The Artist Who Paints Dungeon

Yoo Seong-un was terrified that the feast of the gods, with the legs of the Kraken fried in the blood of the Phoenix and decorated with the heads of the hatches, would be served, but contrary to his worries, the meal Geo prepared was simple.

‘... No, it’s ordinary.’

And it was abundant.

A large grilled fish in the middle of the table and steaming brown sauce-based meat stew. Stir-fried vegetables that seemed to contain tomatoes, onions, and bok choy. Rice cakes that rose up on top of the bowl, and sagol soup with green onions and seafood.

‘It looks like a delicate combination, like a meal made up of whatever was available...’

For some reason, the meal was made up of creatures that had never been found on Earth.

“.......”

Yoo Seong-un didn’t use his emotion skills. It wasn’t a wise decision, but after reading the exact contents and effects, he didn’t think he could eat in his right mind.

“... It ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) looks delicious.”

“It’ll be delicious.”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

He gave up.

‘Surely Geo wouldn’t lock me up in this cabin.’

He wasn’t worried. Even the Hunter named Park Eun-gyeom had to pay a price for becoming a complete painting after staying in the ‘City of Void’ for a few days. Strictly speaking, this place was also a painting.

In Greek mythology, Persephone was connected to the underworld where Hades was because of a few pomegranates. Since this was a world where gods existed, Yoo Seong-un couldn’t help but feel even more uneasy.

‘But even so, Hunter Cha-ara didn’t have to go home because he ate here.’

I had already heard that Geo invited him and even fed him. It didn’t look like a very different meal than now, so it didn’t seem like there would be any big problems if Yoo Seong-un ate.

“...You’re really good at cooking.”

However, what Yoo Seong-un was worried about was whether I could leave the painting in the same condition I was in when I entered it.

My already good eyesight had become clearer, so I thought I was already wrong. I would soon be observing the cells of living things with my naked eyes.

“Your hands are big.”

“Is the fish a bit big?”

“Does the fish look big?”

Of course, he was surprised by the fish that was placed in the middle of the table. First of all, it wasn’t an aquatic creature Yoo Seong-un knew, and it was almost as big as a plump, winter-season mackerel.

“Of course, the fish is a bit big.”

Yoo Seong-un looked at the steamed meat.

“That guy is no pushover either.”

“It’s Dongpa pork.”

“Is the Dongpa pork we’re thinking of different?”

“I made it thinking of the Dongpa pork that you often see in Korea.”

“What kind of Korea have you been to?”

Even Chinese restaurants don’t serve it like that.

“I’m not lying, I only serve wedding cakes.”

“Three-tiered Dongpo Pork....”

“This is the first time I’ve heard this word in my life.”

I also wondered how they made Dongpo Pork in such a short amount of time.

“Honestly, I don’t know much about cooking, but doesn’t Dongpo Pork take a long time to make?”

Simply put, Dongpo Pork is a Chinese dish made by stewing pork for a long time. It is usually cut into cubes and boiled in a soy sauce-based sauce, and it has a soft texture that you can chew with your gums.

“I asked a Chinese restaurant before and they said I’d have to wait a day.”

“Since they don’t make it in advance, it must have been fresh and warm Dongpo Pork.”

“If you want, let’s go together next time. No, so what is this....”

“Thanks to Honey and Dad’s help, the time was shortened.”

“Oh, I see. I understood. So I can eat this?”

I guess it’s something humans can eat.

‘The three-stage frozen meat created by the children of the origin and the sun god?’

I don’t know what it is, but I felt like I would have to stop being human if I ate it.

“...When Chaara Hunter came by, maybe?”

“Yes, that happened.”

“That friend was like this too... Did the elder help you? Prepare the meal?”

“I was in charge back then.”

“Why me?”

“Huh?”

“No, I misspoke.”

Why on earth are you doing this to me?

‘I can’t be at ease if you do this.’

Up until just now, I was comforting myself by saying, ‘Hey, Chaara Hunter was fine, so I should be fine too.’ But when I heard that the meal preparation process was different from that time, I couldn’t help but worry.

‘This is why the gods, the authors, really have no consideration for humans.’

Yoo Seong-woon forced himself to swallow his sigh.

“...I’ll eat well.”

“I hope you enjoy it.”

“I don’t know why I see greed in your eyes.”

You’re a guy who can show greed too.

“I’m learning a lot today.”

If I think about Geo’s habits, it’s probably close to him imitating the emotions of a human being in order to communicate according to the situation, but anyway.

“What kind of greed are you?”

“I know it might sound rude, but I wish you’d gain some weight....”

“I don’t know if it’s rude, but am I really going to walk out like a pig?”

“.......”

“Geo?”

Anyway, around the time the meal started.

“Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah—.”

“Oh my.”

An incident occurred where Anti-Cat Dana groaned while looking at the human Yoo Seong-un.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Yoo Seong-woon. My child is shy and has caused trouble. I will make him reflect on his actions.”

“No, it’s natural for monsters to hate humans. It’s a rare experience to see the anti-cat yawning as it runs away at the sight of a human....”

Yoo Seong-woon actually liked it. Through the yawning of that jewel cat, Yoo Seong-woon was able to prove that he was still human.

Anyway, now the meal really began.

“...Oh.”

It was delicious.

“This is the heavenly table.”

“You are exaggerating.”

“That was an objective statement.”

I was a little worried about the aftereffects after eating, but the food Geo prepared was really delicious. I could feel my tongue being happy even if I just ate the food without adding a single lie.

“The color of the rice is unusual.”

“I cooked it with vegetables.”

“Oh, do you cook rice that way?”

“It’s delicious even if you make it with bone broth or seafood broth.”

“That’s strange.”

I thought rice was made with just water. It might be strange to say that to someone who has such a strong will, but Geo was truly versatile.

“.......”

Even this strangely friendly appearance was probably just a camouflage to get along with humans.

‘... Well, there’s no other way to ease a creature’s guard as easily as eating. Especially since you cook for them yourself, you have a high level of intimacy.’

I thought that this might be the reason Geo enjoyed cooking and giving gifts. Geo, who was particularly scary and noisy.

‘It definitely worked. These days, quite a few of the citizens who search for Black Cloak are wandering around just to taste the snacks he gives out.’

In that sense, this kind of cooking skill could be considered bait to lure humans. Yoo Seong-woon nodded inwardly.

“It’s really round, there’s not a single egg that’s crushed.”

“This is a carefully prepared meal. I’m glad you complimented me.”

“I don’t know how they make this kind of rice.”

The texture was chewy and not unpleasant, similar to the chewy rice made by a famous sushi chef, and honestly, it was enjoyable in itself.

“It’s also savory.”

It didn’t seem to be seasoned, but the strange bitterness unique to vegetables, the savory flavor that seemed to flow from them, and the deep aroma that seemed to come from drinking hot fish cake soup on a winter day were fantastic.

“What are we, Chaesu?”

“There were all sorts of things in it.”

“.......”

Yuseongun quickly became ominous, thinking it had been a while since he had enjoyed the taste of food. He realized once again that it was impossible to enjoy a comfortable meal in Geunwon’s stomach.

“...Is it because of my mood? Why do I feel healthier now?”

“It was worth putting in the herbs.”

“Herbs? What herbs?”

No, wait.

Herbs from the source?

“You used them to cook rice?”

“Isn’t it delicious?”

“Do you usually use herbs to make them taste good?”

“There’s no reason not to use them.”

“That’s... that’s right.”

Yoo Seong-woon was convinced.

“There’s no reason not to use them...”

To Geo, the source.

‘It feels like eating bread baked with a 500-year-old elixir.’

It’s certainly true that there’s no reason not to, but the thought of it being extravagant didn’t disappear. If the pharmacists on Earth found out about this, they’d probably shed tears of blood.

“... I guess it’s okay if you think of it as making medicine taste better.”

“I don’t think medicine that’s good for your body necessarily needs to be used.”

“Yeah, I think that’s a good idea.”

If you think of it as making delicious rice with medicine, not making delicious medicine with rice.

‘... No matter what, I feel like something is stuck inside. I just found out that even eating can escape the realm of humans... .’

Maybe he thinks of himself as an ordinary person, but for Yoo Seong-un, who was experiencing this meal firsthand, it was burdensome. But it was so damn delicious that he didn’t want to put his spoon down.

“Ha....”

I know this is a bait to entice humans and various creatures, but Geo still thought he could cook a little better. Humanity was in danger.

“This would taste good if I made rice balls with it.”

“It’s actually delicious. I’ll pack it for you if you go on a business trip later.”

“No, that... that’s right. Thank you.”

It’s delicious, so I won’t refuse.

‘I don’t feel like my body has changed dramatically just because I ate it.’

Compared to the tea that I drank at first to improve my eyesight, this meal that felt refreshing was ordinary. It was enough to blow away the fatigue I had accumulated from working overtime for several days.

‘Actually, that’s a lot, but I’ve been through so much that I can maintain my composure.’

Honestly, I was quite scared just from the rice, but I couldn’t just stay still because the person who prepared the meal was watching me closely. Yoo Seong-woon slowly turned his eyes to the fish.

“.......”

“Should I spread it on you?”

“No, it’s okay.”

Looking at it again, I was just surprised by its sturdy appearance.

“What kind of fish is this...?”

“It’s a fish that lives in the ‘Deep Sea Country’.”

“I see, that’s possible.”

There were quite a few guilds that used a dungeon as a fish farm or farm. Thinking about that, Geo was a foodie in the ‘Deep Sea Country’.

It was understandable that they brought ash.

“This is a species I’ve never seen before....”

“In Earth terms, it’s a fish that’s a mix of salmon and flatfish.”

“What kind of fish is that?”

“It’s a fish with a strong salmon flavor and flatfish texture.”

“The universe is really vast.”

Yoo Seong-un took off the flesh of the fish that had been grilled until crispy.

“...It’s definitely an oily orange color.”

It didn’t look as oily as salmon, though.

“Oh, it’s moist.”

“I changed the firewood in the stove, how does it smell?”

“This was grilled in the stove. It’s really good.”

I wondered how they grilled this huge fish, but it seemed like they used the stove. Just as Geo said, a bitter smoky scent rose, covering up the fishy smell that’s typical of seafood.

The texture was also very soft, not knowing what they did to the fish. The skin, which clearly showed that it had been baked in an oven, was crispy like a thin cookie, but the flesh inside was soft and crumbly, as if you were eating a thick piece of well-cooked saury.

“Is it a little sour? It also has a spicy scent. It’s not just baked, is it?”

“I grilled fish marinated in green tangerines, lemongrass, and chili pepper juice.”

“Are you a chef?”

I don’t know how many humans you plan on seducing with this cooking skill. No, it looks easy because the subject is a meal, but it wasn’t a joke, it was really dangerous.

‘Humans who don’t even know the existence of the source shouldn’t feel friendly towards this guy.’

Jio continued to explain the dish, seemingly not caring what Yoo Seong-woon was thinking.

“Lemon is good, but I thought that this kind of oily fish should have a bitter taste....”

“.......”

The calm face of the young man who said that was filled with excitement. He seemed quite happy.

I know that Geo himself has a passion for cooking. I also know that it is pure kindness, but such a great favor from the source could be poisonous to humans.

‘This favor is too much for me to handle right now...’

What on earth should I do with this?

“...I have a lot to say about your expertise, but what is that sauce bowl next to this fish?”

“It is a fish-specific sauce made with lemon, soy sauce, and chili peppers.”

“It can’t be this serious.”

Even now, as I ponder how to respond to Geo’s favor, it was so ridiculously well-suited that I couldn’t help but chuckle.

The source’s disguise probably wasn’t meant to harm humans. At the same time, it would be contradictory to call it a ‘disguise’, so it seemed impossible to criticize Geo, who likes to cook and enjoys sharing gifts, as a lie.

“I really....”

Yoo Seong-woon tried to hold back his sigh and said with his characteristically indifferent smile.

“I thought I could just eat it like this because it was so delicious even if I just ate it.”

“Is there a problem?”

“It feels like it was a loss not to have dipped it in sauce.”

“Thank you for your passionate compliments.”

“Why don’t you open a restaurant on Earth? It seems like it’ll be popular.”

“I don’t think I’m suited for sales.”

“That’s true.”

The egos of Geo that have been revealed so far have mostly been painters, priests, doctors, and teachers. He seemed to be a very free spirit or someone who preferred to be under some kind of organized system, so he couldn’t force sales.

‘A restaurant run by Geonwon would be quite ecstatic. All the gardeners on Earth would gather there. The disaster that broke out like that would be interesting...’

Yoo Seong-woon was slowly losing his senses.

‘... Yes, whoever made the food, as long as it was delicious.’

It was really delicious.

“This stir-fried vegetable....”

“It’s made by stir-frying tomatoes, Chinese chives, onions, and garlic.”

“What I’ve been eating until now wasn’t real vegetables.”

Yoo Seong-woon nodded after tasting the crunchy onions.

“It’s sweet.”

“A little spicy.”

“Is it good enough?”

“Yes, it’s good enough.”

The onions retained the unique spicy flavor of the onions, but were also full of sweet juice from being stir-fried over a hot fire. This guy was so juicy and crunchy that it almost felt like a fruit rather than a vegetable.

“It would be delicious even if I just stir-fried the onions.”

“What about the tomatoes?”

“...Why are they so sweet?”

If they exported these tomatoes, the tomato vegetable and fruit businesses could become one. The tomatoes that Geo had stir-fried were definitely fruit. At this point, it felt like eating a warm fruit salad.

“This is the first time that stir-fried vegetables aren’t greasy.”

“Is there anything that stir-fried vegetables can be greasy about?”

“Because we put in a lot of oil.”

“Then it is greasy.”

“I definitely like this feeling.”

This stir-fried vegetable, which had minimal oil, was crunchy rather than mushy, and had a stronger fire flavor than oil. The spicy stir-fried vegetables, which had a sour, fiery scent as if they had been burnt with a torch, boasted a refreshing flavor that was completely different from other stir-fried vegetables that had become mushy from the heat.

It wasn’t seasoned well. It was a stir-fried side dish that had the original flavor of the ingredients, with a hint of salt and pepper, and a luxurious soy sauce flavor that seemed to have been slightly burnt.

“It’s almost like a salad.”

Yoo Seong-woon picked up the long-awaited Dongpa pork.

“.......”

“Kkuu.”

The teddy bear was looking at Yoo Seong-un with anticipation.

‘... What part of it are you expecting? What kind of reaction should I have, and how can I live as an average human being?’

For some reason, it seemed like an old man who had finally discovered his talent for cooking was waiting for the reaction of the first meal he was served.

While being dazzled by his own metaphor, Yoo Seong-un steadily took the frozen pork and placed it on his rice bowl. It was so soft that he had to use a spoon instead of chopsticks.

‘This is really close to pudding.’

So he took a bite with the rice.

“.......”

Yoo Seong-un thought for a moment whether he should spit it out.

‘... It doesn’t seem like food I can handle? What should I do?’

If you mishear, it might sound like a trivial remark, but no. He was truly feeling a sense of crisis. Yoo Seong-un realized for the first time that something too delicious could be a problem.

Fortunately, the disaster of Yoo Seong-un spitting out his food didn’t happen. Not only would that be rude to those who prepared the food, but it was too delicious for that.

“...They say humans are animals that can’t help but be swayed by their instincts....”

“Why on earth would you say that while you’re eating?”

“I don’t think there’s much difference either.”

That’s why so many humans in legends and myths have made such foolish choices.

‘Because they can’t let go of their greed.’

Even the gardener, who knows the dangers of mysterious stories, nodded his head in agreement.

“Hmm....”

Anyway, Yoo Seong-un didn’t become immortal after finishing his meal.

“You’re really good at cooking.”

“You’ve been saying the same thing since a while ago.”

“You’re too good.”

“Thank you?”

“You can do it moderately.”

“Mr. Yoo Seong-un is good at giving compliments.”

“.......”

No, I just meant to do less well.

‘I don’t know if you know it or not, but your cooking threatens human identity.’

Yoo Seong-woon, who had enjoyed a delicious meal, couldn’t bring himself to say that.