seong-un had to distinguish between the ‘Seo Jio’ that people saw as human and the ‘Black Cape’ that they saw as an unidentified ghost story.

This separation was possible because ‘Jio’s Portrait’ sometimes acted human and sometimes didn't.

By separating them like this, he could reduce the danger level of at least a part of ‘Jio’s Portrait.’

And for that to happen, the appearance of ‘Jio’s Portrait’ could not become known to the world.

“Since ‘Jio’s Portrait’ shows your face as it is, even if you go around outside as the blonde, blue-eyed Giovanni… everyone will eventually realize that Black Cape and Seo Jio are the same being.”

Even if his hair or eye color, or his personality changed, his face itself didn't change.

The pale-faced ‘Jio’ had the same appearance no matter which Jio it was.

It’s possible they didn't notice because his exact body structure was slightly different, being hidden by a baggy cape, but his face, at least.

“And you also travel through portraits, right? If your portrait is hung in a public place, and the Black Cape is witnessed nearby, and it becomes known that that face is the same as Hunter ‘Seo Jio’ from The Collectors guild, it will get very troublesome.”

“I believe that is a valid point.”

The portrait, which was silent for a moment as if in thought, soon showed a change.

He raised his hand and reached out….

Splat―.

“…….”

“…Uh….”

“With this, my face should not be visible, correct?”

The face of Jio drawn in the portrait was now obscured, covered in paint as black as ink.

“…Your face isn't visible, but….”

He felt a little upset.

“…It's a portrait with your face drawn on it, is it okay to do this?”

“Mr. Yu Seong-un said that my face being revealed was the problem.”

“I was just thinking maybe you could wear a cloak or something.”

It felt like someone had thrown paint on a priceless masterpiece.

‘If I’m feeling this way, Guild Leader Bisabeol is going to go absolutely crazy….’

He was a person who sometimes lost his mind when it came to works and art, so it was a little chilling.

“…….”

Yu Seong-un looked at the black-painted portrait with a regretful gaze.

The paint had been applied with a stroke of a large hand, but Jio’s black hair and the lower part of his face were still clearly visible.

Although even that was being slowly covered as the paint dripped down.

“…So, can you see?”

“I can see just fine from my side.”

“And will it stay this way even if portraits appear in other places?”

“It will maintain this state unless I wipe it off.”

“Then the possibility of your face being revealed is definitely gone.”

“The employees here know my face.”

“Ah, that's fine.”

The employees of The Collectors guild were exceptionally tight-lipped.

There was no risk of the ‘Black Cape’s’ information being leaked.

‘Which means Jio’s story will be trapped inside The Collectors and grow even larger. If things continue this way, it’s highly likely that even Seo Jio’s story won't be diminished within The Collectors’ building or in front of our employees.’

In The Collectors' building, where people who already knew the ‘Black Cape’s’ identity stayed, the sense of unease from this portrait would not be hidden even if it went around in the form of ‘Seo Jio.’

But that alone was enough.

“Those people will never leak information to the outside.”

“Do you have grounds for that?”

“Because I've only gathered people who truly detest getting involved in big trouble….”

“So they won't spread it for the sake of their own well-being.”

“Besides, if they did say something, would Guild Leader Bisabeol not know? If he finds out they ran their mouth carelessly, they could be dragged off to some laboratory, so no one would open their mouth.”

It was one of the characteristics of The Collectors guild; perhaps because Bisabeol had scouted each and every one of them, the relationships between the employees were very strong.

That is to say, they were all reclusive avoiders.

“There is absolutely no chance of information spreading from here.”

Yu Seong-un smiled bitterly.

“Even I would have clenched my teeth and pretended not to know if I hadn't gotten involved, what leak….”

“I see.”

“Even if someone from the outside promises a reward and demands a leak, the guild already takes good care of them, so there's no one in this guild who would take such a risk for profit. In a similar context, threats won't work either.”

One of the biggest characteristics of The Collectors guild was that everything from the building to each and every employee was Bisabeol’s collection.

Bisabeol takes exceptionally good care of his employees’ welfare, but because of that, no fool would touch his ‘collection.’

What kind of trouble would they be asking for?

“So to say it again, everyone will really clench their teeth and pretend not to know.

They’ll probably struggle desperately.”

They are people who just want to finish their work and go home to rest immediately.

They are also people with a very strong sense of responsibility, but more than that, they extremely loathe getting into troublesome situations, so he could be at ease in this regard.

“But….”

“Is there a problem?”

“…It’s nothing major, but.”

“Yes, please speak.”

“You’ve gotten scarier.”

“…….”

“Because of the paint….”

After a long pause, Jio finally reacted.

“Ah.”

He looked unusually regretful.

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