I Became the Priest of Blasphemy of the Outer Gods

Chapter 144: The Path of Struggle (2)

The ship safely arrived at Elion Island four days later.

The sailors, expressing their fatigue, joyfully disembarked onto the island, and I granted them freedom to spend their time as they wished.

Mary and Lyla wanted to stay on the ship, so only Eldritch transformed into a human form to accompany me to the temple.

“Uncle, aren’t you drinking that potion anymore?”

“I don’t need it to transform at will.”

“Wow… But it’s a bit creepy.”

“…….”

Talia chattered as she guided us to the temple.

Truthfully, I wondered if a guide was truly necessary.

An imposing structure built upon a mountain.

The grandeur of the pantheon dedicated to the Olympian Gods was visible from anywhere on the island.

“It’s incredibly massive. It looks more like a fortress than a temple.”

“That’s right. The priest explained that it was once actually used as a fortress.”

“I heard a similar story myself. It’s said that during the Holy War, this place marked the start of the Ancient Gods’ resistance.”

Apparently, when they were being pushed back by the Foreign Gods’ forces, they used this place as their last stronghold.

Therefore, this place was extremely important to the followers of the Olympian Gods.

Nowadays, it’s used as a resting place for travelers and also serves to protect vulnerable individuals, such as orphans and the elderly, as Talia proudly mentioned.

“I’ve made so many friends in the village. I talk to Grandma Daria every day, who lives alone, and a woman who lives with her son…”

Listening to Talia’s various stories, I finally ascended the temple, finding myself a bit flustered.

“Welcome. Welcome to the Pantheon.”

As expected of a priest serving the Olympian Gods, dressed in something resembling a tunic and sandals.

However, what drew my attention more were the injuries on his body.

A scar-filled elderly man with one eye lost and a limping leg.

“My name is Boris. I manage this Pantheon as the high priest.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m…”

As I prepared to introduce myself suitably, Talia nudged my side.

“It’s okay to be honest. I’ve been talking about you all along.”

“Well, in that case.”

I reverted to my true appearance.

“So you are Ethnos. Talia has spoken a lot about you…”

Boris’s eyes widened.

“I hope this isn’t rude, but it’s truly intimidating.”

I understood why he made such a comment.

Gluttony was staring with its numerous eyes.

“Gluttony.”

『What?』

“You’re scaring people. What are you doing?”

『But this temple… it’s amazing!』

I let out a small sigh.

Not only had its intelligence increased, its sense of self had strengthened as well.

“I’m sorry. This little one is still very curious.”

“A… little one, you say?”

“Something like that.”

Boris seemed to grasp the gist and moved past it.

“Allow me to introduce myself again. I am Ethnos, and this here is Eldritch.”

“Eldritch, is it? I’ve heard much about you.”

I had no complaint about Talia sharing information about us.

She couldn’t have known I would come here, and it seemed she found the priest trustworthy.

‘But weren’t even the children they protected sacrificed?’

And still trusting this priest…

“Priest, are those injuries of yours recent?”

“Yes… They are. It was due to certain circumstances.”

From that statement, I could infer why Talia trusted the priest so much.

“It seems you’ve done something commendable.”

“You’ve caught on. But despite all my efforts, I couldn’t protect them.”

This elderly priest had tried to prevent the children from being taken as sacrifices.

Those injuries must have been sustained in the process.

‘A priest I can respect,’ I mused, extending my hand.

“Priest, would you lend me your hand for a moment? I have a gift for you.”

“A gift? We haven’t even had the chance to properly welcome you…”

Boris took my hand, and I worked my way through his body.

“W-What?!”

“Don’t worry. It’ll be over soon.”

I began healing Boris’s physical ailments.

I restored his eye and even reversed some of the aging in his joints, leaving him refreshed.

“It’s done.”

I let go of his hand with a smile, and Boris, panting, inspected his own body with wide eyes.

Even Talia seemed taken back, her eyes widened in shock.

“It would’ve been nice if you had given me a heads-up…”

I cleared my throat awkwardly.

“I was too eager to heal you. I’m sorry for startling you.”

“No need to apologize. This… I feel ten years younger!”

Watching the delighted Boris, a warm smile spread on my face.

“Uncle, really…”

“Hmm?”

“You’ve gotten even creepier.”

“…….”

Boris, fascinated as he examined his revitalized body, guided us further inside.

To welcome us, he offered preserved olives, white bread, and a rare wine he had saved for a long time.

There were also dishes centered around fish, and we were promised a comfortable room.

“As much as I’m thankful for your healing, it’s our custom to emphasize ‘hospitality’ which our God values.”

Accepting the wine Boris poured, I broached the main topic.

“Is the Haghios Isles severely affected by the Dwellers of the Abyss?”

“Recently, it’s been calm. Thanks to Talia for her efforts.”

Talia straightened her shoulders, wearing a proud expression.

“Who would’ve thought a child blessed by Lord Zeus would appear… I sensed a mysterious fate as soon as she arrived with that symbol around her neck.”

The necklace I had bought for her appeared to be a symbol used by Zeus’s followers.

Originally, it would have been adorned with an eagle engraving, but it was worn off to the point of invisibility.

“So Talia’s diligent hunting has reduced the attacks.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

That couldn’t be true.

Regrettably, reality likely differed.

“Priest, though it might sound unpleasant, I ask you to trust my words.”

“Go ahead.”

“Among the island residents, there are those who cooperate with the Dwellers, possibly even direct infiltrations.”

Talia turned to me in shock.

“Uncle, what do you mean by that? Cooperating with such monsters?!”

“It’s more common than you’d think for islanders to trade and maintain a friendly relationship with the Dwellers.”

Initially, they might be forced into cooperation due to fear.

Without a powerful guardian, a 3rd rank Dweller could easily annihilate a village.

“They offer sacrifices to the Dwellers, in exchange for increased catch or protection at sea.”

Some even become genuine followers.

And the exchange isn’t always just about sacrifices.

“Though rare, humans who are reborn as Dwellers or hybrids of Dwellers exist. They integrate into the village, living there until the day they return to the sea.”

The priest and Talia listened intently, their faces tense.

“In actuality, ‘The Isolated Black Isles’, where all the natives are collaborators with the Dwellers, became a highly dangerous place.”

Eldritch added from the side.

“So in truth, they are merely lying in wait. The influence of the Dwellers likely still stretches across the island.”

This was nearly certain.

The Dwellers had some understanding of Talia’s presence.

“I was completely unaware. I thought they had taken the orphans just under duress…”

“To devout individuals like you, priest, they would have concealed it.”

Living distant from the village in the temple, it was hard for the priest to notice.

The covert worship of Dwellers spreads quietly among people, and human sacrifice becomes as routine as it is taboo.

Hence, the village grows in prosperity, becoming a co-conspirator, hiding the truth from outsiders.

“I plan to root out the hidden Dwellers. I want to eradicate the filthy secret cults rooted on this island.”

Aside from personal loathing, it concerned Talia’s safety and the island residents.

Moreover, it was a significant step in reducing Cahon’s influence, thus greatly important.

“Regrettably, I lack strength. But I’ll offer help in every way I can.”

Boris lamented his powerlessness, but his offer of help was sufficient for me.

“Please ensure my party is well-received. Among them is someone who needs extra care, and I would appreciate your assistance, priest.”

“Certainly. Of course.”

With such a kind person aiding us, Lyla might regain some peace.

“And there are some essentials…”

Afterward, I received a map of the island from Boris and gathered intel on the residents to the best of his knowledge.

Once collating the information, I planned to initiate action immediately.

Naturally, I intended to leave Talia behind.

“You stay back.”

“No way. Do you still see me as that weak child?”

She insisted on accompanying me.

“Your 4th rank aside, you’re still young.”

“I’ll be an adult soon, you know?”

“What we’re doing now isn’t just simple monster hunting.”

“In the end, when you leave again, I’ll have to protect this island!”

Though it might seem like I was overly protective, that wasn’t the case.

“This time, it won’t just be monsters we kill, but humans too. Are you sure you want to be there for that?”

“…….”

Talia became silent, her face momentarily darkened.

“But isn’t it necessary to protect people? Even if it’s frightening and unseemly, I can’t just look the other way.”

Ultimately, she didn’t back down.

I had no choice but to take Talia with me down to the village by the port.

“Are you sure the Dwellers are hiding here?”

“It’s likely. The closer it is to the sea, the easier it is for them to operate.”

I transformed into the guise of an ordinary-looking man.

“There’s a woman, an elderly grandma living alone just ahead. She’s right there!”

As Talia pointed, I looked over to see a kind-looking elderly woman waving.

“Good afternoon, Talia. Were you showing a traveler around?”

“Yes, grandma Daria. Have you been well?”

Talia, showing her impressive affinity.

Indeed, she was getting along well on this island.

“Is it certain?”

『Yes!』

“What is?”

Squish—!

In the next moment, Gluttony’s tendril pierced the old woman’s forehead.

As flames began consuming the body, the old woman’s body started convulsing madly.

“Talia. Befriending and looking after people is a good thing. Protecting them with your strength responsibly is commendable.”

Talia couldn’t utter a word.

Despite all her resolve, she seemed frozen in shock.

She was left staring blankly as the Dweller’s scales emerged beneath the burning skin of the old woman.

“But the world is cruel and dirty. Unfortunately… this is a lesson you need to learn.”