The Priest of Complete Dispel ~ Every Time I Save a Cursed Beautiful Girl with My Status Abnormal Cure Skill, For Some Reason Her Dependence on Me Maxes Out ~ - Chapter 34: Am I an Adventurer

Chapter 34: Am I an Adventurer?

“—Lord Bulldog, it seems the cave where we were keeping the goblins was attacked by someone.”

“What…?”

In a luxurious mansion tucked away in a corner of the adventurer city of Hares, a man dressed in black silently appeared in the study, delivering a report in a low voice to Bulldog, who was poring over a thick stack of documents.

“All the captives are gone, and the entire pack of goblins we were raising has been wiped out.”

“Even the Goblin Queen?”

“Yes. According to the report, she was definitely taken down.”

“…Are you absolutely certain?”

“Yes, without a doubt.”

Deep wrinkles creased Bulldog’s face, his irritation impossible to conceal.

He crossed his arms, letting a heavy silence settle in the room before exhaling after a moment of thought.

“I thought we’d finally built a good breeding ground…”

Deliberately breeding goblins, controlling them to attack people without killing them, letting them ravage their victims’ minds and bodies to inflict wounds or curses, and ultimately funneling those victims to the church under his control—this twisted system was meant to grow into a massive source of profit for him, siphoning money under the guise of treatment fees. Though it was still in the preparation stage, this loss stung.

“Well… there are other breeding grounds. No need to mourn the loss of one. Any other reports?”

“Yes, sir. It seems a goblin-slaying request was issued at the Adventurer’s Guild… and just now, the ‘Silver Blade’ returned after completing it.”

“Adventurers, huh… and the ‘Silver Blade,’ no less. How infuriating that they’d interfere with my plans.”

Bulldog’s fist trembled slightly on the desk, his anger barely contained.

The church and the Adventurer’s Guild had always been at odds, like cats and dogs. While a few adventurers could use healing magic, their numbers were limited. Given the injury-prone nature of their work, they often had to rely on the church for aid.

But at some point, adventurers began complaining about the church’s exorbitant treatment fees, deepening the rift between the two. Still, adventurers grudgingly sought the church’s help, and the church provided healing as long as the money was paid—a cold, transactional relationship.

“If the captive women revealed any information, it’s possible they could eventually trace it back to you, Lord Bulldog.”

“And what of it?”

Bulldog leaned back in his chair, a bold smirk curling on his lips.

“Even if they reach me, they have no evidence. Anyone who dares speak my name will face an inquisition and end up punished instead. Hahaha!”

His actions had always been backed by meticulous safeguards.

Above all, his confidence stemmed from the existence of curses.

In this world, only the caster could lift a curse. Thus, those targeted would be tormented by their curses no matter where they fled.

—The ‘Lewd Curse’, dominating its victims with lust and pleasure, eroding their minds.

—’Uglification’, twisting their faces into grotesque forms, stripping them of their humanity.

Both were curses that offered no escape, plunging their victims into despair.

With unshakable confidence in his schemes, Bulldog’s smirk widened as he returned to his paperwork, as if nothing had happened.

◇◇◇

“Here are your Guild Cards, proof of your status as adventurers, Shu-sama, Iris-sama, and Medina-sama.”

Thanks to Glen’s introduction, the three of us received our Guild Cards from the guild receptionist, Lina. They were small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, made of a strange material that seemed to blend metal and mana ore. Their glossy surfaces were clearly engraved with our names and ranks.

A single thin card, like a credit card. But for those living in this city, it was undeniable proof of being an adventurer.

Normally, someone in Iris’s position wouldn’t need an ID. But since she was currently in disguise, this card was essential to prove her public identity.

The only thing that bothered me was registering with our real names. I couldn’t help feeling uneasy, but Iris shook her head calmly.

“The title of Saint Candidate is widely known, but hardly anyone knows the names of individual candidates. Please don’t worry.”

I see. Now that she mentioned it, neither Glen nor the others reacted when they first heard Iris’s name. Even when we gave our names to Lina, she didn’t show the slightest hint of suspicion.

“Thanks to Glen-san’s endorsement, you’ll start at E-rank instead of the usual lowest F-rank,” Lina said with a smile.

Adventurers build their reputation by completing requests, gradually increasing their rank. In other words, this was just the beginning.

“Lina, is the Guild Master here?” Glen asked.

“Yes, I believe he’s in his office on the second floor.”

“Sorry, but I need to discuss something important. Please let him know I need some time.”

“Understood.”

Lina nodded immediately and climbed the stairs with light steps.

Once she was out of sight, I shrugged and muttered to myself.

“…So, I just realized I’ve become an adventurer. Is this okay?”

“No, it’s not okay!” Iris snapped instantly, her cheeks puffing out as she glared up at me like a sulking child.

“Shu-sama, you will eventually attend the church school to study the doctrines and history of the church. Then, you’ll formally join the Misia Church and uphold its prestige!”

“Uh… that’s news to me. What, I have to go to school? I hate studying…”

It was completely out of the blue.

A second student life? No way, that’s not happening.

“However… if you truly wish to continue as an adventurer, after completing church school, you could travel as a Wandering Cleric, spreading the Misia faith while purging—er, eliminating—heretics.”

“Whoa, that second part sounds way too intense.”

Apparently, going to school was a done deal. Even if I kept being an adventurer, it seemed I’d be stuck with some heavily religious job.

And then there was the word “heretics.”

It stuck with me. Did it refer to people like Bulldog, who exploited the church’s teachings? Or did it include those who strayed from the rules while still holding faith? I still didn’t know where the line was drawn.

“This topic could take a while, so let’s set it aside for now. But one thing is clear: someone as close to the divine as you, Shu-sama, should be in the church, not gallivanting as an adventurer. Judging corrupt clergy is also a vital role for a Wandering Cleric.”

Iris’s earnest gaze made me fall silent. I could understand her point, but being forced into things wasn’t my style. If I had to do it, I’d want a freer way of working—like an adventurer.

“If you truly wish to serve the church, there’s also the path of a Temple Knight. But… it probably wouldn’t suit you, Shu-sama.”

Temple Knights. Likely an armed organization directly under the church, separate from the kingdom’s knights.

So, this country had two knightly orders—one for the kingdom and one for the church. Between the church, adventurers, and the kingdom, there seemed to be a web of complex interests at play.

“So… what’s our next move? We need to gather evidence and corner Bulldog.”

“Shu, I have a suggestion,” Glen said, glancing around before lowering his voice near my ear.

“We’ll report the cave incident to the Guild Master. He’ll likely cooperate to some extent since he’s famously anti-church. If we can catch Bulldog, it’ll be a satisfying blow for the Guild Master—a chance to claim he cleaned up the church’s mess.”

“I see…”

“So, could you wander around the city until we’re done? It should wrap up by evening. Also, there’s an inn in the north district called ‘Nagi’s Mist Pavilion.’ It’s close to our base. If you can, stay there. Mention my name, and they’ll probably give you a discount.”

“Man, you’ve got everything covered. Thanks.”

“Of course. You saved my life, Shu.”

Glen flashed a charming smile.

With that, I decided to explore the city and head to the Nagi’s Mist Pavilion later.

“Alright, catch you later, Silver Blade crew!”

“If you need to sell any magic stones, the guild will buy them,” Risia called out.

“Thanks! I’ll do that when I have time!”

I waved goodbye to Risia and the others.

“Alright! Let’s grab some food!”

“Yes!” Iris chirped.

“Let’s go!” Medina added.

With Iris and Medina in tow, I headed off to fill our stomachs first.