[{"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-44":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},394502,657,"Chapter 44","apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-chapter-44",44,"\u003Cp>Ch.44 Apostle of the Goddess of War\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Swish, swish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evening rain poured down, striking the roof of a collapsing building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five people burst into the dilapidated structure, its entrance completely overrun by wildly grown weeds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, there were already people inside, having arrived earlier and lit a fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One adult and two boys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were armed, appearing like wandering knights or roaming mercenaries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the five who had just entered to escape the rain politely asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s nowhere else to take shelter from the rain. Would you mind if we stayed in a corner until it stops?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the boys stared at them for a moment before replying,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is an abandoned building. Please stay as you like.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an age where darkness swiftly spreads wherever light doesn’t reach, even a child knows how dangerous it is to have five grown men in one space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, why did they so readily grant permission? Was it because they were confident in their abilities?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or perhaps because they were simply kind-hearted?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless, the five men had gotten lucky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man slightly bowed his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you. I’d be ashamed to ask, but could I trouble you for one more thing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy asked as he poked the fire with a stick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could I borrow some embers?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. Take it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy readily handed over a burning log. The man accepted it, but his expression turned slightly sour at receiving such an unasked-for kindness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were swordsmen, so as long as no harm came, it would be fortunate. Yet, it seemed they had encountered exceptionally kind people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The five travelers mixed grain flour into boiled water for their meal. The two groups passed time without much interaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were busy drying their soaked bodies and resting their tired feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t until late at night that conversation finally began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After silently agreeing on watch shifts and preparing to sleep, the man finally spoke, addressing the three swordsmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way… I’ve never seen your kind before. Where are you from?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re priests.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“P-Priests?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All five men looked surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had assumed wandering knights or mercenaries, never expecting someone in such rough attire to identify as a priest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And understandably so—clergy members usually wore elegant, traditional garments, often white or gold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had never heard of a priest wearing a dull black cloak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We belong to the Church of War.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy immediately added an explanation, perhaps fearing misunderstanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Church of War? Never heard of it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At those words, the expressions of the boy and the other two priests briefly twisted. For a moment, they looked displeased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the previously talkative boy had nothing more to say. Priests wouldn’t draw their swords over such a trivial matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No wonder you were so kind. So you’re believers. That makes sense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s nothing special.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, the Church of War? That’s fascinating. What brings you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Internal church matters. It’s a bit difficult to explain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion’s words prompted the man to nod in understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been a question that could have crossed a line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If these men had been members of the Order of the Holy Sword, they might have been suspected as devil worshippers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion, the young priest of the Church of War, shrugged his shoulders. Secretly, for a brief moment, he had clenched his fists in frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you people from around here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion asked. All five relaxed slightly and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they were priests serving a Goddess, they likely weren’t the sort to harm others without cause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. We tend to our fields. Today, we went to help out in a neighboring village and were caught in this rain on our way back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Small talk continued. Gradually, Sion’s group and the farmers began to open up. Naturally, deeper topics began to emerge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Things have been chaotic lately. Is your village doing alright?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm… It’s difficult. Naturally.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion skillfully steered the conversation, and finally, the bait was taken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s the matter?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man sighed deeply and rubbed his temples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lately, disturbing rumors have been spreading. They say a heretic who drinks the blood of the living is wandering around.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fear flickered in the eyes of all five. With such beings around, peace of mind while working the fields was impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Has anyone been harmed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We haven’t seen it ourselves, but people have gone missing. There are villagers who’ve seen corpses drained of blood, left pale and lifeless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Appearing satisfied, he exchanged glances with Garfenn and Tier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed. That’s unfortunate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait—did you come to help?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can’t you assist us? We’d be shameless to ask, but…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The villagers began speaking all at once. Their pleas were filled with hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And answering that hope was the sacred duty of the Church of War.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In fact—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion revealed a gentle smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We came here specifically to exterminate these Blood Cultists.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“W-What? Impossible! In the world!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you! Thank you so much!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Church of War, you said? We’ll pray day and night…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people reacted with ecstatic joy. One even jokingly said he’d convert. Their original faith was with the Church of Wisdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tier enthusiastically encouraged the idea, asking if they truly didn’t intend to convert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tat-tat-tat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the pleasant sound of the crackling fire, everyone naturally drifted off to sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion, taking the first watch, wrapped his cloak and gazed outside. From the other group, someone also stood guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither exchanged words, wary of waking the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rain grew heavier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just a shower anymore—it felt like the beginning of the rainy season.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s about time I woke the master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as that thought crossed his mind,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion suddenly felt murderous gazes on his right cheek and gripped the hilt of his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you’re not villagers after all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning his head, he saw all five had risen to a sitting position, glaring at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their once innocent eyes… were now stained with blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How did you know?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s impossible to believe villagers would go help a neighboring village during a time when blood-drinking cultists are roaming around—especially without any weapons.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tch. We were careless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, we just came from that village.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion flicked his thumb and drew his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There were no living people there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The five Blood Cultists grinned, their mouths stretching unnaturally wide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So these bastards really were Blood Cultists.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you notice?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn and Sion stared at Tier in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And understandably so—Tier had only just opened his eyes after Sion had already finished off the attacking cultists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But I’m not to blame! I woke up immediately!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tier protested, genuinely indignant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a fair excuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion’s sword strikes had simply been too fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had these been criminals, the fight would still have been raging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The massacre had ended as soon as it began, thanks to Sion fully unleashing his newly mastered Church of War-style Divine Power Utilization Method.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tier had also woken instantly upon sensing the killing intent, proving he had improved beyond the level of an ordinary person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, you’re getting better.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I agree.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn and Sion teased and praised Tier with smiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tier clenched his fist with joy, a flicker of confidence growing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m glad I came despite the danger.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cuck, cuck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tier prodded a Blood Cultist’s corpse with the tip of his axe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No movement. Their blood had been offered to the Goddess of War, leaving them pale and lifeless like dolls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, they’re cunning. Attacking when we were about to sleep.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Blood-sucking mosquitoes, aren’t they? Tch.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn sneered coldly, then turned toward the one cultist they had kept alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mouth was gagged with a wooden stick, making muffled “Uh! Uh!” sounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His blood-stained eyes glared at Sion’s group as if to kill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion removed the wooden gag and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’ll be less painful if you speak honestly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shut up. How dare a filthy servant give me orders?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Tier’s fist slammed into the cultist’s abdomen. Blood spurted from the cultist’s mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tier had spent his life working in mines. His fists were bound to be powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop screaming, devil-worshipping bastard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tier stepped forward, taking on the role of interrogator for Sion and Garfenn—a reflection of his deep faith in the Goddess of War.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion and Garfenn were secretly astonished. Had this gentle person always been so merciless?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Urk, kek… You damn bastard…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion knelt and locked eyes with the cultist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Demon Lord of Blood. Is Belzama truly active here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belzama—the name of the Demon Lord of Blood who had inflicted a near-fatal wound on Sion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This valuable information had been uncovered by Garfenn during Sion’s training period, when Garfenn hadn’t been idle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belzama was the highest-ranking official of the Church of Blood,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the Seven Vampire Lords.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn had already slain one, leaving six remaining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it was also possible the number had increased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In any case, the purpose of this expedition was Belzama.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Motivated by personal vengeance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crimes were so heinous that even the Goddess Achille had declared she would not forgive them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had witnessed the slaughter and consumption of a hundred humans before her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without Sion, the Goddess Achille would have used Garfenn to deliver justice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kik!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cultist laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a disgusting laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you came looking for him. How amusing—to come here willingly as sacrificial offerings.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Him? So you really are Belzama’s underling.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cultist laughed, his shoulders shaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kek, kek. Underling? How amusing, Church of War dog.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The only thing I serve is blood. The Crimson King also worships blood. All life is connected through His blood. Your petty distinctions mean nothing!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cultist’s twisted logic left nothing to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion suppressed his inner rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their brazen words, in his eyes, were as meaningless as their claims.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You talk too much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion pulled out a dagger and slit the cultist’s throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was nothing more to extract.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they pressed further, the cultist wouldn’t answer—only wasting their strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cultist fell into a peaceful sleep, bathing in the blood he so adored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rain stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a night of relentless rain, the air was damp and muggy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their wet cloaks weren’t fully dry, so they vigorously shook them off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where are we headed now, Sir Sion?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tier asked as he helped Sion put on his armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion narrowed his eyes slightly and looked toward the mountains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ve confirmed Belzama is nearby. Now we just need to find his lair.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you know where it is?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion was certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already spread his sacred energy as taught and detected it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His application was exceptional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Extremely useful for tracking and sensing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While sharp senses could achieve similar results, detection via sacred energy was far more reliable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s a place with an unusually strong concentration of dark energy. Most likely, he’s hiding there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That mountain?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tier followed Sion’s gaze upward to the tall mountain. Its peak was so high it was shrouded in clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rugged ridges looked nearly impossible to climb. The wind carried a faint scent of blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tier shivered and rubbed his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mountain’s uniquely sinister aura instilled fear just by looking at it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It looks creepy as hell.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It might be Belzama’s hideout. That’s how it feels.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, Garfenn had been tracking the Blood Cultists’ movements and had recently identified this mountain as their central hub.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its height and harsh terrain made it a perfect hiding place, deterring anyone from climbing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Church of Blood maintained hidden bases across the empire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a notoriously difficult heretical cult, widespread and highly organized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How many people had fallen victim to them?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unforgivable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Normally, they operated in the shadows, but recently they’ve become overt. Something is happening.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The evil deeds of devil worshippers must be eradicated before they take root in the empire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Holy Kingdom had recognized the seriousness and was already dispatching troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion glared at the mountain. Veiled by clouds, it resembled a Demon Lord’s fortress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Church of War disciples set their steps toward it—without hesitation, like heroes from ancient myths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Schedule: Every mon, wed, fri and sun\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Review at\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>NovelUpdate\u003C\u002Fp>",2037,"2026-05-30T06:48:22.039Z","2026-06-01T04:30:34.110Z",1,"novelbin.me","ddbed6926bd367f10a0c2fcc77f5ab767db7983292f5ab17ad29fbbd42770b96","apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-chapter-45","apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-chapter-43",174,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fapostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-cover.jpg"]