It's a very inefficient method, but Gardeners are usually created by being chosen.
The Garden literally had to select a qualified human, but there are several problems with this. For one, most qualified humans lived in hiding, not revealing themselves.
"Cha Eun-hyuk, your case is actually one of the better ones."
Jung Hae-woon feigned a sniffle and wiped his tears with a handkerchief.
"The Great Cataclysm happened only 32 years ago. As a result, various superstitions are still rampant in the world. In fact, among them, there are definite, tangible Mysteries that shouldn't simply be called superstitions."
"Ah, um, yes. I see."
Cha Eun-hyuk nodded with a reluctant expression. Jung Hae-woon continued speaking.
"In a situation like this, how creepy must an existence that 'sees what others cannot see' be?"
"Hmm..."
"Ah, I definitely didn't mean to offend you, Cha Eun-hyuk. It's just that the objective reality is like that. A person who isn't even a Hunter but sees illusions is bound to be ostracized."
"I wasn't offended. It's something I fully acknowledge."
"Thank you for understanding. You really are a patient person. There was a reason why you were chosen by Teacher Seo Ji-oh."
Of course, this is an era that acknowledges the existence of souls. However, that is also limited to Hunters. An Unawakened without such skills seeing things others can't? In the worst-case scenario, it even leads to witch hunts.
In small, self-governed villages, such incidents, big and small, had actually occurred. To people with an outdated mindset, a being with such qualities would seem like nothing more than a pawn of the Great Cataclysm.
So what could they do? They had to hide themselves on their own.
"However, when the people around them are overly provoked, it sometimes really reaches the point of killing that precious Talent. In fact, there are quite a few cases like that, especially among rural folks."
"..."
Cha Eun-hyuk's expression turned subtle.
"...Um, then was I... in danger too?"
"Didn't you hide those traits because you also thought it was dangerous?"
"Ah, that was just... because my younger siblings couldn't see them..."
"In the end, I think it was one of your instincts not wanting to be alienated. And when alienation worsens, it becomes ostracization, and when ostracization worsens, it becomes hostility. Especially in harsh times like these, hostility easily turns into murderous intent."
"...I suppose that's true."
Cha Eun-hyuk couldn't deny it in the end. At that, Ji-oh asked.
"Have you ever seen such a case? You accepted that faster than I thought."
"Murder cases occurring among 3rd Class Citizens are... yes, quite frequent. Unlike cities, there are no Hunters or personnel to systematically manage the villages, and the number of police is extremely low. I know there are also many times when 5th Class Citizens, who are heinous criminals, sneak in."
"Then aren't they almost in a state of isolation?"
"It's a little better in cases like our village, which has a terminal connected to the city. But there are many completely isolated villages without even that kind of terminal. Places like that have a truly closed-off atmosphere."
Jung Hae-woon added a kind explanation for Ji-oh, who seemed to be having a hard time understanding.
"You know how there are a lot of those in old movies, villages with a closed-off culture? They ostracize outsiders, are easily tainted by cults, and have a slightly creepy vibe due to weird traditions... The kind of village that would appear in thriller or horror genres."
"I just understood."
"It's a fragmentary example showing that the aftermath of the Great Cataclysm still remains. Of course, the Association and the government are making efforts to identify and manage them... but with the system of resident registration numbers gone, there's a limit to finding out what kind of villages have formed and where."
Above all, such villages also hate the Association and the government. With a very high probability, that is.
"Should I say it's a somewhat hated position?"
"What is the reason the villages ostracize the outside to that extent?"
"Well... this is actually quite a reasonable wariness."
"There's a reason? For hating the Association and the government?"
"It's because the government did some stupid things in the early days of the Great Cataclysm."
Joo-hyun, who had been listening quietly, nodded.
"There were a lot of incidents."
"That's true."
Yoo Sung-woon also agreed.
"To put it directly, there were various cases of human trafficking and biological experiments. The idiots who tried to overcome their fear of the newly emerged concept of Mystery with science caused a huge mess."
"My goodness."
"The problem is that those idiots were the people in power in various countries. I think I might have mentioned it to you once before, but the heads of the higher-ups in the previous government didn't roll for nothing."
"Are you saying they did such things even though there was an actual threat like the Awakened?"
"Ah, up until then, the Awakened were... how should I put it..."
As Yoo Sung-woon trailed off, Jung Hae-woon laughed and explained instead.
"Monsters, or at best, mere mercenaries. In other words, the situation of the Awakened was practically akin to slaves. And the way other people looked at them wasn't very kind, either."
"But each of those individuals must have been strong. I don't quite understand how they could ostracize the only strong people who could stop the swarming monsters instead of thanking them and clinging to them."
"That's why it was only like that during the early and mid-stages of the Great Cataclysm. At first, even the Awakened were afraid of the power they possessed. The government also drove the atmosphere in that direction... As for the opposite case, there were people drunk on power, and they committed acts that truly warranted being called monsters."
"Ugh."
"Still, Korea was a case where things were contained quite quickly. It was worth chopping off the heads of the higher-ups several times. It was only after repeatedly going through such large and small coups, settling them, having them happen again, and settling them again that Korea became what it is today. Quite eccentric, isn't it?"
Ji-oh looked at Jung Hae-woon with pitying eyes.
"You've been through a lot."
"Thank you for acknowledging it."
Jung Hae-woon gave a double thumbs-up and continued his explanation.
"Anyway, the Hunters of the past didn't have much of a voice. And the Korean government just blindly tried to control those Hunters and all the citizens. A few incidents occurred in that process..."
"Are those the human trafficking and biological experiments that Yoo Sung-woon just mentioned?"
"There were many other things besides that. There were times when they framed innocent villages and cut off the heads of guiltless people. That was broadcast in real-time, allowing all citizens to see it."
"In short, it was a reign of terror."
"That's right. And as history has proven, that kind of politics didn't last very long. Especially when there was an actual threat like Hunters. The Hunters soon realized the magnitude of the power they possessed and overturned the country."
At that, Joo-hyun interjected and pointed at Jung Hae-woon.
"And one of those people is Guild Master Jung Hae-woon."
"Ah, it's too embarrassing when you praise me like this."
"At least within Korea, there is nothing that cannot be done with the name of 'Symbols of Eternity'. Such treatment is exactly the awe and gratitude directed towards the achievements these people have established. Because they made this a somewhat livable world."
"They say it's a rebellion if you fail, and a revolution if you succeed."
Jung Hae-woon smiled and nodded.
"In our case, it was a revolution."
"..."
"You're looking at me with such pity."
"It breaks my heart."
"I guess it's true that you gave birth to us after all."
"It must have been hard."
He knew that Jung Hae-woon only looked old on the outside but was still like a child on the inside. When he thought about an undergrown child wearing an adult's mask and walking down that harsh, thorny path, his heart ached beyond mere bitterness.
Ji-oh thought he should grill a few pieces of meat for him before leaving.
"..."
"Well, um... let's set that aside."
Jung Hae-woon naturally avoided Teacher Seo Ji-oh's gaze. It was a somewhat awkward evasion.
"It hasn't been that long since we replaced that crazy government. There must be very many citizens who still remember those times. The people who could hide hid themselves as tightly as possible... Thanks to that, the government can now no longer figure out how many of what kind of citizens there are in Korea."
Wasn't this both Korea's strength and weakness before the Great Cataclysm? Resident registration numbers for administrative convenience, and on top of that, CCTVs installed everywhere. Thanks to that, they could catch crimes for the most part.
But now, they couldn't do that.
"Of course, we know too. That if we wanted to figure it out, we could. Our country's Hunters are so competent; what couldn't they do if they set their minds to it? But if we are to proceed with this task, we have to go through a lot of backlash."
"By backlash, you mean..."
"The hostility of the people who were in hiding, the worries of city dwellers who want us to focus on city management, the stress of Hunters who have to deal with people instead of monsters. And so on. Korea doesn't quite have enough leeway to handle all of this yet."
"That makes sense."
"In the same vein, installing teleport terminals in rural villages also comes with a tremendous amount of difficulties. First of all, what to do about the villagers' suspicion and fierce opposition, and personnel to manage them have to reside there, but it's also a worry whether those people will be able to blend in well with the village."
"It's a human problem, after all."
"Just as it always has been."
Jung Hae-woon laughed dejectedly.
"Because of this, most villages naturally develop a closed-off culture. Since they ostracize outside influences, they easily harbor hostility toward 'unfamiliar things.' Therefore, if the 'Talent' born in such a village gets their uniqueness discovered, they usually... well... inevitably end up going through a lot of bad things."
He shrugged.
"There are cases where that isn't true, though. That is, if they are lucky enough to have a gentle village atmosphere."
"It doesn't seem like there would be all that many cases like that."
"Usually, the villagers whose wariness has risen heavily due to the aftermath of the Great Cataclysm and the government's stupid actions will be the elders of that village, so it can't be helped. The person with the strongest voice in the village says they hate the outside, so everyone else has to hate it together."
Jung Hae-woon smiled brightly.
"This is also one of the reasons why I run around every day until my feet sweat."
"I think I also heard the news that every day is overtime for you, is that correct?"
"Oh, of course, absolutely. Because quite a few people will die if I don't work."
"Hmm."
Ji-oh took out a sandwich with meat in it. Jung Hae-woon stopped him.
"Are you trying to lock me up in this cabin somewhere? I would be very grateful if you put that away."
"You won't die from eating it."
"Come on, Teacher, please cut me some slack. I don't want to end up living in this peaceful cabin forever."
"I do not imprison people recklessly."
"You would bewitch them, though. If it's the you right now, maybe, but I can't trust the pink-haired Portrait."
"You seem to know quite well how to coax people. Since you say you'll trust the me right now, I'll stop for the moment."
"I'm so thankful I could cry."
Anyway.
"The method by which Gardeners find Talent up until now? They just have to do the legwork entirely. They have to see them in person, test them, check their aptitude, and then stealthily approach and kidnap them."
"Kidnap? Has it finally come to that?"
"I call it kidnapping, but strictly speaking, it's scouting. Unless we check each and every one like that, we couldn't bribe... I mean, recruit Talent. That's already hard enough, but they're all living in hiding."
Cha Eun-hyuk apologized with a slightly guilty face.
"I'm sorry."
"I didn't say it to get an apology."
It wasn't particularly something to apologize for, either.
"If a Talent doesn't want to work, we can't force them. But it takes a big mental toll when talented people easily give up, disappear, and hide. It makes me wonder if the Earth is going to be ruined at this rate."
Furthermore.
"This isn't the only problem, either."
"Right, because the Garden has to select that Talent for them to become a Gardener."
At Yoo Sung-woon's agreement, Ji-oh asked.
"How does the Garden usually select a Gardener?"
"Uh... I think Jeorge made a similar analogy, but it's really similar to a cat choosing its owner. You know, a can opener, that thing."
"So it's completely arbitrary."
"I suppose so."
At that point, Jung Hae-woon chimed in.
"There is a commonality. In most cases, the Talent selected as a Gardener is usually a good match with that Garden. In other words, it chooses a 'competent slave who seems like they'll adapt well.'"
"Slave?"
"Slave."
Jung Hae-woon didn't correct his words.
"The Garden also appears to have an ego. Perhaps that's true. It's at the level where you have to agonize over whether to treat an extremely well-made artificial intelligence as a person or not. However, that's why it is even crueler."
Usually, they had no mercy. To use a human example, they could be compared to sociopaths or psychopaths who are lacking something.
"It might be easier for you to understand if you think of it as an exploitative company."
"You mean they overwork their employees?"
"Let's say there's a result that would take grinding 10 people to the bone to achieve. But the truth is, you can get a similar result by grinding just 1 person. Then, will the company use 10 people, or 1 person?"
"If they had a conscience, they'd use 10."
"If they didn't, it would be 1. The Garden is exactly that conscienceless company. Since it has no humanity, it has no mercy and no consideration. Because it's efficient to use 1 person until they break, and then pick another 1 and run them."
Cha Eun-hyuk asked stealthily.
"But the Garden... isn't a real company. It wouldn't need money, either."
"Ah, good question. It is exactly in this regard that you can feel that the Garden is a truly neutral existence and a natural disaster. Cha Eun-hyuk, did you hear this explanation from Yoo Sung-woon?"
"Yes, what explanation?"
"That the world can be divided into the disciplines of Mystery and Science."
"I did hear that."
"Then where do humans belong?"
"...Science?"
"And the Garden?"
"Mystery..."
"Then where does a Gardener belong?"
"...Aren't they humans too?"
"That's right, they're humans. They are people. And they exist."
Jung Hae-woon nodded as if to say he guessed right.
"The Garden demands a high-functioning computer with the delicate talents and abilities of a human, but that human is not a Mystery. They are just a human who can blend heavily into the Mystery. In other words, they are borrowing resources from another domain."
Therefore, the Garden usually only uses one Gardener. This is to not break down the boundary between Mystery and Science. Greed or issues of resources do not belong there.
It is solely an issue of balance and efficiency. And this, in other words, means the providence of nature. Just like how cold water goes down and hot water goes up. Just like how ice floats on water and air circulates.
That is simply all it is.
"Therefore, in most cases, the Garden is merciless to the Gardener."
"Hmm."
Ji-oh's hair dyed into a pastel tone.
"So it's trash?"
"Oh, my god. To think I'd hear this from a two-legged Garden."
"Are you openly not even treating me like a human right to my face? How sad."
"What is there to be sad about when calling a Garden a Garden?"
Certainly, by human standards, the Garden couldn't help but be trash. Because usually, the Garden bewitches the Gardener. It makes them love it deeply, and then holds that love hostage, shaking them up. Telling them to work. To do better.
And after doing that, if the Gardener breaks down, it looks for another Gardener. It just immediately moves on to the next without any regrets. Because that's efficient. Because they love, they are devoted, and because they are devoted, they are desperate, and that desperation is bound to manifest as maximum efficiency.
Gardeners usually got ground down like that.
"If we compare it to a person, there really is no other trash quite like it."
"I treat mine beautifully with love, so could you please not treat me the same way?"
"...Could you please return to black?"
"Sure."
"Phew."
The relieved Jung Hae-woon soon stood up from his seat.
"In that sense, our 'Portrait of Ji-oh' has pulled off a huge task. Now, everyone, applaud."
Clap, clap, clap...
Awkward applause followed.
"Now, fuck, I! Don't have to! Run on foot...!!"
"Whoa."
"This is mercy! This is consideration! This is love!!"
The applause from the standing Jung Hae-woon was incredibly loud and clear.
"The reason the number of Gardeners suddenly increased..."
Seo Seo-hee pointed at the landscape painting in front of her.
"Is thanks to these guys?"
"Yes, that's how it has been figured out for now."
"In what way, exactly?"
"They say these paintings go around looking for 'Talent'."
"So what do they do."
"Apparently, they swallow them if they're a good match, and spit them out if they aren't."
"What kind of garbage talk is that?"
"But it's the truth."
A total of 10,000 landscape paintings drawn by Ji-oh were picking out Gardeners.
"For some reason, the Gardeners who are successfully swallowed are reportedly spat out at Gyeongbokgung Palace or certain other landmarks. Currently, the Association is gathering those Talents and giving them detailed explanations."
"Gyeongbokgung Palace? Landmarks?"
"Well..."
The hesitating Association researcher spoke.
"According to the Gardeners, it seems they are spat out at the veins or springs of Mystery located in areas with high population flow."
"..."
Seo Seo-hee couldn't help but think of her Portrait Teacher.
'...It is something for Jung Hae-woon to give a standing ovation out of joy for, but.'
Just what exactly does he want, that Portrait Teacher.
-x-X-x-
"I am a person of no consequence."
The Garden said.
"I step on all kinds of land barefoot, look at the sky, and taste the air."
His mesmerizing eyes smiled.
"Isn't that something quite a lot of people can do?"
"...You are right."
"But this is different, because it's a magic hat."
"Magic, you say."
"Yes, magic. Isn't it amazing?"
He turned the empty hat upside down and showed it.
"What could be inside here?"
"I... I do not know anything. Nothing..."
"Oh my, are you scared? I understand that feeling. But look, the inside is empty. Don't you want to fill it up? Aren't you curious about what's inside? Don't you want to put your hand in?"
"But how could I, dare to..."
"Reach out your hand and touch it."
"..."
The Gardener put his hand in.
"What do you feel? Ah, please tell me quickly. I'm so curious."
"...It feels like... a hard mineral."
"What is the temperature of that mineral? Is it cold? Is it hot? Lukewarm? Cool? Warm?"
"...Is it... cold?"
"Is it moving?"
"It is not moving."
"Hmm, well."
Light-colored hair flows down.
"How about this."
The hat in his hand playfully shook, and the Gardener who had put his hand inside it felt the vibration as well. The hard and cold mineral he grabbed shook along with him in accordance with that playful act...
And the Garden asked.
"Did it shake?"
"...Yes, it shook. And so did I."
"Is it still not moving now?"
"..."
"Is it still cold now?"
"..."
"Is it still, hard?"
"...Ah..."
Unconsciously, the Gardener pulled his hand out and looked at what he was holding.
"...No."
It was a clunky-looking mole.
"It was, a mole. A mole..."
"Oh my...! Such a cute little friend came out, I'm touched! A mole, there probably isn't a greater troublemaker in this lush field."
"I'm worried because a mole will gnaw on the field's crops."
"But it's fine, look. This little guy doesn't eat crops. Didn't you touch it? Didn't you see it with your own two eyes? Now, you may speak. You've held it in for a long time. Give this friend a name."
"..."
"Hurry."
"...M-My..."
A smile formed on the Gardener's previously dry face.
"It's my Garden, and my field."
It wasn't hard. It was soft dirt.
It wasn't cold either. It was lukewarm dirt.
It was moving. It was living dirt.
"Ha, hahaha... T-To think a mole would come to my field. To my field..."
"Since they are friends who hide and live underground so much, it will probably be hard to see them often."
"I'm not good with words, so that might be better. That would be better, yes. That's right. Rather than a boring person like me, it should be in the warm underground. Because that's what a mole is."
"Seeing as you will raise it beautifully, the heart of this irresponsible person feels lighter."
"What are you?"
"I am a person."
The Garden said, calling himself a person.
***
"I am a person of no consequence."
The Garden said.
"The only thing I know how to do is make a flower crown out of these pretty flowers. That's all."
"...A flower crown... Could you make one for me too? Because I'm curious."
"That's truly not difficult. I'm very dexterous, and you seem to know that well. It's truly surprising. How did you know? Tell only me."
"Your fingers are long and delicate, so I thought that perhaps that might be the case."
"The hands of a mischievous Wanderer must always be elegant, after all. Since you guessed the correct answer, I will give you a prize. It's a flower crown that suits you very well."
It was a fluffy flower crown.
"...It seems too beautiful for me to wear."
It was a flower crown from which warm life could be felt.
"Ah, it is beautiful as expected... Even though they were definitely cut, they are alive. They are alive while woven together. What should I call this? Perhaps people might call this artwork a mutant."
"That is for the viewer to decide, not for others to decide for them."
"Flowers that are alive even after being plucked are beautiful by nature. I have decided it as such. A flower crown that is undeserved for me. A crown made from the flesh of my flower garden. It's truly wonderful, truly."
"If you wish, you can wear this on your head."
"It really is too much for me. I am just thankful that you showed it to me. When will I ever be able to reach that level? To become one with the flower garden, life, and Mystery, harming nothing... their own..."
"Since you are so busy lowering yourself, I suppose I have no choice either."
The Garden showed the hat. He flipped it over, put the flower crown inside, and covered it with his hand.
"What do you think will happen inside here?"
"I have no way of knowing anything."
"Such pure and noble love, it's very coveted for a lonely Wanderer. Your flower garden has received a mesmerizingly good Priest."
"To think the day would come when my love is acknowledged by a noble one, it feels like a dream. Will a day like this ever come to me again? Do I truly deserve this..."
"Now, take a guess."
"..."
"Close your eyes."
"..."
"Listen closely."
He closed his eyes. He listened closely. He put his two hands together and prayed.
"What do you hear?"
"...I hear the soft sound of fluttering breaths."
"Delicate breaths, you say. How are they breathing? These frail petals?"
"They are so delicate, perhaps... are they flying? Like the petals covering this flower garden? Like the warm air?"
"Where did those fluttering breaths come from?"
"They came from the flapping of their wings."
"You guessed exactly right, Priest of the flower garden. You heard the correct answer."
The Garden removes his hand. The hat opens. From within, butterflies...
"..."
Hundreds, thousands of butterflies soar into the air.
"...Ah, aaaaaah..."
"Oh my, your flower crown turned into butterflies and flew away. What should we do about this?"
"In m-my flower garden... Butterflies are flying in my flower garden. Ah, it's so beautiful. So..."
"They are so light that if you lose focus for even a moment, you won't even realize they've landed on you. Wouldn't the butterflies be truly sad then? They don't even have mouths to call out to you with..."
"How could I ever dare to do that? I revere them, I worship them. I love them. If they ever wish to use me as a perch at any time, I will gladly serve them."
"So you must focus now, my friend. You will have to."
The Garden holds the Gardener's hand.
"Focus."
On the back of the Gardener's raised hand, a butterfly as colorful as a petal lands.
"This is the weight of the Garden calling you, Priest full of love."
"...Could there be such a delicate call..."
"Do you hear the sound of the wings as your flower garden pesters you?"
"...I don't think I'll be able to capture it in my ears if I don't focus for even a moment."
"Always love, you must do so as well. The moment you lose your form, they cannot call out to you."
"I will keep that in mind."
"Remain human."
The Garden said.
"Just as I sought to do."
The Garden told him to love.
***
"I am a person of no consequence."
The Gardener retorted.
"No, you are a Garden. A Garden that walks on two feet and sees the world with all its eyes."
The Garden shrugged.
"Oh my, I didn't expect to be rebutted so soon."
"I heard news that you are creating families for the Gardeners. Will you do the same for me? Is that the mercy of one who is a Garden?"
"It is love."
"I don't quite understand."
The Gardener could not understand.
"If you love everyone, how can that be called love?"
"Some say that is heartlessness. Do you also think I am such a callous person?"
"Because you are abundant enough to contain anything, you are all the more heartless."
"That might be my love."
The Garden spread his arms.
"Look broadly, very broadly. Just as I could become everything because I am nothing."
The Gardener dared not rebut those words.
"...Someday, I wish to become like you. But that would be difficult, wouldn't it? So I want to become the eyes, the flesh, and the blood of an entity like you."
"It seems you do not wish to remain human."
"I often imagine that my end is destined to be as a cell of the Garden."
"That is also a very romantic thing, I like things like that very much. It's wonderful."
"You are generous with your praise..."
It was very different from his own blunt Garden.
"..."
It was truly hot here.
"...What should I call you?"
On top of a desert dune, he looked at the Garden's shadowless two feet. His feet seemed like spotless, pure white marble, yet for some reason, they also seemed connected to the desert sand. They were indistinguishably one.
Like a heat haze. Thinking thus, the Gardener called out to him.
"Lord Garden?"
"That is good too."
"If you wish, I can call you a person."
"Ah, that's fine too."
"Then what about Wanderer."
"That is also mesmerizing."
"Why do you not deny anything?"
"Because that is my love."
"...Isn't that just trash..."
Strangely enough, he felt a sense of despondency.
"You claim to want to be a person and take the form of a person, yet you say such irresponsible things."
"You saw correctly, my love is truly irresponsible. Teasing a bunch of fun people like you and leisurely leaving is one of my joys."
"The people who fall deeply in love with that will be so desperate just to receive your touch once again."
"There is a saying in Hanja, 'a beauty that overthrows nations'. How many times do you think I've ruined a country? Once? Ten times? A hundred times? Perhaps trying to gauge it is meaningless."
"You are quite toxic, I am truly terrified."
To sway mere humans to this extent.
"And cruel."
"That is how love always is."
"Why do you bestow love in such a way?"
"Why try to put limits on my love for people? If you start looking at me with such a narrow perspective, you'll only see a fragment. Why don't you just try to look at me as I am."
"People don't go out of their way to stare directly at the sun."
They would go blind.
"This place is a desert. Not a single blade of grass, not a single drop of water, just a completely parched desert. However, I like this desert very much. My Garden puts me at ease."
"Do you wish to become a cell of the Garden?"
"I want to become a grain of sand here. Someday, if I harden into solid stone, or my physical body sinks and reaches the very end, that peace will be granted to me as well. I need neither life nor shade."
"Is that also the will of the Garden?"
"..."
"I don't think it is?"
The Garden plops down.
Sitting down like a child, he fills the thick hat with sand. The fine, reddish sand piles up inside it step by step.
Suddenly, the Gardener felt sorry for that hat. It really is being pushed around.
"...Doesn't the hat get angry if you treat it so roughly?"
"It's a friend who bears many of my burdens with me, so I believe it will let this much slide."
"You are irresponsible as expected."
"You are too."
The hat was soon dumped over and lifted up again. Another mound was created on top of the desert dune.
"Let's see, who could be inside here."
"There might not be anything."
"Aren't you curious? Why don't you come here and clear the sand away with me?"
"You're trying to burden me with a responsibility that even you won't bear..."
Even so, he played along with that prank.
"..."
Because my desert might have called me. Because my love and loyalty towards him are certainly not lies.
"Can I just brush it away like this?"
"I will clear it first. Now, I stick the magic wand in here, and..."
"I've seen young children play similar games."
"There's no reason to lose one's childlike innocence just because one has aged."
"Haa..."
The Garden once. The Gardener once. The Garden once again. The Gardener once. Hand by hand, they scoop away the sand bit by bit. Even after scooping away for quite a while, for some reason, the sand doesn't decrease.
He didn't know how he could play such a childish prank.
"..."
"...Ta-da."
From within the sand, a fennec fox shakes its body with a flutter and reveals itself.
"Oh my goodness, you've gotten a new family member. Whatever shall we do?"
"What is your reason for wanting to keep me human so much?"
"Why would there be a need for a reason to remain human and die as a human?"
The Garden picks up the tiny fox and places it on top of the Gardener's head.
"I can't believe how well it suits you."
And then, he presses his lips to the prone fox.
"Please do not run away from fate, from responsibility. The Garden does not wish for that, so how could you treat yourself so recklessly? In the end, fading away as a human will also be a path back to the Garden's providence..."
"...That takes too long."
"That is exactly the responsibility a human must bear. Since you were born from nature and possess reason, see the world with those two eyes and devote yourself to life as a human. That is what a person is. That is the qualification of a person. It is the duty and right given to you. Please, do not forsake it."
"You are..."
This Mystery, this world...
"Irresponsible to the very end."
"That is what love is."
"It must also be nature. It is providence, and it is fate."
He laughed hollowly.
"...Damn it."
The fox on his head was truly fluffy.
"It's hard as hell, living as a human."
"Yet struggling through it all is what we humans do, isn't it?"
"Will you bestow your mercy?"
"No, I will simply love."
"You sure love a hell of a lot."
"I show favoritism to everything in the world and capture it in my eyes."
A hand of lukewarm warmth stroked the Gardener. So light, so very light, it was almost like a ghost.
"..."
"Live as a human."
The Garden told him to survive.
***
"Uh, wait a second."
Yoo Sung-woon asked Ji-oh upon his return.
"But why am I the only one who got 194 of them."
"I wonder if it's still exactly 194 of them even now?"
"Don't make me more anxious. Is this favoritism?"
"If so, it would be the Garden's favoritism."
"Aren't you essentially the Garden?"
"If you want to view it that way, I suppose so."
"You're the most ambiguous Ji-oh I've ever seen, really..."
"Isn't that my charm, Yoo Sung-woon?"
Jeorge simply smiled.
"But you're still going to keep me clean and well-managed, right? You'll drop by frequently and ask about my mood for the day. You'll put me in a pure white gallery and taxidermy me, joyfully admiring my constantly changing colors. I cherish that diligence of yours very much, Yoo Sung-woon."
"...Hearing you say it like that is truly a different experience, Ji-oh."
"I've never made up things that aren't true, but your reaction is worse than I expected. What a pity."
"More importantly... why are you making families for the Gardeners?"
"...? That's..."
Ji-oh answered simply.
"Because family is the easiest thing to love."
Of course, Ji-oh also knew that there were many families in the world that weren't like that. But even so, the title of 'family' held a magical power that made you love beings who didn't even share your blood.
It would be even more so for Gardeners who are always lonely. They needed love. A very grand love, a childish and bare love.
"In other words, it's a gift of love that I am placing in their hands."
"You sure have a lot of love to give."
"If I didn't have this much love, how could I have remained a human until now."
"...Do you still want to claim you're a person? Even now, looking like that?"
"There's no reason not to, right?"
Ji-oh brought his hat to his mouth like a fan and smiled.
"Love makes people endure."
In whatever way that might be.
"So what's needed now is, as expected..."
"A labor union, huh."
"Welfare, I'd say."
Ji-oh called for Cha Eun-hyuk, who had been waiting on standby in his cabin.
"Cha Eun-hyuk."
"..."
"Let's go."
"...Where...?"
Cha Eun-hyuk asked inwardly.
'To the afterlife?'
It was the most plausible destination as of right now.
***
A Collector staff member asked Joo-hyun.
"I heard bunggeoppang has been added to Ji-oh's food stall too."
"Ah, rather than added... it's been planned for quite a while now."
"You said the person joining him is Cha Eun-hyuk? He's going to suffer a bit, I should pack him some snacks."
"...I see, that would be nice too."
Joo-hyun nodded.
"Though ultimately, Ji-oh will stuff him full before bringing him back out."
"Pardon? Wasn't he going there to run a business? Was it actually more like a food tour, not a business?"
"There's no way Ji-oh wouldn't eat his own cooking when he's the one making it."
His haunted portrait friend had quite a large stomach.
"And he's not the type of person to not feed the person next to him while he's eating..."
Joo-hyun smiled bitterly.
'Just looking at this person saying they should pack him some snacks, well.'
Pig-like tendencies were contagious. Ji-oh had that kind of power.
Though why it had to be... 'that' kind of power, he didn't quite know.
-x-X-x-
Ji-oh's gardener welfare plan was nothing special.
"Turn into a pig, ta-da."
"Gurrr!"
That was it.
The numerous garden friends he had drawn previously? Those friends had their own egos. They also had the right to independence. In other words, Ji-oh's plan didn't include the declaration of entry into the world that those garden friends had subtly slipped him.
'But it's not a big problem.'
That was thanks to drawing only good friends, just in case.
'They aren't the type to cause trouble.'
Ji-oh believed in his so-called babies.
However, when he actually tried to open for business, there were no customers. Of course, he could have provided a delivery service, but that wasn't a food stall. It would just be a run-of-the-mill traveling sales job in today's world. Sorry to say, but it lacked romance and wasn't fun.
And the incarnation of dopamine, Jeorge, would not allow that.
"Life without romance?"
And it's not even fun?
"That's unacceptable."
From there, an additional plan was formed.
"We're starting a marketing campaign."
"Meow."
"That's right, Dana. Dead or alive, just bite and drag them here. Dad will do a good job luring them in. It's my specialty."
"Kkung?"
"Honey, if you can follow your sister and catch some, bring them here too. Of course, I won't just sit still either."
Jeorge was quite resolute in his own way.
"This is all a tragedy caused by the low foot traffic in the Garden…!"
So he targeted a place with high foot traffic. That was the dungeon.
Dungeons generally had people. It was even said that owning just one decent dungeon could feed a guild for three generations.
Therefore, while unpopular dungeons might exist on this Earth, there were no undiscovered dungeons. Probably.
"To become a famous restaurant, you first need to spread the word. That's how you get people to visit from far away. A true famous restaurant must be able to attract people no matter the distance…."
"Kkuuu…?"
"Father, trust this pretty son of yours. Despite how I look, I've traveled around quite a bit. My perspective can't be wrong… If it doesn't work, I'll resort to kidnapping as a last resort."
"Kku??"
"Fortunately, this field is still a blue ocean. There are no competitors. There's demand, but no supply. Could there be a better condition for starting a business? I'm confident."
And so, Ji-oh started his first business in a dungeon.
"...."
However, if there was a problem, it was that most dungeons weren't exactly… small.
"…? I'm sure there are people around, so why can't they find me…? Strange, this shouldn't be happening."
"Kkung."
"Oh dear, there are downsides to synchronization starting. My presence has been overshadowed by naturalness."
"Kkung?"
"How sad, I've always had the kind of constitution that attracts people even when I just sit still."
Does a flower seek out bees? No, bees seek out the flower. Doesn't the old saying go that the thirsty person digs the well? He thought they would come on their own once they smelled the honey, but the problem was that 'Jeorge's' aura was concealed.
As for why it was concealed, it was because of his business partner, Cha Eun-hyuk.
"I'm sorry, but I don't think I'm cut out to be a business partner. Please count me out."
"Ah… Do you not want to make money with me? I'm really hurt. How could you say that after coming all the way here?"
"Please don't put an innocent person in a tough spot with crocodile tears, and really… I think… just being a part-timer would be fine. Doesn't a business partner usually have a stake or something?"
"Now I'm curious. Why did you think you didn't have one?"
"…Please just say I don't…."
"Why are you crying."
Cha Eun-hyuk was a civilian. An unawakened person, not even a Hunter, and a Gardener who wasn't quite a Gardener. A rookie among rookies.
An internal vote within Ji-oh's brain regarding Mr. Cha Eun-hyuk's safety had inevitably taken place.
—Is a vote really necessary?
—Yes, it is. Because no matter how I think about it, Mr. Jeorge won't hold back unless we warn him in advance.
—It's not like my lack of restraint would harm Mr. Cha Eun-hyuk's health….
—Mental health is health too. Please don't discriminate.
—Wouldn't being captivated by the beauty of nature be a pretty good experience in life?
Three Ji-ohs opposed.
—I don't think so.
—Probably not.
—Even I don't think so.
—Dismissed by a majority of opposing votes. Mr. Jeorge, please restrain yourself.
—I thought Mr. Arzio would take my side, so this is unexpected. You're much more delicate than I thought.
—A fragile subordinate must naturally be cared for meticulously. That is how they can become an adult who does their share of the work.
—Aha, from that perspective?
Wasn't it obvious that he wouldn't be able to stay sane if he took the full brunt of 'Jeorge's' temper? Because of that, he had adjusted his aura as modestly as possible….
Unfortunately, it resulted in a situation where self-promotion was impossible.
"…Was your talk of marketing based entirely on that? I mean, your face?"
"That's part of it, yes."
More precisely, he had trusted in Jeorge's characteristics.
"I'm such a sweet person that people seek me out even if I just sit still."
"...."
"Don't look at me like that, I'm hurt. I was just talking about my constitutional traits."
"So you mean your face…."
"No, aside from that, there's something that naturally draws attention."
It is said that everyone feels it differently. Someone called it a fragrance, someone called it beauty, and someone else called it comfort, excitement, or love.
"Yes, love."
He had a constitution that received love just by sitting still. That was his destiny.
It had to be seen that there was no human the Garden—the very nature of Mystery itself, Jeorge—could not captivate. This was especially true for any being entangled by love in any way.
"This is troubling. At this rate, I'll have to provide a delivery service."
"How about putting up flyers. Just don't move around yourself."
"Why are you stopping me?"
"In case innocent citizens step into a fiery pit…."
"I'm not an evil person who pushes innocent citizens into a fiery pit."
"Moths will inevitably dive into a flame just from seeing the light. Our country will be ruined if you do that."
"I may have compared myself to a beauty capable of ruining a country, but I have no intention of actually ruining it."
"You said you ruined one. You said you had a track record."
"That's just the karma of those bastards who relentlessly hounded someone who had no intention of giving them the time of day."
But here lay another problem.
"Where are we supposed to find people in a place this wide?"
"…? You found me just fine, at my house."
"I can't sniff out anyone who lacks the aptitude to be a Gardener. It's quite a pity, isn't it?"
"Is that… uh, because you're a Garden?"
"You can say it's similar to a cat recognizing the aptitude of a can opener."
"A can opener?"
"To put it humbly, it's like instinctively tracking down a match made in heaven."
"In a way, that sounds even more insolent than the can opener thing."
"Hah, it can't be helped. We really have no choice but to track them down one by one."
So, he first left Cha Eun-hyuk in the food stall.
"Promise me you won't come out."
"…Curator Yoo Sung-woon told me never to carelessly make promises with Hunter Seo Ji-oh. Is it really okay for me to hook my finger on this premise right now?"
"Mmm, this is a decision made out of consideration for the fragile Mr. Cha Eun-hyuk. Since you're an unawakened civilian, you never know when or how you might encounter a disaster if you step outside our place of business…."
"I'll stay right here."
"There you go, good boy."
And so, the journey of the two-legged Garden had begun.
Of course, the road wasn't exactly easy. A dungeon that warranted a 'food stall' was usually ridiculously wide. Ji-oh had no choice but to wander in all directions, showing off his legwork salesmanship.
Although it was a rather fun process.
"...."
Jeorge was very fickle.
"Hmm, I'm bored of this."
"Kkung?"
"Come to think of it, why should I go out of my way to do the legwork, Honey?"
"Kkung…?"
"They should be coming to catch my precious self."
And so, Ji-oh decided to become the 'hidden picture' in a game of hidden picture search.
Surprisingly, people reacted to it. He had only suppressed it; the sweet fragrance of the 'Garden' was not completely masked. Once they entered a certain radius, customers were naturally entranced.
"My first customer."
"…Ah, ahh…."
"Come here, you're tired, aren't you? I'll help you."
"You are…."
"I just need a very small price."
"...."
That was how Ji-oh succeeded in his first sale.
"Excuse me."
And there was a bit of pushback from Cha Eun-hyuk.
"What are we supposed to do if you actually bewitch them into coming."
"But they're eating, aren't they."
"No matter how I look at it, this customer is not in their right mind."
"What do you mean they're not in their right mind? They're conversing with me perfectly well…."
Ji-oh stroked the Hunter's cheek and smiled.
"Isn't that right?"
"Y-Yes, yes."
Cha Eun-hyuk silently downed his cabbage juice. It was one of the employee welfare items Ji-oh had stocked inside the food stall because Joo-hyun had mentioned it might be necessary.
At first, he had said it felt too burdensome and he probably wouldn't be able to drink it, but he was finally drinking it now. Feeling that his encouragement had paid off, Ji-oh smiled and asked.
"Ah, it's delicious, right?"
"…? Is this… really cabbage juice? Why is it so sweet and nutty? No matter how I think about it, this isn't a flavor that can come from cabbage."
"It's juice I squeezed by hand from cabbages I grew myself. I remembered hearing somewhere that cabbage juice is good for stress-induced gastritis."
"I don't know how I'm supposed to react when you make such a refreshing face while knowing exactly why I drank this."
"Shouldn't you just smile since you ate something delicious? Then again, it's hard to imagine you smiling like me, so you can just stay as you are."
"Excuse me, but when did you say clock-out time was again?"
Anyway, this nonsensical 'romantic marketing' had yielded its own results. The existence of the 'food stall' became known among a very small number of Hunters. The rumor was that if you found something beautiful, it would guide you to a safe zone on a completely different level….
Surprisingly, the detailed appearance of the employee and the exact headcount were not made known.
"Why is that?"
"Because they weren't in their right minds…?"
"You said they were in their right minds."
"Now that I think about it, maybe they weren't."
Most 'customers' were so captivated by Jeorge that they failed to perceive any objective information about him.
"…Then why am I able to perceive it?"
"You and I are friends, aren't we? Then it's only fair that we can see each other."
"I get the feeling I shouldn't say we aren't friends here."
"Try it, that sounds fun too."
"I will not."
Cha Eun-hyuk decided to faithfully stick to his role as a worker.
'What would Cha Ara say if she saw me like this.'
He had tried his best to explain it to her so she wouldn't be shocked when she found out later, but no matter how much he thought about it, the explanation felt lacking. Even while thinking this, Cha Eun-hyuk diligently baked the bunggeoppang. It was only right to work as much as he was getting paid.
And it was around that time that Ji-oh fell into an uncharacteristic minor state of confusion. Around the time rumors had spread among a small number of Hunters, and the government and the Association learned of the 'food stall's' existence. Around the time the Gardeners had also shared that information….
"...?"
Ji-oh felt his gift shatter somewhere.
"Uh, what's this."
I'm feeling a bit hurt.
When he went to find them, it was none other than a club member of the Cloak Order. He wondered what had been broken, and it turned out to be the gemstone. The gemstone he had distributed as 'Ji-oh's portrait.'
It seemed it had shattered due to intense movement within the dungeon. Since it wasn't broken intentionally, he decided to let it slide.
'Rather, I've found a new customer, so maybe it's actually a profitable situation.'
Receiving the customer with a smile like that was the beginning. No matter how much he thought about it, that was the root of the problem.
This time, he felt someone intentionally break a gift.
"Uh-uh, what's this? What's going on."
"What is the matter."
"People keep breaking my gifts."
"Why on earth would they do something so terrible?"
"I know, right…? Why are they doing that?"
Ji-oh tracked down the people who broke the gemstones. However, their appearances were too pitiful for him to say, 'Hey, my feelings are a bit hurt.' His good club members were starving. He had to feed them until they were full right away.
"Th-Thank you. Thank you so much…."
"Mhm, it's okay, so please eat."
"In exchange, I offer my life…!"
"How burdensome."
He felt offering one's life over a few bowls of ramen was a bit much. In the end, Ji-oh received the shattered gemstone and the Hunter's hair ornament as payment. Since this was still a business of sorts, he couldn't just give things away for free.
Anyway, excluding a few minor incidents, the 'food stall's' business was booming. Ji-oh smiled happily and said.
"Since we've done a trial run, I think it's about time we start normal operations."
"Then what will be different from before?"
"Now, we're going to accept money."
"You're going to… take money? You, Mr. Ji-oh?"
"I am naturally a being of nature, but I am a somewhat civilized being of nature, so would you mind not looking at me like that?"
Just when it seemed the gemstone-shattering incidents were being forgotten a few days later, someone was trying to break a gemstone again.
"Uh-uh-uh, you shouldn't do that."
"Ah… is someone trying to break a gemstone again?"
"Yes, no seriously, why are they doing this… They're truly strange people…."
Of course, it wasn't that Ji-oh truly didn't know why people were making such choices.
A gemstone had accidentally shattered, and the 'food stall' was summoned, wasn't it? But after that, when they intentionally broke a gemstone, the 'food stall' really came again. In other words, they were on the verge of establishing the premise that 'breaking Black Cloak's gemstone in an emergency will summon the food stall.'
However, it was a misunderstanding. Ji-oh was merely a pitiful portrait experiencing a little confusion because people kept breaking the gifts he had given them.
This couldn't continue. Ji-oh grew frantic.
"Are you going to break that?"
Anyway, that was how it happened.
***
"…And then what?"
At the researcher's question, the Hunter hesitated before answering.
"Um, this really isn't a story that will harm the Cloak, right…."
"Our Korean Hunter Association interprets Black Cloak favorably. What you experienced this time wasn't harmful or negative to humans either, so please answer comfortably. It just adds another one of Black Cloak's kind characteristics."
"That's a relief then."
The Hunter let out a deep sigh.
"Ah, how should I put it. They were really… really pretty."
"And you can't remember their specific gender and appearance?"
"Did the people before me all testify like that too? Yeah, that's right. They were so pretty… and handsome… and they gave off a sweet fragrance, and their smile was gentle. But I just can't recall what they actually looked like."
"That's one of the common symptoms seen in people who have been charmed. You don't have to worry too much, though. The checkup results are out, and there's nothing wrong with your health."
"Since they must be one of Black Cloak's apostles, I don't think someone like that would harm me, a club member. No, honestly, just looking at them… really…."
"They were beautiful?"
"They were lovely."
The Hunter smiled sheepishly.
"I'm saying this without even knowing their face."
She continued her explanation.
"After that, my friend… Ah, the Hunter who reported to the Association before me is my friend. I went through a process similar to my friend's. They affectionately guided me and led me to a warm and cozy food stall."
"All the Hunters who were there, you mean."
"What did I eat again. Well, I ate bunggeoppang first. Wow, it was really delicious. It was amazing. I wondered if bunggeoppang was allowed to be so luxurious. The red bean paste was really substantial and it was fluffy…."
"Yes, and?"
"The captain ate fish cake skewers. No, actually, I think we ate everything on the menu there. And then we paid money in return."
"Aha?"
The researcher asked back.
"You paid money in exchange…?"
"Yes, yes. My friend said they gave junk and stuff, but we… paid with money."
"Does that mean you were carrying cash at the time?"
"Not exactly, but they accepted bank transfers…? They said we just had to transfer the money within a month of leaving the dungeon, so after eating and feeling energized, we cleared the dungeon and I transferred it as soon as we got out."
"...."
"The City of Emptiness patted my head for doing a good job before leaving. Amazing, right."
The researcher, who had been silent for a moment, asked.
"When you made the deposit, wasn't the recipient's name displayed during the bank transfer?"
"Huh? Uh, no. I sent it while I was a bit out of it so I don't remember well, but… I don't think a name popped up. I checked the bank transfer history later, but there was nothing."
"Then do you remember the account number? If it isn't an intrusion, we'd also like to get your consent to check your bank records."
"Ah, I don't mind. And if you give me a pen, I'll write down the account number for you."
"Thank you for your cooperation."
The researcher hurriedly checked the account the Hunter provided. It was definitely a standard account format used by one of the commercial banks.
It didn't take long to figure out who the account owner was.
"Uh, by any chance, could I know too? Did our Cloak finally open a bank account?"
"…I don't think it'll be a problem to tell you this much. But um, no. I don't think Black Cloak opened an account."
"Then who on earth did I send my money to…?"
"It was transferred to one of the 2nd Class Citizens. Perhaps you might know them as well. Do you recognize this person's face?"
"…Ah!!"
The Hunter sprang to her feet.
"She's the elderly lady who was the designated recipient of the volunteer work I'm in charge of!!"
"Yes, that is correct."
"…I never told you that, so how did you know?"
"That's just the sort of thing the Association does."
"That is true, but."
The hesitant Hunter crossed her arms.
"But not right now. My Hunter work got a bit busy, so the opportunity was passed on to someone else."
"The owner of the account recently injured her ankle while cleaning the street…."
"It broke?!"
"No, it's a simple sprain. However, at this age, it is a cause for concern."
"Ah, what do I do…! When is this going to end?! I think I need to go see her right away!!"
"I think we'll be done shortly."
A pattern seemed to roughly emerge, or perhaps not.
***
"Ji-oh, where did that money go?"
At Yoo Sung-woon's question, Jeorge, who was sprawling out at his house, answered.
"…? I'm sure it went to someone who needed it, right?"
"…Why are you reacting like you don't know either?"
"I don't necessarily have to know everything, you know."
"Then how did you fill in the account number."
"I just pulled it out of my hat."
"Your hat…?"
His gaze fell upon Ji-oh's sleek hat.
"It just came out of there?"
"This is actually a magic hat, you see."
"Oh, how amazing."
Yoo Sung-woon smiled placidly.
"As expected, I'd prefer to be a human in my next life."
"You keep saying things like that lately, but what is your intention?"
"It means you should go easy on me."
Because it's scaring me to death.
***
And a few days later, the number of Gardeners skyrocketed.
"Whoa, Ji-oh's portrait. Have a chat with me."
"The price for chatting with me is quite expensive."
"Oh shit, what is this now. Why have you become so radiant? No, that's not it."
Jung Hae-woon came to visit and asked.
"What did you do?"
"And what are you going to do if I did something?"
"First, please accept my bow."
"I really like this worldly wisdom of an excellent adult. How admirable."
"Teacher, you are the savior of my life."
"Mmm, this sweet talk. It's very sweet."
"Is there anything else you need."
He pledged his loyalty to this benevolent Garden.
-x-X-x-
It's a very inefficient method, but Gardeners are usually created by being chosen.
The Garden literally had to select a qualified human, but there are several problems with this. For one, most qualified humans lived in hiding, not revealing themselves.
"Cha Eun-hyuk, your case is actually one of the better ones."
Jung Hae-woon feigned a sniffle and wiped his tears with a handkerchief.
"The Great Cataclysm happened only 32 years ago. As a result, various superstitions are still rampant in the world. In fact, among them, there are definite, tangible Mysteries that shouldn't simply be called superstitions."
"Ah, um, yes. I see."
Cha Eun-hyuk nodded with a reluctant expression. Jung Hae-woon continued speaking.
"In a situation like this, how creepy must an existence that 'sees what others cannot see' be?"
"Hmm…"
"Ah, I definitely didn't mean to offend you, Cha Eun-hyuk. It's just that the objective reality is like that. A person who isn't even a Hunter but sees illusions is bound to be ostracized."
"I wasn't offended. It's something I fully acknowledge."
"Thank you for understanding. You really are a patient person. There was a reason why you were chosen by Teacher Seo Ji-oh."
Of course, this is an era that acknowledges the existence of souls. However, that is also limited to Hunters. An Unawakened without such skills seeing things others can't? In the worst-case scenario, it even leads to witch hunts.
In small, self-governed villages, such incidents, big and small, had actually occurred. To people with an outdated mindset, a being with such qualities would seem like nothing more than a pawn of the Great Cataclysm.
So what could they do? They had to hide themselves on their own.
"However, when the people around them are overly provoked, it sometimes really reaches the point of killing that precious Talent. In fact, there are quite a few cases like that, especially among rural folks."
"…"
Cha Eun-hyuk's expression turned subtle.
"…Um, then was I… in danger too?"
"Didn't you hide those traits because you also thought it was dangerous?"
"Ah, that was just… because my younger siblings couldn't see them…"
"In the end, I think it was one of your instincts not wanting to be alienated. And when alienation worsens, it becomes ostracization, and when ostracization worsens, it becomes hostility. Especially in harsh times like these, hostility easily turns into murderous intent."
"…I suppose that's true."
Cha Eun-hyuk couldn't deny it in the end. At that, Ji-oh asked.
"Have you ever seen such a case? You accepted that faster than I thought."
"Murder cases occurring among 3rd Class Citizens are… yes, quite frequent. Unlike cities, there are no Hunters or personnel to systematically manage the villages, and the number of police is extremely low. I know there are also many times when 5th Class Citizens, who are heinous criminals, sneak in."
"Then aren't they almost in a state of isolation?"
"It's a little better in cases like our village, which has a terminal connected to the city. But there are many completely isolated villages without even that kind of terminal. Places like that have a truly closed-off atmosphere."
Jung Hae-woon added a kind explanation for Ji-oh, who seemed to be having a hard time understanding.
"You know how there are a lot of those in old movies, villages with a closed-off culture? They ostracize outsiders, are easily tainted by cults, and have a slightly creepy vibe due to weird traditions… The kind of village that would appear in thriller or horror genres."
"I just understood."
"It's a fragmentary example showing that the aftermath of the Great Cataclysm still remains. Of course, the Association and the government are making efforts to identify and manage them… but with the system of resident registration numbers gone, there's a limit to finding out what kind of villages have formed and where."
Above all, such villages also hate the Association and the government. With a very high probability, that is.
"Should I say it's a somewhat hated position?"
"What is the reason the villages ostracize the outside to that extent?"
"Well… this is actually quite a reasonable wariness."
"There's a reason? For hating the Association and the government?"
"It's because the government did some stupid things in the early days of the Great Cataclysm."
Joo-hyun, who had been listening quietly, nodded.
"There were a lot of incidents."
"That's true."
Yoo Sung-woon also agreed.
"To put it directly, there were various cases of human trafficking and biological experiments. The idiots who tried to overcome their fear of the newly emerged concept of Mystery with science caused a huge mess."
"My goodness."
"The problem is that those idiots were the people in power in various countries. I think I might have mentioned it to you once before, but the heads of the higher-ups in the previous government didn't roll for nothing."
"Are you saying they did such things even though there was an actual threat like the Awakened?"
"Ah, up until then, the Awakened were… how should I put it…"
As Yoo Sung-woon trailed off, Jung Hae-woon laughed and explained instead.
"Monsters, or at best, mere mercenaries. In other words, the situation of the Awakened was practically akin to slaves. And the way other people looked at them wasn't very kind, either."
"But each of those individuals must have been strong. I don't quite understand how they could ostracize the only strong people who could stop the swarming monsters instead of thanking them and clinging to them."
"That's why it was only like that during the early and mid-stages of the Great Cataclysm. At first, even the Awakened were afraid of the power they possessed. The government also drove the atmosphere in that direction… As for the opposite case, there were people drunk on power, and they committed acts that truly warranted being called monsters."
"Ugh."
"Still, Korea was a case where things were contained quite quickly. It was worth chopping off the heads of the higher-ups several times. It was only after repeatedly going through such large and small coups, settling them, having them happen again, and settling them again that Korea became what it is today. Quite eccentric, isn't it?"
Ji-oh looked at Jung Hae-woon with pitying eyes.
"You've been through a lot."
"Thank you for acknowledging it."
Jung Hae-woon gave a double thumbs-up and continued his explanation.
"Anyway, the Hunters of the past didn't have much of a voice. And the Korean government just blindly tried to control those Hunters and all the citizens. A few incidents occurred in that process…"
"Are those the human trafficking and biological experiments that Yoo Sung-woon just mentioned?"
"There were many other things besides that. There were times when they framed innocent villages and cut off the heads of guiltless people. That was broadcast in real-time, allowing all citizens to see it."
"In short, it was a reign of terror."
"That's right. And as history has proven, that kind of politics didn't last very long. Especially when there was an actual threat like Hunters. The Hunters soon realized the magnitude of the power they possessed and overturned the country."
At that, Joo-hyun interjected and pointed at Jung Hae-woon.
"And one of those people is Guild Master Jung Hae-woon."
"Ah, it's too embarrassing when you praise me like this."
"At least within Korea, there is nothing that cannot be done with the name of 'Symbols of Eternity'. Such treatment is exactly the awe and gratitude directed towards the achievements these people have established. Because they made this a somewhat livable world."
"They say it's a rebellion if you fail, and a revolution if you succeed."
Jung Hae-woon smiled and nodded.
"In our case, it was a revolution."
"…"
"You're looking at me with such pity."
"It breaks my heart."
"I guess it's true that you gave birth to us after all."
"It must have been hard."
He knew that Jung Hae-woon only looked old on the outside but was still like a child on the inside. When he thought about an undergrown child wearing an adult's mask and walking down that harsh, thorny path, his heart ached beyond mere bitterness.
Ji-oh thought he should grill a few pieces of meat for him before leaving.
"…"
"Well, um… let's set that aside."
Jung Hae-woon naturally avoided Teacher Seo Ji-oh's gaze. It was a somewhat awkward evasion.
"It hasn't been that long since we replaced that crazy government. There must be very many citizens who still remember those times. The people who could hide hid themselves as tightly as possible… Thanks to that, the government can now no longer figure out how many of what kind of citizens there are in Korea."
Wasn't this both Korea's strength and weakness before the Great Cataclysm? Resident registration numbers for administrative convenience, and on top of that, CCTVs installed everywhere. Thanks to that, they could catch crimes for the most part.
But now, they couldn't do that.
"Of course, we know too. That if we wanted to figure it out, we could. Our country's Hunters are so competent; what couldn't they do if they set their minds to it? But if we are to proceed with this task, we have to go through a lot of backlash."
"By backlash, you mean…"
"The hostility of the people who were in hiding, the worries of city dwellers who want us to focus on city management, the stress of Hunters who have to deal with people instead of monsters. And so on. Korea doesn't quite have enough leeway to handle all of this yet."
"That makes sense."
"In the same vein, installing teleport terminals in rural villages also comes with a tremendous amount of difficulties. First of all, what to do about the villagers' suspicion and fierce opposition, and personnel to manage them have to reside there, but it's also a worry whether those people will be able to blend in well with the village."
"It's a human problem, after all."
"Just as it always has been."
Jung Hae-woon laughed dejectedly.
"Because of this, most villages naturally develop a closed-off culture. Since they ostracize outside influences, they easily harbor hostility toward 'unfamiliar things.' Therefore, if the 'Talent' born in such a village gets their uniqueness discovered, they usually… well… inevitably end up going through a lot of bad things."
He shrugged.
"There are cases where that isn't true, though. That is, if they are lucky enough to have a gentle village atmosphere."
"It doesn't seem like there would be all that many cases like that."
"Usually, the villagers whose wariness has risen heavily due to the aftermath of the Great Cataclysm and the government's stupid actions will be the elders of that village, so it can't be helped. The person with the strongest voice in the village says they hate the outside, so everyone else has to hate it together."
Jung Hae-woon smiled brightly.
"This is also one of the reasons why I run around every day until my feet sweat."
"I think I also heard the news that every day is overtime for you, is that correct?"
"Oh, of course, absolutely. Because quite a few people will die if I don't work."
"Hmm."
Ji-oh took out a sandwich with meat in it. Jung Hae-woon stopped him.
"Are you trying to lock me up in this cabin somewhere? I would be very grateful if you put that away."
"You won't die from eating it."
"Come on, Teacher, please cut me some slack. I don't want to end up living in this peaceful cabin forever."
"I do not imprison people recklessly."
"You would bewitch them, though. If it's the you right now, maybe, but I can't trust the pink-haired Portrait."
"You seem to know quite well how to coax people. Since you say you'll trust the me right now, I'll stop for the moment."
"I'm so thankful I could cry."
Anyway.
"The method by which Gardeners find Talent up until now? They just have to do the legwork entirely. They have to see them in person, test them, check their aptitude, and then stealthily approach and kidnap them."
"Kidnap? Has it finally come to that?"
"I call it kidnapping, but strictly speaking, it's scouting. Unless we check each and every one like that, we couldn't bribe… I mean, recruit Talent. That's already hard enough, but they're all living in hiding."
Cha Eun-hyuk apologized with a slightly guilty face.
"I'm sorry."
"I didn't say it to get an apology."
It wasn't particularly something to apologize for, either.
"If a Talent doesn't want to work, we can't force them. But it takes a big mental toll when talented people easily give up, disappear, and hide. It makes me wonder if the Earth is going to be ruined at this rate."
Furthermore.
"This isn't the only problem, either."
"Right, because the Garden has to select that Talent for them to become a Gardener."
At Yoo Sung-woon's agreement, Ji-oh asked.
"How does the Garden usually select a Gardener?"
"Uh… I think Jeorge made a similar analogy, but it's really similar to a cat choosing its owner. You know, a can opener, that thing."
"So it's completely arbitrary."
"I suppose so."
At that point, Jung Hae-woon chimed in.
"There is a commonality. In most cases, the Talent selected as a Gardener is usually a good match with that Garden. In other words, it chooses a 'competent slave who seems like they'll adapt well.'"
"Slave?"
"Slave."
Jung Hae-woon didn't correct his words.
"The Garden also appears to have an ego. Perhaps that's true. It's at the level where you have to agonize over whether to treat an extremely well-made artificial intelligence as a person or not. However, that's why it is even crueler."
Usually, they had no mercy. To use a human example, they could be compared to sociopaths or psychopaths who are lacking something.
"It might be easier for you to understand if you think of it as an exploitative company."
"You mean they overwork their employees?"
"Let's say there's a result that would take grinding 10 people to the bone to achieve. But the truth is, you can get a similar result by grinding just 1 person. Then, will the company use 10 people, or 1 person?"
"If they had a conscience, they'd use 10."
"If they didn't, it would be 1. The Garden is exactly that conscienceless company. Since it has no humanity, it has no mercy and no consideration. Because it's efficient to use 1 person until they break, and then pick another 1 and run them."
Cha Eun-hyuk asked stealthily.
"But the Garden… isn't a real company. It wouldn't need money, either."
"Ah, good question. It is exactly in this regard that you can feel that the Garden is a truly neutral existence and a natural disaster. Cha Eun-hyuk, did you hear this explanation from Yoo Sung-woon?"
"Yes, what explanation?"
"That the world can be divided into the disciplines of Mystery and Science."
"I did hear that."
"Then where do humans belong?"
"…Science?"
"And the Garden?"
"Mystery…"
"Then where does a Gardener belong?"
"…Aren't they humans too?"
"That's right, they're humans. They are people. And they exist."
Jung Hae-woon nodded as if to say he guessed right.
"The Garden demands a high-functioning computer with the delicate talents and abilities of a human, but that human is not a Mystery. They are just a human who can blend heavily into the Mystery. In other words, they are borrowing resources from another domain."
Therefore, the Garden usually only uses one Gardener. This is to not break down the boundary between Mystery and Science. Greed or issues of resources do not belong there.
It is solely an issue of balance and efficiency. And this, in other words, means the providence of nature. Just like how cold water goes down and hot water goes up. Just like how ice floats on water and air circulates.
That is simply all it is.
"Therefore, in most cases, the Garden is merciless to the Gardener."
"Hmm."
Ji-oh's hair dyed into a pastel tone.
"So it's trash?"
"Oh, my god. To think I'd hear this from a two-legged Garden."
"Are you openly not even treating me like a human right to my face? How sad."
"What is there to be sad about when calling a Garden a Garden?"
Certainly, by human standards, the Garden couldn't help but be trash. Because usually, the Garden bewitches the Gardener. It makes them love it deeply, and then holds that love hostage, shaking them up. Telling them to work. To do better.
And after doing that, if the Gardener breaks down, it looks for another Gardener. It just immediately moves on to the next without any regrets. Because that's efficient. Because they love, they are devoted, and because they are devoted, they are desperate, and that desperation is bound to manifest as maximum efficiency.
Gardeners usually got ground down like that.
"If we compare it to a person, there really is no other trash quite like it."
"I treat mine beautifully with love, so could you please not treat me the same way?"
"…Could you please return to black?"
"Sure."
"Phew."
The relieved Jung Hae-woon soon stood up from his seat.
"In that sense, our 'Portrait of Ji-oh' has pulled off a huge task. Now, everyone, applaud."
Clap, clap, clap…
Awkward applause followed.
"Now, fuck, I! Don't have to! Run on foot…!!"
"Whoa."
"This is mercy! This is consideration! This is love!!"
The applause from the standing Jung Hae-woon was incredibly loud and clear.
"The reason the number of Gardeners suddenly increased…"
Seo Seo-hee pointed at the landscape painting in front of her.
"Is thanks to these guys?"
"Yes, that's how it has been figured out for now."
"In what way, exactly?"
"They say these paintings go around looking for 'Talent'."
"So what do they do."
"Apparently, they swallow them if they're a good match, and spit them out if they aren't."
"What kind of garbage talk is that?"
"But it's the truth."
A total of 10,000 landscape paintings drawn by Ji-oh were picking out Gardeners.
"For some reason, the Gardeners who are successfully swallowed are reportedly spat out at Gyeongbokgung Palace or certain other landmarks. Currently, the Association is gathering those Talents and giving them detailed explanations."
"Gyeongbokgung Palace? Landmarks?"
"Well…"
The hesitating Association researcher spoke.
"According to the Gardeners, it seems they are spat out at the veins or springs of Mystery located in areas with high population flow."
"…"
Seo Seo-hee couldn't help but think of her Portrait Teacher.
'…It is something for Jung Hae-woon to give a standing ovation out of joy for, but.'
Just what exactly does he want, that Portrait Teacher.