[{"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-4":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},394462,657,"Chapter 4","apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-chapter-4",4,"\u003Cp>Ch.4 Apostle of the Goddess of War\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spoils are the rightful claim of the victor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion perfectly understood the War Cult’s doctrine after hearing it just once – that taking possessions from those you’ve defeated in battle isn’t theft but a legitimate act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s even more ruthless and cold-blooded than I was.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Compared to Sion, even my Great Warrior who was called the Devil of the Battlefield seems like an angel.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The goddess crossed her arms in satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[What a remarkable child. Garfenn, we must raise him with even greater care.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘With your help, Goddess.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Of course. I haven’t felt this motivated in ages. I almost want to start a war with Sion leading the charge.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, Sion returned. When Garfenn squinted to look, he saw Sion’s hands full of various items.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pretending not to know, Garfenn asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s all that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion hesitated as he set the items down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…These are…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You can be honest with me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I legitimately defeated some bandits and took these spoils. Repaying my debt will require money, so I thought I could sell these to raise capital for business.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn remained silent. Sion, checking his reaction, asked cautiously:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sh-should I put them back?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn shook his head in admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well I’ll be damned. Where did such a remarkable boy come from?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did Sion relax. So confiscating wicked men’s belongings was actually virtuous!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Follow me, Sion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn stood and headed toward the reed thicket where Sion’s massacre remained undisturbed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Utterly merciless.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn knelt beside one corpse and extended his hand toward Sion who had followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Give me the weapon you killed them with.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion handed over the dagger. After just a few uses, its edge was already chipped and dull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sion. Watch closely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunk. Garfenn plunged Sion’s dagger into the corpse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he closed his eyes and murmured softly. To Sion, it sounded like a prayer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, something miraculous occurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spilled blood reversed its flow, seeping into the dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whoa—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The roughly used, damaged dagger was restored to like-new condition. In fact, it became sharper and more refined than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How did that happen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unable to contain his curiosity at the wondrous phenomenon, Sion asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s one of the few remaining blessings from the Goddess of War.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Blessings?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. We offer the blood spilled in battle as sacrifice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you can repair weapons this way?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When the goddess’s power was stronger, she could even heal wounds.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though currently unavailable due to the War Cult’s weakened state, this blessing had saved Garfenn’s life many times in the past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are other divine gifts too. Though now with her weakened state, I’ve received few of them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Garfenn?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahem.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn cleared his throat and ignored the goddess’s interjection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But the truly important thing is different.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The blood we offer as apostles accumulates in the goddess’s garden where we go after death. The more sacrifices we make in life, the greater our rewards in her garden.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, being the goddess’s apostle wasn’t unpaid labor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Endure hardship in life, enjoy peace and rest in death.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is…is that really true?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion swallowed unusually hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow… Then you must have quite the fortune, Master?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn puffed up his chest proudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough to buy a small kingdom, perhaps.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll build an empire then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Terrifying child.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn chuckled but soon returned to a solemn, even bitter expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The most important thing… is that souls can be saved.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Souls?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The goddess can redeem the souls of our loved ones. To dwell eternally in her garden.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>S-so then… Sion’s lips trembled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could I see my family again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you strive hard as the goddess’s apostle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And my siblings could come too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’d need to offer many sacrifices.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion clenched his fists tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d found his driving motivation to push himself mercilessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it meant being broken, cut down, or collapsing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He now had a purpose to devote himself completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Teach me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The method?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. The prayers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn returned the dagger while explaining:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The War Cult has no set prayer texts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Improvise. If the goddess likes it, she’ll accept it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion’s mind went blank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he recite prayers that would move the heart of a goddess he didn’t even believe in?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grasping the dagger, Sion said bluntly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The War Cult seems too lax about everything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh heh, you’ll become the same in time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion swallowed the rude remark – no wonder you have no followers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, as he entered the reed thicket, he began pondering what words might earn favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘How ambitious.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[How wicked, Garfenn.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What do you mean?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You omitted that building an empire in my garden would require enough blood to populate an empire.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s too young for that knowledge yet.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You’re right. Ah, Sion is praying.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What’s he saying?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The goddess stifled a laugh before answering:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[He’s asking if it tastes good.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What a terrifying mind.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[How adorable, simply adorable.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At dawn, Garfenn set the wagon in motion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion’s siblings rested in the cargo area while Sion learned to handle the reins beside Garfenn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you know anything about the goddesses?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn asked suddenly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He planned to gradually teach about the War Cult. Unlike other faiths with scriptures and doctrines, theirs relied solely on oral tradition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Goddess of War?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Any goddess. Just share whatever you know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion searched his memories, recalling his mother polishing a wooden idol in his early childhood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When I was little, we worshipped the Goddess of Fire.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn started at this unexpected answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You little heretic. Were you a firestarter?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Firestarter?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s what we call the savages who worship the Fire Goddess.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My mother prayed to a wooden idol every day, so I followed along.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn stiffened, his face paling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Well, fire is essential for households. And she’s the second most popular goddess after Light. Hmm, nothing strange about that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You should’ve mentioned being raised in that faith. At least you understand the concept of goddesses?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion nodded that he had a general understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are many goddesses, with the Goddess of Light as the chief deity. The eight most worshipped hold seats at the Round Table. The Fire Goddess is among them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about the Goddess of War?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She once held the highest seat, though not anymore…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not anymore?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion looked puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The goddess secretly expressed hurt:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[My child. Must you reveal even that? This goddess feels slighted.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He needs to understand our current situation to prepare properly.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Slighted, so slighted…]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…My apologies, Goddess.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[What authority does a weakened goddess’s words hold? Very well, very well…]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The goddess fell silent again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn, feeling like he sat on pins and needles, continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Due to various circumstances, the War Cult’s influence has greatly weakened. A goddess’s status and power grow with her followers, but ignorant humans misunderstand and reject the Goddess of War.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“People die in wars – isn’t it natural they’d dislike her?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion spoke this hard truth with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goddess Achille burst into tears on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion was pure evil, sparing neither man nor goddess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s the misunderstanding, Sion. The goddess doesn’t desire war.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She doesn’t?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…She’s practically a pacifist. You’ll understand in time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion wanted to ask if Garfenn just couldn’t refute this, but firmly believed there must be deeper meaning beyond his current understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After half a day’s travel, they reached a small city with no bandits in sight. Guards kept sharp watch on the walls and gates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A stern-faced guard approached Garfenn with outstretched hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Show me your identification.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn rolled up his sleeve to reveal his wrist. Sion glimpsed it too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘A scar?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An oddly shaped scar marked Garfenn’s wrist. The guards exchanged startled looks – definitely not welcoming expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn shrugged nonchalantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Give me a moment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Take your time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guard summoned his superior, who regarded Garfern with clear displeasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This city serves the Goddess of Wisdom. What business does the Apostle of the Goddess of War have here? Unless…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The captain trailed off uncomfortably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn waved dismissively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No intention of starting fights. Just passing through for lodging.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Very well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the captain’s nod, guards cleared the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll inform the lord. Quarters will be arranged.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grateful for your hospitality. May I tour the city first? Some shopping to do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…If you cause no trouble. Very well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As their wagon passed through the gates, Sion cautiously asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They seemed reluctant toward you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your observation is correct.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re a goddess’s apostle! How rude.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shall I kill them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Should we?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn restrained Sion, who seemed fully serious. Jokes required caution around this boy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I jest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh. A joke…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion studied the guards’ unfriendly gazes and asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But why such dislike?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Recall what the captain asked – why had I come?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s a misconception that wherever War’s apostles go, conflict follows. That we’re warmongers causing trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A misconception?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn stated firmly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A complete misunderstanding. More accurately, we go where conflicts are brewing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eh? Then…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Correct. This city will soon see trouble. That’s why the goddess sent me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To prevent fighting?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. To minimize casualties. Saving lives and spreading true knowledge of the Goddess of War to gain followers is an apostle’s primary duty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion’s lips parted in realization as he nodded blankly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She really is a pacifist.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ignorant people confuse cause and effect, spreading false rumors. My fearsome appearance doesn’t help matters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry. I’ll correct these misunderstandings now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You never miss a chance, do you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Can’t I ask the goddess to fix your face too when we reach her garden?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You… truly…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn shook his head helplessly. What was the point arguing with a child? Sion’s pure malice just left him speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pulling his hood low in the town square, Garfenn muttered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I…I’m starting to like the Goddess of War a bit more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She does good deeds, right? Doesn’t even complain when wronged. Almost foolishly so.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the goddess shuddered. Noticing her reaction, Garfenn added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You believe in her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if it’s false, you’re my life’s benefactor. I’ll bloody my hands if needed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This kid…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither Garfenn nor the goddess could bring themselves to dislike Sion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn parked the wagon and pointed toward the market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll wait here. Sell the goods and sharpen your weapons. Ah, buy treats for the children too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t you need anything, Master?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just give me any leftover coins.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I jest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion’s briefly darkened expression lifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll return soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Schedule: Every mon, wed, fri and sun\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Review at\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>NovelUpdate\u003C\u002Fp>",1742,"2026-05-30T06:48:22.039Z","2026-06-01T04:30:34.110Z",1,"novelbin.me","3ea8a176173cb82fa4607e2ec73d05c20353ff9992aa35fe03014d7f6669ed19","apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-chapter-5","apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-chapter-3",174,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fapostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-cover.jpg"]