The Paper User: Exiled for a ‘Trash Skill,’ Awakens True Power and Rises with Two Unique Skills ,Volume 2 - Chapter 7

Chapter : A New Job

Five days later, Piln, Kinako, and I gathered at Arumine’s house in the northern district of Tansa.

As soon as we sat down at the table, Arumine spoke up.

“We’ve got a new job.”

“Is it the Demon King Zezuzu’s subjugation?!”

Piln’s purple eyes sparkled.

“Of course not. This time, it’s about searching for the Dolls Cult’s temple in Gahon Forest—and capturing any followers we find.”

“The Dolls Cult’s temple?”

I tilted my head at Arumine.

“That’s right. And here’s the kicker—it’s a direct request from the Flame Dragon Brigade. They specifically asked for the party Yakumo is in.”

She leaned closer, eyes narrowing at me.

“Since when did you get chummy with the Brigade’s leader?”

“Uh, well… I wouldn’t say we’re close or anything…”

I explained about the time I met Melt at the Adventurers’ Guild.

“I see…”

Arumine folded her arms under her chest, frowning slightly.

“So that’s why the payment was higher than usual.”
“It was?”
“Yeah. Four gold coins a day. Considering our party’s makeup, that’s almost double the normal rate.”
“…That is a lot.”
“Well, anything related to the Dolls Cult is dangerous work. That probably has something to do with it.”

“No doubt,” Kinako said quietly, finally speaking up.

“If we’re looking for their temple, chances are their followers will try to stop us. And the worst part is—we won’t know who’s one of them.”

“Exactly. I’ve heard rumors there are even nobles among their ranks. And there was that story about an entire family next door turning out to be Dolls Cult followers.”

Arumine let out a sigh.

“When you think about it, it’s terrifying. We’re dealing with people who think killing is perfectly fine.”

“Arumine,” Piln said, raising her hand.

“Isn’t there any way to tell who’s a follower?”
“Well… there’s a special truth serum, and if you pair it with magic you can force a confession. But that’s… tricky.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because making the serum requires several expensive ingredients. Spending more than a gold coin just to confirm someone’s a follower isn’t exactly practical.”

Arumine glanced toward the shelf lined with materials along the wall.

“Well, if we could get our hands on the Celestial Dragon’s Jewel, I could make a magic tool that sees through lies easily.”
“Enough of that—what exactly does the job involve?” Kinako cut in, her sharp eyes narrowing at Arumine.

“Sorry, sorry. The client is the Kingdom of Leste.”
“Huh? Not the Flame Dragon Brigade?”
“They’re more like coordinators. Gahon Forest is huge, and their own members aren’t enough. So they’re hiring several parties and groups. The Brigade’s covering the payment.”
“And they’re sure the temple is in Gahon Forest?”
“The Brigade’s leader seems convinced.”
“…Then depending on how things go, we might storm the temple?”
“Most likely. That’s why they’re gathering numbers.”

Arumine set the request form on the table.

“Departure’s in two days. We’ll meet the Brigade at the entrance to Gahon Forest. So make sure you’re ready. I’m bringing plenty of materials for my spells.”
“Got it!”

Piln grabbed my arm.

“Yakumo! We’re heading to Meat Star Inn right now!”
“Eh? Isn’t that the place that serves meat dishes?”

I blinked rapidly.

“What does that have to do with preparing for the job?”
“We need to eat in advance!”

Piln puffed out her flat chest proudly.

“This job could take a while! That means we have to eat as much delicious meat as possible before we go!”
“That’s… not really necessary. And eating a ton now won’t do you any good later.”
“It will! So you’re coming with me, Yakumo!”
“…Fine. I was going to grab something to eat anyway.”

I couldn’t help but smile as I watched Piln wipe drool from the corner of her mouth.

Seriously, all she ever thinks about is food. But maybe that’s part of her charm. She’s the mood-maker of the party, after all.

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