[{"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-65":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},394423,657,"Chapter 65","apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-chapter-65",65,"\u003Cp>Ch.65 Apostle of the Goddess of War\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several days had passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young swordsman spent each day sparring with his master, something they hadn’t done regularly in a long time. The swordsmanship training, far more intense than actual combat, continued to push Sion forward every single day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for good reason—his master was the strongest holy knight in the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His master himself claimed that, aside from the Apostle of Light—someone considered a transcendent being even among the most powerful in the world—he had no equal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Sion agreed. Throughout all their sparring sessions, Sion had never once defeated Garfenn. Even when he attacked with his full seriousness, the outcome never changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sword Expert, Sword Master, and beyond—Grand Sword Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stages of holy knight mastery, distinguished for convenience, each held truly immense walls of difference between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If I’m still just knocking at the threshold of the Expert stage…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion, who considered himself naturally talented with the sword, had never felt so humble in recent times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Just how strong is my master?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion still didn’t know Garfenn’s true power. He couldn’t even begin to guess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the extremely powerful Apostle of Blood had fled the moment Garfenn appeared. Granted, the Apostle of Blood had weakened, but still—it was astonishing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The master’s level was simply beyond measurement by Sion’s insight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tak—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a sharp cracking sound that seemed impossible from mere wood, Sion’s wooden sword was knocked flying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impact shot straight up his wrist, leaving a sharp, stinging pain. But Sion didn’t even have time to groan—he quickly reset his stance and charged in again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where did your mind wander during practice?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn’s quiet reprimand struck like lightning. His wooden sword lunged forward like a living wyvern, aiming to swallow Sion whole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snapping back to focus, Sion cried out as he attempted a counterattack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I deliberately created that opening!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn’s wooden sword grazed past Sion’s shoulder. It was an opportunity created through swift movement, and Sion didn’t miss that fleeting gap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hwah!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He channeled the momentum of his body’s rotation directly into his blade—a counterattack mimicking his master’s own sword techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was when it happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn’s eyebrow, which had until now remained relaxed, twitched ever so slightly. A flicker of surprise and cold light passed through his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next moment, Sion didn’t even comprehend what he had seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instant he thought Garfenn’s sword had vanished from his vision, a light ‘thud’ struck his wrist with unbearable force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His wooden sword flew helplessly from his grip, spinning through the air before burying itself in the dirt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, a chilling sensation pricked his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn’s wooden sword tip was now pressed against Sion’s throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence fell over the training ground. Sion panted heavily, alternating his gaze between the wooden sword at his neck and his master’s utterly still face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had lost again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn lowered his sword, having already thoroughly beaten Sion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s enough for today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Thank you for the lesson, Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve worked hard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Sion asked, a mix of frustration and indignation in his voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why am I so weak?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn replied calmly, calling him an overly ambitious fellow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re developing frighteningly fast. Just now, you used the attack I used yesterday. I felt it myself. Don’t be so impatient.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Every time I spar with you, my confidence dies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You feel that way because I adjust my strength to match your growth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Sion felt a wall separating them, in truth, Garfenn inwardly marveled at Sion’s progress every single day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Goddess Achille, watching the sparring from the side, felt the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Achille brushed back her black hair and smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[It’s delightful to see him grow every day. How could he be so wonderfully impressive? Don’t you agree, Garfenn?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s starting to become a bit overwhelming even for me, lately.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Goodness, really?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Yes… His attacks are beginning to feel threatening. Every day, he grasps something new from my swordsmanship. It’s almost frightening.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Then you must keep striving. My grand knight.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I suppose I’ll have to eventually retire and hand over the role of apostle.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Goddess covered her mouth and laughed. All their conversations were mere entertainment to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Still, you’re far from it. You have mountains of things left to teach him. Just a little longer, my Garfenn.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘How could there be any question of propriety…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hm? Garfenn? What did you just say—]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn closed his ears again and called out to Sion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Impatience is your greatest enemy. I’ve told you this countless times.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know, I do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn encouraged him in a voice that sounded like he was swallowing bitterness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since you seem to have misunderstood, let me clarify. This master is still perfectly capable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion repeated, dazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Great troubles will come soon. It wouldn’t be strange if they’ve already begun. You can assume the devil worshippers have started their war.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Yes, that’s right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And because of that, you’re feeling impatient, aren’t you? Wanting to grow stronger quickly to protect Elim.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, that’s true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion’s shoulders slumped. He now understood what his master was trying to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re still not an apostle. It’s true I’d like to retire soon, but that must not become a burden on you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand. I know what you mean.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Trust me. Until you’ve grown enough, it’s me who will protect Elim.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a simple, obvious statement brought Sion inner relief. Without realizing it, he had been chasing something unseen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what Sion must never forget is that Garfenn remains the guardian holding Elim upright like an ancient tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as Sion grows rapidly, that fact doesn’t change. He had merely grown impatient on his own, unknowingly piling pressure upon himself to live up to expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Right. When you think about it, I’m still at a level that can barely survive against a Vampire Lord.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Vampire Lord, the core of the Blood Cult, was at minimum a Sword Expert. The fact that Sion had fought one and survived was already impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Next time we meet, I’ll definitely win.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that he had recognized his current level and clearly adjusted his goal, Sion’s eyes softened somewhat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll keep that in mind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corner of Garfenn’s lips rose slightly. He patted Sion’s shoulder as he passed by.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Off to the forest now? Perfect timing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, I need to meditate. To reorganize what I’ve learned today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn nodded. As expected, quick to understand. No further explanation was needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The mental realm barrier depends not only on martial skill level but also on imagination. Meditate and imagine deeply. It’s a process of instilling belief into your sword. The results will follow on their own.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, yes. I know. Though it’s difficult.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had heard this explanation several times. Garfenn repeated it whenever he had the chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he couldn’t clearly explain it, he resorted to rote teaching—a method that actually suited Sion quite well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t overthink it. Just focus on what you, as the Goddess of War’s apostle, want to achieve. Think only of the belief you pursue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mental realm barrier was precisely the result of melting and projecting one’s most comforting, beautiful, and cherished beliefs into a forge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What did you pursue, Master?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garfenn hesitated briefly before answering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I suppose it was atonement.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Atonement. That’s heavy. What kind of world did that project?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm. An endless desert hill, with countless swords buried in the sand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Desolate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, something like that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion slowly nodded. It made sense. His master’s mental realm and the path he had walked were similar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A lonely, desolate journey had shaped Garfenn’s inner world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I got a hint. Good.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his disciple gaining real-time insight, Garfenn smiled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even his warm smile somehow felt fierce. But Sion knew the kind, warm heart hidden beneath his master’s surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was hard to imagine how much suffering Garfenn had endured with his badly burned face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Sion clearly understood the expectations his master had placed upon him—don’t grow impatient, but strive endlessly until you reach your goal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The Goddess of War’s apostle.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was both the path ahead and the position where one would one day bear the weight of that heavy crown. The very existence of an apostle suddenly felt overwhelmingly distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he wouldn’t give up. If anything, he leaned more toward impatience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the sake of preparing for the great war to come, Sion sharpened both his sword and his heart. Today, as always, diligently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before leaving, Sion asked one final question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is the mission still far off?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, still gathering information. We’ll get word soon. It won’t be long.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body was already itching for action. Training was good, but Sion was closer to a practical fighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiding his regret, Sion bowed his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I’ll head to the forest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Very well. I’ll go get some rest. Don’t wake me unless it’s urgent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, sir.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve come, Sir Sion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sir Marquisin. Hello. Have you been well?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We saw each other two days ago. How could anything have happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Would you like some tea?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I’m just here to meditate for a while.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marquisin smacked his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What a shame. I was thinking of making tea from some newly bloomed flowers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lately, this elf had become fond of serving tea to visitors from the War Cult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the Wildflower Cult members, who happily accepted anything, the War Cult believers honestly expressed their “Hoo!” of appreciation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was joy in finding teas they liked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion walked through Elim’s forest, now far more lush and verdant than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the thick trees, one towering giant stood out. The tree grown from Emily’s heart had by now become a shelter healing the wounds of the Wildflower Cult believers and offering them a new roof.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s grown so much. It grows bigger every day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could it be just from Sir Sion’s prayers? Honestly, I was shocked. When did you grow this much again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How big is it now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion asked out of curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marquisin, looking amused, pondered for a moment. He closed his eyes, breathing in the forest’s life and Sion’s aura through his skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“About as much as Emily’s tree has grown.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion looked up at the tree protecting the elves. It was enormous. Just a bit more growth, and it would surpass the height of Elim Hill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Sion voiced his inner thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I want to become a tree like that too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A guardian apostle who protects Elim from harsh storms and scorching sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In my view, you’re not far from it, Sir Sion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marquisin wore a smile as soft as a blade of grass. Sion responded with a small smile of his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their steps stopped by a pond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion was slightly surprised. When had this pond appeared?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could even react, someone waved and called out to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Big brother!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was his little sister, Kaili.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside her were Set and Tier, recovering in the forest, benefiting from the forest’s energy. They had woken up two days ago and had been staying here since.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elves’ herbal medicine and Emily’s life force had greatly aided their recovery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How’s Kaili doing lately?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sion waved and asked. Marquisin, gently touching a frog that had jumped out of the pond, replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She’s in good condition. The amount and quality of divine power she can channel are steadily increasing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that a good thing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we’re talking about a candidate for priestess, then yes. It’s quite a high level. Even among elves, few have such exceptional sensitivity to divine power as Miss Kaili.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marquisin explained in simple terms—essentially saying she was an outstanding talent as a priestess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s no danger, right? Even if she keeps growing like this…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course not. As long as the Goddess of War and the Goddess of Wildflower watch over her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the implication was clear—if she left this place, she might be in danger. Marquisin had said it indirectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elim and this forest must be well protected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re always indebted to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The debt is on the Wildflower Cult’s side. Don’t worry about it. Spending time with Miss Kaili is quite enjoyable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I’ll continue to rely on you. For my siblings.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marquisin gently returned the frog to the pond and stood up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll continue tending to the forest. Please rest well, Sir Sion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Schedule: Every mon, wed, fri and sun\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Review at\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>NovelUpdate\u003C\u002Fp>",2072,"2026-05-30T06:48:22.319Z","2026-06-01T04:30:34.110Z",1,"novelbin.me","32ee53cd079c672e3f88fd752958020baa8e150b4dc5a2f44baf5b4d2c7b3d48","apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-chapter-66","apostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-chapter-64",174,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fapostle-of-the-goddess-of-war-cover.jpg"]