Chapter 116

There were generally two ways for a new employee to join The Collectors.

“I saw a new face today.”

“Really? Did the Guild Master sweet-talk someone again?”

First, the Guild Master, Bisabeol, would pick someone up off the street.

“No, there were several of them.”

“Then it seems he’s raided somewhere again.”

“No wonder he looked so happy….”

“It’s the Guild Master’s time-honored hobby.”

Second, he would raid an illegal guild and pick up talented individuals.

“I didn’t see anything on the news.”

“It must not have been that big of a guild.”

The Collectors usually replenished its staff through the Collector’s knack for picking people up.

Since the guild itself was no different from Bisabeol’s display case for his collection, it was, in a way, a matter of course.

When there was one new face, it was highly likely that Bisabeol had sweet-talked someone off the street, but if several were seen at the same time, the latter was more probable.

This time, it meant he had blatantly raided some guild.

“They’re still interns, right? I hope they join our team.”

“They looked sturdy, so I think they’ll go to the Gallery side.”

“Hey, is being sturdy all it takes?”

“I think they’ll probably have them try out curator work as a taster.”

“The company has grown a lot lately, so it’s a bit tough….”

“What can you do when the Gallery is pretty much the main body of our company.”

The work of The Collectors was, first, managing the gallery; second, managing funds; and third, exploring dungeons.

The biggest business of The Collectors, which had a strong image of a corporation that dealt with numbers and money, was by far the Gallery.

A different world filled with beautiful and bizarre works.

Those who knew its essence were captivated by the rare power, and those drunk on romance praised the gallery's splendor.

Bisabeol's Gallery was the face of The Collectors.

“It seems there’s a high chance they’ll become full-time employees.”

“But if that happens….”

The existing employees murmured at the appearance of the new faces.

“Will the newbies get that notice too?”

The ‘that notice’ mentioned here referred to the ‘Black Cape Safety Rules.’

“……”

“……”

“…No, seriously, this is a bit….”

“…If the newbies don’t become full-time employees, it might leak outside.”

“Honestly, it’s blatantly about the Black Cape, are they going to tell them this?”

“But if they’re assigned to the Gallery, it seems like we should tell them, humanely.”

“I still don’t think this is right. If things go wrong, it won’t end with just one or two people dying.”

“A few newbies dying is cheaper than having the Republic of Korea in an uproar because of a monster.”

“No, I’m saying that ‘Mr. Seo Jio’ might get provoked by the newbies and the damage could come to us.”

Only those who didn't know any better felt a sense of friendliness towards the ‘Black Cape’; anyone with some sense was wary, thinking ‘it’s still a monster in the end’.

The humanoid monsters of this era were undeniably objects of fear.

This was especially true for the employees of The Collectors, who knew a little more about the Black Cape than ordinary citizens.

Only the curators would dote on those insane artworks, calling them ‘my babies’, while ordinary employees still feared and were wary of the Black Cape.

“I heard its class is quite high.”

“They said even evil gods are treated as a type of monster, so maybe…?”

“It seems to be quite docile, but we can’t be complacent.”

“Anyway, it’s hard to know what’s on a monster’s mind.”

“What’s there to know? They probably just hate humans.”

“There hasn’t been any major damage yet, but there’s no harm in being cautious.”

The more that was the case, the more important the recruitment of curators became.

“I think the reason he raided for new employees this time is all because of the Black Cape.”

“True, it must be hard for one person to handle such a tremendous being. Mr. Yu Seong-un looked like he was about to die.”

“Our curators do make money by putting their lives on the line.”

In The Collectors' Gallery, incidents where people died several times a month, someone got injured, or someone suffered a permanent disability were common.

As it was a job managing beings that ordinary humans could not handle, the mental toll was said to be immense.

“I heard the Association’s research institute has better control, can’t we go in that direction too?”

“The Collectors’ Gallery has an image to maintain. The Guild Master himself has practically set up a home with the artworks, do you think he’d just let that go?”

“I can clearly see a future where he throws a fit, asking how we can be so heartless. Actually, I don’t think this atmosphere is bad.”

“True, our gallery’s style is quite provocative. We benefit a lot from that too…. We have high name recognition.”

“There will be a parade in the spring, and that’s definitely something a boring place like a research institute can’t do. Only our curators can pull it off.”

“I think there are pros and cons. It’s unstable as it relies on sociability and trust rather than control, but its utility increases.”

The employees’ consciousness, having re-affirmed the raison d'être of Bisabeol's Gallery, once again turned to the fresh manpower that had just come in.

“Looking at the state of the curators these days, it’s about time for a change of water.”

“New people have to come in so the existing ones can take vacations.”

“I’m telling you, you can’t do this unless you’re crazy for money or art. Poor people, always working overtime. They can’t even go home.”

“They must be more hands-on than a newborn, where would they find the time to rest?”

“A newborn doesn’t kill people just because you pay a little less attention to it. Every time new blood comes in, someone gets hurt in the Gallery, it’s going to happen again.”

“For the time being, it would be best to keep a close eye on the Gallery. People dying or getting hurt is unavoidable, but it shouldn't harm the company as a whole.”

“They’re newbies, are they going to send them all the way to the 5th floor? Nothing will probably happen. Ah, I thought someone was joining our team….”

“Let’s cut them some slack. The curators need a break too. Anyway, the newbies who aren’t a good fit for the Gallery will be moved to an office job.”

Just as the employees speculated, the new recruits this time were indeed selected for the management of the Gallery.

“……”

“……”

“……”

They were in the midst of being awkward.

“Oh, you’re the new faces. Are you curators?”

“…Ah, yes, I was told I’ll be in charge of the Gallery side….”

“You’ll be moving around the 1st floor mainly since you’re newbies, but be careful.”

“Thank you.”

The newbies fidgeted as the existing employees greeted them casually as they passed by.

‘This is The Collectors… the building is really nice.’

‘Am I allowed to be here?’

‘Curator? I’ve never done anything like that.’

‘I have to seize this opportunity no matter what.’

‘I don’t want to go back to that guild….’

This was the typical behavior seen in the newbies Bisabeol had brought in after raiding an illegal guild.

They had enough conscience and the will to improve to work at a proper guild, but they were bewildered by the opportunity that had suddenly fallen upon them.

One person approached such newbies.

“Welcome, interns.”

It was Yu Seong-un, who had been asked by Bisabeol to conduct the first curator training.

“My name is Yu Seong-un, and I will be providing you with some brief information about The Collectors’ Gallery.”

“Ah, hello.”

“Hello….”

“You must have received the basic training, so let’s move right away.”

Led by Yu Seong-un, the new curators took the elevator down.

The curator-exclusive elevator was just big enough for six people to barely fit and since there were exactly six of them including Yu Seong-un, it felt cramped.

Ignoring the tightness, Yu Seong-un explained.

“It’s a bit crowded today since it’s the first day and we’re all moving together, but from tomorrow, you will each have a designated curator. You’ll be assigned different times, so it won’t be as crowded as today, so you don’t have to worry.”

At that, one of the newbies asked.

“Excuse me, is there a reason it’s smaller than the elevator for general staff? Shouldn’t it be bigger to move things from the Gallery?”

“Good question. In case of disadvantages such as accompanying a dangerous artwork or being cursed by one, the maximum capacity is kept low with the assumption that everyone inside the elevator might die.”

Yu Seong-un answered calmly.

“For the same reason, the curator-exclusive elevator usually carries only two to four people. Artworks too large to be transported by the elevator use the freight elevator or a movement skill, but this is handled by more experienced curators, so you don’t need to worry about it yet.”

“…With the assumption that everyone might die, it’s made this small…?”

“It’s not a common occurrence, but it happens from time to time. Most of them are incidents that occurred due to rash actions without following the Gallery's instructions, so if you listen well to your designated curator, the probability of experiencing such an event is low. Above all, artworks with which you’ve properly built a rapport tend to become generally safe.”

“Ah, yes, I’ll be careful. Thank you.”

“Since the gallery is located deep underground, it takes a long time to go down. The place we are heading to is the 1st basement floor, where the safest artworks in The Collectors’ Gallery are gathered. There are also artworks that play pranks on the elevator, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the descent time for each floor.”

The elevator arrived, and Yu Seong-un, who had gotten off on the 1st basement floor, looked back at the newbies.

“Welcome to The Collectors’ Gallery.”

His voice was still calm, but not a single one of the newbies could open their mouths.

“……”

“……”

Their breath caught in their throats.

They were people Bisabeol had brought in, thinking they had the qualities of a curator, and as such, they had a high tolerance for fear of danger and pain, but even so, they felt intimidated.

A confusion, heaviness, and immensity so great it was hard to breathe pervaded this gallery.

Yu Seong-un spoke to the newbies who were looking around the all-white space with pale faces.

“I believe you are all at least C-Class.”

At that, the newbies, who had come to their senses, answered in turn.

“I’m C-Class.”

“Me too….”

“I’m B-Class.”

“B-Class.”

“…A-Class.”

Yu Seong-un nodded his head.

“There are exceptions, but usually, the higher your grade, the deeper the underground gallery you are assigned to. The B-Class Hunters may not know, but the Hunter who said they are A-Class should keep that in mind.”

“…Yes, thank you for the advice. I’ll work hard.”

“The pay and benefits also increase as you go further underground. If you do not wish for it, you can consult with the HR team to adjust your placement, so you don’t have to worry about being forced into danger.”

Yu Seong-un led the newbies, slowly moving forward as he explained the gallery.

“You don’t need to remember all the artworks in the gallery, but it’s a good idea to at least memorize the location and characteristics of the artworks on the 1st floor and the floor you are assigned to. You need to be able to handle basic problems if they arise.”

“Yes, understood.”

“Artworks that are actively active are often stored separately, and it’s rare for a newbie to manage one, but it might happen later. There are sections that require proof of identity, so please remember that… You will also need to familiarize yourself with the distress call devices installed in the gallery.”

In addition to that, Yu Seong-un continued with the most basic training.

The structure of the gallery, the locations where dangerous artworks were placed, the tasks that new curators had to do, and so on…. Since the gallery was so vast, it took quite a long time just to look around one floor.

Having returned to the front of the elevator, Yu Seong-un opened his mouth.

“You don’t need to remember the details of artworks other than the ones I’ve explained. Of course, remembering them will further guarantee your survival and safety, but the most important thing is how to deal with artworks that show aggression.”

“Yes, Curator Yu Seong-un.”

“Your designated curator will tell you which artworks you need to know and understand deeply, or form a rapport with. If your capabilities are recognized, you will be in charge of more than one artwork, and please keep in mind that it may be difficult to exercise your right to refuse in this regard.”

A newbie asked.

“Floor assignments can be requested, so why is it difficult to request an artwork assignment?”

“Because the gallery is short on management personnel.”

“Ah… is it because they all died…?”

“That’s part of it.”

He couldn’t exactly say no.

This gallery, which maximized the utility and intimacy of the artworks in exchange for not having perfect control like the Association’s research institute, usually offered the curators’ lifespan and health as the price for its splendor.

It was literally a gallery that ground down humans, but it was a system that could be maintained because the value of the artworks was much higher than that of an average person. It was a structure commonly seen in the world these days.

“The job of a curator is mentally and physically exhausting, so even if you’re in charge of one artwork, you need periodic rest. There needs to be frequent rotation, but if that’s not possible, the number of artworks you’re in charge of will increase, as I just mentioned.”

Yu Seong-un smiled calmly.

“However, we do not assign tasks that a curator is completely incapable of handling, or tasks that openly threaten their life, like a human sacrifice.”

It was a world where one could never say their life was more valuable than the artworks here, but that didn’t mean Bisabeol neglected the safety of his curators either.

It was just that the variables of injury and death existed; Bisabeol cherished what was his.

If his employees had to die, he wished for their end to be sublime and artistic.

“You must remember that this is the nation of the Collector.”

“……”

“You have come to this place showing the potential to become the Guild Master’s collection. The Guild Master treasures his collection considerably, so if you are promoted to a full-time employee, you will have no personal safety issues.”

“Ah….”

“As long as you are not lazy or do anything stupid. Our Guild Master likes diligent and competent people. You may use this as a reference for your personal development.”

After saying that, Yu Seong-un’s eyes curved deeply.

“Always remember that what you will be dealing with from now on are the most dangerous and sensitive beings on Earth. In this gallery, an attitude of contemplating dozens, hundreds of times to make a prudent choice, while also at times making bold choices based on your intuition, is necessary.”

It was a contradictory piece of advice, but that was the reality. Curators, who had to care for their artworks with affection and sincerity, could not survive simply by following the manual.

Yu Seong-un shrugged his shoulders.

“If both you and the company decide that the job of a curator is not suitable for your aptitude, you will be assigned to other duties. Due to the shortage of personnel in the gallery, everyone is receiving this training as a priority, but it’s not mandatory.”

“Ah, then, what are some of the other duties?”

“It would be things like processing company documents or going on explorations to find works to be displayed at the auction house or gallery. If you want a stable life, an office job would be good, and if you want to work according to your ability and be rewarded for it, a field job would be good.”

It was the same for curators in that they were rewarded according to their ability and results, but it was considered an exception in that it was much more dangerous than a general field job.

If you valued your life, it was better to take on the company’s general duties.

“This concludes the essential training I have for you today. If you have a strong will to work as a curator or have any remaining questions about this place, you may look around a little more.”

“……”

“Hmm, no one. Then I will record in the log that everyone is leaving the gallery with me. Your designated curator will inform you, but let’s make it a habit to fill out the gallery entry and exit log every time we take the elevator.”

Nodding his head, Yu Seong-un asked.

“I will now take questions.”

“…Is there something different if you become a full-time employee?”

“Whether you work as a curator or do any other job, the benefits will increase.”

Was he sorting out information that could be told to an intern?

After thinking about something for a moment, Yu Seong-un continued.

“In addition to that, you will have your own identity on the portal that only full-time employees can access.”

The ‘own identity’ mentioned here meant that their citizen grade would go up.

If they were officially employed, they would be issued a 2nd-class Citizen ID, up from their current 4th or 5th-class.

If they were lucky, if they worked harder, a 1st-class Citizen ID was not a dream but a reality.

The eyes of the newbies were filled with anxiety and desperation.

“What is this portal that only full-time employees can access?”

“You can think of it as similar to a general company’s exclusive portal. There is information and a community that only the employees of that company can see.”

“Could an intern be at a disadvantage due to such a difference in information… is there….”

“To be frank, I can’t say there isn’t. But it’s not as big of a disadvantage as you might think, and I can say that there is a definite difference in treatment.”

Having said that much, Yu Seong-un paused for a moment.

“……”

“…Curator-nim?”

“And if I may give you one piece of advice.”

He continued with the same calm smile as before.

“Our company has one person on the dawn shift team named Seo Jio.”

“…Dawn shift team? What’s that? Is it like a part-time job?”

“It’s a similar concept, a kind of special force. He’s also an unofficial hunter who hasn’t debuted in the media. He shows his face at the company from time to time, so you might run into him.”

“What kind of person is this Seo Jio… Seeing as you’re telling us this separately, is there something we should be careful about?”

“He is a good and polite person. As long as you don’t do anything rude first, he won’t get angry either, so I hope you won’t be too surprised if you happen to meet him.”

“…Does he look a bit scary…?”

“Well, pretty much.”

Yu Seong-un nodded his head.

“He wears a black cape.”

“…A black cape?”

“He’s having trouble because his image overlaps with the recently famous Black Cape. He’s someone who originally enjoyed wearing a black cape, but he happened to hear that he looks similar to a dangerous monster….”

“Ah, I see. A similar image….”

“……”

After a moment of silence, Yu Seong-un finally opened his mouth.

“…He is The Collectors’ unofficial special force. He inspects the overall atmosphere of the company and walks around, so you might encounter him in the hallway or the gallery. I am telling you this in advance so you don’t mistake him for an intruder.”

At Yu Seong-un’s words, the expressions of two of the newbies hardened. It seemed they had guessed something, but Yu Seong-un didn’t reveal anything more and concluded his explanation there.

“It was a pleasure to meet you.”

“Yes, Curator Yu Seong-un.”

“I hope to see you again as one family without any trouble.”

He gave a small smile.

The purpose of The Collectors' Gallery was, in the end, management, sales, and exhibition.

Created solely to cherish Bisabeol’s collection, this place required sociability, not control of the artworks.

Would these new recruits be able to harbor an irrational affection for those insane artworks?

“I hope you adapt without any trouble.”

The first training for the newbies was over.

***

“……”

“Hello.”

And so the day drew to a close.

“Are you all right?”

“…Ah…?”

“I’m glad to see you’re not hurt.”

One of the newbies came face to face with a certain blond man.

He spoke.

“My name is Seo Jio.”

“……”

“What is your name?”

“……”

“I’m curious about your name.”

The eyes that held the sea, smiled.

“Will you speak with me?”

It happened at 5:13 in the morning.

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