[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war":3,"chapter-apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-chapter-33":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Apostle of the Goddess of War",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},394491,657,"Chapter 33","apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-chapter-33",33,"\u003Cp>Ch.33 Apostle of the Goddess of War\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man sitting at the table twitched irritably as he looked at Sion. Sion calmly stared back and asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That story you mentioned earlier. Could you please explain it in more detail?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone was polite, yet the atmosphere was oppressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man felt a surge of defiance, but for some reason, he sensed he shouldn’t resist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He obediently answered. It wasn’t anything particularly secretive anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It started about a month ago. People traveling around here began losing their way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you not know the reason?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right. Even lifelong residents of this village can’t make it outside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three men at the table agreed it was a baffling situation. They added that the same reaction could be expected no matter where you asked in the village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are rumors it’s the work of demon kin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But demons appear even in holy cities, don’t they? I think it’s magic.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could it be the Goddess’s wrath? Perhaps she’s punishing us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Punishing for what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How should I know?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The men each speculated on possible reasons. Sion asked them another question he was curious about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Has there been any fighting around here recently?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fighting?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There was. Rumor has it some knights came and defeated monsters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rumor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion’s eyes flashed. This was important.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the men merely shrugged as if it were nothing significant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know. It’s just a rumor. No one’s seen it with their own eyes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Everyone just says they heard it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So there’s no source for the rumor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion judged he had obtained the information he needed, and pulled out a gold coin, offering it to them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, uh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you hear anything more about the rumors, please let me know. I’ll be at that table over there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got it, young man.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What a good person. I almost misunderstood him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion smiled lightly and returned to his seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shortly after, he was sharing the stories he had heard from Garfenn and Tier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can you give me a gold coin too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young man with a refreshing smile appeared at Sion’s table. His physique suggested he had trained in martial arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion and Garfenn could easily tell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Sion asked, the young man tapped his chest and answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bardion. Around here, I’m known as the Flowing Blade.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Flowing Blade”—it seemed he was famous for fighting like water, fluid and seamless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not from around here, so I don’t know much. I’m Sion of the War Cult.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In any case, Sion welcomed the knight who had revealed his identity first. It was proper knightly etiquette.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing the words ‘War Cult’, Bardion’s eyes flickered slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh ho, really? A knight? And from the War Cult, no less. What an unexpected meeting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, our Cult is rather small.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion chuckled awkwardly. Bardion smoothly eased the atmosphere with good manners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Size doesn’t matter. What matters is sincerity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So… what is it you want?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion cut straight to the point, clearly signaling he had no interest in small talk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bardion caught on and immediately leaned forward, whispering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The rumor that people get lost when they leave the village… I know the truth behind it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn’s eyebrows twitched as he listened. Tier looked like he wanted to say something, but seeing Garfenn remain silent, he held back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion flicked a gold coin and asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bardion, the Flowing Blade, casually caught the coin mid-air, pulled over a chair, and sat down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His movements were as smooth as flowing water—his nickname seemed well-earned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In fact, it is magic. A barrier has been placed over this entire area.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Magic… Who cast it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know that. But I do know how to escape it. I discovered it by accident.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you have somewhere you need to go?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bardion countered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion hesitated, about to gauge Garfenn’s reaction, then stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I should make my own decision. That’s what Master wants.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion requested the information he wanted, but wrapped it in two layers. He couldn’t reveal everything to a stranger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m trying to go upstream. I have someone to meet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm. The upper reaches of the river have become quite dangerous lately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Devotees of an evil god have set up camp there. They kill anyone who approaches. For now, it’s best not to go near that area.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Bardion continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The person you’re trying to meet… might be in danger too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. That’s exactly why I’m going.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm. Even for a member of the Cult, it’s dangerous. Very dangerous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How many are there?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bardion nodded with concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At least several dozen. That’s just the number patrolling the area.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There could be more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. In fact, the villagers should’ve evacuated long ago… But it’s too late now. They’ve already taken control of the entire region. No one can escape.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are they attacking the village?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said they didn’t seem to be targeting the villagers directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was, of course, only Bardion’s subjective opinion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So the real target must be the Wildflower Cult.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion mentally compiled the information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, if the evil god’s followers consumed the Wildflower Cult, the village would likely be in danger too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion didn’t know why the evil god’s followers were targeting the Wildflower Cult, but either way, they needed to be eliminated first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sir Bardion. I ask a favor. Will you guide me upstream?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Hmm. Are you sure it’s safe?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can’t stay here. I came to help those in crisis.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bardion’s face lit up with emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed, a true knight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Something like that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion scratched his cheek, embarrassed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Bardion readily agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He even expressed his willingness to help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bardion snapped his fingers. With a bright smile, he moved his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Very well. I’ll guide you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you sure?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve been protecting the village with my clan members anyway. It’s what a knight should do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bardion gestured behind him. Two men, presumably his comrades, raised their beer mugs in salute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you for your help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good. When will we leave?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bardion grinned and gave a thumbs-up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. Then I’ll wait at the small dock outside the village. Get ready and come out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bardion left the tavern with his comrades. Sion watched his back, then began eating the now-cooled food.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally given a chance to speak, Tier burst out with the pent-up chatter he had been holding back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So there truly is miraculous guidance! My faith was lacking!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tier clenched his fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having personally experienced the path opening as he believed in the Goddess, he couldn’t help but tremble with awe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tier’s faith had deepened even further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Sion and Garfenn remained silent, chewing their food without a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a simple meal, Sion’s group boarded the boat where Bardion was waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Including Sion’s party of three, seven people boarded the boat. One was the boatman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, what kind of place is the War Cult? I don’t believe the bad reputation is true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the boat slowly traveled upstream through the misty river, Bardion asked. He was cutting and eating a bright red apple with a dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you. The bad reputation isn’t true. Our doctrine is to use force to rescue the weak.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed. Rumors can’t be trusted. Just looking at you, Sir Sion, proves that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bardion smiled warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a likable person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, he didn’t dare speak to Garfenn, who hadn’t said a word this whole time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He only glanced at him occasionally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish, swish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the sound of the oars cutting through the water could be heard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bardion searched for something else to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t someone who could endure awkward silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Judging by your stance, you seem quite skilled with a blade.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bardion looked alternately at Garfenn and Sion as he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I wouldn’t say I’m someone notable out in the world.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn remained completely silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To someone who didn’t know him, he might seem mute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, you’re too modest. You clearly have far more skill than you let on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bardion grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His overly smooth manner was starting to become slightly unpleasant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then, he began to cross the line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If it’s not too much of a bother, could I challenge you to a sparring match once we reach land?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cut another piece of apple as he asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clearly had great confidence in his abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m busy. I’m sorry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that so? Then I suppose there’s no choice. I’ll just have to kill you here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words slipped from Bardion’s mouth with shocking naturalness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The transition was so smooth that Sion’s approach seemed like a normal handshake request.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Flowing Blade. Truly, he wielded his sword like flowing water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he had picked the wrong opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Specifically, Sion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Garfenn, with his eyes wide open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion, as if he had anticipated the assassination attempt, instantly seized Bardion’s wrist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He twisted the wrist sharply, then drew his sword with his left hand in a reverse grip and swung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, Bardion lost his right arm. Blood gushed violently from the severed stump.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could even comprehend what had happened, the situation was already over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion had already killed Bardion’s comrade who had tried to attack from behind, and the other man attempting to assault Garfenn had his neck twisted and killed by Garfenn’s hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What in the—!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most shocked was Tier. Unlike Sion and Garfenn, he had not suspected Bardion at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So naturally, he froze in shock at the sudden assassination attempt. Had he been alone, he would already have been on his way to the afterlife.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion pointed his sword at Bardion. Bardion, pale as a ghost, clutched his severed right arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh… ugh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who sent you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite having just taken a life, his emotions showed no change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man was clearly an enemy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh heh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bardion’s demeanor suddenly shifted, as if he were someone else entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Blood is meant to flow onto the earth. That is what my Goddess desires.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…So you’re a Blood Cultist.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion narrowed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You have no right to insult us War Cult members. Who spilled more blood across this land than the Goddess of War herself? Kheheh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you hope to gain by attacking the Wildflower Cult? What’s your goal?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed… You already know everything, don’t you? My mission was to eliminate nuisances like you before they could interfere.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drip, drip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bardion’s neck bone twisted grotesquely. The deformity went beyond mere grotesqueness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes were filled with blood, glowing crimson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t interfere with our grand design, hypocrite.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion’s sword swiftly cut through the air. Its trajectory ended at Bardion’s neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Bardion’s body was left without his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hiiiii!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tier couldn’t recover from the sudden bloodshed. It was gruesome, even for someone aspiring to join the War Knights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well done, Sion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn finally spoke, after everything was over. He turned to the boatman, who had stopped rowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can we still go upstream?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boatman silently nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then please keep rowing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boatman calmly resumed steering the boat, as if such events were commonplace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So there really was a sinister motive. I never imagined he’d be a devotee of an Evil God.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion spoke as he searched Bardion’s body. Garfenn sighed, still shaken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I knew because the Goddess whispered it to me. But you figured it out on your own.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was just being cautious. I didn’t expect him to attack so openly. Ah, found it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Sion pulled up Bardion’s sleeve and showed it to Garfenn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn approached and frowned. There was a strange tattoo on Bardion’s forearm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion couldn’t recognize it yet, so Garfenn identified it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After studying the symbol briefly, Garfenn nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s the mark of the Evil God of Blood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Evil God of Blood?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. Beings that drink human blood. These ones are also called vampires in particular.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve… heard of them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tier joined the conversation. Garfenn added, “They’re truly vile creatures.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To think so many Evil God devotees are wandering around. It’s a bit shocking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion frowned, and Garfenn agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re rare outside the Cult’s territory, but recently they’ve been especially active.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What could be their reason for targeting the Wildflower Cult?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn stroked his chin thoughtfully for a moment, then spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s likely a sacred relic.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A sacred relic?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can’t be certain yet. We’ll find out once we reach the Wildflower Cult.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In any case, they seemed to have uncovered the identity of the force attacking the Wildflower Cult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having achieved his objective, Sion searched Bardion’s corpse, took back the gold coin he had originally given, along with other items, then tossed the body into the river.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bardion’s body quickly resurfaced, but was immediately carried away by the swift current.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn watched and muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Flowing Blade. Fittingly, he floats downstream.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Schedule: Every mon, wed, fri and sun\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Review at\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>NovelUpdate\u003C\u002Fp>",2157,"2026-05-30T06:48:22.039Z","2026-06-01T04:30:34.110Z",1,"novelbin.me","3339df85b6f055585c3e85129959dc0a82e8b9e0cb434e0318c60cd8d60222c9","apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-chapter-34","apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-chapter-32",174,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fapostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-cover.jpg"]