184 Lukisan
Saat Lumian kembali masuk ke Auberge du Coq Doré, pikakannya masih tersibukkan dengan biaya mahal peralatan lukis.
Di antara rekan-rekan sekamarnya di Salle de Bal Brise, gaji bulanan Charlie sebagai pelayan dianggap cukup baik. Namun, butuh ia dua bulan tidak membeli makan dan minum pun hanya untuk mengupgradir satu gulung kanvas!
Lumian tak bisa tidak terdengar menganggap pelukis sebagai orang miskin. Bagaimana mereka bisa menyek-beri kanvas, kuas, cat, bingkai kayu, model manusia, dan segala macam pengeluaran lain yang menyertai seni ini?
Mungkin mereka bergantung pada dukungan keuangan keluarga untuk bertahan. Dengan berpikir begini, Lumian menyingkirkan anggapan itu, menutup pintu di belakangnya, lalu dengan hati-hati meletakkan tumpukan barang-barang di atas meja kayu.
Akhirnya, ia rela untuk mengaku bahwa ia tidak mampu membeli kanvas yang layak. Sebaliknya, ia beralih ke kuas paling murah, cat, kertas, dan keperluan lain yang cukup sederhana. Fakta tak terelakkan, Lumian tidak ingin menjadi seorang pelukis atau mengikhtiarkan karyanya di pameran. Ia hanya membutuhkan media untuk mengalirkan kekuatan supranatural yang diperoleh dari Mystery Prying Glasses. Kualitas cat, kemungkinan retak, pudar seiring waktu, bahkan kemampuan melukisnya—semua hal itu tak penting.
Dan begitulah, dengan total 30 verl du2019or, Lumian membeli peralatan sederhanannya.
Mencampur palet warna-warna cerah dan menggulung kertas putih yang fleksibel, Lumian bersiap menjalani ritual berikutnya. Dengan pisau emas yang telah disucikan, ia menciptakan dinding spiritual di Room 207.
Maksudnya adalah untuk menjelajahi apa yang bisa ia gambar dan melihat apa yang bisa dihasilkan.
Berdasarkan reaksi messenger dari Nyonya Magician di Auberge du Coq Doré, Lumian menyimpulkan tidak ada hal yang istimewa di tempat ini. Hanya satu masalah penting—keberadaan banyak kutu tidur. Situasi yang menimpa Susanna Mattise paling mungkin berasal dari Théatre de lu2019Ancienne Cage à Pigeons, atau bahkan dari goa bawah tanah.
Lumian tarik napas perlahan, lalu mengambil kacamata cokelat dengan ring emas dan dengan hati-hati menaruhnya di atas jembatan hidungnya.
Dalam sesaat, dunia di sekitarnya terasa berputar seolah-olah ia jatuh dari langit ke dasar bumi.
Di tengah perjalanan yang menyakitkan itu, Lumian melihat Auberge du Coq Doré yang terbalik dengan penghuninya bergerak seperti biasa, sebuah bar bawah tanah, akar-akar pohon dan tanah yang meregang di bawah permukaan, tikus bersembunyi di sudut, dan binatang-binatang pengganggu berkelana.
Lebih dalam ia jatuh, mengenal kemacetan berat sebelah.
Lalu, ia melihat jaringan akar-akar berwarna coklat kehijauan yang melebar ke segala arah, menembus jauh ke kejauhan lalu menghilang ke dalam kekosongan.
u201cUgh…u201d
Lumian hampir muntah. Sisa-sisa makanan yang belum ia selesaiakan naik ke tenggorokannya, mengancam untuk keluar.
Cepat, ia melepas kacamata penasaran tersebut dan menahan ingin muntah. Dengan semangat yang tak terpuaskan, Lumian mengambil kuas, mencelupkannya ke dalam cat, lalu mulai menggambar di kertas kosong.
Tanpa sadar, spiritualitasnya mengalirkan kuatnya ke kuas itu.
Beberapa menit kemudian, Lumian berhenti menggambar dan memandang karyanya.
Apa ini yang sudah kudapat gambar? Pertanyaannya terdengar dalam pikirannya.
Setelah memperhatikan dengan cermati, ia bisa membedakan subjek lukisannya: sebuah rumah segitiga berwarna biru abu-abu, atapnya dikelilingi pohon-pohon hijau, dan hujan yang seperti lumpur.
Lumian memandang lukisan itu sejenak, tiba-tiba terasa gatal di punggung tangannya. Tak tahan, ia menggaruknya, hanya untuk melihat kulinya membeludak merah dan gatal-gatal di seluruh tubuh.
Biapkah ini pengaruh Beyond dari lukisan itu? Detak jantung Lumian bergetar saat ia menoleh, berusaha menjelan gatal-gatal itu dengan menggosok-gosok pakaiannya. Namun usahanya sia-sia, dan tak kuasa menahan diri untuk menggaruk beberapa kali lagi.
Saat ia menjeliharusi pandangan dari graffiti seperti kreasi anak kecil sebuah u201cpotret minyak,u201d gatal-gatal itu perlahan-lahan mereda dan punah.
Keinginan untuk menggambar juga punah.
Ia berbalik dan merenungkan detailnya.
Saya harus menatap lukisan ini minimal tiga detik sebelum tubuhku gatalu2026
Cukup sulit untuk dipakai di pertempuran. Aku tak bisa hanya menempelkannya di wajahku, kan?
Jika aku menggunakannya sebagai jebakan, mungkin bergunau2026 n
Aku bertanya-tanya apakah ada lukisan yang dapat dipakai tanpa menyedotkan perhatian sasaran?
Dengan pertimbangan cermat, Lumian memutuskan untuk mencoba lagi.
Ia menutup kacamata penasaran itu kembali, dan pengalamannya hampir sama.
Namun, kali ini ia juga melihat kegelapan dan bayangan yang bergerak di dalamnya.
Di tengah gelombangan mual, Lumian melepas kacamata cokelat keemasan itu, mengambil kertas baru, dan mengangkat kuas.
Kali ini, ia tidak memberi in pada gerakan impulsif, melainkan fokus pada membayangkan apa yang ia inginkan dan berusaha membawa gambaran itu semakin dekat dengan gambaran di pikirannya.
Dengan pendekatan ini, Lumian menciptakan sebuah matahari kembang api, dikelilingi oleh lingkaran warna-warna cerah—merah, oranye, kuning, hijau, biru, indigo, dan ungu.
Saat ia menyelesaikannya, Room 207 tiba-tiba terasa hangat, dan sejuk di udara menghilang.
Kelihatannya berhasil sebagai efek sederhana pembersihan rohu2026 Lumian belum sepenuhnya yakin.
Ia duduk di tepi tempat tidur, secara cermat mengamati perubahan.
Perlahan, kehangatan yang sebelumnya menimbulkan rasa gelisah dan ketidaknyaman, mulai memudar.
Lumian mencoba melipat lukisan itu, dengan sisinya menghadap ke luar. Ke hangatan itu pun menghilang, dan kehilangan esensi spiritual dalam lukisan pun melambat hingga tidak terdengar.
Aku seharusnya bisa menyimpannya selama sekitar dua bulanu2026 Saat digulung, hanya bisa digunakan maksimal tiga hariu2026 Ya, ini seperti metode alternatif untuk membuat senjata Beyond. Lumian memperkirakan, mengingat pengalaman sebelumnya.
Menggambar dua lukisan secara berturut-turut memberikan beban yang cukup berat bagi spiritualitasnya.
Setelah istirahat sejenak, Lumian memulai eksperimen ketiganya.
Kali ini, ia beralih ke menggunakan alat-alat riasan yang mirip dengan kuas lukis.
Menutup kacamata penasaran itu kembali, ia siap menghadapi sensasi tenggelamnya ke dalam ke dalam.
Di tengah gelombangan mual, Lumian melihat beberapa bayangan yang tidak jelas bersembunyi di kegelapan. Setelah melepas barang mistik itu, ia mulai mengoleskan berbagai zat di wajahnya, dengan hati-hati melukis garisnya dengan bantuan jendela kaca yang diterangi oleh lampu karbida.
Seperti percubaan sebelumnya, ia berusaha mengendalikan riasannya, namun kadang-kadang instingnya mengambil alih.
Melihat cerminnya, ia melihat penampilannya terlihat lelah dan haggard. Alisnya berantakan, tulang pipinya sedikit lebih tersingkai, dan bibirnya agak lebih penuh.
Terasa seperti sedang memandang orang asing. Dengan cepat, ia menoleh dan menutup tirai untuk menyembunyikan hasil u201cpaintingu201dnya itu.
Setelah mengemas lukisan gatal-gatal dan matahari bersama alat-alatnya, Lumian memutuskan saatnya untuk keluar dan memverifikasi efeknya.
Saat berjalan menuju Salle de Bal Brise, ia melihat Jenna yang sedang memperagakan gerakan gemulai sambil menyanyikan lagu dengan lirik yang kasar, dan Charlie yang baru saja mengantarkan minuman ke pinggir lantai dansa.
Petukang itu tidak memedulikan Lumian, dan tidak ada yang memanggilnya sebagai bos mereka. Terasa lega, Lumian berjalan menuju sisi Charlie, memberi tamparan ramah di bahunya, dan tersenyum.
u201cSelamat malam!u201d
Charlie, yang mengenakan kemeja putih dan jaket hitam, berbalik dan tersenyum sambil bertanya,
u201cSelamat malam, Monsieur. Apakah Anda ingin minum sesuatu?u201d
Lumian bertanya dengan sengaja,
u201cJangan kamu Mengenalku?u201d
Charlie terkejut, mata matanya membelalak, lalu ia menatap ke arah lampu gas di dinding yang jauh.
Tiba-tiba senyum melebar di wajahnya, dan ia berseru dengan heran,
u201cItu kamu! Puji Matahari. Berapa lama sudah berapa lama kita tidak bertemu? Tunggu sebentar, aku akan segera datang begitu aku tidak sibuk lagi!u201d
Charlie menunjuk ke arah konter bar lalu memperpisahkan diri dengan Lumian.
u201cKemampuan akting si bocah ini sangat mengesankan,u201d Lumian tertawa dengan puas.
u201cIa bahkan tidak mengenali bosnya, aku!u201d
Lumian mengalihkan pandangan ke Panggung Jenna, menunggu ia selesai menyanyikan lagu yang penuh dengan kata-kata kotor.
Setelah Jenna selesai mengumpulkan koin tembaga dan perak dari panggung dan turun, Lumian dengan antusias memeluknya dan berseru,
u201cPuji Matahari! Kamu menyanyikan-luarbiasa! Bolehkah kujadikanmu minum?
184 Painting
When Lumian stepped back into the Auberge du Coq Doré, his mind was still filled with the exorbitant cost of painting supplies.
Among his colleagues at the Salle de Bal Brise, Charlie’s monthly salary as a waiter was considered decent. However, it would take him two months of forgoing food and drink just to afford a single roll of canvas!
Lumian couldn’t help but view painters as a destitute lot. How could they ever afford canvases, brushes, paints, wooden frames, human models, and all the other expenses that came with their craft?
Perhaps they relied on financial support from their families just to get by. Shaking off these thoughts, Lumian closed the door behind him and carefully placed the stack of items on the wooden table.
Eventually, he resigned himself to the fact that he couldn’t afford proper canvases. Instead, he settled for the cheapest brushes, paints, paper, and other necessities. The truth was, Lumian didn’t aspire to be a painter or have his work displayed in an exhibition. He simply needed a medium to imbue the supernatural power, obtained from the Mystery Prying Glasses. The quality of the paint, the possibility of cracking, the fading over time, or even his painting skills were all inconsequential matters.
And so, Lumian spent a total of 30 verl d’or, acquiring his modest supplies.
Mixing a palette of vibrant colors and unfurling a flexible sheet of white paper, Lumian prepared himself for the ritual ahead. With the sanctified silver dagger in hand, he crafted a wall of spirituality within Room 207.
His intention was to explore what he could draw and observe the effects it would yield.
Based on the reaction of Madam Magician’s messenger at Auberge du Coq Doré, Lumian surmised that there was nothing particularly abnormal about this place. The only notable issue seemed to be the abundance of bedbugs. Susanna Mattise’s predicament most likely had its origins in Théatre de l’Ancienne Cage à Pigeons or perhaps even an underground cavern.
Taking a slow breath, Lumian retrieved the brown glasses with golden rims and carefully placed them upon the bridge of his nose.
In an instant, the world around him seemed to spin, as if he had plummeted from the sky into the depths of the earth.
During this disorienting journey, Lumian beheld the inverted motel with its occupants moving about in a similar fashion, an underground bar, roots of trees and soil extending beneath the surface, rats lurking in the corners, and vermin scurrying about.
Deeper and deeper he fell, enduring the nauseating sensation of weightlessness.
And then, he caught sight of an immense network of brownish-green roots stretching in all directions, reaching into the distance and vanishing into the void.
“Ugh…” Lumian nearly expelled the contents of his stomach. The remnants of his unfinished dinner rose to his throat, threatening to escape.
Swiftly, he removed the Mystery Prying Glasses and fought the urge to vomit. Fueled by an insatiable desire to draw, Lumian picked up a paintbrush, dipped it into the paint, and began sketching upon the blank canvas.
Unbeknownst to him, his spirituality infused the brush with an increasing vigor.
After a few minutes, Lumian halted his strokes and gazed upon his creation.
What in the world have I drawn? The question echoed in his mind.
Upon careful observation, he managed to discern the subject of his artwork: a triangular house with a grayish-blue hue, its roof adorned with green trees, and rain resembling mud.
Lumian stared at the painting for a moment and suddenly felt an itching sensation on the back of his hand. Unable to resist, he scratched it, only to witness his skin turning red and swollen, accompanied by an all-over itchiness.
Could this be the Beyonder influence of the painting? Lumian’s heart stirred as he looked away, attempting to soothe the irritation through the friction of his clothes. But his efforts were in vain, and he couldn’t help but scratch a few more times.
As he averted his gaze from the child-like graffiti of an “oil painting,” the itching gradually subsided and eventually vanished.
The urge to paint had vanished as well.
He turned around and contemplated the details.
I have to stare at the painting for at least three seconds before my body itches…
It’s challenging to use it in battle. I can’t just stick it on my face, can I?
If I use it as a trap, it might have some utility…
I wonder if there are any paintings that can be used without drawing the target’s attention?
After careful consideration, Lumian resolved to make another attempt.
He donned the Mystery Prying Glasses once more, and the experience was nearly identical.
However, this time he also glimpsed deep darkness and shadowy figures moving within it.
Amidst the waves of nausea, Lumian removed his brown gold-rimmed glasses, retrieved a fresh sheet of paper, and took up a paintbrush.
This time, he didn’t surrender to impulsive strokes but instead focused on visualizing what he desired and endeavored to bring the drawing closer to the image in his mind.
With this approach, Lumian crafted a golden-red sun, surrounded by a vibrant circle of colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
As he finished, Room 207 suddenly warmed, and the chill in the air dissipated.
It seems to have a simple exorcism effect… Lumian wasn’t entirely certain.
He sat on the edge of the bed, carefully observing the changes.
Over time, the warmth, which initially evoked restlessness and unease, began to fade.
Lumian attempted to fold the painting, keeping its back facing outward. The warmth promptly vanished, and the loss of spiritual essence within the painting slowed to a barely noticeable pace.
I should be able to preserve it for about two months… When unfurled, it can only be used for three days at most… Yes, this is akin to an alternative method of creating Beyonder weapons. Lumian estimated, recalling his previous experiences.
Drawing two paintings in quick succession had placed a considerable burden on his spirituality.
After taking a short break, Lumian proceeded with his third experiment.
This time, he switched to using makeup-related painting tools.
Putting on the Mystery Prying Glasses once again, he braced himself for the sensation of spiraling into the depths. In the midst of it, Lumian caught sight of several indistinct figures lurking in the shadows. Removing the mystical item, he began smearing various substances on his face, carefully tracing lines with the aid of the glass window, which was illuminated by the light of the carbide lamp.
Similar to his previous attempt, Lumian made an effort to maintain control over his makeup, but occasionally, his instincts took over.
Reflecting on the “mirror,” he saw his appearance becoming worn and haggard. His eyebrows appeared disheveled, his cheekbones slightly more pronounced, and his lips a touch fuller.
It felt as if he were looking at a stranger. Hastily averting his gaze, he drew the curtain to conceal the result of his “painting.”
Having packed away the Itchiness and Sun paintings along with the various tools, Lumian decided it was time to venture out and verify the effects.
As he made his way to Salle de Bal Brise, he noticed Jenna engaging in flamboyant gestures while singing at the top of her lungs, and Charlie, who had just delivered some drinks to the outskirts of the dance floor.
The thugs paid no attention to Lumian, and none of them addressed him as their boss. Feeling a sense of relief, Lumian walked over to Charlie’s side, gave his shoulder a friendly pat, and smiled. “Good evening!”
Charlie, clad in a white shirt and black vest, turned around, returning the smile as he asked,
“Good evening, Monsieur. Would you like something to drink?”
Deliberately, Lumian inquired, “Don’t you recognize me?”
Caught off guard, Charlie’s eyes widened, and for a few seconds, he gazed at the distant gas wall lamp.
Suddenly, a smile spread across his face, and he exclaimed in astonishment, “It’s you! Praise the Sun. How long has it been since we last met? Just wait a moment. I’ll come to you as soon as I’m not so busy!”
Charlie pointed towards the bar counter and bid Lumian farewell.
“This kid’s acting skills are quite impressive,” Lumian chuckled with satisfaction. “He didn’t even recognize his own boss, me!”
Shifting his gaze, Lumian approached Jenna’s stage, patiently waiting for her to finish singing a song filled with vulgar lyrics.
As soon as Jenna finished collecting the copper and silver coins from the stage and descended, Lumian eagerly greeted her and exclaimed, “You sang magnificently! Can I treat you to a drink?”
Jenna immediately put on a cautious expression.
Ever since the incident with that perverted Hedsey, she couldn’t afford to be careless around any audience member who approached her. She worried about encountering another unpleasant situation.
For a few seconds, she examined Lumian’s face and forced a smile to conceal her wariness.
“I must preserve my voice for my next song! Help me out by having another drink!”
With a wink, Jenna approached the two mobsters guarding the stage, seeking their assistance.
The mobsters didn’t dare offend Showy Diva, who was rumored to be their boss and Red Boots’ lover. Stepping forward, they positioned themselves between Lumian and Jenna.
Seizing the opportunity, Jenna made her way to the lounge near the bar counter.
Before leaving, she glanced at Lumian’s hair color and scrutinized his face intently for a moment. She muttered to herself, “Bloody hell, is this some sort of fashion trend now?”
Lumian happily averted his gaze and turned toward the staircase leading to the café. The two vigilant mobsters guarding the area stopped him.
Very dutiful… Lumian smiled and replied, “Just going for a cup of coffee!”
After observing Lumian closely for a few seconds, the two mobsters stepped aside.
Entering the café and noticing that Louis and Sarkota had nothing to do, Lumian made his way to the washroom.
He didn’t dare look at himself in the mirror. Instead, he splashed tap water on his face and rubbed it a few times, gradually removing his makeup.
When he was done, he looked at the mirror and saw his pale and weary reflection staring back at him.
It drains my spirituality quite a bit… I even painted two artworks earlier, Lumian thought to himself, regaining his composure before leaving the washroom.
Louis glanced around and stood up in surprise.
“Boss! When did you return?”
“Just now,” Lumian replied, pointing towards the corridor. “I’m going to get some rest.”
“Understood, Boss,” Louis and Sarkota responded obediently, refraining from questioning further.
Lumian entered his room, compelled himself to freshen up, and settled down on the bed, drifting into sleep.
In his dream, he experienced the unbearable sensation of freefalling from midair towards the ground. As he plummeted, the earth beneath him unexpectedly cracked open, revealing a sea of raging flames. Lumian felt a searing and piercing pain in his mind. He snapped his eyes open, sitting up and gasping for breath.
In that moment, the room was enveloped in darkness and silence. Only a faint glow of crimson moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting a dim light upon the desk beside the window.
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