God-Tier Extraction Talent: Reincarnated in a Game-like World!
Chapter 49: An Enemy of the Holy Church

Chapter 49: An Enemy of the Holy Church

What business does he have with the Church?

This was the thought of all those present.

Could it be the Church had seen his potential and wanted to recruit him?

Just like the way guilds and powerful families operated, the Holy Church also recruited promising adventurers into their ranks.

Their goal was to rid the world of all evils, and these adventurers were sent out on missions to further this cause.

The Holy Church in the Valerian Kingdoms was just as prestigious as the five guilds and was well respected.

In fact, it could be argued that they were more respected, as the Holy Pope was a close friend of the current King, which gave them some exclusive privileges not even the guilds had access to.

In Gabriel’s past life, the Holy Church was the topmost choice for most players and NPCs. However, joining was very difficult, as they valued talent more than numbers.

Seeing how one of their members approached him—and after witnessing his combat prowess firsthand—it wasn’t difficult for the group to figure out why the Church had made an offer.

"The Holy Church will, without a doubt, give him more resources to grow," muttered Khrome, with a slight trace of envy in his voice.

"With his current strength, I won’t be shocked if he becomes a Cardinal in a couple of years," chimed one of the mages.

There was a moment of silence as everyone looked at Gabriel, awaiting his response. The knights were starting to grow slightly impatient, but they didn’t show it, as they had been ordered by the higher-ups to treat this individual with maximum respect.

Although they were curious to know why so much importance was placed on this person—whose aura barely reached someone in the level twenties—they didn’t question it.

Scarlet observed him from the side, her expression unreadable. She was slightly curious about what his answer would be.

Yes, it was true that the Church was one of the best organizations to grow in across the human continent, but what most people didn’t know was that it was also the most restrictive.

They might offer resources, delegate high-reward missions, and grant opportunities to level up at a frightening pace—but that came with several rules and regulations.

From what she had seen so far...

Gabriel wasn’t the kind to follow rules. He loved doing things at his own pace and time.

"Sorry, I’ll have to decline your invitation," he said and started to leave.

"Alright, this way—" the first knight nodded, but then his eyes suddenly widened. "Wait—what?!"

"He declined!" Liam gasped, unable to believe his ears.

"Damn, he just gave a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity away just like that!" Khrome shook his head in pity. "Heavens know I’d do anything to become a member of the Church."

The only ones who didn’t seem shocked by the refusal were Scarlet, Sophie, and Cassie, as they already had an idea of the kind of person Gabriel was.

"Young man, are you sure of your decision?" the second knight asked in a barely controlled tone.

The first knight’s face had already turned purple with anger. It was the first time in the history of the Church that an Awakened had declined their invitation.

It might sound childish, but it was a blatant disrespect to the image of the revered and respected Holy Church.

"I bet you didn’t expect that," Alice chuckled. "Now you know—not everyone looks up to you guys like you think... hell, I never gave two fucks about you guys either."

"Alice!" Lilly reprimanded in a stern voice. She then looked at the knights and apologized. "Please ignore her."

The knight stared at her for some time. If it were anyone else, they would’ve attacked them on the spot.

But knowing the father of these girls—and with Scarlet close by—they didn’t take any chances and quietly left the scene.

They returned to the Church and quickly made their way toward the underground chambers, where the armored Cardinal was seated.

"How did it go?" said the Cardinal in a deep, authoritative voice. "Did you find him?"

The first knight knelt immediately and spoke while facing down. "He refused, Your Eminence."

"Refused?" the Cardinal repeated with a frown, never expecting he’d hear those words.

"Yes, Your Eminence," the second knight nodded.

"Such insolence." A deep scowl appeared on the Cardinal’s face. "From now on, declare him an enemy of the Church. If we can’t have a talent such as him under our banner, then no one else should have him."

"Yes, Your Eminence," both knights nodded as they scurried away to carry out the task.

"Poor kid... You should have just accepted my offer. Now you’ll learn the hard way why no one ever disrespects the Holy Church," Cardinal Alfonzo smirked as he leaned back in his throne.

Meanwhile, back in the city, everyone had slowly bid each other farewell and gone their separate ways.

Gabriel was just about to leave too, as he already had other things to attend to, when Liam suddenly approached him.

"Hey, I know we started on the wrong foot and I was a little rude to you, but in case you need a decent guild to grow, you can always consider my White Flame Guild in Stoneheart City," said Liam. "Yes, I know you won’t accept, but... just think about it."

"Thanks," Gabriel replied. "I’ll keep that in mind."

"So... see you later then?" Alice waved as she left along with Lilly and Scarlet.

The last people to leave were Sophie and Cassie.

Sophie spoke with Gabriel for some time, making plans for future dungeon raids and important trip escort mission.

"I... I... can I speak to you for some time?" Cassie suddenly spoke from behind.

"Sure." Gabriel raised a single eyebrow.

She fidgeted with her hands, her face lowered as she struggled with what to say.

Eventually, she summoned enough courage and looked up at him. "T-thank you for saving me back there."

Gabriel laughed. "It’s nothing." He patted her head and, after a subtle nod at Sophie—which made her stomach flutter with nervous excitement—he left.

"Sigh... how can someone be this perfect?" Sophie muttered, staring at Gabriel’s disappearing back with lustful eyes.

Meanwhile, Cassie seemed to be in a trance, touching her head. Why did that feel so good?

---

[Ding! You have completed the quest: Ruin Exploration!]

[Ding! You have received +100 EP]

A small smile appeared on Gabriel’s face.

Seeing the reward for the quest confirmed that he was a bit special. Not only was he an NPC, but he also had access to player features as well.

"Alright... let’s go visit that man," he thought inwardly, with a mischievous gleam in his eyes.

It was time to abuse this feature.

[Ding! Warning: You have been flagged by the Holy Church.]

[Your existence has been classified as: Rogue NPC.]

[From now on, members of the Church will be hostile toward you. Some will outrightly attack on sight. Expect sabotage, assassination, and quest interference.]

Gabriel’s smile faded.

At that moment, he felt several hostile eyes on him.

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